Like many of the best in her craft, Cathy has a specialized degree—in her case, hard science—and a gift for writing. She found her voice and fulfillment reporting and writing news and magazine features for a regional Central Texas audience. Along with serving as the publisher of the Liberty Hill Digest, Cathy oversees multiple magazines, marketing campaigns, and books.
All rights reserved. Liberty Hill Digest is published monthly and mailed USPS, free of charge, to homes and businesses in Liberty Hill, TX zip codes.
Mail may be sent to Liberty Hill Digest, P.O. Box 213, Jarrell, TX 76537.
Email: info@lhtxdigest.com
WHO WE ARE
In a world where daily headlines often drown out meaningful local stories, Liberty Hill Digest stands as a beacon of positivity and connection. More than just a lifestyle magazine, we’re passionate about telling the stories that define who we are as a community—through the people, programs, and values that help Liberty Hill thrive.
Since our launch in 2020, we've shared more than 550 stories highlighting the spirit of our city and have proudly mailed over 400,000 copies—free of charge— to keep our community informed, inspired, and united.
Our mission extends beyond the printed page. Each issue supports causes close to home, from promoting adoptable pets through the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter to spotlighting local nonprofits like L4 Cares. Our rotating nonprofit column creates space for advocacy, awareness, and connection.
We’re especially proud to showcase the heart of Liberty Hill—from students, FFA and 4-H youth, and Liberty Hill ISD to essential organizations like Operation Liberty Hill. Through in-depth features and cover stories, we honor those making a difference and inspire others to get involved.
Cultural touchstones like Whimsy & Wonder and city-wide events are celebrated not just as happenings, but as expressions of our shared identity. We also amplify the voices of first responders, veterans, and everyday heroes working behind the scenes.
Every November, our Giving Thanks & Giving Back issue reminds us of the impact of gratitude and community support, shining a light on the philanthropic efforts that make Liberty Hill stronger.
At its core, Liberty Hill Digest is more than a publication—it’s part of the community fabric. It advocates, educates, and celebrates. It reflects what’s good and possible when we choose to lift one another up
We’re proud of what we’ve built, and even more excited about what’s ahead.
Solving Cases with Heart
SHE SPIES PRIVATE EYE BRINGS JUSTICE AND PEACE OF MIND
Anji Maddox’s earliest investigations didn’t involve suspects or stakeouts—they started with her own family tree. As a child, she spent hours wandering around cemeteries and poring over research files at libraries alongside her mother, an expert genealogist with a detective’s determination who would frame each trip like a real-life case. “I grew up with her saying, ‘We’re investigating our relatives and family history.’ I loved watching my mom and learning from her.” At home, Anji devoured Nancy Drew mysteries, fueling a dream of joining the FBI or CIA—never imagining that one day she would carve out her own path as a private investigator.
PRECISION AND CREATIVITY
Before stepping into the world of private investigation, Anji served as a juvenile probation officer, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges facing at-risk youth. Later, while working as a background investigator for the Austin Police Department, she crossed paths with a retired FBI agent who was working as a private investigator.
After teaching her the basics of the industry, he encouraged her to open her own business. In 2003, Anji opened She Spies Private Eye, specializing in domestic investigations, background checks, and child custody cases. What began as a one-woman operation has grown into a full-service, licensed agency with eight, mostly female investigators—including her lifelong-sleuth mother. Having an agency made up mainly of women in a male-dominated industry has proven advantageous. “Women are more detail-oriented and creative,” Anji says. “People don’t always expect women to be PIs, and we can get away with things men can’t—we can change our look with wigs, ball caps, or different clothing.” The agency also employs several male investigators for safety and balance, pairing them with female team members when cases benefit from multiple perspectives.
JUSTICE MEETS COMPASSION
She Spies Private Eye specializes in domestic investigations, including
infidelity cases, child custody, corporate investigations, and background checks, as well as a range of services for businesses, law firms, and investors. But for Anji, child-related investigations remain closest to her heart
after her time as a juvenile probation officer. “I made it a goal to help children so they end up with the right parent and live in a healthy stable home,” Anji says. “People will tell me I shouldn’t take this job so personally, but as a mom and grandmother, I don’t think we can be effective for these families if we don’t take these cases personally.”
Her team has uncovered unsafe conditions ranging from children left alone for hours to parents’ reckless driving habits. In some cases, they’ve gone undercover—always within strict ethical and legal limits—to gather evidence for family court.
Her case history is nothing if not eclectic—from late-night surveillance in bars and swinger clubs to locating an elderly elephant for a client deter-
GUIDED
Movies might paint private investigators as shadowy figures who cut corners and break laws, but here in Texas, the reality is very different. Investigators must be licensed by the Texas Department of Public Safety—a safeguard that keeps the work legal and accountable. Anji recommends clients always verify credentials before hiring anyone. “Don’t shop for the cheapest—shop for who you think will do the best job, even if it’s more expensive,” she says.
That licensing comes with strict boundaries. If a client asks an investigator to find an estranged loved one, they can’t simply hand over a home address without consent. Instead, they might deliver a letter, giving the other person the choice to respond. “At least they’ll know you tried,” Anji says. “But we can’t force contact.” Every investiga-
mined to free it from a circus. Some moments are deeply emotional, like helping reunite estranged family members, like the terminally ill mother who wanted to reconnect with her daughter
“WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR IS BEING ABLE TO MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE IN SOMEONE’S LIFE,” ANJI SAYS.
“When we get calls from clients who are crying on the phone because they have reunited with a long-lost family member or a parent they didn’t know they had, or they won custody of their children and their children are going to be safe—we’re all crying in the office. That’s when I can say, ‘I love doing my job.’ ”
tor is trained in both ethics and professionalism. “Ethics aren’t optional here. We either can do it or we can’t—end of story.”
Yet even when they follow every law and operate with strict ethics, private investigators often face suspicion when they’re out in the field. Overly curious neighbors may notice an unfamiliar car parked too long and accidentally blow an agent’s cover. But an investigator’s presence can benefit the community. Anji recalls a time her team was on surveillance in a neighborhood and happened to see someone breaking into a car, preventing the theft by reporting it to the police. “It’s good having us,” she says. “We’re actually making sure your whole neighborhood is safe.”
KIDS & EDUCATION
by Charlotte Kovalchuk
Familiar Face at the Helm
Q&A with Interim Superintendent Travis Motal
With former Superintendent Steve Snell now serving as Williamson County judge, the Liberty Hill Board of Trustees has turned to a familiar face to guide the district forward. Interim Superintendent Travis Motal brings more than two decades of experience in education—including six years in Liberty Hill as principal, director, and chief of schools. The Digest sat down with Superintendent Motal for a conversation about the school year ahead and his vision for LHISD.
What inspired you to pursue a career in education?
Early on in high school I loved to help coach little league and youth basketball, and to help my high school coaches and teachers. In fact, I earned the “Teacher’s Pet” recognition my senior year. My first email address was even CoachMotal. After college I tried a few other things, but teaching kept calling me back and I have enjoyed every moment of it.
Over the past six years in LHISD, you have served as principal, director, and chief of schools. How do you feel your experiences in the district have prepared you for your role as interim superintendent?
I think this experience has been instrumental for my preparation in this role. Being able to understand the district’s growth and needs over the last several years in these different roles gives me a unique perspective many others do not have.
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing LHISD this year and how do you plan to address them?
Our biggest challenge is school funding. Last year we had over $10M in cuts that led to 70 positions being cut. With less support for students, more work is falling on
classroom teachers. Even with less funding and many cuts, we are expecting more than 900 new students this school year. The board has approved a Tax Ratification Election, Prop A, this November that would raise over $10M in funding to restore some of the cuts that have been made. I encourage everyone to visit LHVotes.com for more information.
What are your top goals and overall vision for Liberty Hill ISD this school year?
Liberty Hill ISD’s vision is to build champions in academics, character, and community. My goal as interim superintendent is to keep this at the forefront of what we do every day in our schools for students. We have a focus this year to get our students talking about their learning. The more we encourage our students to talk about what they’re learning and share how they can apply that knowledge, the more confident I am that we’re headed in the right direction.
What have you enjoyed about serving LHISD in your various roles, and what are you most looking forward to as interim superintendent?
People! I’ve enjoyed seeing our students succeed, working alongside the best staff, and partnering with amazing parents and community members. I’m looking forward to carrying all of that forward as interim superintendent.
• photos
by Charlotte Kovalchuk
Multi-Generational Living
Moore Liberty Buildings Helps Families Stay Connected with ADUs
Every week, Chad and Amanda Moore of Moore Liberty Buildings receive calls from people facing similar challenges: helping adult children who can’t yet afford their own home, caring for aging parents, and keeping family members close without the cost of living on different properties. The Moores’ solution—helping families stay connected by building accessory dwelling units (ADUs): secondary living spaces built on the same property. “People are looking for extra, affordable space where their family can stay together,” Chad says. “We’re very family-oriented ourselves, so we love helping people create space for their family.” Amanda adds, “We hear it every week: families want to bring everyone
together on the same property. They’re looking for ways to make that possible without breaking the bank.”
Across the country, multi-generational living is on the rise, with families turning to ADUs as a practical way to keep loved ones close. According to Global Growth Insights, nearly 49 percent of U.S. homeowners are exploring ADU construction for rental income or to accommodate aging family members. Similarly, barndominiums, or barndos—metal-clad homes that blend barn aesthetics with residential comfort—saw an 8 percent increase in interest from 2023 to 2024, highlighting their appeal as affordable, customizable living spaces.
• photos courtesy Moore Liberty Buildings
Budget and Cost Considerations
Property and Site Readiness
COST VS. SIZE: Smaller spaces can be more expensive per square foot due to plumbing and utility placement. Studios (350–400 sq. ft.) start around $80,000, while full barndos may cost more than $300,000. Larger layouts with open spaces can be more cost-effective per square foot. Amanda notes, “Some families are surprised that smaller doesn’t always mean cheaper—plumbing and utilities compress costs in tiny layouts.”
INTERIOR LAYOUT: Kitchens and bathrooms drive costs more than the number of bedrooms. One-bedroom units typically range 450–800 sq. ft., two-bedroom, two-bath units 800–1,200 sq. ft.
FINANCING OPTIONS: Explore home improvement loans, home equity lines of credit, or construction loans. Credit unions and rural/ agricultural lenders often provide favorable terms.
PROPERTY TAXES: Adding an ADU can increase your tax assessment, so include this in your financial planning.
UTILITIES: Ensure your property can handle extra plumbing, electricity, and septic needs. Upgrades may be necessary, which can significantly affect costs.
ACCESS AND LANDSCAPING: Consider driveways, pathways, and decks connecting structures. Will existing landscaping need updates? “Even small changes—a new path or deck—can affect cost and timeline,” Amanda explains.
ZONING AND PERMITS: Verify city limits, HOA rules, setback requirements, and local permitting guidelines. Moore Liberty Buildings can handle the permit process from start to finish.
Design, Layout, and Aesthetics
SPACE PLANNING: Determine how many bedrooms and bathrooms are needed for your family’s lifestyle.
SIZE VS. FUNCTIONALITY: A compact studio may be efficient but can cost more per square foot than a larger unit.
VISUAL APPEAL: Families want buildings that look beautiful while remaining practical and within budget. Balancing size, aesthetics, and affordability is key.
Family Needs and Lifestyle
WHO WILL LIVE THERE: Consider whether the space is for aging parents, adult children, or other loved ones you wish to accommodate. Purpose informs layout, size, and features.
DIY VS. TURNKEY: Skilled homeowners may handle carpentry, electrical, or plumbing, while others prefer a fully finished building. Moore Liberty Buildings accommodates all levels of involvement.
TIMELINE: Permitting, financing, and construction typically take four to six months—plan accordingly to fit your family’s needs.
No matter the size or layout, ADUs give families a way to stay connected, and with Moore Liberty Buildings’ expertise and guidance, creating the right space for your loved ones has never been easier.
To learn more about adding an ADU to your property, call 512-548-6474 or visit moorelibertybuildings.com.
MEDICARE Annual Enrollment is Right Around the Corner!
Here’s What You Need to Know for 2026
It’s that time of year again—Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is just around the corner, October 15 to December 7. This is your once-a-year opportunity to review, compare, and make changes to your Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans for the upcoming year.
But 2026 is bringing more changes than usual, and we want to make sure you’re prepared. Here are some financial updates:
The new Part A (hospital) deductible is expected to be $1,700 for the first 60 days, and $429 per day for days 61–90 in one benefit period.
The new part B (doctor) premium is expected to be $206.50/mo, up $21.50 from $185 in 2025.
The 2026 part B (doctor) deductible is expected to be $288/yr, up $31 from $257 in 2025.
The Part D (medication) deductible will be up to $615 and the maximum out of pocket will be $2,100 in 2026.
Watch Your Mailbox & Inbox in September
If you are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, keep a close eye on your mail and email starting mid to late September. You should receive one of the following:
Annual Notice of Changes (ANOC) – This document outlines any changes to your plan for 2026, including premiums, copays, provider networks, drug formularies, and more.
Plan Cancellation or Discontinuation Letter – In some cases, insurance companies may discontinue certain plans altogether. If this happens, you’ll need to choose a new plan for 2026.
These letters can sometimes be overlooked or mistaken for junk mail, so it’s crucial to review any correspondence from your insurance company carefully.
Why This Year Is Different
While plan changes happen every year, 2026 will bring an unusually high number of updates across many Medi-
care Advantage and Part D plans due to ongoing regulatory changes, shifting provider networks, and rising healthcare costs. What worked well for you in 2025 may no longer be your best option in 2026—even if you’re happy with your current plan.
Don’t Go It Alone–Get Local, Trusted Help
With so many plans and changes to sort through, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where Hanson Insurance come in.
As your local Medicare experts, we help clients navigate these changes confidently and with peace of mind. Brokers provide personalized, unbiased advice to ensure you select the plan that best fits your health needs and budget for the upcoming year.
What You Can Do Now
Mark your calendar for the AEP: October 15–December 7, 2025.
Look for your ANOC or cancellation letter in September and read it carefully.
Schedule a review appointment with a licensed Medicare advisor as soon as possible. Appointments fill up quickly during AEP!
Bring your current plan information and a list of your medications and doctors to your review
Call your trusted local advisor today to schedule your no-cost Medicare review. The right plan can make all the difference!
Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce Continues to Give Back Through Summer Intern Program
The Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce has long been dedicated to supporting not only local businesses but also the future leaders of our community. One of the most impactful ways the Chamber continues to “give back” is through its Summer Intern Program, now in its second year. This unique initiative is designed to provide Liberty Hill High School students enrolled in the Entrepreneur Program with firsthand experience in business, leadership, and community service.
This past summer, three student interns joined the Chamber team, diving into daily operations that keep the organization thriving. From learning fundamentals of financial management to supporting membership services, event planning, and marketing, the interns gained valuable insight into what it takes to operate a successful and community-driven Chamber of Commerce.
“Our goal is to introduce students to the real-world responsibilities that come with running an organization like ours,” says Kelly Michael, LHCC Executive Director. “They’re not just observing—they’re actively participating and making meaningful contributions.”
One of the most rewarding elements of the program is its focus on mentorship. Students are given the opportunity to meet directly with community officials and professionals who play pivotal roles in Liberty Hill’s growth and governance
The Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce Summer Intern Program is more than just an internship—it is a bridge between education and experience, connecting young entrepreneurs with the community they call home. ~Steven Schiff
This summer, interns had the chance to sit down with city leaders, elected officials, and municipal staff, learning how local government and business development work hand in hand.
For one intern with a strong interest in finance, the highlight was meeting with the Director of Financial Operations for the City of Liberty Hill. This experience offered a rare behind-the-scenes look at how financial planning and oversight support the city’s continued growth. Gaining direct exposure to a professional career path not only expanded the student’s understanding but also helped solidify their future aspirations.
The program’s firsthand approach is what makes it stand out. Interns were able to assist in planning Liberty
Hill Chamber of Commerce events, learning about marketing strategies, and even working on membership outreach projects. These activities provided students with a sense of ownership and accomplishment, while also giving them skills that can be applied to their own entrepreneurial endeavors.
As the program continues to grow, so do the opportunities it provides. The Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce has already begun exploring new partnerships with local businesses and city departments to expand the range of experiences available to future interns. The goal is to ensure each student leaves with not only a stronger skill set but also a clearer vision of how they can contribute to Liberty Hill’s ongoing success.
Steven Schiff, LHCC President, shares, “By investing in its students, the Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce is investing in Liberty Hill’s future, ensuring the next generation of leaders is prepared to guide the community forward.”
