Liberty Hill Independent Monthly - October 2022

Liberty Hill has a robust women’s entrepreneural scene. From boutiques and salons to medical practices, real estate o ces and much more, women who own businesses are a vibrant part of the community and are making a di erence in our hometown.

6 | WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Women entrepreneurs are enriched and inspired through local networking opportunities.

8 | SMALL BUSINESS SISTERS

Podcast focuses on issues that affect women in business.

10 | OFF TO MARKET

How local boutique owners decide what to sell in Liberty Hill.

17 | CANDIDATE Q&A

Candidates in four county and state races answer The Independent’s questions on issues of local concern.

28 | MOVING WITH A PURPOSE

Out-of-state families seeking solace in Liberty Hill.

29 | HOWDY!

Meet Nicci Bontrager, a local resident seeking to introduce businesses to the community through social media.

30 | SCULPTURE FESTIVAL

Get to know the artists participating in this year’s Liberty Hill Sculpture Festival.

38 | THE LATEST IN PANTHER SPORTS

Featuring the best of LHHS football, volleyball, cross country and tennis, and the Panther of the Month.

39 | AN HONOR WELL DESERVED

Legendary Coach Jerry Vance humbled by LHISD tribute.

DEPARTMENTS

7 | BIZ BRIEFS

See the businesses planned or opening soon in Liberty Hill

31 | WORSHIP GUIDE

Find a church home for your family

44 | LOCAL EVENTS

Local entertainment on tap for September

CONTENTS

The information in this publication was compiled with great care to assure the accuracy of editorial content and advertising copy. Liberty Hill Independent Monthly and its parent company assume no liability for the accuracy of the information report ed to us herein, and the opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. For advertising rates and in formation, or to obtain additional copies, call (512) 778-5577 or send email to news@LHIndependent.com. This publication is truly a collaborative effort of experienced journalists, a professional

advertising specialists and many others passionate about sharing the story of Liberty Hill, Texas.

pendent. All rights reserved. No part of this

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ABOUT OUR COVER

We invited members of Liberty Hill Boss Babes and the Chamber of Commerce Women in Business groups to share photos for our cover. Photos were submitted through each group’s Facebook page and used as space permitted.

or by any means without

Row 1, from left, are Sarah Botton, Better Coverage with Botton; Fiona Lorne, Fair Fire Candles; Christina Hobbs, Beautiful Chaos Shoppe; Whitney Petroski, Ginger Roots Boutique; Stacie Kenyon, Main Street Marketplace; Jocelyn Despain, Jocelyn Despain Photography; Dixie Jo Forkl, American Water Kinetico; Tiffany Tull Barber, eXp Realty; Joy Higgins, Baked by Joy Leigh; Christa McCoy, Christa McCoy Farmers Agency; Molly Salerno, Picture Perfect with Molly; Briget Skelton, Hill Country Hickster; Regina Rachunek Watson, Rebel Fitness. Row 2, from left, are Kami Pogue, The Blue Door Gift Store & Boutique; Kim Sanders, Keller Williams Realty; Chelsey Bodner Dawson, Cadillac Cookie Co.; Heather Bemis, bearessentialsbathandbody.com; Shauna Paige, OCB Squared; Pietra Damiano Williams, Pietra Williams JP Computers International Inc. Row 3, from left, are Malia Clayton, Clayton Candle LLC; LaToya Easter and Kristin Gunter, WORC Fitness Studio; Lashawna Moxley, Wealthwave - The How Money Works Co.; Robin Graham, doTERRA Essential Oils; Kaela Thurman, Care First; Nancy Ann, Getting to Know You in the Liberty Hill TX Area. Row 4, from left, are Melissa Dudley, thePolkaDotPickle Shop; Holli Conner, Help Event Services; Amy Padilla, The Treat Box TX; Tammy Spearman, Simply Home Decor & More; Nicole Welch, Texas Paint & Fabrication; Brylee Burich Whitecotton, Royal Bliss Day Spa. Row 5, from left, area Ashlee Leslie, Younique by Ashlee Leslie; Amy Gandy, AGandy & Co; Shelley Walter Beesley, Bizzy Bees Cleaning Co.; Holly Johnson, Warrior Wellness by Holly; Melissa Gauna, Edward Jones; Amanda Crossland, CrossTech Automotive. Row 6, from left, are Kourtni Ince, Realtor; Ashley Patton, Cotton Candy Cowgirls; Dawn Lowe Bozarth, dawnbozarth.cabionline.com; Joni Collins, Rodan-Fields Skincare; Stacey Griffith, Rae Lee Salon. Row 7, from left, are Sabrina Jordan, Keller Williams Lone Star; Lindsay Millican, The Powder Room Blow Dry Bar; Sade Fashokun, Arike Agency - Allstate Insurance; Amanda Davis, American Mama Bakery; Michelle Feibus, Medicare Superwoman; Jennifer Byrd, American Water; Lolita Doll, Texas Realtor; Jessica Penny, Harper Rae Photography; Kellie Olisky & Kristal David, Viridian Rowe Boutique; Shelly Wilkison, The Liberty Hill Independent; Kati Lambert, Kati Lambert Hypnotherapy; Freedom Bikes; Bethany Meyer, Signature Aesthetics TX .

Groups put focus on empowering women in business

BY RACHEL MADISON STAFF WRITER

Liberty Hill has a robust women entre preneur scene. From boutiques and salons to medical practices, real estate offices and more, women who own businesses are easy to find.

Continuing to cultivate that unique scene is important to most of the women who manage their own businesses. They are finding support through two area groups that give these entrepreneurs more than just a place to network, but also a place to discuss challenges and wins, and to create relationships that continue to foster wom en entrepreneurship.

Liberty Hill Boss Babes

When Kaela Thurman started the Liberty Hill Boss Babes Facebook page in March 2018, she had no idea it would grow to in clude over 500 members four years later.

Thurman, who owns Care First Walkin Clinic, said there was a need in the community for a space for women-owned businesses to share.

“I didn’t start the group with the intent of what it is today,” she said. “I just wanted to provide a free space for local women busi ness owners to communicate, and now it’s grown into one of the biggest community resources in Liberty Hill.”

Thurman didn’t have any goals to grow the group -- it has just grown organically over the years. She especially noticed an uptick in members during the COVID pan demic, because it gave people an outlet to communicate. About a year ago, she created a board of volunteers to help her manage and moderate the group. Boss babes on the board with Thurman include Erin Ashby, owner of Suade Marketing; Amy Gandy, owner of A. Gandy & Co. Real Estate; Nicole Rysdyke, owner of Flock Fitness; and Nancy Wilk, creator of the “Getting to Know You in Liberty Hill” Facebook page.

As the group grew, Thurman knew she needed some extra hands to continue to cultivate it. Together with her volunteer board, they came up with the purpose “to be a community of support and a safe space

for women to grow as business owners, lead ers and people.” Each day of the work week has a different theme for boss babes to get involved, like Promote Yourself Tuesday, Wisdom Wednesday, and Boss Babe Spotlight Thursday.

“Having a place where people could learn and grow from other business women is really important,” Ashby said. “This group is growing because we’re really leaning on each other for leadership advice and just having a place to vent.”

Each boss babe on the board has their own role within the group. For example, Rysdyke is responsible for boosting morale and providing inspiration al thoughts on Wisdom Wednesdays, while Gandy’s role is to plan and execute in-per son events for the boss babes to network.

“One thing I love about this group is that it’s just for Liberty Hill boss babes,” Thurman said. “You don’t join with your businesses, you join yourself as a person. We stay true to that.”

Gandy said what she has loved about being a part of the group is that if she needs a service in town, the Boss Babes group is the first place she goes to ask for help.

“From this group I can get reliable sourc es and they can recommend who I need to talk to,” she said.

Wilk added that the relationships she’s made through the group have been immea surable.

“We all have so much going on in our personal lives. We’re moms, wives, friends,” she said. “Women encompass everything in the universe that needs attention, so we need to connect with each other.”

In the near future, Ashby will be heading up a video series, called Business Talk with Babes, where local business owners will

talk about themselves, their businesses and their best advice. Those will be streamed to the group twice a month.

Historically, the group has also held quarterly events for boss babes to mingle and get to know each other. The turnout for those events have been intimate, Gandy said, which has allowed attendees to get to know each other well. Through the in-per son events, the group creates a community in real life, not just online.

“We are all here in town, and it’s nice when you are out and see boss babes around town,” Thurman said. “It lifts you up. I need these events to have a night out to connect with other women. It’s nice to find comfort in the group and be more casual. You don’t have to be the boss there.”

As Liberty Hill continues to grow, Thurman hopes the group will help to keep women in business centered and continue to feel the small-town community vibes the area is known for.

“I want this group to just continue to be available for people as they come to town, and continue to be a network of support,” she added. “My other goal is to continue to have a close relationship and personal connection with other female business owners as the economic scene of Liberty

changes.”

For more information, visit the group

Liberty Hill Chamber Women In Business

Sabrina Jordan started the Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce’s Women In Busi ness group in 2014 and continues to lead it.

Jordan, who works as a Realtor, started the group because as a member of the Chamber, she saw a need for women to find a way to get together, share ideas and network.

“At that time there weren’t any network ing events in Liberty Hill at all,” she said.

a while, some of the churches in the area put together meetings for men and women to attend, but there wasn’t anything for just women.”

Today, the group meets monthly for a luncheon. Every third month they meet in the evenings to accommodate women who work during the day and can’t get away at lunch.

The group has several goals, including raising funds to donate to area nonprofits. In the past, the group has donated funds to Operation Liberty Hill, the Liberty Hill Public Library, and awarded scholarships

The Liberty Hill Boss Babes group has grown organically over the last four years. In recent years, in-person events have been held for women business owners to get to know each other, like this event at Main Street Social held earlier this year. (Courtesy Photo)

Another important goal for the group is to provide opportunities to learn and network, Jordan said.

“Sometimes we have a speaker and some times we have a fun networking event,” she said. “For example, in September, our lun cheon was a recipe swap of easy weeknight meals. In October, we are having Whitney Brace, owner of Liberty Hill Pharmacy, come and speak to us about health and wellness and give our members a chance to ask the pharmacist their questions.”

Jordan said the monthly luncheons and events are geared toward women business owners to help inspire them through their businesses and personal lives.

“We didn’t have anything at all for wom en in Liberty Hill,” Jordan said. “I felt a need for myself, so I just discussed it with other like-minded women, and found that they felt the same way. I decided to fill that void and create a community with other women to discuss business ideas, problems, and what’s happening that’s good and bad.”

Jordan said the group has grown steadily over the years, with many of the members being women who work their businesses from home.

“We have a lot of women in this who don’t have storefronts, so it’s an import

ant factor for those who work from home to have a group where they can talk with other business women. There are a lot of business women in Liberty Hill that you would never know unless they came to one of our events.”

Jordan said the group is beneficial for all its members because it allows them to share ideas and connections, and relate to other people who are in similar circumstances.

“We generally average around 20 differ ent women at each event,” Jordan said. “It’s a different group every time. We definitely see different faces from the lunch to eve ning events.”

Jordan said because the Internet and social media have become the main ways people communicate, it’s easier for women to have a career and still be home with their children and care for their families.

“We have the opportunity to wear all the hats,” she said. “And that’s why these types of groups are important.”

Jordan said attendees to the monthly meetings don’t have to be a member of the Chamber to attend. The cost is $15 per person for members and $20 per person for non-members. The group meets the second Tuesday of the month at Rockpointe Church in Liberty Hill. For more informa tion, visit www.libertyhillchamber.org.

and accessories. The barn is open every second weekend of the month from Friday through Sunday.

OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS

• QT Expansion, 14000 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

• ICON Training, 2150 CR 282, Liberty Hill

• Leslie’s Liberty Bed and Breakfast, 3257 CR 204, Liberty Hill

• Zeal Landscaping, mobile, Liberty Hill

• HOTWORX, 19368 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Liberty Hill

Action Pack Dog Centers, including the brand, to a national corporation. They kept the Liberty Hill location and rebranded to The Dog Ranch at Liberty Hill.

Ivory Sparrow Boutique

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Seafood Steak & Grill

100 W. FM 243, Bertram

A new steak and seafood restaurant opened in September in Bertram. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and serves everything from gumbo and poboy sandwiches to black angus steaks and fried seafood.

OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS

• Pizza Hut, 13900 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

• Small Town Scoops, mobile, Bertram

RETAIL

Ruach Barn

6560 CR 200, Liberty Hill

Ruach Barn is a newly-opened show barn that features handmade jewelry, unique home décor

• Super Mercado, Hwy. 29, Bertram SERVICES

Gavino Dermatology

9073 W. Hwy 29, Vista at 29, Liberty Hill

This month, Dr. Carlo Gavino is opening his own dermatology prac tice. Gavino is quadruple-board certified in anatomic and clinical pathology, der matopathology and dermatology. He was born and raised in the Philippines, and earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of the Philippines College of Medicine.

OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS

• Texas Classic Insurance, 14251 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

• Results Physiotherapy, 100 St. Joseph Court, Liberty Hill

• The Mashlab, 126 Holmes, Liberty Hill

• Joyful Family Counseling, 3106 RR 1869, Liberty Hill

• Penagos Electric, mobile, Liberty Hill

• Jordan’s Handyman Services, mobile, Liberty Hill

NOW OPEN

• DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks

12705 W. Hwy 29, Liberty Hill

• Munch Munch Waffles & More 9073 W. Hwy. 29, Vista at 29, Liberty Hill

• Brewery at Thirsty Mule Winery 101 CR 257, Liberty Hill

ON THE MOVE

The Dog Ranch at Liberty Hill 13150 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill Dave and Jana Rossorelli recently sold their Action Pack Dog Center company, which had locations in Round Rock, Georgetown and Liberty Hill. They sold their Round Rock and Georgetown

2921 RR 1869, Liberty Hill

Ivory Sparrow Boutique, located inside Radiant Salon, closed its brick-and-mor tar doors Oct. 3. The boutique will con tinue to operate via pop ups and online.

Blinded by the Light 14125 Hwy. 29, Water Tower Plaza, Liberty Hill

Joni Cordero has joined the team at Blinded by the Light as an interior designer.

Pep & Punch

2023 Loop 332, Liberty Hill

Pep & Punch is celebrating its third birthday this month. The theme this year is “Give Back.” A portion of all sales made on Oct. 8 will be donated to the Walker Tough student scholarships fund. The celebration will also include treats, giveaways and more.

Simply Home Décor & More 15280 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

Simply Home is celebrating its 10th an niversary this month. The boutique held a special event Oct. 1 to commemorate the anniversary.

Whiskey Barrel Pub

1004 Loop 332, Liberty Hill

Whiskey Barrel Pub is expanding with an outdoor experience, which will include more space for live music, movie nights, trivia nights and sports on television. It will be dog friendly, and will have its own beer, bar and food trailer to accommo date the additional patrons.

The Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce Women in Business group meets monthly for networking and skill build ing. At this particular monthly meeting, attendees learned how to create charcuterie boards. (Courtesy Photo)

to area high schoolers.

Small Business Sisters

BY RACHEL MADISON STAFF WRITER

Christina Hobbs and Jenni Zielke have a lot in common. They’re both small business owners, they both live in small towns, they’re both moms and wives -- and they just happen to be real life sisters.

Hobbs, who lives in Liberty Hill, owns Beautiful Chaos Shoppe, co-owns a sub scription box company called Just Add Jeans, and is the former owner of The Wild flower Republic, a brick-and-mortar shop that closed earlier this year in Liberty Hill.

Her old sister, Zielke, lives in Batabia, Ill., and owns Illuminate Space, a candle company, and co-owns a brick-and-mortar boutique called Light & Pine Collective.

Together, the two are the voices behind the Small Business Sisters podcast. They both started their respective businesses around the same time seven years ago, and quickly learned how much they didn’t know.

“There’s so much to learn as you go, and it’s very scary,” Hobbs said. “We didn’t get loans to start our businesses -- we just used the resources we had and had to learn how to do every single part of business on our own, from taxes to customer service.”

The good thing about them being in the same boat, though, Hobbs said, is that they experienced it all together and have dealt with many of the same frustrations, chal lenges and wins.

“We realized what we had together was very rare,” Hobbs added. “A lot of people don’t have somebody that close to them to gather ideas and expertise from. We aren’t experts, but we’ve had to learn, so we thought, ‘What if we started a podcast?’ Our phone calls to each other could basical ly be recorded and there would be our topic for the week.”

This was about a year and a half ago, and since then, the Small Business Sisters pod cast has produced more than 50 episodes on a wide variety of women-focused busi ness topics, including interviewing experts on search engine optimization, web design, photography, marketing and mental health.

“We are not super polished or profes sional in any capacity, but what we are doing is keeping it conversational,” Zielke added. “We are just starting the conversa tion.”

The sisters focus a lot on mental health as it relates to business, and specific issues

that affect women as wives, mothers and business owners, because they believe those areas of life cannot be compartmen talized.

“What we’ve learned in business, is that while people love your products or what you sell, what they really gravitate toward is the personal aspect,” Hobbs said. “Our top three episodes have been about personal issues. We invited our youngest sister, who works in the corporate world, to come talk about what it’s like to be a woman in corporate America. The other two most popular episodes were about mental health awareness and our own personal diagno ses and how we navigate those, and then we brought on a life coach who talked us through thought work.”

As the sisters work to plan future ep isodes, they take from their own experi ences to figure out the next topic. They choose topics based on the phone calls they make to each other that month, what they are personally struggling with in their businesses, and feedback from listeners on social media.

Most of the sisters’ followers are new to

owning businesses and are just about to jump into the small business world.

“We don’t know how people are finding us, but we are getting messages from people all over the nation—women saying, ‘This is just what I needed,’” Hobbs said. “When we started our businesses, there were podcasts out there but we couldn’t find one that didn’t just tell us to hire out for different services. Jenni and I are filling that gap, because you can’t always hire it out.”

Zielke added that they also pay close at tention to their podcast numbers and what the top episodes are so they can continue to cater to their growing audience’s needs, while also addressing the messiness of life.

“We don’t have it all figured out. We are constantly learning and growing,” Hobbs said. “But that’s the end goal. Life is messy, and that’s OK, and you’re not less than or lower because you’re not polished and suc cessful. This is what we like to do instead of just giving advice.”

The Small Business Sisters have had more than 23,000 downloads in the last year and have been surprised at that growth. They’ve heard from new small busi

ness owners from Washington to Montana to Maine.

“We started off because we loved doing this and we knew we had people in our circle that were listening, and now it’s been fun to watch it really become its own busi ness,” Zielke said.

Hobbs added that it’s the “coolest thing” to hear from business owners from across the country. As the podcast continues to grow, the sisters plan on introducing ads into their episodes in 2023 as a way to grow this new business, and eventually, they’d love to hire someone to produce the epi sodes for them. But for now, they are happy to do it themselves.

Because they are small business owners, mothers and wives, the Small Business Sis ters will not produce any new content from October through December, but in January they will return with a new episode every Wednesday.

The podcast can be found at www.small businesssisterspodcast.com. Episodes can also be downloaded from iTunes, Spotify and Podbean.

Christina Hobbs, left, and Jenni Zielke, right, are sisters in business and in real life. Together, the two created the Small Business Sisters Podcast to discuss a variety of topics that mainly affect women entrepreneurs. (Courtesy Photo)

SHELLEY CLAWSON

HOLLY LOFF

Off to Market

How local boutique owners decide what to sell

BY RACHEL MADISON STAFF WRITER

Liberty Hill is becoming well known for its wide variety of boutiques. From Simply Home, which has been a part of Liberty Hill’s shopping scene for 10 years, to Main Street Marketplace, which just opened a few months ago, women entrepreneurs continue to add new and unique boutiques to the area’s offerings -- with each one selling their own specific style to their customers.

Each of the boutique owners caters to their specific customer type, and much of the decision making is done at major mar kets in cities like Dallas and Atlanta -- plac es where they can shop 15-story buildings that span thousands of square feet with showroom after showroom of products like apparel, gifts, accessories and home goods.

There’s a lot more to going to market than meets the eye though, as the process isn’t just about the thrill of shopping. Much more goes into the selection process, from creating a budget to planning on what types of items to search for, deciding how much of each product is needed, how early to purchase the products ahead of a season or holiday and choosing items customers will love.

Preparing for a trip to market is a process in and of itself. For example, Tami Spearman, owner of Simply Home Decor & More plans almost a year ahead for some of her merchandise, like shopping for the next year’s Christmas season the January before, and shopping for home and gift items near ly a year ahead of time.

Kami Pogue, owner of The Blue Door Gift Store, focuses her inventory on locally made products first, and then goes to mar ket for the rest.

“When I get to market, I am your person al shopper. I go with all my customers in my head,” Pogue said. “It’s personal for me. I’m always looking for new things, but my other number one priority is where the product is made and how it’s made. I don’t buy things that aren’t fair trade, which means they provide living wages for the workers that are manufacturing the product. I also look for companies that give back to charitable organizations.

“Me living through my customers’ lives is how I know what to buy and what to get and what to look for,” she added. “Everyone was

traveling this year, so I focused a lot on resort wear.”

Stacie Kenyon, owner of Ash & Crown/ Main Street Market place, said everyone has their own way of preparing for market.

“When I go to market I have a list of things I’ve made over time that I want to look for, because it’s easy to get distracted and sidetracked when you get there,” she said. “It’s easy for your money to go fast when you’re see ing so much. It can be overwhelming. I like to look at everything and then make a decision, but there’s no way you can look at everything. If you do that, you end up with nothing, so you need to have a plan but also be flexible.”

Renee O’Dell, owner of Pep & Punch, said now that Pep & Punch is almost three years old, she has a better idea of what her cus tomers are looking for than the first time she went to market in 2019.

“The number one thing for our store is if it fits our brand when we are looking at products,” O’Dell said. “Obviously we look at trends, and if it’s already being sold elsewhere. If it’s a specific brand, is another store carrying it? If they are, we don’t want to. We don’t want to step on toes, and for us all to thrive, we need variety.”

Spearman added that the area boutique owners don’t talk specifically to each other about what they’re going to market for, but they understand each boutique’s vibe.

“We don’t want to go and get the same vendor someone else has, and every store owner here is very different,” she said.

Spearman said it’s important to do the research on what’s up and coming before heading to market. Because of her store’s setup, she looks at a lot of different areas, like home, kitchen, baby, fashion and jewelry.

“We are a little unique, because we are a lifestyle boutique, not just fashion, so I go to the home and gift market and the fashion market,” Spearman said.

“You also have to learn what works for you and your business,” she said. “You learn your customers. Because we have been in business for 10 years, we do that well. We know what they are coming in here for, so we go to market to look for them.”

The western industry is different from others in both product and the industry itself, said Whitney Petroski, owner of Ginger Roots Boutique, a women’s western wear shop.

“In our social media and advertising, we have a lot of influencers at our disposal we work with,” Petroski said. “We follow them [on social media] and they are on point with my vibe here and what I want to do. There’s a mashup in the store of the glitzy, boho and traditional cowgirl styles. Plus, we sell just everyday wear with a western twist.”

Petroski said going to market is also a

good opportunity to network, not just to buy inventory.

“The Dallas market has partnered with influencers to create this environment of networking, so when we go during that time we have mixers and meetings and collaborations with all those people. It’s a big meeting of the minds for the western industry.”

Once Spearman gets to market, she makes her decisions pretty quickly because she has a lot of ground to cover in a week or less.

“I don’t want to waste time having to go back to a showroom,” she said. “I have it down to a science. I have to buy from so many different areas. Market is so much fun, but it’s also exhausting and your brain is just going all day. It’s a lot of work, but when you get home you’re pumped because you’ve seen the latest and greatest products for your customers.”

Spearman said it’s also important to know your numbers and know them well.

Whitney Petroski, front right, owner of Ginger Roots Boutique, and Sarah Bolton, front center, boutique manager, meet with representatives from American Bonfire Sunglasses at a recent market. (Courtesy Photo)

“I run weekly reports to what areas are selling best and what sells better in fourth quarter versus first quarter,” she said. “You base your budget on your goals and where you want that number to be.”

Pogue added that as a business owner, it’s important to know your numbers and make them work for your budget.

“You can’t buy too much of something -it’s like going to the grocery store,” she said. “You have your list and you know how much you can spend on it.”

Shopping online is always an option, but many of the boutique owners prefer to go to market to see and feel the fabrics of the things they are considering buying.

“I’m very picky on fabric selection,” Spearman said. “I want to feel how thick it is, how it’s going to wash, things like that. You can’t do that when you’re looking online. Plus, the reps for the different com panies there can tell you how things are selling, what is up and coming, and you can gain their knowledge. You can also see how they are decorating with the home décor items. I come home with probably 1,500 pictures on my phone with ideas on how to display the décor.”

Kenyon agreed and said the best thing about market is getting to feel everything and see it in person.

“Sometimes you just don’t know what you’re getting, and that’s the important thing to me about the items,” she said. “My favorites are ones I saw in person and felt the quality and the fabric, and that’s what makes it special to me. It’s not just random

stuff you see a picture of.”

Most of the shop owners also buy what they personally like.

“I basically shop for stuff that I want for myself -- I just buy what I like,” Kenyon said.

Spearman agreed.

“A rep may tell me something is the hottest item out there, but if it’s totally not something I like, I am going to have trouble selling it,” she said. “I have to like every thing I purchase. That doesn’t mean it goes in my house or closet, but I have to see the appeal in order to sell it to my customers.”

Petroski said she also shops for her customers and keeps in mind the things they’ve been gravitating toward.

“We have a loyal customer base here and we keep them in our brains when we are shopping,” she said. “We know their vibe and what they’ll love.”

Petroski starts making a list a few months before she heads to market of things she hasn’t been carrying but wants to, or a new product she’d like to sell.

“At market you can get a jump on the products because that’s where you see it first,” she said. “A lot of times the products will sell out there before they ever make it to a website to be sold. Like with the Judy Blue brand of jeans, they sell out super fast. We went to market specifically for them and bought seven styles this time because they are our most popular brand of jean.”

Each owner agreed that it’s important to wear comfortable shoes, drink plenty of water and be ready for hours and hours of shopping when they go to market.

(Top left) Kami Pogue, owner of The Blue Door Gift Store, and her mom, Yvonne Zimmer, at Pogue’s most recent trip to market. (Top right) Jeff and Stacie Kenyon, owners of Main Street Marketplace, went to the Dallas Market in August to shop for their boutique. (Above) Tami Spearman, left, owner of Simply Home, and her sister, Teresa Cooley, pose together at the Dallas Market. Spearman shops almost a year ahead of time for most of her store’s products. (Courtesy Photos)

W h o W e A r e

T h e B r a n i g a n T e a m i s a p a r t o f S t r a i g h t R e a l t y , a l o c a l l y o w n e d r e a l e s t a t e f i r m h e r e i n L i b e r t y H i l l . J o n a n d R o s e B r a n i g a n a r e b o t h l i f e l o n g r e s i d e n t s o f L i b e r t y H i l l , h a v i n g o v e r 2 5 y e a r s o f e x p e r i e n c e c o v e r i n g a l l a r e a s o f r e a l e s t a t e i n c l u d i n g , n e w h o m e c o n s t r u c t i o n , c o m m e r c i a l , l a n d d e v e l o p m e n t , r e s a l e l i s t i n g s . J o n a n d R o s e h a v e d e v e l o p e d a n d s o l d m a n y o f t h e l o c a l L i b e r t y H i l l s u bd i v i s i o n s s u c h a s , R i o A n c h o , I r o n O a k , S t o n e C r e e k R a n c h , R a n c h e s a t B e n t l e y R i d g e a n d R o s e m o n t W i t h o v e r 5 0 0 + h o m e s s o l d i n t h e L i b e r t y H i l l a r e a , t h e B r a n i g a n s h a v e p l a y e d a k e y r o l e i n L i b e r t y H i l l ’ s g r o w t h o v e r t h e y e a r s

W h y C h o o s e U s ?

A s R E A L T O R S ® i n t h e L i b e r t y H i l l a r e a r e a l e s t a t e m a r k e t , w e h a v e m a n y f e a t u r e d p r o p e r t i e s f o r s a l e . W e h a v e a n e x t e n s i v e m a r k e t i n g p l a n t h a t i n c l u d e s s e v e r a l s tr a t e g i e s o f a d v e r t i s i n g a n d m a r k e t i n g f o r o u r c l i e n t s t o s e l l t h e i r h o m e s a n d l a n d w i t h m a x i m u m e x p o s u r e . W e h a v e e x t e n s i v e e x p e r i e n c e i n d e v e l o p i n g l a n d a n d c a n u s e t h a t e x p e r i e n c e t o h e l p o u r c o m m e r c i a l a n d l a r g e l a n d o w n e r c l i e n t s f i n d b u y e r s f o r t h e i r p r o p e r t i e s C a l l u s t o f i n d o u t h o w w e c a n h e l p y o u r e a c h y o u r r e a l e s t a t e g o a l s

"Our local court should be about justice - not partisan politics. If there's one thing that can bring Texans together, it is fair and equal protection under the law." - Sara Groff

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COUNTY COMMISSIONER, PCT. 2 Brigid Lester (D) vs Cynthia Long (R), Incumbent

LHI MONTHLY: In your view, is the Commis sioners Court doing enough to address the infrastructure needs of our growing commu nity? If yes, provide some examples from the recently adopted budget as to how Liberty Hill will benefit directly. If no, explain what you believe should have been done.

LESTER: Definitely NOT. LH is growing and in frastructure is not keeping pace. Maintenance of existing roads has been ignored in favor of lucrative contracts for new roads. Broadband coverage in LH is among the worst and clean air is completely left to TCEQ without county direction. Water addressed in #6.

LONG: There are numerous County provided services that residents of Liberty Hill and the greater Liberty Hill area utilize and access; including but not limited to EMS/ambulance service, law enforcement, first responder emergency radio system, 911 call taking and dispatch, the judicial system, county roads, county parks and more. Law enforcement and the judicial system compromise the vast majority of the County personnel budget. In the recently passed budget; law enforcement officers received a substantial pay increase, an additional ambulance was put into service, two new courts were funded, funding for county road maintenance was increased, and funding was increased for security of the emergency radio systems. These are some of the im portant functions that received increases in funding in the recently adopted budget. These funding increases and improvements will have a positive impact on people who call the Liberty Hill area home.

LHI MONTHLY: How much influence will your political party affiliation have on the deci sions you are called on to make if elected to the Court? Please explain.

LESTER: None! As you have seen on my politi cal signs, “Political parties should have nothing to do with county politics.” My campaign color of purple verifies this commitment. My cre

Candidates in contested races share views on issues of local interest

Candidates seeking the support of Liberty Hill area voters in the Nov. 8 General Election recently participated in a Q&A inter view with THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT by responding to questions of importance locally. Contested races for County Commissioner, Pct. 2; Williamson County Judge; Justice of the Peace, Pct. 2; and State Representative, District 20 are featured on the following pages. Candidate responses appear in their entirety and were not edited by the newspaper. Due to space limita tions, the complete interviews with additional questions can be found at www.LHINDEPENDENT.com.

dentials for this office are education, coupled with a lifetime of selfless service and leadership.

LONG: As Commissioner, I repre sent everyone in Precinct 2 regard less of political party affiliation. I make decisions based upon the best information available and what I believe is best for the county and its citizens. My values help shape who I am and also guide my decisions. I am a fiscal and social conservative who believes in faith, family, and freedom. I always remember that every penny the County spends comes from a taxpayer’s pocket.

LHI MONTHLY: Water availability is a major concern among Liberty Hill residents. As com missioner, what role can you play in making sure there is enough water for residents and businesses in the future? Are you for or against Williamson County creating a groundwater conservation district, and why or why not?

LESTER: I have already gone on record - want to establish a GCD. Uncontrolled water use is draining the Trinity Aquifer. Our residents’ wells are going dry and the city’s water source is at risk. It is disgraceful the way some say there is nothing the court can do. Once elected, I’ll show you what we can do.

LONG: It is important for Liberty Hill Indepen dent readers to understand that county gov ernment in Texas has no authority to regulate or provide water. The State has granted cities, municipal utility districts, river authorities, ground water districts, etc. (not counties) the ability to provide and/or regulate the use of water. I am keenly aware of the importance of water to a growing community. Because I have developed relationships with decision makers in the water arena, I have been able to work with cities, MUD’s, special water districts and others to be at the table when they are planning for our water future. This year, the Commissioner’s Court voted to allocate $70 million dollars of federal ARPA funding for wa ter infrastructure for entities who do provide water to our citizens, including $4 million for the City of Liberty Hill. Additionally, I am lis

tening to constituents in the Liberty Hill area who believe a ground water district should be formed or entered into to address the growing demand on ground water. In forming an opin ion, I must weigh the impacts on everyone in a potential ground water district.

LHI MONTHLY: Liberty Hill’s rapid growth has created much more traffic and congestion on county roads in recent years. As commis sioner, what will you do to ensure county roads can handle the increased traffic, while also providing safe intersections?

LESTER: The current court ignores the safety of existing roads, leaving county roads danger ous. They site new roads through homesteads and ranches. New roads are needed, but plans must involve community input. Residents provided a viable solution for the I2 corridor and the court simply ignored them. LONG: The roadway system in the Liberty Hill area is a mixture of State roads (29, 183, 1869), county roads, and city roads. Even though 29, 183 and 1869 are the State’s responsibility, I have led county funded safety initiatives on those roadways which included center turn lanes and traffic signals. Some of the recent County funded improvements to County roads in the Liberty Hill area are as follows: the second phase of improvements to CR 200 is nearing completion, Seward Junction Loop south was completed, planning is underway for safety improvements to CR 201, an engi neering firm was just hired to redesign and expand Seward Junction Loop on the north side of SH 29. Construction will begin next year on the widening of Ronald Reagan north

of SH29 as well as the middle section of the Liberty Hill bypass from 1869 to Bagdad Road, and the widening of Bagdad Road from the Liberty Hill city limits to CR 281. Additionally, the County’s long-range planning and preser vation of right-of-way is what has allowed the much needed Phase 3 of 183A to be started. I continue to work with the City and the State to plan for near term safety improvements at key intersections as well as plan for the future. Planning in the past has made the current improvements possible. I will continue to focus on improving existing county roadways, constructing new ones when needed and plan ning for the future.

LHI MONTHLY: The unprecedented growth of the Liberty Hill area in recent years has cre ated multiple challenges for residents within the city limits and within the ETJ. In your view, what is the most significant among those, and as commissioner, how can you impact that?

LESTER: The overarching issue is SAFETY, without that, nothing else matters. Our first responders have been mistreated and, in effect, defunded. The Sheriff’s Dept is the pri mary law enforcement in the ETJ, which is 95% of Liberty Hill. I will fight for a budget that pays and resources the SO appropriately.

LONG: The growth we are experiencing in Liberty Hill, Williamson County and much of Central Texas is record breaking. There are several challenges that growth brings. First is the increases in student population at our schools, creating a demand for new schools. Second, the increased number of cars on our roadways. Third, the demand on our existing water supply. As Commissioner, I have fo cused on improving existing county roadways, constructing new ones when needed and planning for future ones. Additionally, I have worked closely with Liberty Hill ISD to plan for the roadway infrastructure around future school locations. Addressing the current and future water supply, while not a county function, is an issue that the growth and the drought has brought to the forefront.

BRIGID LESTER (D)

CYNTHIA LONG (R)

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, PCT. 2 Sara Groff (D) vs Angela Williams (R)

LHI MONTHLY: What in your past experience do you believe most qualifies you to serve as Justice of the Peace?

GROFF: My experience working in state and local government gives me an understanding of listening to different voices and issues while using the law as a backbone for making decisions. Serving on the Cedar Park Planning and Zoning Commission for five years, two as chair has given me experience in dealing with diverse groups of stakeholders, understand ing the issues, and applying city code to the problems before me. It also provided me with practical experience of running efficient and orderly government meetings.

I work for State Rep John Bucy, which has allowed me to serve my community and build relationships with other levels of government and community leaders. I run all district oper ations from constituent services to programs, such as our food delivery program, which has delivered over 90,000 pounds of food to seniors in PCT 2 in 2.5 years. In this role, I have helped thousands of constituents navigate state agencies and connected them to local resources such as churches and nonprofits. I came into this position with no framework for operating a district office or any resources identified for either the office or constituents.

In my time, I have built a robust and active dis trict office. I will bring this same level of hard work, involvement, and efficiency to this court.

WILLIAMS: I believe a servant leader who con ducts themself with integrity epitomizes the most important quality a judge can have. While I have practiced this principle throughout my personal life, whether it was in leadership roles at my church or as a volunteer in my community, it has prepared me well for the Justice of the Peace position. With six children of my own, I learned to empower them through nurturing and disciplining, not just my children but their friends, teammates, and other youth associations. Helping children and youth grow into responsible citizens is a key aspect of a JP of which I have years of experience.

As a small business owner for more than 30 years, I have seen the broad spectrum of changes from paper/print to digital advertising and saw the need of earning two college degrees to help the business grow. But not only has my experience in the business world given me a perspective of understanding the majori ty of cases that a JP hears, I have taken the time to observe the current JP in the courtroom and in the field. Additionally, I graduated from the Leander Citizens Police Academy, became a certified mentor, and continued interaction

with agencies that coordinate with the JP. This is why I am the best and most qualified candi date for Justice of the Peace.

LHI MONTHLY: What, if anything, is needed in the JP Court for it to run more efficiently, more fairly, or be more accessible to residents of all backgrounds and businesses in Precinct 2?

GROFF: I think one positive we saw from Covid was the ability to modernize the court and better serve the folks of Wilco. The court should take full advantage of modern technolo gy. Things like online dockets help everyone to see what is happening in the courtroom on any given day, access to resources on the court’s website, and access to court over Zoom opens the court up to people. So they don’t have to miss an entire day of work to handle business. Ensuring that everything that can legally be done over the internet or email, such as filings, paying fines, and checking the status of cases, is available online increases transparency and access to the court. We should also have all re sources accessible in multiple languages. I also think having some staggered hours is helpful for those that might not be able to make court during the regular business day. A JP court needs to meet folks where they are and these are some of the measures I plan to implement to make the court as accessible as possible. WILLIAMS: The Justice of the Peace is the most accessible court closest to the everyday citizen and is often referred to as the People’s Court. A person can file a small claim or evic tion in the Justice of the Peace and represent themselves without hiring a lawyer. Also, if you’re summoned to court, you can represent yourself as well. While sitting in JP court in Precinct 2 over the last year, I’ve witnessed small claims, debt collection, and eviction court proceedings by individuals who prove their cases with evidence. This court is accessi ble to the residents and business owners with in Precinct 2. Most residents have no idea what the Justice of the Peace does and how these services are available to them. After talking with many voters and giving them the infor

mation and services on their JP, they are very thankful and more informed on the accessibility of the court.

While observing the truancy cases in the JP 2 courtroom, I noticed many of the parents didn’t speak English. Although the school administrator was translating, I would like to improve and explore our communica tion process for non-English speaking resi dents. I would like to make sure all available resources have been explored and made avail able on our website. When handling juvenile Class C misdemeanors I would like to expound on programs focused on the dangers of fentan yl poisoning.

LHI MONTHLY: Describe an interaction you might have had with the justice system at this level and what you learned that might have in fluenced your decision to seek the office of JP. GROFF: I have had two personal interactions with a JP. My husband and I were married in a JP courtroom over 26 years ago. The judge and his staff were amazing and made Ian and I feel so welcome and celebrated. The second interaction was much more recently. My uncle passed away at home in a west Texas county. The Justice of the Peace came out to the house to do the death inquest. Again, the judge was great, respectful and took the time to explain next steps to our family.

By the time my uncle had died, I was already working at the State and had also met a few JPs in Wilco. Speaking with them and working on legislation that impacted the court taught me the scope of the court and influenced my decision to run. I appreciate the breadth of cases the JP court sees and understand how each case is impacting someone’s life. While preparing to run for this office I have spent time in JP courts around the county observing the different types of cases and how the dif ferent JP handles them and their court. I have studied the state law that governs the cases JP courts hear and I look forward to serving in this role.

WILLIAMS: The decision to seek the Justice of the Peace office was made with much prayer and consideration for everyone involved. Spe cifically, I thought about those who put their trust in the person who handles some of the most sensitive circumstances in their life at that time. What was impactful to me personal ly, was the difference this court makes, and that is why it is called the “People’s Court.”

The Justice of the Peace may handle your youth who’ve fallen into difficult situa tions and looking for a positive outcome (truancy or juvenile Class C misdemeanors), landlord/ tenant concerns, small claims, debt collections, and one of the most sensitive concerns is when your loved ones pass away (inquest).

Many conversations I’ve had with voters start out, “Do you know what the Justice of the Peace does?” In 90% of those conversations, nobody truly knows what the office is responsible for. Most voters are thankful to learn about the Justice of the Peace duties.

More importantly, we should be a well-in formed society and understand what our elected officials are required to do and how we as citizens can access these services, if necessary. I am ready to serve you wholeheart edly.

LHI MONTHLY: Identify a leader who you most admire and describe why. What qualities does this person possess or actions has this person taken that you try to apply to your own life as a leader?

GROFF: I really admire State Rep John Bucy and State Rep Terry Wilson. They are both committed to serving the folks of Williamson County and put aside political differences to work with each other on issues that directly impact our neighbors. They took the time to build a relationship based on trust and rooted in respect for each other and the job before them. Without this relationship, they could easily get bogged down in the divisiveness that is happening in politics and government. I genuinely believe that we do not all have to have the same experience, support the same policies, and have the same beliefs to work together as community leaders. The important part is respecting and taking the time to listen to each other. The best elected officials are the ones that put the community first. I share their belief in putting community first and I work with people across the aisle all the time at both state and local levels to serve our neighbors. I’ve taken the time to build relationships with leaders across not only PCT 2, but all of Wilco in order to ensure that I can serve our community in the best way. As the next JP, I can assure you that not only I, but also my staff, will always take a community first approach.

WILLIAMS: Susan B. Anthony was a pioneer in the women’s suffrage movement as well as an American civil rights leader who fought for rights for African Americans. She was raised in the Quaker tradition and believed that every one was equal under God. At the age of three, she learned to read and write. After finishing her education, she took a position at a Quaker seminary in New Rochelle, NY in 1839. It comes

SARA GROFF (D) ANGELA WILLIAMS (R)

as no surprise Anthony was known as a trail blazer everywhere she went. When denied the right to speak at a temperance meeting in Al bany in 1852, Anthony organized and became the president of the Woman’s New York State Temperance Society. She addressed the Na tional Women’s Rights Convention in 1854 and urged more petition campaigns.

As a final tribute to Susan B. Anthony, the Nineteenth Amendment was named the Susan B. Anthony Amendment. It was ratified in 1920. Throughout her life, Susan B. Anthony demonstrated tenacity and perseverance for equal rights for ALL individuals. I want to emulate her desire for justice for ALL as inalienable rights of our Constitution and to serve the people of Williamson County as a fair, unbiased, and independent judge who stands for everyone.

WILLIAMSON COUNTY JUDGE

Blaine Conklin (D) vs Bill Gravell (R), Incumbent

LHI MONTHLY: County government is re sponsible for providing a number of services to residents. Do you have a special interest in any of those areas, and why?

CONKLIN: The most important services the county provides are in the area of public safety and emergency services. The Sheriff’s office is the single largest department in the county. If you ever need to call 911, you’re talking to a county employee. If you need an ambulance, that’s a county service. Over the past few years, I have ridden out with Sheriff’s deputies, EMS units, Constable’s deputies, the Mobile Out reach Team (mental health calls), and city po lice and fire departments. I have always been impressed with a feeling of deep gratitude to the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day for our community.

I am currently enrolled in the Citizens Acad emy of the WiCo Sheriff’s Office. It is a great opportunity for folks to learn about the role of the SO in our county.

But there are many other important services the county provides, staffed with dedicated professionals who do great work—too many to mention here—but these include Juvenile Services, the Animal Shelter, the Children’s Advocacy Center, and Veteran Services.

GRAVELL: Judge Gravell will continue to lower property taxes. In Williamson County we have increased property tax exemptions, providing tax relief to all residential home steads in the county. Property tax exemptions for persons 65 and older increased from $30,000 to $125,000. Property tax exemption for disabled persons increased from $20,000 to $125,000. Finally, we will fight to keep our community safe!

LHI MONTHLY: When it comes to business development, do you believe that county gov ernment should have more input on projects proposed in the unincorporated areas?

CONKLIN: It is frustrating to residents and land owners when a new business wants to move in that may present a threat to the air and water in the community, and the only entity with the authority to do anything about it is a toothless State agency (TCEQ) that isn’t going to do much of anything except give the green light to the business.

Whether it’s a chemical manufacturer or another rock crusher, businesses are taking advantage of the lack of regulation to exploit Williamson County and endanger the health and well-being of our residents. Williamson County should be allowed to have a greater voice in helping protect our people. This is something that state legislation will have to address, and I will advocate for it. Williamson County already has the largest number of APOs (aggregate production opera tions) of all 254 counties in Texas. I favor state legislation that would require APOs to adopt industry best practices regarding air pollution, water recycling, noise, and other impacts of this industry on our county. Up to this point, my opponent has remained silent on this legislation.

GRAVELL: As County Judge I would like to have more input when it comes to projects and development in the unincorporated areas to make sure that we take in consideration the needs and welfare of the citizens and the abil ity to reduce any harm that could be caused to our environment. An example would be large consumers of water like concrete batch plants or rock quarries.

LHI MONTHLY: Looking back at your career or any service to the public, what is the accom plishment that you are the most proud of?

CONKLIN: I earned a PhD from the Univer sity of Chicago. I wanted to be a professor. That dream did not come to fruition. I already had a young family at the time. So, like many people, I had to retool and figure out another way to provide for my family. I found a job at UT where I learned to write software. 18 years later, I am a Senior Business Analyst at the University of Texas System, where I work at the intersection of healthcare, higher education, and technology. Our office coordinates the in surance and benefits for a quarter of a million lives all across Texas--UT employees, retirees, and their families.

Starting in 2017, I led a three-year effort to modernize our benefits enrollment system.

This was a massive project to procure and con tract with a new partner, to conduct discovery, implementation, and testing of interfaces, applications, and data integrations with 15 dif

ferent UT institutions and a dozen business partners, to ensure compliance with security and privacy regulations, and to manage the myriad issues, expectations, setbacks, and commu nications with hun dreds of stakeholders across the project.

Like a County Judge, I had the responsibili ty of leading hundreds of people that I did not have the ability to hire or fire. I had to build relationships, negotiate in good faith, and ultimately do what was best for the people we serve. A winding road has brought me to this point, and I am proud of my ability to adapt and succeed.

GRAVELL: Judge Gravell has provided law enforcement with the resources and training they need to keep Williamson County families safe. He will oppose any radical efforts to defund the police. 2. He has lowered property taxes and led the charge to raise the home stead exemption for seniors and veterans in Williamson County. 3. He has led the charge to bring new jobs and new economic opportuni ties to Williamson County.

LHI MONTHLY: Considering Liberty Hill’s rapid and recent growth, what do you see as the immediate challenges to the community that can be addressed at the County level, and what impact could you have as County Judge to help remedy problems or address resident concerns?

CONKLIN: The most immediate challenge facing Liberty Hill and all of Williamson Coun ty is our rapid growth and development. While our current county leadership has focused on inviting and encouraging this development, the question that needs to be addressed is whether we are ready for it.

The core duties of county government are to provide for the public safety services and in frastructure. A growing county needs to focus on making sure these duties are top priorities. Two of the pressing infrastructure needs that have been neglected by the county are broad band and water. (More about water below)

As the next County Judge, not only will I work every day to address these challenges, but I will start by taking the first step that leaders need to take, and that is to listen. You cannot address the concerns of residents if you don’t listen to them. The problem with our current leadership is that they have chosen to listen to special interests and business con cerns, not to the people who do the living and working in Williamson County.

GRAVELL: The greatest challenge we face is inflation and the impact it has on our community. Our residents are struggling to just make ends meet. When the cost of eggs has increased from .82 to $2.82 a dozen and gas prices/food prices/rent/utilities etc have all seen sharp increases that impacts our com munity deeply. The leadership in Washington D.C. is disconnected with reality in Williamson County, Texas. The solution is twofold, create higher paying quality jobs locally and replace the leadership in Washington.

LHI MONTHLY: How much influence does your political party affiliation and political activism have on the decisions you might be called on to make as County Judge? Please explain.

CONKLIN: The work of county government is non-partisan in nature. It is about the things that affect us every day: Public safety, public health, emergency management, mental health, roads and bridges. There is no place in county government for divisive culture wars and extreme partisanship. I support our law enforcement professionals and all our first re sponders. I have publicly called for the county to pay our LE staff competitively with other LE agencies in the county. I have never advocated “defunding” the police.

Historically, the Democratic Party has been the party of the people against the special interests. That is what being a Democrat means to me. I will always put people first. I have made a pledge that I will not accept political contributions from companies who do business with the county. I am not a profes sional politician. I will not be the mouthpiece of a particular party, activist group, business interest, or any special interest. I will do what I believe is best for the common good of the people of Williamson County.

GRAVELL: As County Judge I am responsible for making decisions based on what is respon sible for the welfare and growth for the county as a whole, it would be neglectful to make those decisions based on a party affiliation.

BLAINE CONKLIN (D) BILL GRAVELL (R)

STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 20 Raul Camacho (D) vs Terry Wilson (R), Incumbent

EDITOR’S NOTE: Rep. Terry Wilson did not participate in the Q&A interview. Multiple a empts over the course of a month to connect with the elected official received no response and a conversation with his Chief of Staff, who appeared in Wilson’s place at a recent candidate forum, yielded no explanation as to Wilson’s decision not to represent himself to Liberty Hill Independent readers.

LHI MONTHLY: The Comptroller’s office now expects revenue available for general spending in 2022-23 to total about $135.32 billion, up 15.1 percent from the 2020-21 biennium. Where do you believe this additional revenue should be earmarked during the upcoming legislative session?

CAMACHO: The additional revenue coming in should be used to make our public schools safer to protect our children from Active Shooters. We have smart security programs to counter Active Shooters and protect our kids. We need to invest in our children’s safety. We cannot not afford another school shooting. Prayers, excuses, and inaction from politicians should not be the norm.

LHI MONTHLY: Since the US Supreme Court’s landmark decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, do you foresee the Texas Legislature taking up measures to further criminalize women seeking to leave the state for an abortion? What would your position be?

CAMACHO: No man, no religion, no corporation, no court, and no government have authority over a woman’s reproductive rights. Women have the right to control their own bodies, and thus they have a Human Right to be in charge of their own reproductive decisions. And shame on those imposing their beliefs onto others. We don’t need Governor Abbo s permission to terminate a pregnancy if a 13 year old was raped by child molester.

LHI MONTHLY: Since the mass school shooting occurred in Uvalde we’ve heard community activists calling for the state to enact Red Flag laws that could alert law enforcement when certain individuals a empt to purchase certain types of guns or ammunition. Do you generally support Red Flag gun laws or do you see this as an infringement to 2nd Amendment rights?

CAMACHO: I support Red Flag laws, closing the Gun Show Loopholes. We need to make it harder for criminals and those

who are mentally unstable to have access to guns. There Are No ‘Absolute’ Rights. Nearly every idea in the Bill of Rights comes with restrictions and limitations, the 2nd amendment is no different. I am a Firearm Instructor and I love my guns, and I stand by the 2nd amendment where it says ‘a well regulated militia’. It’s a damn shame that people with pre-existing mental health conditions have easy access to firearms, but no easy access to healthcare.

RAUL CAMACHO (D)

LHI MONTHLY: School districts are finding it difficult to recruit and retain educators. Some have even referred to the teacher shortage as a looming crisis in education. Do you believe the state should raise salaries in public schools across the board to assist districts in easing the crisis?

CAMACHO: I worked as a Teacher Assistant for Special Needs Kids for AISD in 2014. I witnessed Teachers qui ing on the spot. Teachers are leaving for many reasons, most notably poor working conditions, poor retirement benefits, fear of liability just to protect themselves from violent students, low teacher pay, and an absence of opportunities to advance in their careers. With more teachers leaving, the ones who stay are asked to do more with less support, this leads to burnout. Teachers are also tired of politicians over-reaching into the classroom. Last but not least, Teachers are tired of School Shootings. To fix this issue, we need to create Be er Work Conditions. Teachers need to have immunity protections for defending themselves from violent students and be allowed to press charges if they were a acked. Schools need to have a 0 tolerance for any type of violence. Starting salaries need to start at 75k. We need to make sure Teachers have safe working conditions. We need to offer them be er retirement benefits.

LHI MONTHLY: Do you support private school vouchers that allow parents to use public tax dollars to pay for private school tuition?

CAMACHO: I do not support private school vouchers that allow parents to use taxpayer dollars to pay for private school tuition.

SHE DIDN’T CARE. SHE WOULDN’T LISTEN.

PROBLEM:

Dangerous traffic congestion placing lives at risk in Liberty Hill.

LONG’S SOLUTION:

Take land and homes from residents at below-market values to build a bypass... someday. Despite the outcry of opposition to the I-2 Corridor, Long strayed from the Republican value of private land ownership, ignored Liberty Hill property owners, and encouraged adoption of the Long-Range Transportation Plan that included the I-2 Corridor. As President of CAMPO, Long has had every opportunity to send funds to Liberty Hill to help re lieve life-threatening traffic problems, but instead sent support to other cities.

PROBLEM:

Quality of life features like parks and river access are limited for Liberty Hill residents.

LONG’S SOLUTION:

Take parkland known as Grace Park away from the City of Liberty Hill. The riverfront property has served the commu nity with water access from its founding days. The County’s River Ranch Park,

Dear Neighbors:

located off Bagdad Road, was funded by park bonds and work began in 2019. The park is still not open.

PROBLEM:

Cynthia Long makes decisions for Lib erty Hill that are not in our best interest, and without seeking input from city government or caring about the concerns of local residents.

LONG’S WAY:

Place a county probation office one lot outside of our city limits -- a stone’s throw from downtown on RM 1869 and less than one mile from an elementary school. She did not inform the City of Liberty Hill of her plans and did not seek the appropriate city permits.

I have been a Liberty Hill Council member since 2020, and am a conservative independent voter fighting for what’s best for our community. Since my election, I have been doing my best to move traffic and protect our traditions. The biggest obstacle to both of these goals is Cynthia Long. Her continued presence on the Commissioners Court is the greatest threat to the future of our community. She has had 15 years to help Liberty Hill manage growth and improve quality of life issues, and has failed. That’s why I’m supporting Brigid Lester on Nov. 8, and inviting you to SAY NO TO CYNTHIA. ~ Chris Pezold

IN THIS ELECTION, DO NOT VOTE FOR ALL REPUBLICANS ON THE BALLOT BECAUSE A VOTE FOR CYNTHIA LONG IS A VOTE AGAINST LIBERTY HILL.

Pol. Ad Paid for by citizen Chris Pezold, Liberty Hill, TX

County Commissioner Cynthia Long violated our trust and turned her back on Liberty Hill values.

Moving with a purpose

Out-of-state families seeking solace in Liberty Hill

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH STAFF WRITER

Blake and Taylor Stevens grew up in Riverside, California, a city with a six-figure population 50 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles – a densely-populated area to be sure.

During recent years, the continued congestion began to wear on the Stevens, so they began to seek refuge from a place that seemed to be degenerating before their very eyes.

“We wanted to get out of California be cause we were seeing it slowly decline,” said Blake Stevens. “We wanted to give our kids a better life.”

The Stevens searched far and wide to find a new home, considering places from coast to coast including Arizona, Idaho, Nevada and South Carolina, but soon felt themselves gravitating toward Texas as their destination.

“At first, we looked around the Dallas area,” said Stevens, an electrician by trade. “But, then we found Liberty Hill, which seemed like it was small enough, but still close to places like Austin, Georgetown and Leander.”

So, this past summer, the Stevens took a leap of faith and traded the Golden State for the Lone Star variety, settling in Santa Rita Ranch as their new home.

“Now, we live in a place with beautiful new schools and where our kids can go down the street to play at the park and we don’t have to worry,” said Stevens. “Here in Texas, we just feel a lot more safe.”

Despite the rapid growth of Liberty Hill, it’s still at a point that appeals to the Ste vens from a nostalgic perspective.

“What we really wanted was to have a smaller life – so to speak – like the one my wife and I grew up with,” said Stevens. “You always hear about having a community you want to be part of and Santa Rita has everything we were looking for.”

Midwest to Southwest

Jennifer Thalmann, along with husband Nathan and the couple’s three children have called Liberty Hill home since July 2021 after moving south from the Chicago area after Nathan had been introduced to the area during the course of his work bringing him to Central Texas.

“Nathan works for Dell and came down

here for training,” said Jennifer. “He would come home and always tell me how great and beautiful it was.”

Eventually, the Thalmanns realized mak ing the move was in their best interests.

“We were really over it with Illinois,” she said. “Nathan was able to keep his job while moving to another state, so we took that as an opportunity to do this.”

Currently, the Thalmanns are renting a house in Stonewall Ranch with plans to build one of their own in Clearwater Ranch and couldn’t be happier with the choice they made.

“I’m a big people person and Liberty Hill has family-oriented people,” said Thal mann. “So, that’s the kind of neighborhood we want to be in due to our Christian and conservative values.”

When it came time for the Thalmanns to choose a school for their children, Jenni fer said initially they considered private schooling – a notion that quickly evaporat ed once they realized the quality education al experience the Liberty Hill Independent School District offers.

“We’re really comfortable with the public schools here,” she said. “Our kids were really excited for a fresh start.”

According to Thalmann, the weather in Texas has matched the disposition of her new neighbors.

“Back in Illinois, we had so many gray days, but here it seems like it’s always sunny skies,” said Thalmann, who works for the U.S. Department of Labor. “Also, with how many people we’ve already met, it feels like we’ve been here for years. We’ve been able to develop relationships so quickly – which was the one thing I was worried about. Ev eryone is so warm and I can’t imagine ever moving away.”

There is certainly no doubt in the Thal manns’ minds they made the right choice in making Liberty Hill their new home, she said.

“It’s been a great experience and I’m so glad we did it,” said Thalmann. “This has been great for our family.”

More families, more students

Perhaps the local institution that has been impacted most by the large influx of families moving to Liberty Hill is the school district.

As recently as 2019, there were only five

(Above) Blake and Taylor Stevens moved to Liberty Hill with children Reese, 3; Reagan, 10; and Colt, 6, after becoming disillusioned with their former home in California. (Below) Jennifer and Nathan Thalmann and their three children Jace, 2; Noah, 8; and Luke, 6, chose Liberty Hill after moving south from the Chicago area. (Courtesy Photos)

‘Howdy Liberty Hill’ seeks to connect community

BY RACHEL MADISON STAFF WRITER

Nicci Bontrager, a native Texan and the creator of social media page Howdy Liberty Hill, has always had a passion for sharing people’s stories, which is why when her family made the decision to move to Liberty Hill earlier this year, she wanted to put that passion to work.

That’s when she created Howdy Liberty Hill, her social media presence that features all things Liberty Hill, from local businesses to community events.

“I started planning this idea before we moved here,” Bontrager said. “I knew I wanted to do something that would help me get to know everyone. Liberty Hill is growing but it’s still small. I wanted to soak all of that up and relish in that small town vibe and go out and meet people and find all the talent we have here in town.”

The Bontragers have owned land in Liberty Hill since 2015 but didn’t break ground on their home until early 2022. Until their home is finished, they are renting in the area and spending a lot of time ge ing to know the people who make up Liberty Hill.

Bontrager keeps a running list in her mind of who she wants to interview and learn more about. Some people reach out to her with a request to feature their business, while others are ones she sees while driving around town.

“I’ll drive by a business and think, ‘I want to interview them,’” she said. “Everyone has a story. I think that’s the push behind Howdy Liberty Hill, so that even as the city grows we can still know each other’s stories and where we are coming from.”

Bontrager has even stopped people at local gas stations to ask them what their favorite drink is and what their plans for the day are, which she said is another fun way to connect with the community and get to know people.

Bontrager officially started her Howdy Liberty Hill page, which can be found on Instagram and Facebook, in May. Complete with a homemade Panther purple T-shirt that reads “Howdy!,” Bontrager tries to visit three to four different businesses a week to learn more about them and feature them on social media.

“My very first interview was with the owner of Jubilee Po ery,” Bontrager said. “I got to see her studio and it was awesome. I love to just listen and hear people tell me their stories, and how they got started in whatever their talent is.”

Bontrager aims to be as interactive as she can when she visits a business. She takes photos, creates videos and writes up each business owner’s story. Since starting in May, Bontrager said she’s had the opportunity to do a lot of interesting things around town, including washing windows, making hot sauce and painting with an artist.

“I write the post first and then I’ll share in my [Instagram] stories,” she said. “I just try to highlight who the people are and give them their fair share of time and a ention. I try to do right by them.”

A er her interviews, Bontrager does all the Instagram magic herself by creating the posts and editing videos to go along with them.

Howdy Liberty Hill can be a bit of a family affair, as well, Bontrager said. Occasionally, her husband or one of her five children will join her for interviews if they are interested in the topic.

Overall, Bontrager has found a love for highlighting Liberty Hill, particularly because everyone she’s met so far puts in a lot of hard work and effort into whatever it is they do.

“Liberty Hill is the American dream,” she said. “People have an idea, run with it, and the community supports them.”

While Bontrager said Howdy Liberty Hill will remain a side gig -- she’s a family therapist by trade -- she also has a lot of goals for its future.

“I want to host a Howdy Week when the weather cools down, which would be like holding a playdate group each day for different ages at a park as a way to get to know people,” she said. “I see that a lot in counseling. A lot of young moms feel stuck and lonely with no way to meet people, and I would love for Howdy Week to be a way for families to meet each other.”

Bontrager would also like to create other community events in the future, like a fun run, a lip sync ba le and a movie making contest.

“I don’t quite know how to pull these ideas off yet, but I want to create even more ways to bring people together,” she added.

Howdy Liberty Hill is approaching 600 Instagram followers, which has been fun for Bontrager to watch grow over the last several months. She hopes to continue growing her following so that more people can learn about the businesses that make up Liberty Hill.

“We’ve never been in a town that has so much small-town pride as Liberty Hill,” Bontrager said. “I want to soak that up and

a part of it, and I want to help preserve that in any way I can.”

Find Howdy Liberty Hill on Instagram at

Nicci Bontrager, creator of Howdy Liberty Hill, makes it her mission to get to know the people who make up the community. One of the many places Bontrager has featured through her social media page is Bar-K Ranch, a local farm that raises chickens, bees and sheep.

(Courtesy Photo)

@howdylibertyhill and Facebook at Howdy Liberty Hill | Facebook.

Eclectic artists to gather for annual sculpture festival

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH STAFF WRITER

Liberty Hill will host its annual Sculp ture Festival on Oct. 22 in commemorating the original event in 1976, featuring a wide variety of activities for those in attendance at Lions Foundation Park.

Included in the festivities will be live demonstrations in a variety of mediums including stone, wood, metal, glass and ice by some of Texas’ most skilled sculptors.

Wade Burleigh, wood

Growing up in Corpus Christi, Wade Burleigh was introduced to wood carving at a young age.

“I developed an interest in it when I was a boy – about six years old,” said Burleigh. “A neighbor of ours would go sit under an old oak tree and carve.”

It wasn’t long before the aspiring artist was bestowed with his initial instruments of creation, he said.

“For Christmas, I got an Exacto carving set,” said Burleigh. “I would copy pictures from coloring books and one of my first was a relief carving of a schooner ship.”

Soon after, Burleigh moved on to three-dimensional carvings before eventu ally teaching high school and working as a cabinet maker later in life.

Upon his retirement, Burleigh felt compelled to travel and share his passion for wood carving with others, which led to him and wife Jennifer visiting events and festivals across America.

Many of Burleigh’s works are related to his devout faith – which is the primary motivator for him to participate in events like the one in Liberty Hill.

“It’s great getting to see the country and share our Christian faith through artistry,” said Burleigh. “I’m able to combine my big gest passion with my artwork – it gives me a purpose and a focus – my wife and I make a good team.”

Stuart Simpson, stone

Included in the list of artists demonstrat ing their skills will be Stuart Simpson, a stone sculptor based in Round Rock who enjoys the challenge his chosen material presents him with.

“I like the resistance of stone,” said Simp son. “Depending on the product, I’ll use pneumatic tools or a hammer and chisel –whatever does the job most effectively.”

According to Simpson, the different between merely a good sculpture and a

masterpiece is how the artist uses natural effects to further enhance the finished product.

“Using light and shadows is important – especially with the small details,” said Simpson. “It’s all about the trickery of the eye.”

Simpson has taken his love of stone sculpting from hobby to full-time profes sion in creating timeless pieces for various clients – although it’s not always easy, he said.

“It’s definitely a challenging way to make a living,” said Simpson. “You have to find clients that really like your work.”

Many of Simpson’s works are pieces that seamlessly integrate into an existing object, including fireplaces and entrance ways.

“Every piece is unique,” he said. “It’s up to me to make exactly what each client wants.”

Simpson works primarily with Texas limestone, including a variety known as Corona Cream, which is quarried in Liberty Hill and across Central Texas.

“Limestone from Texas is shipped all over the world,” said Simpson. “It’s very good to work with.”

Matthew Johnson, stone

For Matthew Johnson, it wasn’t until later in his life when he first picked up a chisel.

“I was 22 at the time,” said Johnson, of Florence. “I got a job helping (local sculptor) Bob Reagan and discovered I really liked it.”

Johnson’s participation in Liberty Hill’s festival provides him with an opportunity to pass his knowledge on to the next gener ation of artists.

“Liberty Hill has kids that are super into sculpting,” he said. “It’s a special type of community – usually there are three or four kids that will really like it and that’s very rewarding for me.”

Johnson said the greatest amount of gratification he gets from sculpting isn’t necessarily what results once the dust has settled.

“For me, it’s less about the end product,” he said. “It’s more about the process of it – taking something people perceive to be beyond their control and shaping it with your will.”

To learn more about the Sculpture Festi val, which is free and open to the public, see the ad on Page 45 or visit www.experi enceLHTX.com/Sculpture-Festival.

(Top right) Stuart Simpson is a Round Rock-based stone sculptor who uses light and shadows to make his pieces more compelling. (Top left) One of Stuart Simpson’s works - a stone relief carving of Jesus healing a blind man. (Above) Matthew Johnson specializes in stone sculpting and finds gratification in sharing his knowledge with the next gen eration of artists. (Right) Wade Burleigh - who has been wood sculpting since he was six years old - has traveled all over America displaying his various works.

Photos)

Grady Joe Rollins

November 7, 1942 – September 18, 2022

Grady Joe Rollins was born in Liberty Hill, Texas to Dennis D. and Mary Jane Rollins on November 7, 1942. He was married to the love of his life, Janie Townsend, on November 9, 1963.

In 1967, Grady began working with the University of Texas Building Maintenance department as an Instrument Maker I. He was promoted to Instrument Maker II and joined the machine shop staff in the Chemis try Department in November of 1973, he then took over supervision of the machine shop in December of 1975. At his retirement ceremony in 2000, it was said that Grady was a man who found no task beneath his dignity. He contin

Gwyn Marie Montes

Gwyn Marie Montes, 63, sadly passed away on August 19, 2022 after a courageous four year battle with Colon Cancer. Gratefully, she was able to be at her home in Liberty Hill, Texas, surrounded by family and friends in her last moments.

Gwyn was born July 22, 1959 in Austin, Tex as. She lived in Walburg with her grandparents until she moved to Liberty Hill, where she re sided for 48+ years, met her Dodo, and gaining four brothers. She raised seven beautiful chil dren. Not only did she raise seven of her own, but many came to know her as their second mom. With a door that was always open, she would welcome anyone to come sit at her table and have a plate of hot food and some of the best homemade tortillas around. Gwyn was a caregiver, always putting others first and never expecting anything in return. She had a great love of God, collecting rocks (which her family

was happy to indulge her in), coin collecting, fishing, and visiting the beach. She enjoyed giv ing her grandchildren all the stuffed animals she won in the claw machine, sitting outside, watching all the stray cats play, with her dog by

WORSHIP GUIDE

Liberty Hill & Surrounding Communities

ANDICE BAPTIST CHURCH

6570 FM 970, Florence (254) 793-2557 www.andicebc.org

PASTORS

Derrick Norris, Senior Pastor Matt Koehler, Associate Pastor of Students & Families SERVICES

Sunday Bible Study 9:45am

Sunday Worship 11am Wednesday AWANA 6:30pm Sun. Online facebook.com/ andicebaptist/

ued to work part-time for UT for an additional nine years until they could find someone with his skill level in heliarc welding.

Grady loved playing golf, watching sporting events, spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and taking care of his dogs.

He served the Liberty Hill and surrounding communities in many ways. He was a member of the volunteer fire department and chief for over 16 years, coached little league baseball, umpired, and worked as a UIL Basketball referee for over 20 years. Reflecting years of striped shirt whistle blowing, UT’s previous Coach, Jody Conradt, sent Grady a stuffed basketball inscribed with words thanking Grady for his informal UT Women’s Basket ball recruiting activities.

He was preceded in death by his parents

her side, and watering her many, many plants. You could always catch her and her husband dancing around when a good song came on, it didn’t matter where they were. She had a laugh that was contagious beyond measure. When she smiled and laughed, you couldn’t help but do the same. She will be greatly missed by many, for Gwyn never met a stranger and most ended up calling her a friend.

Gwyn leaves behind her husband of 46+ years, Paul Montes; her daughter, Rita San Miguel; sons, Paul Montes, Peter Montes, Paco Montes, Max Montes, Mingo Montes and Victor Montes; 32+ grandchildren; sisters, Ger aldine Dickey, Gale Hamilton, Gloria Gober; brother, Gerald Myers; and Mother-in-Law, Maria Montes.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Glo ry Anna Lentz; brothers, Gary and Glen Myers; grandparents, Marie and Herbert Beckman; granddaughter, Christina Montes; and Fatherin-Law, Pablo Montes.

A visitation for Gwyn was held on Friday,

Dennis and Mary Jane Rollins, brothers James Robert and Doyle Dennis Rollins, his son Rob ert Rollins and grandson, Louis Hernandez.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Janie Rollins of Liberty Hill, TX; Mary Lou and Ed die Hernandez of Liberty Hill, TX; Dennis and Wendy Rollins of Granite Shoals, TX; Grand children: Amanda Sanchez, Katie LaComb, James Rollins, Hope Herrin, and Cole Rollins. Great-grandchildren: Jesse Hernandez, Ma son Hernandez, Maddison Hernandez, Selina Culp, and Ema Culp.

Visitation was held at Clements-Wilcox on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 from 6:008:00 p.m.

A Graveside Service was held at Liberty Hill Cemetery on Thursday, September 22, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.

September 2, 2022 from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM at Cook-Walden Davis Funeral Home, 2900 Wil liams Drive, Georgetown, TX 78628. A rosary began at 6:30 PM, with visiting time following until 8:00 PM. The funeral service was Sat urday, September 3, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 520 TX-29, Bertram, Texas 78605. Burial followed at Las Tres Marias Cemetery in Liberty Hill, Texas.

When someone dies of cancer, we say ‘they lost their battle with cancer’, as if between the two of them, cancer was the better, the stron ger, and the smarter. But if you think about it, if I die from cancer, then cancer dies too. And if I survive cancer, cancer loses its battle with me. Cancer never wins.” - Unknown

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwalden davisfuneralhome.com for the Montes family.

CROSS TRACKS CHURCH

101 Church St., Liberty Hill (512) 515-0070 www.crosstrackschurchumc.org

PASTOR Michele Lott SERVICES Sunday School 9am Sunday Worship 10am Sun. Online Facebook.com/cross trackschurch/

CONNECT CHURCH

Meets at Santa Rita Elementary 532 Santa Rita Blvd, Liberty Hill (479) 926-5455 www.ghbc.org/connectchurch

PASTORS

Danny Forshee, Teaching Pastor Leighton Forshee, Campus Pastor  SERVICES

Sunday Worship 5pm

THE HILL CHURCH

111 Holmes Road, Liberty Hill www.thehillchurch.church

PASTOR Kendall Ringler, Assoc.Pastor SERVICES

Sunday Worship 10:15am Sun. Online 10:15am facebook.com/ thehillchurch.church

HOLY ANNUNCIATION

ORTHODOX CHURCH

5205 County Road 236, Liberty Hill (512) 782-9940 www.annunciationtx.com

PASTOR Bp. Irineos Placek SERVICES Vespers Sat. 6:30pm Divine Liturgy Sun. 10am

LIFE SPRINGS

CHRISTIAN CHURCH

15611 W. State Hwy 29, Liberty Hill (512) 633-6074 www.lifespringschristianchurch.org

PASTOR Dr. William Brannan SERVICES

Sunday Worship 10am Online youtube.com/c/LifeSprings

MISSION LIBERTY HILL

LUTHERAN CHURCH  (LCMS Affiliated)

15725 W Hwy-29 #7, Liberty Hill (512) 778-9310 www.missionlibertyhill.com

PASTOR Rev. Mike Cofer SERVICES

Sunday Bible Study 9am Sunday Church Worship 10am Sunday Online 10am - missionliberty hill.com/onlineworship/

ONE CHAPEL LIBERTY HILL 811 Loop 332, Liberty Hill (512) 729-6200 onechapel.com/liberty-hill

PASTOR Darren Shaw SERVICES

Sunday Service 10am Online Service 10am online.onechapel.com

Wednesday Youth 7pm

RESTORATION CHURCH

Meets at Liberty Hill Event Center 14875 W. SH 29, #10, Liberty Hill (512) 271-1976 www.restorationchurchtx.net

PASTOR Mike Kimmons SERVICES

Sunday Services 10:30am

Call (512) 778-5577 or email us at stacy@LHIndependent.com to include your church in the Worship Guide.

Former Liberty Hill students gather for reunion

BY JAMES WEAR COLUMNIST

Bricks and mortar eventually crumble and fail, but it is love and friendship that form the glue for relationships and mem ories that last a lifetime, and perhaps no better example of that statement could be found than at a recent gathering of former Liberty Hill students who had attended school in the “old red brick schoolhouse.”

It’s not the first reunion of former students, but it was perhaps the best attended as more than 50 people renewed friendships beneath the Spivey Pavilion at Lions Foundation Park. There were a few moments of hesitation for some folks as they greeted one another and the moments were understandable as for many nearly 50 years had passed since they’d seen each other. And I did detect a few moments of sadness at times as many have passed on in just the past few months.

Many of those attending still reside in Liberty Hill and have grandchildren and great-grandchildren attending school here. Nearly all of those I spoke to expressed a bit of astonishment at how quickly the community has grown…these being the folks who grew up in a time when sprawling farms and ranches made up the rural areas around a town that didn’t have a single stop light.

A bit of history for Liberty Hill newcom ers -- the “old red brick schoolhouse” was built in the early 1900s and served the com munity for several decades before being torn down in 1969 to pave the way for a new elementary school. Some of those attending

Moving

PAGE 28

schools (one high, one middle and three elementary) in the district, but that num ber has already grown with the additions of Santa Rita Middle School and Santa Rita Elementary School.

Overseeing the integration of thousands of new students is Superintendent Steve Snell, who understands the dynamic of why Liberty Hill is such an attractive destination for relocating families.

“People are choosing Liberty Hill for everything the community offers,” he said. “It’s within close proximity to work and can provide an excellent education for their children. Families have a lot of good choices in Central Texas to move to, but I think with

school there in the late 1960s didn’t actually graduate from Liberty Hill as the high school lost its accreditation and students ended up attending Georgetown or Leander schools to complete their education.

Among those attending were Liberty Hill historian Gary Spivey and his brother Jim my and their sisters, with both Gary and Jimmy sharing photos and other memora bilia from decades past. Jimmy’s collection of photos including aerial photos of Liberty Hill back when rooftops along SH 29 and US 183 had considerable amounts of green between them, and at least one photo from that memorable day in 1975 when a crew of men, with their backs to the camera, are pictured observing the hundreds of people at the intersection of Loop 332 and RM 1869 making their way out to see Willie Nelson and the other musical acts that made up the Fourth of July picnic that year.

Both Gary and Jimmy served at one time on the Liberty Hill school board, as did Lar ry Floyd, another one of those attending. They are among many who can be credited with laying the foundation for the reputa tion of excellence in schools that Liberty Hill has acquired over the past half of a century. Also attending were Gilbert and Cleo Vickers who were enroute to Panther Stadium to watch the varsity football team host Kerrville. Gilbert was among the first persons I ever met when I began covering Liberty Hill schools nearly 40 years ago. He devoted countless hours on the sidelines assisting Panther coaches and athletes.

Jeanette Whitehead, a key volunteer with the Liberty Hill Cemetery Association for many years, was among those attend

the great atmosphere we have here and the small-town feel we still have, Realtors are bringing them here.”

According to Snell, once word gets out about everything Liberty Hill has to offer within the ranks of a company, it spreads like wildfire.

“When you have employees of a company that have already moved here,” said Snell. “It’s the best advertisement we could possi bly have as a school district.”

Keeping the culture

One thing longtime Liberty Hill residents may be concerned about with the large numbers of people moving locally – and from places all over the map – is a potential drift away from the fabric that has been

ing, and Sharon Brown and Andy Pogue, retired from the school district, came. I also saw Robert Waley and his wife, and Connie Sue Mather, and Janet Johns Ross, and Mary Ann McLeod, and many, many others who at one time or another had greeted me with a smile and made life as a young re porter easier. I ask for forgiveness for failing to name all those who were on hand.

Of course, my wife Paula, herself a member of the Red Brick School house family as was her father and uncle before her, knew just about everyone, and when it came time to draw names from the hat to de termine who was going to go home with an old red brick from the school house that most of those attending had signed, it was her name that was called.

(Top) Former Liberty Hill students who had attended school at the “old red brick schoolhouse” gathered recently at Lions Foundation Park to renew friendships and share memories. (JAMES WEAR PHOTO) (Above) Many Liberty Hill folks recall the old red brick schoolhouse, here pictured in a yearbook from more than 50 years ago, that served the community for several decades before being torn down in the late 1960s. (Courtesy Photo)

The group gathered for a group picture

woven over the decades by those who truly have a connection with the town their fami lies have called home for generations.

Snell said there’s no need to worry.

“People are choosing to move to Liberty Hill for a reason and it’s not to change it,” he said. “Due to that, I believe we can still preserve the culture of the city.”

One thing that unites the community like no other is the Panthers’ athletic program and despite the fact a second high school will open in a few years, for now, anyway, everyone can still cover themselves in Pur ple-and-Gold, said Snell.

“Sports brings a community together,” he said. “Liberty Hill is certainly no exception.”

Snell became superintendent in 2019 and so far during his tenure, the district’s

and slowly began dispersing, but many were already talking of making plans for another reunion next year.

student enrollment has gone up from 4,200 to 7,800 – a 40 percent increase.

“To put that into perspective,” said Snell. “Nearly half of our current students weren’t here when I got here.”

Snell said approximately one-third of new families are from out-of-state (with a majority from California), one-third from Travis County and one-third from other places in Texas.

However, regardless of how many more families move into the district or where they’re from, Snell said they’ll be welcomed with open arms upon their arrival.

“Once you enroll your children in Liberty Hill ISD,” he said. “You’re a Panther and part of the family.”

Shop Local to Support Community Businesses & Liberty Hill Public Library District!

Because we are a library district! In Texas, library districts can only be funded through local sales. Library districts receive a percentage of all sales tax paid at businesses in the library district’s geographic boundaries. Texas library districts do not receive funding from any city or county governments.

Our library district shares Liberty Hill ISD’s geographic boundaries, so when you purchase something at one of the great local businesses located within that 110 square mile area, we receive a percentage (.0025% or 1/4 of 1%) of the local sales tax you pay. The library uses the local sales tax revenue to pay for everything we need to operate the library.

please support the library by shopping at all the local amazing shops, stores, and restaurants in our community! If you have any questions about how the library is funded, please contact the library director, Angela Palmer, at angela.palmer@lhpl.org or (512) 778-6400.

‘Everything for a reason’

Injury setback hasn’t diminished senior’s commitment to teammates

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH SPORTS EDITOR

Logan Dyer walks into the room and sits down, drenched with sweat from having just come from the weight room, where he was throwing iron around beside his fellow Panther athletes on a typical weekday afternoon.

However, for the Liberty Hill senior fullback, he didn’t play in the Purple-andGold’s most recent game, nor will he play a role in the next or any other contest this season.

You see, Dyer also plays baseball for the Panthers and at the beginning of last sea son when he and his teammates were play ing at a tournament in the Dallas area, he dove for a ball while patrolling his custom ary center field and in doing so, suffered an injury that would have a massive impact on his senior year.

Crashing to the ground on the fateful play resulted in a torn labrum in Dyer’s left shoulder – an injury that would eventually require surgery to correct after the season and would relegate him to designated hitter duties for the rest of the campaign.

It also meant he would miss out on his entire senior season on the gridiron while he continued his rehabilitation in order to be ready for when baseball resumes.

But, just because Dyer is unable to suit up on Friday nights and join his brothersin-arms on the field of battle doesn’t mean he still hasn’t done everything else he nor mally would – including being out on the practice field before dawn every day.

The reasoning behind this is clear, said Dyer.

“I feel like I owe it to my teammates to be there for them,” he said. “I’ve played with most of these guys since seventh grade and

we’ve gone through so much together.”

Just how much respect does Dyer have from his teammates?

Despite his being sidelined for the entire season before it even began, he was voted a team captain by his peers – an honor be fitting someone of his caliber, said Liberty Hill head coach Kent Walker.

“Logan’s just an awesome young man to have on our team,” he said. “He’s a great kid, athlete and student – someone I like for my son to be around. We’re very fortunate to have him.”

Road to recovery

As one might expect, the rehabilitation process has been long and laborious for Dyer following the June 2 procedure to repair his shoulder after the initial injury in March.

“For the first six weeks, my arm was in a sling and I couldn’t do anything,” said Dyer. “After that, the next six weeks was about regaining the mobility in my shoulder.”

Only recently has Dyer gotten to the point in the rehab process where he can once again lift weights, which is the final

stage of the comeback trail for baseball season, which begins in January.

But, despite the fact he’ll be back at 100 percent when the first pitch of spring is thrown, it still pains Dyer to not be able to venture any further than the sidelines while his fellow footballers are out on the field – although he knows that’s all part of the tedious process that must take place in order for him to finish his high school career on a high, after all.

“It’s tough because I’d like to be standing out there on the field with them,” he said. “But, I want to be able to enjoy my senior year of baseball.”

Having an influence Dyer’s last hurrah on a football field was the Panthers’ appearance in the state championship game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington in December 2021, but although he’s no longer in the trenches with them, Dyer still has much knowledge and wisdom to pass along to his younger teammates –even though he said he has to pick his spots a bit more carefully these days given his particular predicament.

“For me now, it’s a little different,” said Dyer. “I can’t hold them accountable the same way as if I was playing – I have to be careful and encourage them.”

Coming to terms

According to Dyer, the lessons he has learned from being a part of the Liberty Hill football program over the years has certainly helped him deal with the situation he’s found himself in for the past several months.

“Probably the two biggest things for me are number one, how to be tough even when you’re under hardship,” said Dyer.

“Number two is discipline – being up at 5:15 every morning has helped me make sure I get all my rehab in.”

Walker said from his vantage point, what Dyer has dealt with is a harsh hand.

“As coaches, you never want to see a kid go through something like that,” he said. “Especially with how hard all our kids work.”

Although he still doesn’t have a grasp on why the injury happened, Dyer has reached the point of acceptance and moving for ward.

“One-hundred percent, I believe every thing happens for a reason,” he said. “The advice I would give anyone in a similar situation is to be thankful for every day and take nothing for granted – but accept it as your reality and lean on those you know you can for support. It’s a challenge and a strug gle, but it will shape you into the person you’re supposed to be.”

Despite being out for his entire senior season of football due to injury, Logan Dyer (#12) still provides a positive influence on his teammates. .

Liberty Hill senior Logan Dyer (#12) was an integral part of a Panthers team that advanced to the state champi onship game last season. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

FILE PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

An honor well deserved

Field at Panther Stadium named for legendary Liberty Hill coach

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH SPORTS EDITOR

Jerry Vance only spent the final four of his 16 seasons as Liberty Hill head football coach patrolling the sidelines at the new Panther Stadium before his retirement in 2016.

However, due to his exploits and accom plishments at old Panther Stadium, which included a pair of state championships, the man credited with laying the foundation and building the Panthers athletic program into what it is today has been honored by having his name placed on the field where his legacy is carried on.

In September, the Liberty Hill Indepen dent School District’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved the naming of the gridiron at the high school “Jerry Vance Field at Panther Stadium.”

However, despite his accomplishments and the massive impact he had on the en tire community, Vance was still taken aback by the announcement.

“I was completely taken by surprise – we had no idea it was even being considered,” said Vance. “I’m most appreciative of the school board – this is an honor many people don’t get until they’ve passed away. But, now I get a chance to enjoy it.”

Vance compiled an overall record of 155-

46 and led the Purple-and-Gold to a Class 3A Division II state championship in 2006 and a Class 3A Division I title in 2007.

However, Vance was more than just a winning football coach.

As Liberty Hill athletic director, he built up the entire Panthers program across all sports into a veritable powerhouse other schools would use as a model on how to be successful – which was his blueprint when he took over, said Vance.

“Our plan was to establish a program – the entire athletic program – into one that would be recognized across the entire state,” he said. “In addition, we planned to win in football.”

Following Vance’s first campaign as side line boss in which the Panthers posted a 5-5 record, it was onward and upward from there, as his second year saw an 8-2 record and a playoff victory before the program

really took off eventually resulting in a pair of state championships.

The primary factor of the Panthers’ success under Vance was the famed Slot-T offense, a system that allowed undersized players to dominate larger opponents with its vast variety of speed and deception –even though at first, it was a bit of a hard sell for players to buy into the discipline and dedication the scheme requires from those who execute it at a high level, he said.

“We were going to run the Slot-T and we knew it was going to contribute to our success,” said Vance. “Once we started win ning and having success, everybody worked diligently.”

Early on in is his tenure, Vance hired a young offensive coordinator named Jeff Walker, who would go on to later succeed him as head coach and athletic director fol lowing his retirement. It was Walker who initially pushed for the field to be named in Vance’s honor before Walker’s passing in 2020.

Walker’s widow, Miranda, spoke during the public comments portion of the school board meeting to advocate for the naming to be approved.

“I believe it would be a fantastic way to honor Coach Vance who was responsible for setting the foundation of excellence at Liberty Hill,” said Walker. “He changed the mindset and the culture with his passion.”

“Without Coach Vance, there wouldn’t have been a Jeff Walker and it was one of his last wishes for this to happen,” she said. “What a fantastic honor for my family and how wonderful would it be to honor Coach Vance’s legacy.”

Vance said he found out about the Board’s decision early the next morning.

“(Liberty Hill offensive coordinator) Coach (John) Hall sent me a text at 5:45 a.m. to tell me,” he said. “I’m very humbled by this.”

One of the biggest advocates for the naming was current Panthers head football coach and athletic director Kent Walker, who succeeded his late older brother Jeff, who in turn had succeeded Vance in those positions.

According to Walker, it’s certainly a prop er gesture for a man that meant so much to not only Liberty Hill sports, but the entire community.

“Liberty Hill football is what it is today because of Coach Vance,” said Walker. “But, it’s also fitting for who he is as a person.”

Walker added the legacy Vance left be hind in retirement is one that was all-inclu sive and laid the foundation for the future.

“‘Walker Tough’ all started with Coach Vance,” he said. “He wanted all the sports to be recognized.”

Perhaps what gratified Walker most about the naming was the fact his brother had also pushed for it before his passing.

“Definitely – it was one of his wishes,” said Walker. “(Former Liberty Hill head volleyball coach) Gretchen Peterson had a lot to do with it also.”

Walker said when he arrives at work now each day, he has a pair of constant remind ers of two of the most influential people in his life.

“It means so much to me,” he said. “You have Jeff Walker Way and Jerry Vance Field.”

Even though his name will forever be em blazoned on the Panthers’ current home, Vance said the field where he accomplished most of his achievements will always hold a special place in his heart.

“Old Panther Stadium (behind Liber ty Hill Elementary School) holds a lot of memories for me,” he said. “There are a lot of ghosts still playing there.”

BY ALEX RUBIO

Recently, the street that runs in front of the fieldhouse at Panther Stadium was named “Jeff Walker Way” in honor of the late coach and his accomplishments and the impact he had on the Liberty Hill community as a whole. Bestowing the same kind of honor on Vance would only be appropriate, said Walker.

As for the proper punctuation mark on the end of such a storied coaching career, Vance credited his faith with having provid ed him with the opportunity.

“God has blessed me with the ability to work in a field I love,” he said. “It’s a blessing to have been able to touch so many young lives.”

Former head football coach Jerry Vance has been honored with the naming of the Panthers’ home as “Jerry Vance Field at Panther Stadium”. FILE PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

Retired Panthers head football coach Jerry Vance is credited for having built Liberty Hill’s entire athletic program into promi

PHOTO

Digging her role on the court

Lady Panthers libero takes pride in hitting the floor

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH SPORTS EDITOR

When a volleyball reaches its apex over the net right before being hammered home for a kill, the leather orb is several feet higher than where it began its journey mere seconds before.

That’s where Keegan Walton comes in. Before an outside hitter can rise up ma jestically on the business end of a winner, a back-row player has done her due diligence in digging the ball inches off the floor in repelling an opposing shot and keeping the play alive.

Walton plays the libero position for Liberty Hill and her primary responsibility is to command the Lady Panthers’ backrow defense in a twofold manner – both stopping opposing shots while beginning successful offensive assaults – many times with both combined in the same split-sec ond sequence.

Not a glamorous job to be sure, but one Walton embraces.

“I love being a libero and running the court,” said the 5-foot-6 junior. “I’m a per fectionist, so I want everything to be done right.”

Lady Panthers head coach Marie Bruce acknowledged Walton’s importance to the overall scheme of things as far as her role on the court.

“The libero sets the tone for the entire back row,” said Bruce, who was primarily a setter during her playing days, but also had experience as a libero herself. “It’s her job to get the ball going and we rely on her to get the play started.”

How the play gets started is perhaps the toughest task on a volleyball court, as op posing hitters are taking their best shot in launching leather lasers ticketed for a spot on the hardwood, only for Walton to place her hands together to prevent the ball from finding its target.

Certainly not a job for the faint of heart, but Walton has no fear putting herself in harm’s way dealing with heat-seeking mis siles off the fists of opponents – in fact, she rather likes it, she said.

“I love the feeling of an extremely hardhit ball on my platform,” said Walton, of the triangular shape the hands and forearms form to use as a shield in properly playing the ball. “But, you have to make sure the timing is right, or it will shank and go flying

off wildly, which is something I’m still learning.”

Last season as a sophomore on the varsi ty squad, Walton was a defensive specialist with much the same responsibilities she has now, but took her lead from senior libe ro Haley Kuhlmann, who guided the Liberty Hill back row for three seasons.

Now Walton is running the show and is doing so in fine fashion, averaging 4.2 digs per set and 10.2 per match, including an astounding season-high 32 in the Lady Pan thers’ 3-2 (19-25, 25-12, 24-26, 25-20, 15-10) district road victory over rival Cedar Park.

Such statistics bode well for a player that has lofty expectations for when her career in Purple-and-Gold has concluded.

“I want to get to 1,000 digs for my career,” said Walton. “My dad and I are keeping track.”

But, to reach those kinds of numbers, Walton knows she must sacrifice her body – something she is completely prepared to do – including wearing devices on her hands known as “skids,” which are palm protectors to prevent floor burn.

According to Bruce, a libero must com pletely buy into the ruggedness required to excel.

“Being a libero takes a unique mentality,” said Bruce. “They have to throw their body to the ground about 100 times per match, so you have to want to be on the floor and have the right mindset.”

Part of that mindset is a quirky habit Walton has – albeit one she doesn’t even realize she’s doing.

“I’ve pounded the ball three times before I serve for as long as I can remember, or at least when I started serving overhead,” she said. “I do it so much that it’s now just a subconscious thing – I really don’t even think about.”

As far as being at the beginning of the supply chain as opposed to the other end where the glory is to be had, Walton said she derives much pleasure from knowing one of her comrades has claimed a point for the team.

“When I pass a ball and the hitter gets a kill on our side, I get so excited,” said Walton. “I think the person I get excited for the most when they get a kill is probably (sophomore outside hitter) Annie (Witt) because we get so hyped we run up and hug each other.”

Keegan Walton (#7) isn’t afraid to sacrifice her body in her role as libero for the Lady Panthers in keeping plays alive by repelling opposing shots and starting offensive attacks. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

THE INDEPENDENT BACKS THE FOOTBALL BOOSTERS

Newspaper Owner/Publisher Shelly Wilkison (right) recently presented a $2,000 donation to the Liberty Hill Football Booster Club President Leshelle Vallejo (left) from proceeds from advertising sales on this year’s Panther Football Poster. The newspaper has a long history of supporting Panther athletics and extracurricular programs. STACY COALE PHOTO

Embracing cowboy culture

Panthers tennis player, exchange student enjoying stay

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH SPORTS EDITOR

After her match against Hays last month, Emma Meilen confidently strode up to the white-erase board and placed a “W” next to her name following a 6-3, 6-1 win.

The occasion marked Meilen’s first var sity victory for the Panthers and not only that, but was the junior’s initial triumph on this side of the Atlantic.

Meilen is an exchange student from Germany who arrived in Liberty Hill in July and has already become quite comfortable in the Texas Hill Country.

Despite stereotypes of the Lone Star State existing in the minds of those who have never been stateside, Meilen said so far her temporary home has been exactly as she expected.

“When I heard I was going to Texas, I thought there would be many animals, nice people and cowboys,” she said. “So, I was right.”

A trip to a foreign country an ocean away can indeed be daunting for a 15-year old, but Meilen said she wanted to soak in all America has to offer.

“I wanted to learn a new culture, make new friends and go to a new school,” she said. “Everyone here has been so friendly.”

Meilen had already spoken English for five years before her arrival on American shores and has an affinity for her adopted language.

“I love to speak English and hear it spo ken,” she said. “It’s really easy to learn and I can understand most things.”

In fact, Meilen has so warmed up to the language, she said she has even surprised herself with her mastery.

“I’ve only been here two months,” said Meilen, who hails from Trier, a city of 110,000 located in southeast Germany near the border of Luxembourg. “I didn’t expect to be able to speak and communicate so well.”

Something else Meilen has become fond of is her transportation to and from school every day, she said.

“I love yellow school buses,” said Meilen. “In Germany, they’re black or gray.”

Meilen began the season on the Panthers’ junior varsity squad before being elevated to varsity once she was cleared by the UIL to compete. She has immediately made an impact, said head coach Sherry Rhoden.

“The best thing about Emma is she’s so competitive – she really wants to win,” said Rhoden. “She’s also very coachable and absolutely loves tennis.”

After first picking up a racket at age six, Meilen quickly took to a sport that was already in her blood, she said.

“My entire family has always played tennis,” said Meilen. “My mom, dad, older brother and twin sister.”

Speaking of which, Meilen’s sister Paula is also currently an exchange student in

Sister act on the trails

Siblings enjoy friendly running rivalry

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH SPORTS EDITOR

Kimberly and Kelly Guzman are only separated by a year in school, the former a sophomore and the latter a freshman.

When the sisters take to the trails to compete for Liberty Hill’s cross country team, they’re usually just as close on the clock.

In fact, this season in the first five races of the campaign, Kelly has been the first family member across the finish line on three occasions, while Kimberly has tri umphed twice.

According to Kimberly, racing against Kelly provides addition fuel for her fire.

“I feel like it’s more competitive because it’s my sister,” said Kimberly. “I like the thrill of being better than her.”

So far this year, though, Kelly has posted the highest finish for either with an 11thplace result at the Panthers’ home meet in a time of 21:51.60, while Kimberly has a pair of 15th-place finishes at the Liberty Hill (22:04.80) and Lockhart (14.29.70) meets, the latter of which was a two-mile course.

Kelly said she has had a bit more success than she had expected entering her fresh man season.

“I thought maybe I’d be finishing 30th or 50th or something,” she said. “But, I’ve been able to keep up the pace.”

Up until the Panthers’ meet in Hays, Kimberly had yet to finish in front of her younger sister, but all that changed with

a sudden turn of events, said Liberty Hill head coach Kim Holt.

“We were talking about how Kimberly had never beaten Kelly yet,” she said. “Then Kelly was ahead of her and she ended up beating her.”

The sisters are the latest in a line of Guz man runners that have raced for the Pur ple-and-Gold, as older sister Emily (Class of 2017) and brother Ronaldo (Class of 2020) were also Panthers competitors.

Both sisters said they each learned much from their older siblings – Emily in particular.

“I always looked up to my sister,” said Kimberly. “She always told me to stay persistent and push harder even when you think you can’t.”

Kelly had a similar experience, she said.

“My sister taught me a lot of things,” said Kelly. “From relationships to education and many others.”

Despite the similarities in running results, when the sisters are off the trails, there are some stark contrasts – one in particular concerning food and a certain vegetable.

“I absolutely love onions,” said Kimberly. “But, my sister hates them.”

However, there is one culinary delight they agree on.

“We both like ketchup on pizza,” said Kelly. “Although people think it’s weird, but it’s actually good.”

According to Kelly, being teammates with

Liberty Hill tennis player and German exchange student Emma Meilen records her first varsity win during the Panthers’ home match against Hays earlier this season. (Courtesy Photo)

(Left) Sophomore Kimberly Guzman (#1339) crosses the finish line at the Liberty Hill Invitational, where she finished 15th in the girls’ varsity race. (Right) Kelly Guzman (#498) has enjoyed immediate success this season despite her relative inexperience as a freshman. (Photos by Abby Glenn)

PANTHER OF THE MONTH

Broken bone, broken dream

Senior bounces back from leg fracture

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH SPORTS EDITOR

Don’t ever tell Colin Brandt to break a leg when wishing him luck.

Three years ago when he was a fresh man and finally on the cusp of making his lifelong dream of being a Panthers football player a reality, it was reality that came crashing down on him one day on the practice field.

“I was blocking someone,” said Brandt. “A teammate fell into my leg.”

As soon as he hit the ground in a heap, Brandt knew something was very wrong and indeed it was in the form of a broken left femur.

“All I wanted was for the pain to stop,” he said. “One of the trainers ran out onto the field and called 911, then when the EMTs got there, they gave me an IV and put me in the ambulance.”

On the way to the hospital, Brandt said the painkillers the medics had given him weren’t exactly having the desired effect.

“Every time we even hit a bump in the road, it hurt more,” he said. “The drugs didn’t work at all.”

After a lengthy surgery during which a pair of screws were put into Brandt’s leg to stabilize the bone, the long road to recovery began – although at the time, the forecast for his return to the gridiron wasn’t a good one, said Brandt.

“The doctors told me I would never play football again,” he said. “I had to learn how to walk all over again.”

Rehabilitation was an arduous, fivemonth process during which Brandt still had to attend school in a wheelchair – with some help from older sister Brylee.

“She would come to my classes and take me around,” said Brandt. “It was kind of embarrassing and I don’t like to have to ask for help.”

By the time the following season rolled around, though, Brandt was back at it and finally made his Purple-and-Gold debut on the junior varsity squad, then was elevated to the varsity at the end of the season.

Despite the fact the injury was now in the rear-view mirror, Brandt said it wasn’t yet completely gone from his mind.

“When I first got back, I thought about it a lot,” he said. “But, I just kept going to phys ical therapy so I could get back to playing the sport I love.”

Liberty Hill head coach Kent Walker said

the fact Brandt made it back to the field is a testament to his determination and resolve.

“Colin just persevered,” he said. “He refused to listen to the doctors and he’s definitely been a big part of our team and been even more of a leader this year as a senior.”

In the Panthers’ defensive scheme, Brandt plays what’s known as the “bandit” position and is primarily tasked with sup porting the run defense along with his pass coverage responsibilities.

Akin to a center fielder in baseball that has the entire field in front of him, Brandt prefers to have a similar perspective of what unfolds when the ball is snapped.

“I like being back there,” said Brandt. “Because I can see the entire play develop.”

Once Brandt is finished flying around football fields, he said he plans to pursue another kind of flight.

“I’d like to be a pilot in the Air Force,” he said. “I want to major in commercial avia tion and engineering.”

When Brandt first takes to the sky, though, it won’t be the first time he will have been at the controls of an aircraft, he said.

“My mom has a friend that has a plane,” said Brandt. “He took me with him one time and I actually flew it for about an hour.”

Speaking of mother Bridget, he said the number he wears on his jersey is a tribute to her.

“Eight is her lucky number,” said Brandt. “She was very happy when I chose it.”

According to Brandt, there is one mis conception he would like to clear up he believes most people have about him – at least those who don’t really know him all that well.

“I think people are surprised when they realize I’m actually smart,” said Brandt. “Because I’m kind of a clown always joking around and acting like a fool.”

Meilen

Mississippi.

According to Meilen, the exchange program she and her sister are part of only partially lets students decide where they will spend a year.

However, Meilen is certainly glad the luck of the draw brought her to Central Texas and she’s already warmed up to the Ameri can version of football, having attended the Panthers’ gridiron contests this season.

“Growing up in Germany, I always knew football and baseball were the biggest sports in America,” said Meilen. “Going to the games here has been so cool – just the mood and the feeling of being there with my teammates.”

Meilen is living with her host family –Matt and Kelley Strickland – during her stay in the states and didn’t take long to fit in with the family of seven, said Kelley Strickland.

“We saw a video of Emma when we were choosing who to host,” she said. “Just based on her personality, we thought she would be a good fit – we weren’t necessarily looking to host someone from a particular country.”

Meilen has taken to horseback riding with her hosts and has warmed up to a cer tain American delicacy that’s not available back home, said Strickland.

“Emma absolutely loves Dairy Queen,” she said. “She always gets the Oreo Bliz zard.”

Meilen’s exchange is sponsored by International Cultural Exchange Services, a nonprofit organization that provides oppor tunities for students from all over the world to travel abroad in search of education and adventure.

“We’re not going to want to send Emma back to Germany,” Strickland said. “It already feels like she’s been here forever. We’re getting out of this experience as much as she is.”

Sisters

her sister offers even more of a bond than she has with the other runners on the team.

“It’s good to have someone I can really talk to,” said Kelly. “Also, we push each other when we run together.”

But, like any siblings, there are both ways in which the Guzmans are alike and others in which they are different, said Kimberly.

“We both definitely have a passion for running,” she said. “But, we each have different ways of thinking.”

Brandt (#8) was told by doctors he would never play football again, only to prove them wrong with a return to the field. PHOTOS BY ALEX RUBIO

October

Oct. 8

2ND ANNIVERSARY

WITH DANCING DAYS

Agape BBQ

3610 RM 1869, Liberty Hill

7-9:30 p.m.

512-548-6230/agapebbq.com

OPERATION LIBERTY HILL

POP-UP HOLIDAY STORE

Orchard Ridge Amenity Center

100 Orchard Park Dr, Liberty Hill

10 a.m.- 3 p.m.

OLH will also be accepting donations of hygiene products i.e. shampoo, bath soap, deodorant, etc., for their food pantry.

Oct. 14

FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE

WITH NOLO

Agape BBQ

3610 RM 1869, Liberty Hill

7-9 p.m.

512-548-6230/agapebbq.com

Oct. 17

RODNEY CROWELL

Globe Theater

132 W. Vaughn St., Bertram 8 p.m. Tickets $50-65 globetheatertx.com

Oct. 21

SECOND HAND ROSE BAND

Hometown Watering Hole

3317 E. Hwy. 29, Bertram 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m. $10 Cover 512-355-7377 hometownwateringhole.net alicia.boychuk@gmail.com

DEANA CARTER

Haute Spot

1501 E. New Hope Dr., Cedar Park 6-11 p.m.

7-9 p.m. 512-548-6230/agapebbq.com

Oct. 27

DIAMOND RIO

Haute Spot

1501 E. New Hope Dr., Cedar Park

5-10 p.m.

Tickets $39-$64.50 512-986-7411 hautespotvenue.com

Oct. 28

FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE WITH BOOT ROCK BOYS

Agape BBQ

3610 RM 1869, Liberty Hill

7-9 p.m. 512-548-6230/agapebbq.com

trunks with games, inflatables, snacks, and of course lots of candy!

MUSIC UNDER THE OAKS WITH FAMILY SHILOH Agape BBQ 3610 RM 1869, Liberty Hill 7-9 p.m. 512-548-6230/agapebbq.com

JESSE LOPEZ Y LOS FUNKY MONKEYS

Hometown Watering Hole

3317 E. Hwy. 29, Bertram

8 p.m.-12:30 a.m. $10 Cover 512-355-7377 hometownwateringhole.net alicia.boychuk@gmail.com

Oct. 9

VANILLA ICE AND COOLIO

Haute Spot

1501 E. New Hope Dr., Cedar Park

5-10 p.m. Tickets $59-$199 512-986-7411 hautespotvenue.com

Nolo

AHL HOCKEY

TEXAS STARS VS. COLORADO EAGLES

HEB Center

2100 Ave of the Stars, Cedar Park

7 p.m.

Tickets $19-$54 HEBCenter.com

Oct. 15

MUSIC UNDER THE OAKS WITH PREACHERS ON THE RADIO

Agape BBQ

3610 RM 1869, Liberty Hill

7-9 p.m.

512-548-6230/agapebbq.com

PAUL THORN

Globe Theater

132 W. Vaughn St., Bertram

8 p.m.

Tickets $25-35 globetheatertx.com

Tickets $22- $42 512-986-7411 hautespotvenue.com

Oct. 22

LIBERTY HILL INTERNATIONAL SCULPTURE FESTIVAL

Lions Foundation Park

355 TX-332, Liberty Hill 4-10 p.m. experiencelhtx.com

Visit Liberty Hill’s famous sculpture garden for the annual celebration of the 1976 event that a racted artists from around the world. Featuring live sculpting demos in a variety of mediums, art activities hosted by local businesses, along with live music, food vendors, street dance and silent disco.

MUSIC UNDER THE OAKS

WITH NAMELESS ROAD

Agape BBQ

3610 RM 1869, Liberty Hill

HAIR METAL GIANTS

Haute Spot

1501 E. New Hope Dr., Cedar Park

6-11 p.m. Tickets $10-$20 512-986-7411 hautespotvenue.com

NICKELODEON BLUE’S CLUES & YOU! HEB Center 2100 Ave of the Stars, Cedar Park 6:30 p.m. Tickets $29-$59 HEBCenter.com

Oct. 29

FALL FESTIVAL AT ANDICE

BAPTIST CHURCH

Andice Baptist Church 6570 FM970, Florence 4-7 p.m.

All are welcome for free food, games, pe ing zoo, arts and cra s, hayrides, bounce houses and more.

TRUNK OR TREAT

One Chapel Liberty Hill 811 Loop 331, Liberty Hill 5-7 p.m. Free family event! We’ll have

LOS TEXMANIACS

Globe Theater

132 W. Vaughn St., Bertram 8 p.m. Tickets $30-50 globetheatertx.com

FUSION ATX

Hometown Watering Hole

3317 E. Hwy. 29, Bertram

8 p.m.-12:30 a.m. $10 Cover 512-355-7377 hometownwateringhole.net alicia.boychuk@gmail.com

Jess Lopez Y Los Funky Monkeys

Texas Stars

Rodney Crowell

Hair Metal Giants

Family Shiloh

LOOKING FOR A NEW