October 2023 Liberty Hill Independent Monthly

CONTENTS

FEATURES

8 | TRULY FAB-ULOUS

Sisco’s Fabrication designs one-of-a-kind vehicles

12 | JACE’S ACES

Liberty Hill 12-year-old doesn’t let rare bleeding disorder hold him back

13 | 25 YEARS OF SERVICE

Ginger Floyd of RE/MAX Town & Country is celebrating a milestone

15 | LIBERTY HILL CITY COUNCIL

Get to know the new member joining the City Council in November

16 | A BOTTLED REVOLUTION

Bertram-based Decadent Saint Winery creates wine-based hard mixers

18 | SMOOTH OPERATORS

CTE students from LHHS run the Friday Night Lights scoreboard

23 | ADOPT-A-CAMPUS

New LHISD program promotes community support across campuses

24 | SCULPTURE FESTIVAL

Art will come to life at Liberty Hill’s annual event

28 | KICKIN’ IT

LHHS senior preparing for college football in Waco

29 | VOLLEYBALL

Senior player leads her team in digs

30 | TENNIS SQUAD

Liberty Hill’s tennis team continues to flourish as season goes on

32 | PANTHER OF THE MONTH

Get to know Caden Glenn, senior Cross Country runner

33 | CROSS COUNTRY

Panthers sophomore thrives during longer races

DEPARTMENTS

7 | BIZ BRIEFS

See the businesses opening soon in Liberty Hill

34 | WORSHIP GUIDE

Find a church home for your family

36 | LOCAL EVENTS

Local entertainment planned across Liberty Hill in October

18

ABOUT OUR COVER

Brandon Sisco (center right), owner of Sisco’s Fabrication in Liberty Hill, designs and modifies one-of-a-kind vehicles with the help of his staff, which includes his wife and three sons.

LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT MONTHLY

A Publication of Liberty Hill Independent News & Media OWNERS/PUBLISHERS | Scott Akanewich, Rachel Madison ADVERTISING SALES | Stacy Coale, Anna McVey GRAPHIC DESIGN | Katie McLaughlin CONTRIBUTING WRITERS | Rachel Madison, Scott Akanewich, James Wear

www.LHIndependent.com

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 reported to us herein, and the opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. For advertising rates and information, 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 design team, advertising specialists and many others passionate about sharing the story of Liberty Hill, Texas. Copyright©2023 Liberty Hill Independent News & Media/Liberty Hill Independent. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without permission in writing from the publishers.

Contact Us: (512) 778-5577 | news@LHIndependent.com | Liberty Hill Independent, PO Box 204, Liberty Hill, TX 78642

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PHOTO BY ANNA McVEY

BIZ BRIEFS:

Latest business openings and what’s coming soon to Liberty Hill What’s New?

nursery sits on 20 acres and offers customers a wide variety of plants, including several Texas natives. Currently, the nursery is open only on weekends.

Rooster’s Gift Shop

719 Hwy. 183

Rooster’s Gift Shop recently opened in the strip center behind Smokey Mo’s BBQ on Highway 183. The shop sells a variety of items, including vape and tobacco products.

OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS

• Liberty Hill Precision Firearms

FOOD & BEVERAGE

The Local Lemon Press

Mobile, Liberty Hill

The Local Lemon Press is a new gourmet lemonade truck started by Liberty Hill resident Melissa Kever. At the press, customers can get fresh squeezed, madeto-order lemonades in a variety of unique flavors, like blueberry pomegranate.

Williamson County Bagel Company

14300 Ronald Reagan Blvd.

A new build-your-own-bagel concept restaurant is coming to Williamson County, thanks to a local Liberty Hill family. Williamson County Bagel Company will be built from the ground up and is anticipated to open in summer 2024.

OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS

• RJ Roasting Tex-Mex BBQ

5800 N. Hwy. 183

RETAIL

LL Nursery and Garden Center

6945 CR 200

A new nursery opened in Liberty Hill in September. The

Brakes Plus

12336 Hwy. 29

Automotive repair company

Brakes Plus recently broke ground for a new location in Liberty Hill. Brakes Plus has dozens of locations across Texas, primarily in the greater Dallas area.

sweatshirts, t-shirts, mugs and a new wild game seasoning called Hunters Creek Processing Wild Game Dust.

Liberty Tavern 3000 RR 1869

Liberty Tavern is celebrating its one-year anniversary of being open in Liberty Hill this month.

Bethany Blaze, Royal Bliss Day Spa

3101 FM 1869

Bethany Blaze recently joined the team at Royal Bliss Day Spa as a massage therapist. She has been a licensed massage therapist since 2018.

Alexis Michael, First Texas Bank

Central Texas Feed

523 Hwy. 29, Bertram

Central Texas Feed is under new management as of late August. The new manager is Brandon Tucker.

Cold Springs Liquor

9073 Hwy. 29

OTHER NOTABLE

PROJECTS

• Dusty Cotton Wash & Fold

Mobile, Liberty Hill

• Sparkles Cleaning Service

721 Hwy. 183

921 Jase Reid Lane

SERVICES

Valor Education

CR 267 & Kauffman Loop

Valor Education has purchased land for their Leander-based classical charter school, Valor Leander. The acquired property includes 13.8 acres of land. Valor has also been working with their architect and building partners to finalize the plans for a K-12 facility that will eventually house 1,550 students.

Celebration Church

13125 Hwy. 29

Celebration Church recently opened a new campus in Liberty Hill, which functions out of Liberty Hill Middle School on Sundays. Services are offered at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. every Sunday.

Foils & Fades

1201 Main St.

Mary Ledezma, former owner of The Hair Stop, has moved to another part of downtown Liberty Hill to open a new salon called Foils & Fades, which is housed in the previous location of Texas Honey Hole. Ledezma, along with partner Krystal Ann, provide full family hair services.

Mobile, Liberty Hill

• Twelve Oaks Professional Park

2021 Kauffman Loop

• Dykes Electric Co.

Mobile, Liberty Hill

• The Goat Handyman Services

Mobile, Bertram

• Perennial Roofing

Mobile, Liberty Hilll

• Jaclyn May Photography

Mobile, Liberty Hill

• Out of Sight Tint

123 Holmes Road

• Quality Stone Work Legends

17581 Hwy. 29

ON THE MOVE

Hunters Creek Processing

4892 Hwy. 183

Hunters Creek Processing recently went through a major expansion project to bring more offerings to customers, including Yukon Outfitters coolers, Hunters Creek hats,

First Texas Bank recently hired Alexis Michael as president and CEO. Michael comes to the bank with great enthusiasm and the past 19 years of her community banking career having been spent right in North Central Texas.

Ramé Beauty Salon

12780 Hwy. 29

Ramé Beauty Salon recently moved from Georgetown to Liberty Hill and has taken space inside the former Flock Fitness building. This expansion will allow the salon to add hair services, injections, esthetics and tiny tattoos to the service list.

Pep & Punch

2023 Main St.

Pep & Punch is celebrating four years of being in business this month. An anniversary event will take place at the shop all day long on Oct. 13.

Cold Springs Liquor recently held a grand re-opening party to celebrate the store being under new management.

Simply Home Boutique

15280 Hwy. 29

Simply Home Boutique is celebrating its 11th birthday in October. The store is hosting a PLINKO party Oct. 6 and 7 where customers can drop chips for prizes. Mimosas and cake will be served on Oct. 7.

Liberty Hill Veterinary Wellness

13575 Hwy. 29

Liberty Hill Veterinary Wellness expanded its existing hours on Oct. 2 to include urgent care hours from 6 p.m. to midnight Monday through Friday.

The Local Lemon Press

Rooster’s Gift Shop

Bethany Blaze

Building dreams on wheels

Liberty Hill auto shop customizes one-of-a-kind cars

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH OWNER/PUBLISHER

Just off Highway 29 in Liberty Hill is a series of garages that on the exterior blend in with the surrounding area. However, what goes on inside is the stuff of four-wheeled dreams.

Sisco’s Fab is where auto enthusiasts with a flair and desire for something different go to see their visions come to fruition in the form of uniquely-designed and built one-of-a-kind vehicles.

Brandon Sisco is the mastermind behind the operation that opened its doors locally in 2020 and has been featured on several television networks including Discovery Channel and more recently on an episode of “Downey’s Dream Cars” on HBO Max.

Needless to say, Sisco’s reputation certainly proceeds him and as a result, is never at a shortage for work in his shop following a brief break from the business, he said.

“As soon as previous customers found out I was back in business, they started throwing money at me – we don’t need to advertise,” he said.

Speaking of dollars, Sisco has come a long way from humble beginnings in the Central California town of Visalia where he began his

custom car career. Now he currently resides at the top of the vehicle fabrication mountain.

“Back in those days, I would take any job between $300 and $1,000,” he said. “If I needed $300 to pay my electric bill, I would charge $300. Now, we do jobs in the hundreds of thousands.”

Origin story

The journey began when Sisco was approaching driving age and was trying to figure out how he was going to purchase his first ride, when inspiration hit in the form of a friend, he said.

“I was 15 and was thinking about what I was going to start driving,” said Sisco. “We didn’t have a lot of money, so my dad told me if I wanted a truck, I would have to build it myself. I had a buddy who raised a sheep and sold it at market for $1,200 and I thought ‘Wow, that’s a lot of money – I can do that.’ So, I joined the 4-H club at my high school – I hated 4-H, I had to wear the white shirt and pants and everything – but, I did it, raised my own sheep and bought my first truck – it was a ‘76 Chevy Stepside 4x4 that was so rusted, it barely ran, but it was mine.”

Taking it next level

Before arriving in the Lone Star State, Sisco spent time in Arizona, where he further honed his considerable skills while working for world-renowned auto auction company Barrett-Jackson.

“They needed somebody to do maintenance on their cars, so I applied,” said Sisco. “Ended up staying there four years.”

But, soon the grinding gears of such a big organization took its toll, he said.

“The corporate life was getting to be too much for me,” said Sisco. “It was difficult to have to answer to someone else after having previously been on my own.”

Then, fate intervened with Sisco’s appearance on the show “Texas Metal” on Motor Trend which was based in Houston,

where he was first introduced to a concept that would become his bread-and-butter moving forward, he said.

“They were converting two-door trucks into four-door versions,” said Sisco. “Nowadays, people won’t buy a truck unless it has four doors, but all the late models from way back didn’t come that way, so if you want it, you have to do it yourself.”

To date, Sisco’s most meaningful masterpiece is a 1970 Chevy C10 with four doors – along with many other customizations, he said.

“It’s the most modified truck of its kind in the world,” said Sisco. “I built it as perfect as I could.”

According to Sisco, the truck was going to be featured on a magazine cover, which precluded his extra attention-to-detail on the build all the way up to and including the paint job.

“They told me it was the first time ever they didn’t need to airbrush anything at all,” he said. “They didn’t need to do anything – it was phenomenal.”

Only one problem, though.

“The truck was black and they said they would never put a black truck on the cover,” said Sisco. “If you look at magazine covers, they want colors that stand out.”

One of the features Sisco helped build his reputation on over the years was the use

One of Sisco’s Fab’s current projects is a 1970 Chevy C10 truck that is being custom-rebuilt.

PHOTO BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

“I’m free to do things other people can’t or won’t do. I never say I can’t do something.”

Brandon Sisco

Brandon Sisco has perfected the skill of converting late-model two-door trucks into four-doors. PHOTO BY ANNA McVEY

Currently, Sisco’s Fab is building a custom 1956 Chevy Nomad that will feature many unique aspects not found on the original model. PHOTO BY ANNA McVEY

of airbags that function as lift kits, which eliminates the need for the more complicated hydraulic systems that can be found on many custom vehicles.

These days, one of the more popular items is a sleeker look for windows, he said.

“Something a lot of people want now is what’s called flush glass,” said Sisco. “It’s a lot smoother and cleaner-looking with how it integrates into the body.”

Stickler for uniqueness

Sisco takes great satisfaction in making sure every vehicle he builds is a unique, one-of-a-kind ride – a personality trait that’s in his blood, he said.

“I’ve always been the guy who never does the same thing twice,” said Sisco. “Even if someone sees a truck I did and says ‘I want that,’ it still won’t be exactly identical.”

With the autonomy he has, Sisco is able to travel outside-the-box while turning wrenches to the beat of his own drum.

“I’m free to do things other people can’t or won’t do,” he said. “I never say I can’t do something.”

Having this kind of mechanical free spirit – and the ability and resources to utilize it – allows him to go places with his designs and builds most only dream of.

“I think a lot of builders have a certain comfort level with what they do,” said Sisco. “But I like to be tested and for things to be harder in order to push my abilities.”

In order to help facilitate such creativity, Sisco fabricates many of the parts he incorporates into his builds in-house, eliminating the need for a middle man in the form of suppliers – a necessity that was initially brought about by the pandemic, he said.

“We were having supply chain issues just like everybody else back then,” said Sisco. “It affected us a lot.”

Now, no such worries as Sisco can manufacture parts to his own specifications depending on the needs of a build.

“This way, things can fit exactly like they’re supposed to,” he said. “Compared to a part that’s designed to fit more than one vehicle.”

Sisco also went out of his way earlier on in his career to learn every layer of car customization in order to have a better overall insight when making a design come to life.

“Back when I was building that first truck of mine, I was pretty determined,” he said. “I wanted to know every aspect from welding to bodywork and even the paint.”

Family affair

Sisco’s wife, Missee, along with sons Logan, 26, Wesley, 24 and Boston, 15, run

the business with a select group of employees that comprise the team – although the youngest sibling is more the apprentice to his father’s master status, said Sisco.

“Boston’s like my protege,” he said. “Right now, he’s rebuilding a Subaru Brat all on his own.”

However, despite the highspeed workplace the family now calls home, the Siscos have made sure over the years to keep their sons grounded in their origins –just like dad did back in the day, said Sisco.

“Even though we have this garage here, I still always made them work on their cars in the driveway at home,” he said. “Hot weather, cold, rain – whatever.”

Despite the fact Sisco is his own boss, though, he doesn’t use that luxury as a way to slack off – in fact, it’s quite the opposite, he said.

“I usually work seven days a week – 10-12 hours per day,” said Sisco. “If there’s something to do, I’m here. Of course, for me it’s not really work.”

Sisco’s Fab team is comprised of Junior Cruz, Marlon Winik, Steve Rhoades, Logan Sisco, Wesley Sisco, Brandon Sisco and Boston Sisco, who work out of their Liberty Hill shop.

PHOTO BY ANNA McVEY

Brandon Sisco has been building custom cars and trucks since back in his high school days.

PHOTO BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

Gettin’ in the Game FEATURE

Rare bleeding disorder doesn’t hold 12-year-old Jace Clawson back

BY RACHEL MADISON OWNER/PUBLISHER

Santa Rita Middle School sixth grader

Jace Clawson is like most other 12-year-old boys. He likes to hang out with his friends, play golf, go fishing and watch sports—but there’s one thing that sets him apart from all the others. He was born with a rare bleeding disorder called hemophilia.

Hemophilia is a disorder that prevents blood from clotting. While his disorder is manageable with twice weekly IV medication, because his blood doesn’t clot, it is unsafe for him to play sports like football, hockey or lacrosse. Additionally, sports and activities that are jarring or hard on the joints aren’t a great idea either, his mom, Shelley Clawson said.

“Long story short, we got him interested young in things he could do, like golf, fishing and hunting,” she said.

It hasn’t always been easy, Shelley added.

“Having a boy in Texas in general, you

just think, ‘He’s going to play football,’” she said. “And then being in Liberty Hill, we thought for sure he would. But when he was diagnosed at seven days old, we realized those were the things we wanted for him. We didn’t know what he’d want for himself and what God wants for him. It hasn’t been easy, but he’s never given us a hard time about not being able to play. And he still gets to play flag football.”

The Clawsons got Jace involved in golf from a very young age, and in the last couple of years, he’s really learned to enjoy the game, Shelley said.

In fact, his love for golf spurred him to apply for a national event taking place this month in Henderson, Nev., called Gettin’ in the Game Junior National Championship, which is the only nationwide sports competition for children with bleeding disorders. It was created by biopharmaceutical company CSL Behring 21 years ago.

He recently learned he was one of two people who are members of the Lone Star Bleeding Disorders Foundation to be selected to attend the competition in October. Not only will he get to take a lesson from a golf pro, but he will also get to play in a nine-hole golf tournament against other kids who also have bleeding disorders.

In his essay, Jace wrote about how having a bleeding disorder hasn’t held him back in life, even though he’s had to learn throughout his childhood how to be safe and smart.

“In order to take care of myself, I have to think before I do things,” he wrote. “It doesn’t mean I don’t get to have fun and do crazy things. It just means I have to take a minute and think, ‘Would this be a good idea?’”

Jace also wrote about how living with hemophilia has helped him to be encouraging to other kids he knows who also have rare diseases.

Jace Clawson, who was born with a rare bleeding disorder, is looking forward to playing golf in the Gettin’ in the Game Junior National Championship in Henderson, Nev., this month. The JNC is the only national sports competition for children with bleeding disorders. COURTESY PHOTO

“I have an understanding for others with a disease,” he wrote. “We have a great family friend named Finn. He has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. He’s a little guy now, but I love playing with him and swimming and laughing.”

Hemophilia is typically a genetic disorder, but in Jace’s case, there’s no family history of bleeding disorders. He is one in about 5,000 people who are diagnosed yearly in the United States.

“It’s manageable, as long as we’re responsible and stay on top of his medicine,

which is an IV infusion twice a week,” Shelley said. “That’s probably the blessing in it all. He doesn’t fight us; he’s laid back and accepting of, ‘You can’t go play basketball in the driveway today, so we’ll figure something else out.’ He doesn’t really gripe about it.”

Jace’s dad, JC Clawson, added that Jace has always been cautious, which has been a big help. Shelley added that Jace is very good at making decisions about what he can realistically do.

“We don’t wrap him in bubble wrap, and we also let him do his own thing,” JC said.

Advocating for Jace has always been a big deal for his parents, Shelley said. After they learned his diagnosis when he was just a week old, one of the first things Shelley did was start looking into local resources and support options. That’s when she found the Lone Star Bleeding Disorders Foundation.

Each year, the foundation holds a community walk to promote bleeding disorders awareness and raise funds for research for treatments and cures.

“The Lone Star chapter has truly been a source of information and education and support for us,” Shelley said. “That’s why

the walk is so important to us. The funds raised in this area affect the local patients. I’ve been involved with the chapter since Jace was born, and we look forward to the walk every year.”

At just 8 weeks old, Jace participated in his first walk with his family and has every year since then—except when COVID was a factor. His walking group has always been known as Jace’s Aces. This year’s walk takes place on Oct. 28 at Brushy Creek Regional Park in Cedar Park.

“We have walked since he was about 8 weeks old, so this year will be our 13th walk to attend,” Shelley said. “Our biggest team had close to 50 people one year. We sell T-shirts for our team every year and donate those proceeds to the foundation as well.”

Though his bleeding disorder plays a big role in his life, Jace doesn’t stress about it too much—instead he focuses on all the things he can do and the encouragement he can give to others who also live with rare diseases.

“For me, hemophilia is just part of my story, it isn’t the whole story,” Jace said. For more information on the Lone Star Bleeding Disorder Foundation’s walk on Oct. 28, visit uniteforbleedingdisorders. org/team/14404. To purchase a Jace’s Aces T-shirt, email shelleyclawson@gmail.com.

Last year, Jace Clawson’s team, Jace’s Aces, had a huge turnout for the annual walk for the Lone Star Bleeding Disorders Foundation. COURTESY PHOTO

Jace Clawson has been a part of team Jace’s Aces since he was just eight weeks old and participated in his first walk for the Lone Star Bleeding Disorders Foundation. COURTESY PHOTO

25 years of dedicated service

Liberty Hill local has served company for a quarter of a century

BY RACHEL MADISON OWNER/PUBLISHER

A lot can happen in 25 years, and for Liberty Hill resident Ginger Floyd, it certainly has. She’s had children, watched those children grow, graduate from high school and get married, and has even become a grandmother. But one thing that’s been steadfast in Floyd’s life is her career.

Floyd has spent the last 25 years working for RE/MAX Town & Country in Liberty Hill. When she first started with the company, it was called Clyde Davis Real Estate, named a er the owner. In 2003, Davis’ son-in-law, Shane White, purchased the business from him, and has owned it since.

“It’s easy for me to keep track of how long I’ve been with the company because I was on maternity leave with my middle daughter when I was offered the job,” Floyd said. “Clyde had sold a property for my husband and I, and then helped us buy a bigger house because we

together at Liberty Hill [High School]—so when he called me, and I was on maternity leave, it was like an angel called.”

At the time, Floyd was working in downtown Austin, but with a 2-year-old and newborn, the commute from Liberty Hill was becoming more and more difficult.

“I didn’t want to drive downtown every day, so I started working for him for about four to six hours a day part time,” Floyd said. “Shortly a er I joined the company, we became RE/ MAX.”

Though Floyd has primarily served first as an office assistant and later as office manager, she also earned her real estate license in 2007, which has allowed her to be a big asset to her co-workers.

“I’m able to assist with more things real estate wise, not just clerical,” she said. “I can help clients with their contracts or help if someone is out of the office. I’m able to answer our clients’ questions.”

RE/MAX Town & Country’s office, located at

that, she and Davis operated out of a portable building that had a permanent spot at the gas station just across the highway from their current location.

“We had no bathroom, so if we had to go, we’d have to go into the gas station,” Floyd said.

“The best part about working there was when it was cold, we’d just walk in and get a hot chocolate. That’s the only time in my life that I ever drank hot chocolate.”

Since those early days, Liberty Hill has changed a lot, Floyd said, especially when it comes to local real estate.

“When I started, there were no subdivisions in Liberty Hill—it was all just individual properties,” she said. “People used to stop by here all the time to ask for directions, because that was before everyone had GPS on their phones. I used to know where every single street in town was and didn’t even think anything of it back then. Now we have to try to keep up with all the new addresses and subdivisions.”

Working anywhere for 25 years can cause one to be fiercely loyal to their company, but for Floyd, it’s always been so much more than that.

“I don’t have any personal holdings in the company, but I’m always looking out for what we can do to be er the company and what we can do to help each other be successful,” she said. “Our business is very family oriented, and I don’t think I’d be as loyal to the company if it wasn’t. Some people go to work and hate their jobs. I come in and I love everyone I

Pets Happy Pets

Ginger Floyd, o ce manager at RE/MAX Town & Country, recently celebrated 25 years of service at the company. PHOTO BY ANNA McVEY

Incoming City Council member ready to hit the ground running in November

BY RACHEL MADISON OWNER/PUBLISHER

Come November, the City of Liberty Hill will have a new council member sitting on the dais.

Liberty Hill resident Michael Helbing, who previously served on the board for the Economic Development Corporation from 2020 to 2022, will step into the Place 2 position after Election Day on Nov. 7.

The seat in question is being vacated by Council member Will Crossland, who was elected to City Council in May 2022. Crossland is no longer qualified to serve as a City Council member according to the City’s code of ordinances, which requires City Council members to live within city limits. The unexpired term runs through May 2025.

Because Helbing was the only candidate to officially file, he won’t need to campaign. Following the Nov. 7 election, he will be

sworn in and become an active member of the City Council. Though he doesn’t need to campaign, he plans on getting to know his constituents as best he can.

“I’ve always been in touch with the City Council since we moved here,” he said. “I love the community and I really care about this town and its growth potential. In the eight years we’ve lived here, I’ve seen a lot of negativity. It was a calling with Crossland stepping down. It’s time for me to join in and try to help unite the community.”

While Helbing knows growth in Liberty Hill is inevitable, he said he wants to be a part of making that growth positive.

“In order for growth to be positive, we need infrastructure changes,” he said. “We need to grow that before we can grow businesses in the community.

Especially with the water issues we have.”

Helbing said he is looking forward to working with the other council members to find ways to address the City’s water concerns.

“I don’t necessarily have any ideas right now, but I believe we can all work together as a council to come to some type of solution about the water issues,” he said.

Another issue Helbing wants to tackle as a member of the council is traffic concerns.

“I think the light downtown was a great idea, though it should have been done with turn lanes,” he said. “I also think the roundabout is a good idea—anything to alleviate that traffic back up there. We also need to continuously work with TXDOT to get these traffic issues resolved.”

Helbing said he’s typically very outspoken with his thoughts and ideas, which he hopes will be an asset to the

“I don’t want to come in and change the world, but I want to work together for the benefit of the community,” he said. “I want to bring my ideas to the table and work together.”

One thing Helbing has seen over the last several years in Liberty Hill is a divisiveness that he wants to reverse.

“We should be more united in what the city needs and wants,” he said. “I also feel like the ETJ (extra-territorial jurisdiction) is not represented. I understand the city comes first, but eventually it could be part of the city, so those residents need to have a voice too.”

Helbing also plans on being an advocate for his constituents when it comes to transparency.

“Transparency is key,” he said. “If you’re on the council, or hold any public office,

that should be number one.”

Helbing grew up in the Copperas Cove area, after moving there from Germany at just two years of age. He and his wife, Jennifer, moved to Liberty Hill in 2015. Together, they have seven children as a part of their blended family, ranging from college-age to middle school-age. He works as a grocery store manager at an H-E-B in North Austin, where he has worked for the last 27 years. He is also currently earning an associate degree in business from Austin Community College.

Overall, Helbing’s ultimate goal as he joins the City Council is to help Liberty Hill grow and be a better community.

“I don’t work in the city, so it’ll be good to have some outside eyes looking in,” he said. “I’m truly open to hearing what people want. I want people’s voices to be heard and heard equally.”

Michael Helbing will take the Place 2 seat on the Liberty Hill City Council in November. COURTESY PHOTO council.

“I don’t want to come in and change the world, but I want to work together for the benefit of the community. I want to bring my ideas to the table and work together.”

Michael Helbing

A bo led

Australian-born Michael Hasler brings innovation to wine industry

BY RACHEL MADISON OWNER/PUBLISHER

At just 14 years old, Australian-born Michael Hasler started making his own wine in his parent’s home. He’d bought a book on winemaking, and it had inspired him to start creating his own.

“I also started reading The World Atlas of Wine and it really enthralled me,” he said. “When I started high school, I chose all my subjects around wine making. I took chemistry and biology. A er high school, I went straight to wine college, and earned my bachelor of science in wine making.”

Following his education, though Hasler still had a deep love for wine making, he decided to take a different path and go into acting.

“Wine making is very remote, and at that time I wanted to express myself,” he said. “Acting was such a dream.”

A er acting full time for three years, Hasler and his first wife next decided to move to New Zealand, where he went back to his first love of wine.

“We bought 300 acres in New Zealand, and I worked as a consultant wine maker for local wineries,” he said. “I would advise them, show them how to get set up to make wine and host tastings, and that was very successful.”

So successful, in fact, that Hasler ended up making the first ever gold medal and trophy winning Syrah in New Zealand. He also created a Chardonnay that earned three gold medals in both the New Zealand Wine Show and the National Wine Show.

While in New Zealand, Hasler and his wife didn’t just focus on wine. Together, they also built a luxury ski lodge in Lake Wanaka. It took over three years to complete the project, but once it was finished, it was considered one of the

Michael Hasler has been making wine since before he was an adult. His current endeavor, Decadent Saint Winery, is located just west of Bertram, where he lives with his wife and winery mascot, Chloe the Saint Bernard. PHOTO BY ANNA MCVEY

premiere luxury lodges in New Zealand. Hasler used his vast knowledge of the wine industry to create unique après ski beverages for customers.

As the project wrapped up, Hasler’s wife passed away from cancer.

“That was very tough,” he said. “I stayed for three or four more years at the lodge but didn’t want to be there. When I turned 50, I took a cruise to Alaska.”

That Alaskan cruise turned out to be a serendipitous trip. The first day on the boat, he met his current wife, Carolee, who was an American. They eventually landed in Boulder, Colo., where Decadent Saint was born in 2013.

“We crushed about 45 tons of grapes there and made a lot of different wines,” Hasler said. “That’s also when we got started with creating the extra hard mixers.”

The first flavor Hasler created was the Spiced Dark Chocolate, which includes a combination of red wine, dark chocolate, coffee and berries. Since then, he’s also created flavors like Spiced Blackcurrant, Passionfruit and Raspberry. The extra hard mixers each sit at 20.5 percent alcohol and are meant to be

mixed with a variety of different beverages to create unique cocktails.

The simplest option, Hasler said, is to mix two ounces of any flavor with six to 8 ounces of water. That creates sangria. A sparking sangria can be made by switching the still water with sparkling water. A mimosa can be created by mixing 1.5 ounces of any flavor mixer with four to five ounces of Champagne.

Hasler said the drink possibilities are endless. He has created a recipe guide for customers so they can see the different options available. His mixers can be used to create margaritas, mules, daiquiris, mojitos, martinis and more.

Decadent Saint Winery flourished in Boulder until the COVID pandemic.

“At the start of COVID, we were on the verge of our take-off point with the mixers, but it ended up being our take down,” Hasler said. “We weren’t going to survive.”

That’s when Hasler and his wife decided to make a big move—all the way to Texas. They first looked at well-known wine regions, like Fredericksburg, but eventually found the right place on about 20 acres just west of Bertram.

“We were looking all over the Hill

Country, but it was difficult to find the right property for us,” he said. “We finally found this place and realized it would give us some exclusivity.”

Decadent Saint Winery in Bertram opened for business in October 2021. The winery’s mascot, a Saint Bernard, is modeled after Hasler’s own dog, Chloe, who rules the roost at the winery. Wherever Hasler is, Chloe isn’t far behind, and art work on the walls in the tasting room show just how loved she is by Hasler and his staff.

Though the extra hard mixers are the star of the show at Decadent Saint, Hasler still offers regular wine, too. He partners with a winery based out of California to sell Decadent Saint labeled wines like moscato, petite syrah and chardonnay. And, as the saying goes: waste not, want not.

“I use what’s leftover of all the spices and things from creating the mixers to make what I call Decadent Mud,” Hasler said.

The mud, which is a thick dipping sauce that can used for dipping everything from fruit to crackers, comes in dark chocolate or mint flavors.

Hasler said the mud can also be used for an ice cream topping, a mix-in for coffee or frosting for a cake. Decadent Mud is 8 percent alcohol and is also dairy free.

Hasler loves to host tastings for all of his products because once people get a taste, they realize how versatile they are. The tasting room is currently open to the public every weekend, from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

A large, shaded outdoor area with seating gives customers a place to relax while they sip on their beverages, and plans to add more amenities are on the forefront of Hasler’s mind, he said.

With 20 acres filled with large oak trees, he plans to make the winery a destination, whether that’s for weddings or corporate events.

For more information on Decadent Saint Winery, visit decadentsaint.com or search for Decadent Saint Winery on Facebook or Instagram.

Decadent Saint’s Most Popular Cocktails

Spiced Dark Chocolate Manhattan

0.75 oz. Spiced Dark Chocolate

0.5 oz. Spiced Blackcurrant

2 oz. Rye Whiskey

Mix first three ingredients well and pour over ice.

Mojito

2 oz. Decadent Saint, any flavor

1 oz. rum

5 oz. seltzer

0.5 oz. lime juice

Muddled mint leaves

Mix first four ingredients well, add mint leaves and pour over ice.

Grand Sangria

2 oz. Decadent Saint, any flavor

3 oz. wine, red or white

3 oz. water

Mix first three ingredients well and pour over ice.

Michael Hasler has created a line of extra hard, wine-based mixers that can be combined with everything from water and champagne to whiskey and vodka to create unique cocktails. PHOTO BY ANNA MCVEY

Michael Hasler has a passion for creating unique flavors with his line of extra hard mixers at Decadent Saint Winery. PHOTO BY ANNA MCVEY

Putting on a show

Students run stadium scoreboard through CTE program

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH OWNER/PUBLISHER have.

Visitors to Panther Stadium this fall will notice the venue’s newest addition just beyond the north end zone as a brand-new, state-of-the-art scoreboard has taken up residence, one that features a video board – a feature the previous scoreboard didn’t

Those who venture into the press box atop the stadium will also realize another addition as a room previously used for storage has been converted into a control center for the student-led team that runs the new board.

As part of Liberty Hill High School’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, an audio/video production class has been added to the curriculum, in which teacher Marcus Hooper has three class periods composed of a combined 50 students under his guidance.

However, the plum assignment in the program is to be a member of the 10-person squad that runs the massive scoreboard on game nights under the watchful guise of Hooper, with the objective to eventually have the students function autonomously, he said.

“Ultimately, our goal is

to have the students run the entire thing 100 percent,” said Hooper. “So, I can just sit back and be able to say, ‘Cool, everything looks good.’”

Hooper arrived on campus last year as a first-time teacher with a wealth of experience in the television production industry, having previously worked as a field producer and associate producer for CNN, as well as a stint with ESPN – so he knows from where he speaks as far as what it takes to put on a successful production.

According to Hooper, he always had the desire to be in a position to pass wisdom and knowledge on to the next generation of production crews.

“It’s always been part of the plan,” said Hooper, an Atlanta native who graduated from Jackson State University in Mississippi. “I’ve always wanted to go back and show students it’s possible to get to where you want to be.”

One of the students currently under the tutelage of Hooper is senior Tyler Kuhn, who happens to be the technical director of the scoreboard show, hence his seat in the captain’s chair, if you will, where he calls the shots – no pun intended – over the course of the evening.

Kuhn said he’s always had an eye for what he refers to as “production value.”

“When I watch movies or TV shows, I’m always thinking about what makes good shots,” he said. “I think that was kind of the gateway for me into this – making sure each shot looks good and we have pretty pictures.”

The production crew includes three camera operators, with one on each 20-yard-line down on the field and another

in the outdoor deck of the press box in order to gather images from different viewpoints that can be weaved together in telling the story of what unfolds on the field.

Before the big board was officially unveiled for this season’s gridiron battles, though, the team had a dress rehearsal of sorts during the Class of 2023’s commencement back in May – although Kuhn said that event was a far cry from what happens on the same surface under the Friday night lights of fall.

“Obviously, football games are a lot more faster-paced,” he said. “It takes a lot of coordination among the entire crew to keep your eye on the ball and make sure all the players are in frame.”

Kuhn added the experience he and his classmates are getting through the CTE program is invaluable – in addition to the intrinsic value of being part of something bigger than oneself.

“Getting this kind of exposure to the business as a high-school student is great,” said Kuhn, who plans to attend Texas State University next year to major in physics and minor in film production. “Also, I get to make a difference the community can see and be a part of what Liberty Hill is all about.”

After over a decade with big-time networks, Hooper said he still misses the excitement of covering breaking news as it happens, but is also plenty content in his new role.

“For me, this is like being a parent, as far as teaching them the right way to do things,” he said. “It’s about giving somebody an opportunity for the future.”

Senior Angel Prado-Rangel mans a camera as part of the CTE production crew that runs the new scoreboard at Panther Stadium. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

Liberty Hill CTE audio/video production teacher Marcus Hooper, senior Tyler Kuhn and junior Emma Loyd occupy the control room during a football game at Panther Stadium.

PHOTO BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

Sophomore Brianna Berrera and junior Zane Wright were on the field during Liberty Hill’s home football game against Rouse, helping the scoreboard production come to life.

PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

Lending support to local schools

program designed to strengthen bonds between education, community

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH OWNER/PUBLISHER

The nine schools across the Liberty Hill Independent School District will have additional support this year from a brand-new source as a program has been put into place with the objective to build bonds between education and the community.

Adopt-A-Campus is a collaboration between the district and the local community, in which businesses, churches, or other organizations partner to provide support in the form of volunteers, resources and/ or goods/donations to individual campuses in support of all schools within Liberty Hill ISD, with the goal to create a collaborative culture of support that positively impacts student achievement and staff appreciation.

According to Liberty Hill ISD Chief of Strategic Planning and Partnerships Kristin

nesses and community organizations of all kinds, initially nine churches will form the foundation of the program, with one assigned to each of the district’s campuses.

Included are Celebration Church, who will sponsor Liberty Hill High School, Fellowship Church (Liberty Hill Middle School), RockPointe Church (Liberty Hill Elementary), Selah Hills Church (Louine Noble Elementary), New Life Church (Bill Burden Elementary), Vintage Church (Santa Rita Middle School), Connect Church (Santa Rita Elementary), The Hill Church (Rancho Sienna Elementary) and The Grove Church (Bar W Elementary).

Coulter said as the program grows, the district plans to expand on its partnership group.

“We have the hope of adding businesses and having each campus have multiple partners,” she said. “It’s all about serving families and students together.”

However, Adopt-A-Campus is also about extending a helping hand to those on the front lines of education – teachers and support staff.

Marsha Hood, Liberty Hill ISD Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, has also played a critical role in establishing the program and knows by experience how useful it can be after spending years in the classroom herself.

“As a former teacher, I fully understand the potential benefits of this program and am so excited to see it take shape,” said Hood. “Our adoptive organizations are committed to this new program and are already making a difference on their campuses. It’s wonderful when people come alongside teachers and staff to show their support – especially at a time when many educators feel discouraged and overwhelmed.”

Hood added how inspiring it is to see various organizations come together for the common good of students, teachers and families.

both sides of this project is truly uplifting.”

learning.”

Coulter, having the ability to level the playing field across the district is one of the primary elements of the program.

“We want to provide stability at all our campuses to ensure opportunities are equal throughout the district,” said Coulter, who helped spearhead the program. “It’s critical to have equity across the board, but to do that, we need partners in the community.”

Although the program is open to busi-

“We’re already hearing wonderful things from the campus leaderships and the adoptive churches are excited to have this opportunity to serve – it really is a win/win,” she said. “I’ve said it many times – you can’t overappreciate teachers –it’s just not possible. Our teachers and staff come to work daily to give their best and pour into Liberty Hill students. Our adoptive churches understand this and welcome the chance to pour into our staff and offer encouragement. Seeing the excitement on

Each organization participating in the program is required to agree to a one-year commitment as a partner that lasts for an entire academic year, with some of the more common tasks being helping covering lunch or recess duty for staff members, helping with campus events such as open houses and reading buddy programs and a weekend backpack program that provides non-perishable food items and snacks.

Darin Ramsey, RockPointe Church’s Liberty Hill campus pastor, said it’s a natural progression for his church to partner with education.

“We as a church have always valued our schools,” he said. “Over 20 years ago when RockPointe was started, we met in a middle school. We feel it’s important to come alongside our teachers and help where we can and want all students to feel loved and get what they need to be able to focus on

Ramsey added the global pandemic only magnified the need for programs such as Adopt-A-Campus.

“After the COVID shutdown, we noticed teachers were  feeling devalued,” he said. “We wanted to show how much we love our teachers and created gift packs for teachers to show them we do know their value. We’ve been adopting schools for over 20 years now and just feel it’s a way for us to give back to our schools, our teachers and our students.”

Coulter said perhaps one of the most valuable aspects of the program is the gift of knowledge and wisdom that can be passed along to students.

“All of these congregations can offer industry speakers that can expose our students to an entirely new group of people,” she said. “I think this speaks to the culture of who we are as a community.”

New

Members of Connect Church visited Rancho Sienna Elementary School to provide handwritten notes and candy to staff members as part of the Adopt-A-Campus program. COURTESY PHOTO

Volunteers from Selah Hills Church provided breakfast for teachers and staff at Bill Burden Elementary School. COURTESY PHOTO

When art comes to life

Liberty Hill Sculpture Festival brings artists from across the region to share their unique sculpting, carving talents

BY RACHEL MADISON OWNER/PUBLISHER

Liberty Hill’s Sculpture Festival will bring in a variety of regional artists along with activities for kids, food trucks, live music and The Market LHTX this year.

Set for Oct. 21 from 4 to 9 p.m. at Lions Foundation Park, the festival will kick off with live demonstrations from stone carvers, sand sculptors and more.

Katie Amsler, director of community engagement and communications for the City of Liberty Hill, said all the artists will be working in real time from 4 to 7 p.m., which is really the highlight of the event.

“They take an object like stone or wood and transform it so quickly into something beautiful,” she said. “The visitors at the festival can interact with the artists, get up close and ask questions. All of them are really engaging and love what they do.”

Each piece of art created at the Sculpture Festival will be raffled off at the end of the night, Amsler said.

“Raffle tickets are $5 each, and the winners will get to take the art home,” she said. “All the money raised will go back to preserving the sculptures in the park.”

A group of such artists who will be showcasing their talents at the festival are Leander residents Jon and Heather Woodworth, and Florida residents Thomas Koet and Jill Harris.

The foursome will be working together to create a Texas-themed sand sculpture. The project won’t be like the typical sandcastles seen at the beach—it’s much more intricate than that, Harris said.

“We use just sand and water, and the same principles apply, but we are making them really big,” she said. “We use heavy machinery, while on the beach you only need a pail and a shovel. We use tons and tons of sand and wooden compacters to pack it. Once it’s all packed together, we have a nice, beautiful block of sand that can be sculpted.”

Patience is also key when working with sand, Harris said, adding that it takes hours, sometimes days, to compact and shape the sand so that it can be sculpted.

Jon Woodworth said once that part is done and they can get to sculpting, that’s when the fun begins.

“I can lose so much time sculpting,” he said. “If someone doesn’t come over and tell me to eat, I will flat out forget to eat. It’s very meditative, so you just get in the zone creating.”

Jon Woodworth began sculpting shortly after he got married. He remembers one time as newlyweds he and wife built a castle on a beach in Port Aransas and people stopped to take pictures of it.

“I’ve always been a whittler,” Jon said. “If you put sand in front of me, or a lump or clay or any other substrate, I’ll fiddle with it. I have to get my hands in it. Sand is the perfect medium for that because it allows you to express yourself.”

Harris started her sand sculpting business 27 years ago, called Sandsational Sand Sculpting. Throughout the years, she’s been able to sculpt in venues around the world, including at the Tottori Sand Museum in Japan, the beaches of Hawaii, and even in Volente, Texas.

“My next sculpture is always the favorite one,” she said. “I’m constantly learning and trying to improve, so I approach each piece as a way to improve how I do my art. I have some favorite pieces, but I can’t compare Japan to Italy to Hawaii to Liberty Hill. All these places have their own beautiful thing.”

Harris added that the thing about sand sculpting is that it’s a friendly way to introduce people to art.

“Most people can relate to building a sandcastle,” she said. “It’s a way to present art to people who would never go to a museum, but they’ll come to an event like this. We’re putting art in front

of their faces, whether it’s us doing sand or someone else carving wood or stone. We’re bringing art to the public in a very accessible way.”

The purpose of the Sculpture Festival at heart is to raise awareness that there is an International Sculpture Park in Liberty Hill, Amsler said.

“There is so much history behind the sculpture park,” she said. “There will be self-guided sculpture tours throughout the event so people can learn more about the different sculptures.”

Each of the sculptures in the park was created during an International Sculpture Symposium held in 1976, when 27 sculptors from six different countries gathered in Liberty Hill to create unique works of art (see story on page 25 for more information). The artists stayed in residents’ homes, and local businesses and organizations supplied meals and materials over a two-month period while the artists created their pieces.

Besides the live art demonstrations, there will be a kid’s play zone with inflatables and a kid’s craft tent.

“There will be about 10 different crafts for kids to use their imaginations and create with no pressure,” Amsler said. “They’ll be able to just have fun

Jon Woodworth is one of the artists coming to this year’s Sculpture Festival. Woodworth is a world-renowed sand sculptor who creates massive works of art, like this New York City skyline piece. COURTESY PHOTO

Jon Woodworth has experience carving sand sculptures all over the world, including on beaches, at zoos, inside malls and for large corporate events.

COURTESY PHOTO

Artists gather for lunch during the 1976 International Sculpture Symposium held in downtown Liberty Hill. COURTESY PHOTO and create art.”

The City is collaborating with The Market LHTX to host a vendor market, which will include many local artists selling their wares. There will also be a pumpkin patch at the market.

On the band stage, there will be

three different bands playing throughout the event. The final act will be local Liberty Hill band, The Boot Rock Boys. Additionally, from 7 to 9 p.m., there will be a silent disco.

“We have three real high energy DJs of different genres who will be playing different types of music,” Amsler said. “People will wear headphones and they can flip between the three stations. It’s a battle of the DJs because the headphones will glow with each DJ’s color, so they are trying to engage the crowd and get them to listen to their station. It’s really fun to watch.”

Food and drink vendors at the event will include Waterloo Coffee Truck, Lil Nicky’s Wings & Things and San Gabriel River Brewery.

The event is free, as is parking. Festivalgoers can park at Lions Foundation Park or Noble Elementary School. For more information, visit experiencelhtx.com

Sculpture Fest traces its roots to 1976 International Symposium

BYJAMES WEAR COLUMNIST

On October 21, the annual Liberty Hill Sculpture Festival will be held at Lions Foundation Park. It’s a day that will bring back memories for many Liberty Hill natives who likely recall that 47 years ago the late Mel Fowler and 26 other artists from around the world gathered at Veterans Park in downtown Liberty Hill.

According to a flyer prepared by the Liberty Hill Cultural Affairs Council that was printed for distribution prior to and during the event, “The public’s most unusual opportunity to observe art-in-creation will be held during the South’s first International Sculpture Symposium from October 11 through November 30 in Liberty Hill, Texas.”

The flyer also noted, “The symposium not only benefits the sculptor and the community, but also is a great educational process for surrounding schools from the elementary level and including universities.”

The symposium would prove to be one of the most successful ventures ever undertaken in Liberty Hill, with media from around the state and country descending upon the downtown area as the artists worked. Local citizens provided lodging and meals and even clothing for the artists as they worked away on blocks of limestone, marble and granite that were donated by local quarries.

For several years afterwards, the finished

works remained downtown, with Fowler seeking to find a more permanent location. Eventually, in the mid-1980s as the Liberty Hill Independent School District embarked on building a new high school (that today is Louine Noble Elementary) the school district’s administrative assistant, Don Cunningham, approached Fowler about donating one of the sculptures to place on the grounds of the new school.

Cunningham, who passed away a few years ago, later admitted his initial proposal to Fowler may have lacked tact.

“What are your plans for that pile of rocks?” Cunningham asked Fowler, who after his initial reaction of anger, told Cunningham if the school district wanted any of the sculptures it would have to take them all, and that was the birth of what would become a one-of-a-kind feature among high schools world-wide.

On May 5, 1987, the Liberty Hill International Sculpture Park was dedicated. Among those attending the event was Rita Clements, the First Lady of Texas.

Fowler left for Italy, where he planned to spend the next few months, the day after the dedication. It was the final time he would see the park, as in September, he died. Shortly thereafter, a memorial service was held at the park.

Fowler’s dream continues to provide Liberty Hill with a treasure that is once again being viewed by community leaders as a unique resource to incorporate into the city’s overall design.

The 1976 International Sculpture Symposium drew artists from around the world. COURTESY PHOTO

Jon Woodworth, Jill Harris and Thomas Koet create a sand sculpture at the Edgewater Mall in Buloxi, Miss., every year. COURTESY PHOTO

Getting a kick out of football

Panthers senior to tee it up for Baylor next season

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH OWNER/PUBLISHER

Connor Hawkins doesn’t play soccer anymore, but he still brings part of the beautiful game onto the gridiron when the Liberty Hill senior kicker steps onto the field on Friday nights.

“Soccer cleats on both feet – a half-size smaller than normal,” said Hawkins. “Also, I wear grip socks so my feet don’t move around.”

Such is the life of a place-kicker whose dominant foot and leg are his primary weapons in booming kickoffs and drilling field goals.

In fact, Hawkins has elevated his game to the point where he will be handling the kicking duties at Baylor University next season after coming out on top at a camp during which the Bears brought in approximately 100 kickers to test their mettle in the hopes of finding one to play for the Division I Big 12 program in Waco.

According to Hawkins, he chose Baylor due to a number of different factors.

“Of all the places I visited, there was a different feeling there,” said Hawkins, who will major in engineering. “How the coaches interact with the players and are interested in you as a person and it’s a Christ-centered atmosphere. After long and hard thought and prayer, it was very apparent to me it was the place I wanted to be.”

From one pitch to another

However, before Hawkins switched his allegiance from the round ball of the world game to the oblong one of the American version, he was a soccer player first and foremost and although he also played other sports, it wasn’t until reaching middle school he decided to give kicking top billing, he said.

“Up until then, I played offense and defense and kicked,” said Hawkins, who took over starting duties for the Panthers last season as a junior. “But, after awhile, the other positions weren’t as fun anymore, but kicking still was.”

Upon reaching high school, Hawkins also played soccer for the Purple-and-Gold for his first two years on campus until he got some words of wisdom from one of his coaches.

“During my freshman year, (former Liberty Hill assistant football and JV soccer) Coach (Josh) Blake told me there were a lot more opportunities to play football in college,” he said. “He really believed in me and thought I could go far.”

Following his sophomore campaign, Hawkins then made the switch to football full-time – a decision that was partially based on the

different kicking styles of the two sports.

“The shape of the ball makes it a lot different,” said Hawkins. “Also, you’re kicking the ball with a different part of your foot, so I didn’t want that to affect my muscle memory.”

Breaking it down to a science

For those such as Hawkins, whose craft is a unique one in a game that relies much on physical strength and speed, there is certainly a science to what he does – which affects not only the flight of the ball, but the acoustics, he said.

“You can always tell a good kick by the sound it makes,” said Hawkins. “If you kick the ball with your toe, it has a higher pitch and will tend to rotate, if you hit it too high on your foot or ankle, it makes a medium sound and is more likely to go sideways. But, when you hit the ball just right, that’s the deepest sound and it will go end over end.”

Hawkins drew a comparison between a proper kick and a well-struck shot on the fairways.

“In that way, it’s a lot like golf,” he said. “It’s all about building muscle memory and getting a certain feeling when you do it right, then getting to the point when that happens every time.”

Sustained success

After the Panthers’ first five games of this season, Hawkins has experienced nothing but that feeling in not missing a single kick – hitting on 5-of-5 field goals and a perfect 35-of-35 on extra points.

But, his value is also represented with how he leaves opposing offenses long fields to work with to put points on the board, with 28 touchbacks on 32 kickoffs, which provides his team with a decided advantage, said Liberty Hill head coach Kent Walker.

“Field position is extremely important,” he said. “Connor’s kickoffs are definitely a sight to see.”

Walker added despite the specialized nature of his position, Hawkins has proven every bit as dedicated as the rest of the squad.

“Connor’s bought in just as much as the rest of the team,” he said. “It’s because of the success we’ve had around here.”

Indeed, the Panthers offseason workouts are legendary in forging the resolve needed to navigate a long, tough season and Hawkins is there for every moment of it – and then some, he said.

“I do everything exactly the same as everyone else,” said Hawkins. “Then, I’ll go and work out in my dad’s home gym and do extra stuff

like hips, calves and rotational band work.” Turns out life as a kicker is more a way of life – from sunup to sundown and beyond, he said.

“First thing I’ll do when I wake up in the morning is foam roll to work out any knots in my muscles,” said Hawkins. “Before bed, I’ll do some stretching, too.”

Tee time

Once Friday night rolls around, all of the prep work has been done, but there is still homework left for Hawkins to be at his best when the ball goes up.

“During warm-ups, I have a little book where I take notes,” he said. “I have to try to figure out what the conditions are going to be like as far as the wind and also if it’s humid and hot because then the ball won’t go as far or in rain, it will get heavy. So, that way, I can be in a good headspace.”

To date, Hawkins has hit a field goal of 67 yards in practice and 41 yards in a game as his personal records, the kind of range Walker said gives him options when it comes to decision-making on the sidelines, he said.

“It depends on the flow of the game as far as what we do,” said Walker. “But, when you can send a kicker out there who can hit from 50 yards, it gives you a lot of confidence.”

Hawkins is the latest in a long line of Liberty Hill kickers who have continued their respective playing careers in college, so it’s only natural for him to be a mentor to those coming up the ranks just as he did – something he definitely enjoys, he said.

“As kickers, we can help each other,” said Hawkins, of current junior varsity kicker Karson Bye, who is his heir apparent to take over

next season. “We’re usually able to figure it out when something’s wrong through film review and assess what each other are doing.”

Definitely different

Yes, kickers are different.

But not in every way, said Hawkins.

“I think the biggest misconception about kickers is we don’t have to work as hard in practice,” he said. “Kicking isn’t the most physical position, but it’s very technical and mental and it takes a smart person to put all the little things together it takes to make a good kick –it’s more difficult than it looks.”

Not to mention the toll it takes on one’s body and with the way Liberty Hill’s offense puts up points, that’s a lot of kickoffs and extra points – like in the Panthers’ 82-80 home win over Hutto this season during which Hawkins handled 14 kickoffs, 11 extra points and a 35-yard field goal to boot (no pun intended) –quite the busy evening at the office which left him a bit winded, he said.

“Oh yeah,” said Hawkins. “I was pretty tired.”

As far as where his kicking journey has already taken him and will in the future, Hawkins credited his strong relationship with God for providing a path for him to follow.

“My faith definitely plays a big role in everything I do – I even pray before every kick,” he said. “I just let Him make decisions for me as much as possible.”

Hawkins said he’s not sure where that road will take him next, however at the moment, he’s focused on staying in the present.

“My goal is to hopefully kick in the NFL,” he said. “But, for now I’m still a high-school kicker.”

Liberty Hill senior kicker Connor Hawkins (1) will play at Baylor University next year after two stellar seasons on the Panthers’ varsity team. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

Diggin’ it on the court

Outside hitter takes pride in being all-around player

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH OWNER/PUBLISHER

Usually, when one peruses volleyball stats, there is a definite caste system as far as which positions on the court are at the top of each particular category.

For example, outside hitters normally clean up when it comes to kills, middle blockers in blocked shots and setters in assists.

However, upon closer inspection of Liberty Hill’s numbers this season, one player stands out in bucking this trend, as senior outside hitter Kealy Dirner has been the leader in digs for much of the current campaign, despite only spending part of her time in the back row.

Four matches into the district schedule, Dirner led the Lady Panthers with 253 digs in averaging 7.2 per match.

But, just because she’s done more than her fair share of taking potential kills by the opposition off the floor and keeping plays alive, Dirner has also continued to collect kills at the rate one would expect from a player in her position – second on the squad with 237.

According to Dirner, her numbers are simply a reflection of the team philosophy.

“We work on digging a lot in practice,” said Dirner. “As outside hitters, it’s part of our job to play all the way around the court.”

Liberty Hill head coach Marie Bruce described Dirner as a player that thrives on her versatility.

“Kealy’s smart, super-athletic and reads the court very well,” she said. “Along with her experience, there are three things that make her really valuable – she puts in a lot of work not only in practice, but outside of school, is super-coachable and always wants to know how to fix things and get better – all great hitters are that way.”

Following graduation this spring, Dirner will continue her playing career at Georgia State University, only she will trade the hardwood of the indoor game for the sand of beach volleyball as a member of the NCAA Division I program.

Dirner said she didn’t necessarily plan on the switch, which was organic in nature – although her height precipitated the situation a bit.

“It just kind of worked out that way,” she said. “Although being an outside hitter at 5-7 is a little small and you can be shorter to play beach because there’s usually a tall person and a shorter one.”

Bruce said Dirner’s experience indoors

will still benefit her game outside.

“I think indoor and beach compliment each other,” she said. “There are definitely skills that cross over.”

As a result, Bruce believes Dirner will transition seamlessly to college competition.

“Just her maturity and ability to recover from errors is one of the biggest improvements I’ve seen in Kealy from last year to this,” she said. “She’s also worked really hard to be a great back-row player, is a great all-around player and I’m proud of how she’s played under pressure.”

However, before she trades the Purpleand-Gold of her current Panthers for the

blue-and-white of her college version, there is still plenty of business to attend to as Dirner and her teammates will attempt to book a return trip to the Class 5A state tournament after losing in the semifinals last year – a proposition that will require plenty of resolve and mental toughness to achieve, she said.

“This year, there’s a lot of pressure from other teams that want to beat us because of what we did last year and get to state themselves,” said Dirner. “But, we just try to keep the same mindset all the time because we know anything can happen during a match.”

Liberty Hill senior outside hitter Kealy Dirner (2) is as adept at digs as she is at collecting kills on the court for the Lady Panthers. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

Kealy Dirner (2) is an excellent all-around player who works hard in all aspects of the game in helping the Lady Panthers in many ways. PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

Lady Panthers senior Kealy Dirner (2) chases down a loose ball in the back row during a match earlier this season.

PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

Another solid season of satisfaction

Purple-and-Gold tennis continues to flourish during fall

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH OWNER/PUBLISHER

As the fall season comes to a close, Liberty Hill’s tennis team has enjoyed another excellent campaign on the hardcourts.

The Panthers finished second in the regular-season district standings with a 6-1 record and entered the postseason with designs on bettering last season’s regional tournament berth.

Liberty Hill head coach Sherry Rhoden said the harvest of success this season came to fruition from the seeds of hard work that were planted long before it even began.

“Our players put in many hours during the summer working on their summer expectation logs – they have to earn between 8,000 and 9,000 points to try out for any of the high-school teams,” she said. “Their points are earned from playing matches, jumping rope, running miles and many other activities that keep their bodies strong and focused on improving their tennis development. I knew our team would be younger than it has been in the past and our players have exceeded my expectations.”

In addition to returners from last year,

Rhoden has been especially pleased with the efforts of her first-year players in successfully making the switch from middle-school to high-school competition.

“Our freshmen have really been standouts – they’ve worked hard to transition to high school from middle school,” she said. “Becoming a student athlete at the next level is a different challenge on the mental, social, emotional and physical side. There is so much going on in their minds during this transition and I’m really proud of their maturity and ability to focus on our team goals.”

Haley Pacheco is one of only four seniors on the squad and has paired up with fellow senior and girls’ No. 1 singles player India Young to form the Panthers’ No. 1 girls’ doubles team and said the overall experience of the season has been one to remember.

“I think the season has gone very well,” said Pacheco. “Especially getting to play with India because we’re best friends outside of tennis.”

According to Pacheco, the camaraderie the duo has off the court lends itself to chemistry on it, which ultimately translates not only to success, but additional gratification.

“It really makes a big difference,” said Pacheco. “You always have an expectation of yourself to do well for the other person.”

Pacheco only began playing tennis during her freshman year after prompting from friends that told her the courts might be the sports sanctuary she had been seeking, she said.

“I played pretty much all the sports when I was younger and volleyball in middle school,” said Pacheco. “But, then I realized tennis was the perfect activity for me that makes me happy. We have a really good atmosphere and I like the competition and winning. Even sometimes when you’re tired at practice, it’s always still worth it.”

On the boys’ side of the net, sophomore Jacob Cooper has assumed No. 1 singles status this year following the graduation of four-year varsity player Patrick Fay – a position he felt he was ready for.

“I’ve been playing for a long time,” said Cooper, who was Liberty Hill’s No. 2 last season during his freshman year. “In middle school, I was always one of the highest-rated players.”

Cooper’s confidence may belie his

relative inexperience at the high-school level, but he knows he can back it up on the court – despite a playing style that is rather improvisational, he said.

“I play very instinctual,” said Cooper. “Usually, I do the first thing that comes to mind and don’t care if it’s the right or wrong thing. But, I’ve been winning most of my matches, so I must be doing something right.”

Rhoden said her entire roster has improved a great deal from beginning of season to end in conquering a number of factors that made the landscape more difficult to navigate – not the least of which were the torrid temperatures that tortured Central Texas well into the fall.

“I’m very proud of them,” she said. “They have embraced the summer heat since August 1. We’re strong and acclimated to the heat very well and this is a huge advantage seeing how our first district match is always in mid-August.”

A trio of rookies in Lily Tobin, Grace Gunther and Liam Hicks has helped steady the overall build of the team in helping Rhoden decipher perhaps the most critical aspect of how best to deploy her troops on match days.

“We have three freshmen starting on varsity this season and their nerves have settled – this is huge for our team,” she said. “The biggest change has been our lineup. At the beginning of the season, it can be challenging to find out who plays doubles best together when considering strengths, weaknesses, playing styles, personalities and communication challenges. I don’t like to leave stones unturned and I believe we exhausted all of our possibilities for doubles matchups. Since we begin with doubles matches before playing our singles lineup, it’s important to put our best feet forward and get on the scoreboard quickly with doubles.”

Rhoden said one of the most satisfying intrinsic rewards she experiences as a coach each year is to witness first-hand the indoctrination of those who are just beginning their respective Panthers tennis journeys.

“I love getting to know our new players and observing how the new players are incorporated into the previous players,” she said. “Every year, the dynamics change within all of our

teams and this year has been totally different due to how humans are all created differently and come from different backgrounds – it’s fun to embrace this and let each individual bring their talents and learn to shine confidently.”

One aspect of her program Rhoden was determined to establish more than any other upon her arrival three years ago was to create a culture within the team that is all-inclusive of everyone involved with the program –evidence of which was on full display on one particular occasion.

“Recently, we traveled to an out-of-town match. Our families travel with us so well. We all stopped and ate a late lunch. Our boys sat at one long table, our girls sat at another long table and our parents sat together, as well. We filled that entire side of the restaurant,” she said. “I looked over and our boys were all bowing their heads in prayer without any adult prompting. I love they know how much they have to be thankful for. Before the day was finished, the restaurant owners complimented me by saying how well-mannered and respectful our players are, the parents from the other team told me the same thing and so far this season many of our own parents have commented that our team is just different from other teams that we’ve played. I love this –  it makes me proud and it’s encouraging to me our players are champions on and off the court.”

Senior Haley Pacheco and her Liberty Hill teammates have enjoyed another successful season on the tennis court. COURTESY PHOTO

Panthers sophomore Jacob Cooper has been Liberty Hill’s No. 1 boys’ singles player all season after also playing on the varsity as a freshman last year. COURTESY PHOTO

Finding solace on the trails

Senior runner plans to compete in college

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH OWNER/PUBLISHER

When Caden Glenn began running cross country in middle school, it was for one reason and one reason only.

“At first, it was just to stay in shape for soccer,” said Glenn. “I’ve always liked cross country and it helped me with my other sport.”

In the six years since first setting out on the trails as a seventh-grader, though, the Liberty Hill senior has continued to compete in both sports, but always thought if he was going to compete in college it would be on the pitch as opposed to running races.

Until, this past summer when Glenn had an athletic epiphany during his early-morning training sessions.

“I would go run with (Panthers teammates) Chay (Luna) and Caden (Garner) and (former Liberty Hill runner) Brandon Escobar, who’s running in college now,” he said. “I started feeling really good about running, started to fall in love with it and began

running more and more.”

According to Glenn, he knew something was different when he even had the desire to train when in the past, he might’ve taken a pass.

“There were times in the past during the summer when I would say to myself, ‘I should probably go run today’ and then I wouldn’t,” said Glenn. “But, that wasn’t the case anymore.”

As a result of his newfound passion, Glenn said he will now pursue a college cross country career and no longer play soccer following his senior year and graduation.

Liberty Hill head coach Kim Holt said she sensed Glenn had a new mentality during a race last year that was run in not the most conducive conditions.

“We were at a race and the weather was terrible – there were big puddles on the course and it was pouring,” she said. “Most kids hate that, but Caden absolutely loved it that day, so that’s when I knew he really loved the sport.”

Glenn was one of three team captains for the Panthers’ soccer team last season and has featured on the Purple-and-Gold’s varsity all four years of his high-school career – a fact that didn’t necessarily surprise him – unlike his immediate status on the cross country squad, he said.

“I felt like I was lucky to be on varsity as a freshman,” said Glenn. “Even though I had been good right away in middle school and started winning all the races.”

Still, Glenn is more than just a soccer player who ran cross country, as he also played football and basketball until deeming the load was too heavy to continue carrying once he reached the high-school level.

“I would go from a tough cross country workout in the morning directly to football practice,” he said. “Also, basketball would conflict with soccer at that time of the year –it was really hard to keep doing everything.”

However, unlike many of his peers that pick one sport to specialize in, Glenn decided to press on with a pair and hasn’t looked back ever since.

Holt certainly isn’t surprised by Glenn’s accomplishments.

“Caden could do anything,” she said. “He’s always had the athletic ability.”

But, more than just that, said Holt.

“Caden’s always helping the younger runners and showing them what to do,” she said. “He’s a great role model and leader.”

However, upon his arrival on the highschool campus, Holt said Glenn was anything but outgoing.

“I remember back when he was a freshman, Caden wouldn’t talk to us (coaches) – he was just very shy,” she said. “One of us could see him in the hall and he wouldn’t

even say ‘hi,’ but he just had to get used to his surroundings.”

Glenn’s twin sister Carson plays soccer and volleyball for the Lady Panthers and the pair of siblings has always enjoyed a friendly family rivalry when it comes to what unfolds on the field, he said.

“We’ve always had a competition – who scores the most goals or whatever,” said Glenn, of Carson, who is recovering from knee surgery. “But, I think our relationship is better this year because we’re seniors and she’s also working her way back from her injury.”

Back during the summer, Glenn combined his new love with an old one to help fill the days, he said.

“I’ve always loved fishing – I got that from my dad and grandparents,” said Glenn. “Over the summer, we would go out running in the morning, then go fishing in the afternoon out behind Caden Garner’s house in the San Gabriel River – we would kayak to different spots and catch bass, catfish and perch. Also, we all took a trip to Mustang Island near Galveston and camped on the beach and fished – there’s just something peaceful about being out there.”

Glenn is a lifelong Panther who was born and raised in Liberty Hill, but there is an interesting sidebar concerning a member of his family that just happens to have a pretty strong connection to a rival school, he said.

“A lot of people probably don’t know, but Glenn High School is named after my grandfather,” said Glenn, of grandfather and former Leander Independent School District superintendent Tom Glenn. “But, there was never any chance I was going to go there – we’re Liberty Hill all the way.”

Liberty Hill senior Caden Glenn (3) is a lifelong soccer player who just took up cross country to stay in shape during the offseason. PHOTO BY SHANNON HOFMANN

Caden Glenn finished fourth at the Pro-Fit Invitational in Temple – the senior’s highest-ever varsity result.

PHOTO BY ABBY GLENN

Been there, done that

Panthers sophomore already accustomed to longer races

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH OWNER/PUBLISHER

One of the biggest adjustments cross country runners must make when transitioning from middle to high school is navigating the longer 5-kilometer courses they compete on compared to the 3-kilometer distance at the lower level.

However, for Laura Jonas, the adjustment period was quite seamless during her freshman season last year and the Liberty Hill now-sophomore has those closest to her to thank for it, she said.

“Both of my parents are triathletes,” said Jonas, of mother Janelle and father Stephen. “So, I’ve already been running 5K for awhile, back to middle and elementary school.”

Jonas made Liberty Hill’s varsity squad as a rookie high-school runner last year and was even the Panthers’ girls’ No. 1 for periods of the campaign, has carried that momentum into her second year on the trails and a ributes her continued success to the familiarity factor.

“Nothing’s really changed for me since last year,” she said. “Now, I just know what to expect.”

As a result, Jonas can use that to her benefit against some of the younger varsity runners she now competes against.

“You want to be able to use that to your advantage now when you’re running against freshmen who are on varsity,” said Jonas. “They don’t necessarily understand yet how to get ready for a longer race.”

Part of ge ing ready for Jonas is a triedand-true routine that stretches back to the previous day.

“I’ll pack my bag, have a healthy lunch that will give me fuel for the next day,” she said. “Then a good dinner with a lot of carbs – like spaghe i and meatballs.”

Hydration is also critical, of course.

“I have a big 32-ounce water bo le,” said Jonas. “Usually, I’ll drink two or three of those per day.”

Liberty Hill head coach Kim Holt appreciates the difference between last year’s version of Jonas and the newer model.

“Laura’s definitely more experienced now – she’s not a li le freshman anymore,” she said. “Once she figured things out last year,

competing in the 1600 and 3200 meters, but prefers trail running to ovals, she said.

“In cross country, it seems like you never really have a destination and you’re always running through terrain that’s pre ier,” said Jonas. “Unlike in track where it’s just around and around – not to mention having to wait around all day during an eight-hour meet.”

One of the most enjoyable aspects of cross country is the sudden burst of anticipation that comes with standing on the starting line waiting for the gun, she said.

“For me, there’s more of an adrenaline rush than in track,” said Jonas. “Everything is going through your head at that moment and you have to not think about the past.”

junior Ella Egizio for the top two spots in the Jonas also runs track in the spring,

Upon reaching high school last year, Liberty Hill sophomore Laura Jonas was already accustomed to the longer 5-kilometer race distance compared to middle school. PHOTO BY ABBY GLENN

Liberty Hill’s Laura Jonas powers down the final stretch on the way to a top-15 finish at the Pro-Fit Invitational in Temple earlier this season.

ABBY GLENN

Liberty

sophomore Laura Jonas

work with, and I love that they allow me to put family first.”

The family atmosphere at RE/MAX has been a staple for Floyd over the last 25 years. Over the years her three daughters, along with White’s children, would ride the school bus to the office together a er school, making the office their designated hang out and homework spot. Each of Floyd’s three daughters also held a parttime job within the office at one time or another. Her oldest daughter still works there, and recently, a small playroom was created in the office to allow Floyd’s grandchildren to have a place to play when they visit the office.

While Floyd isn’t sure what the next 25 years will hold, she is sure that she’s happy to stay at RE/MAX for as long as possible.

Samuel William “Sam” Blair

Samuel William “Sam” Blair passed away August 4, 2023 at the age of 97 a er a many years’ ba le with Pulmonary Fibrosis. Sam was preceded in death by his loving wife Minnie Elizabeth “Beth” Singletary. They were married sixty-eight years. Also, preceding him were his parents, J.O and Mary Inman Blair; three sisters Martha Laverne and husband Cliff Broyles, Mary Frances and husband Arthur Calvin Bible Jr. and Margie One a and husband Edwin Carl Rosenbusch. Sam’s survivors include his sister, Be y Jo Blair Henry, three daughters, Andrea Beth Stewart, Dana Jo Blair-Markl and Mary Elise Morgan along with their families consisting of three sons in laws (he o en called his “sons”), six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Sam dedicated his life to family, friends, and community. Sam was dearly loved and a man of many talents. He owned and operated Blair’s Grocery and Sinclair Service Station in Leander, Texas from 1954 until 1974, selling gas, feed and groceries. In 1973 Sam went to work for the University of Texas Electrical Department. That same year he was elected to the Board of Directors for the Bank of the Hills, which was privately owned by the Lyndon B. Johnson family, serving twelve years. He was

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

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/

elected alderman to the newly incorporated city of Cedar Park and also elected to the Leander school board, serving nine years. Along the way, Sam and his partner, Jim Boatright, also developed an area of real estate and new homes in the Leander area. In 1986 a er his retirement Sam and Beth moved to the Liberty Hill area. Sam joined the Liberty Hills Lions Club, served on the Liberty Hill school board for nine

HOLY ANNUNCIATION

ORTHODOX CHURCH

5205 CR 236, Liberty Hill (512) 627-7674 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 A liated)

15725 W State Hwy 29, #7 Liberty Hill (512) 778-9310

www.missionlibertyhill.com

PASTOR

Rev. Mike Cofer

years, helped establish the Liberty Hill Li le League, and was a charter member of the Over the Hill Gang. A lifelong resident of Williamson County, Sam never really retired, continuing to use his vocation wiring new homes in the area. He loved his family, his daughters, his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He enjoyed watching their baseball, basketball and soccer games. He also liked to fish, play golf and vacation with family and friends. He and his sisters and their families shared a lifelong close relationship. He especially enjoyed spending holidays with them. He would ask for a head count a er these gatherings and beam with pride knowing so many of his family were there with him. Sam’s family extends a heartfelt thank you to Lupe Estrada and her sisters for the wonderful care they gave Sam the last few years of his life. We are grateful how they enriched his life with trips on “Lupe’s bus”. We are also grateful to Tiffin House #2 in Georgetown for the care of Sam during the last four months. A memorial service was held at the Liberty Hill Cemetery Pavilion, Liberty Hill, Texas at 9:00 A.M, Friday, September 8, 2023. Following the service, Sam was laid to rest beside his beloved wife Beth.

SERVICES

Sunday Adult Bible Study and Sunday School 9am

Sunday Church Worship 10am

Sunday Online 10am missionlibertyhill.com/onlineworship/

ROCKPOINTE CHURCH

LIBERTY HILL

170 CR 214, Liberty Hill (512) 259-8872

www.rockpointechurch.com

PASTOR

Darin Ramsey, Campus Pastor SERVICES

Sunday Worship 9:30am

“When you like what you do and love the people you work with and get to see your kids as o en as I get to, you can’t complain,” she said. “I have the work-life balance everybody is looking for.”

October EVENTS CALENDAR

October 6

JAKE SHERARD SOLO

Liberty Tavern

3000 RR 1869, Liberty Hill

7-10 p.m. Libertytavern.co

October 7

ROYCE REED’S TEXAS PIANO

Fire Oak Distillery 4600 CR 207, Liberty Hill

2-5 p.m. fireoakdistillery.com

October 11

WEDNESDAY TRIVIA

Liberty Hill Beer Market

13851 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

7-9 p.m. libertyhillbeermarketmenu.com

WHISKEY WEDNESDAY & TEXAS HOLD ‘EM

Whiskey Barrel Pub

1004 Main St., Liberty Hill

7 p.m. whiskeybarrelpub.com

October 12

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMUNITY IMPLEMENTATION SUMMIT

RockPointe Liberty Hill 170 CR 214, Liberty Hill

6-8 p.m. experiencelhtx.com

THURSDAY TRIVIA

Time Out Sports Bar 10280 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

7-8:45 p.m. facebook.com/timeoutsportsbarlh

October 14

FREEDOM BIKES PARKING LOT SALE

Freedom Bikes 1201 Main St., Liberty Hill

October 9

TAPROOM TRIVIA

Hell or Highwater Brewing

933 Main St., Liberty Hill

7-9 p.m. hellorhighwaterbrewing.com

October 10

NAME THAT TUNE BINGO

Liberty Tavern 3000 RR 1869, Liberty Hill

7-9 p.m. Libertytavern.co

10 a.m.-5 p.m. freedombikesllc.com

LHTX RV RESORT GRAND OPENING LHTX RV Resort 2224 RR 1869, Liberty Hill

12 p.m. lhtxrvresort.com

11TH ANNUAL JAIL TO JOBS BOOTS AND BLING

The Fieldhouse at The Crossover 1717 Scottsdale Drive, Leander

6 p.m., $175 bootsandbling.org

HOME AT LAST Main Street Social

1651 Main St., Liberty Hill

6-9:30 p.m. mainstreetsocial.com

FRIDAYZ WITH RENEE

Dahlia Café

2450 RR 1869, Liberty Hill

6: 30 – 8: 30 p.m. dahliacafe.com

October 19

THURSDAY NIGHT KARAOKE

Hell or Highwater Brewing

933 Main St., Liberty Hill

7-9 p.m. hellorhighwaterbrewing.com

October 20

ERIC HANKE Main Street Social

1651 Main St., Liberty Hill

6-9:30 p.m. mainstreetsocial.com

FOUR FIGHTS PER PINT

Dahlia Café

2450 RR 1869, Liberty Hill

6: 30 – 8: 30 p.m. dahliacafe. com

October 21

LIBERTY HILL SCULPTURE

FESTIVAL/ THE MARKET LHTX

Lions Foundation Park

355 Main St., Liberty Hill

4-9 p.m. experiencelhtx.com/ sculpture-festival

BACKSEAT CHAOS

Main Street Social

1651 Main St., Liberty Hill

6-9:30 p.m. mainstreetsocial.com

GLEN COLLINS & THE ALIBIS

Dahlia Café

2450 RR 1869, Liberty Hill

6: 30 – 8: 30 p.m. dahliacafe.com

RADNEY FOSTER: AN ACOUSTIC EVENING Globe Theatre

132 W. Vaughan St., Bertram

8 p.m., $25-200 globetheatretx.com

October 24

BUSINESS 2 BUSINESS

NETWORKING

Main Street Social

1651 Main St., Liberty Hill

4-7 p.m. mainstreetsocial.com

SPOOKY MUSIC BINGO

Decadent Saint Winery

3547 Hwy. 29, Bertram

6:30-8 p.m. decadentsaint.com

October 26

DOWNTOWN DAY

Liberty Hill EDC Building

102 W. Myrtle St., Liberty Hill

6-8 p.m. experiencelhtx.com

COMMUNITY DATE NIGHT

Whitestone Brewery

15390 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

6 p.m. whitestonebrewery.com

October 28

FALL FESTIVAL

Liberty Hill High School

16500 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

10 a.m.-12 p.m. libertyhill.txed.net

MONSTERS ON MAIN TRICK-OR-TREAT

Downtown Liberty Hill

Main Street, Liberty Hill

2-5 p.m. experiencelhtx. com

LIBERTY HILL

FALL FESTIVAL Liberty Hill Middle School

13125 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

5-8 p.m. facebook.com/profile.p?id=61551000281393&sk

JOHN WILSON

Main Street Social 1651 Main St., Liberty Hill

6-9:30 p.m. mainstreetsocial. com

GHOULS NIGHT OUT

The Blend

316 E. Vaughan St., Bertram

6 p.m. facebook.com/ theblendbertram

BLAH RUSH TRIBUTE

Agape BBQ

3610 RR 1869, Liberty Hill 7:30 p.m. agapebbq.com

October 29

L4 CARES DANCING UNDER THE STARS Shooting Star Ranch 1704 CR 285, Liberty Hill 4-7 p.m., $5-20 L4cares.org

November 3

KYLE PARK Globe Theatre

132 W. Vaughan St., Bertram 8 p.m., $20-200 globetheatretx.com

November 4

12TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS REVEAL Simply Home Boutique 15280 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill 10 a.m. simplyhometx.com

LIBERTY HILL BEER FESTIVAL San Gabriel River Brewery 500 Chaparral Drive, Liberty Hill 12-6 p.m. sangabrielriverbrewery.com

KELLY WILLIS

Globe Theatre

132 W. Vaughan St., Bertram 8 p.m., $20-200 globetheatretx.com

Kyle Park

Freedom Bikes

Liberty Hill Sculpture Festival

Radney Foster

LHTX RV Resort

Shane T. White

Clyde Davis

Connie Fuller Ginger Floyd Debby Norman