Camy is a native Texan and mom of three who has lived in Sonterra since 2009. She serves her community as vice president of the Jarrell Education Foundation, recently served on the Rezoning Committee for JISD, was a director on the Sonterra MUD Board for five years, and founded the local Facebook group Mom Tribe Jarrell that has over 2,300 members.
COMMUNITY LIAISON Janet Hage
Janet Hage has been part of the Jarrell community for almost 30 years. She has volunteered with JISD, and worked for the City for more than seven years. She is a development partner of NW Wilco, LLC, serves on the Community Library Board of Directors, and was recently appointed to the Williamson County ESD #5 board.
SENIOR WRITERS/COPY EDITORS
Ann Marie Kennon • Charlotte Kovalchuk
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Linda A. Thornton
GRAPHICS & DESIGN
Sandra Evans • Marilee Goldoni
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Patrick St. Cin
IT/WEBMASTER • Jesse Payne
CONSULTANT • W. Ben Daniel
ADVERTISING INFORMATION info@myjarrell.com 512-746-4545
All rights reserved. MyJarrellMonthly is published monthly and mailed USPS, free of charge, to homes and businesses in the 76537 zip code. Mail may be sent to My Jarrell, P.O. Box 213, Jarrell, TX 76537. Email: info@myjarrell.com
WHO WE ARE
In an age where the rush of daily news often overshadows the deeper narratives that shape our community, My Jarrell Monthly constantly strives to be an eager beacon of positivity and unity. Far more than just a lifestyle magazine, our publishers and staff are committed to creating a means of getting to know what makes our community thrive—its people and their impact.
Since its inception in 2021, My Jarrell Monthly:
Has grown with the community – we originally mailed to 4,200 homes and businesses in 76537 and now mail to over 9,200 homes and businesses monthly.
Works closely with Jarrell Independent School District, the Jarrell Chamber of Commerce, Sonterra MUD, Jarrell Economic Development Corporation, Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center, and the City of Jarrell.
Is a local business, located in Jarrell, that employs local people.
Has, to date, mailed more than 300,000 magazines within the 76537 area.
But we are also good at doing what we do — showcasing prominent community agencies and initiatives like the Jarrell Education Foundation, Jarrell Community Library, Jarrell ISD students, FFA, 4-H, and many more on our covers and in multipage features. These not only celebrate their contributions but also inspire readers to personally engage and participate in the missions of these community pillars.
In every story, from first responders and community leaders to the latest events and programs, our purpose is to foster a sense of pride and connection. In short, we believe My Jarrell Monthly is more than a magazine; it is a vital part of the community’s fabric that spotlights advocacy, education, and celebration. We hope you will agree it stands as a testament to what we can all achieve when we choose to focus on the positive and the possible.
There is nothing more fun than showing up at our schools with cowbells, pom poms, loud cheers, giant checks, and tasty treats to surprise and celebrate our amazing educators! Being part of the Jarrell Education Foundation as we recognize teachers who have applied for and won a grant is pure joy—their smiles and excitement say it all. Our teachers give so much to our children and community, and this is just one small way we get to give back to them.
5:00-7:00pm Pumpkin Patch at the Pool
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COVER FEATURE
She Spies Private Eye: Solving Cases with Heart
AROUND TOWN What a Walmart Supercenter Means for Jarrell
KIDS & EDUCATION
Jarrell Education Foundation Awards
24 26 28
WORTH THE DRIVE
Newman's Castle
NEIGHBOR LEIGH
Digital Hoarding
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Meet our Pros — industry professionals, business owners, and subject matter experts from leading local companies who share their knowledge and expertise to bring readers practical advice, how-to tips, best practices, and current and emerging trends. To learn more about becoming a featured pro, contact info@myjarrell.com or 512.746.4545
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PARTING SHOT
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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
A Warm Welcome to Anthony Chiropractic
SHELTER STORIES
Hiking the Trails with Your Furry Best Friend
ANTHONY CHIROPRACTIC
Personalized chiropractic care, pain relief, and wellness solutions for Jarrell families, helping patients achieve optimal health, mobility, and balance through compassionate, professional treatment.
AnthonyChiro.com/Jarrell-tx 512-883-8048
HALL'S ROOFING & SHEET METAL
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JARRELL MONTESSORI
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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-
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.”
to Walmart Means Convenience & Prosperity AROUND TOWN
“Yes”
Our Community is at a crossroads where a decision by the Planning and Zoning Commission (PNZ) could shape our city’s future for generations: whether to welcome a Super Walmart to the corner already planned for regional commercial development.
Some may see it as just another store. But this global retailer's presence has meant a turning point for hundreds of growing communities. It is an opportunity for enormous economic, social, and infrastructure improvements.
Anchor for Economic Growth
Industry resources like Lightspeed note Walmart functions as an anchor store, drawing customers and a significant number of additional businesses to a community. Having a Supercenter typically attracts restaurants and services not currently in Jarrell, and even signals to other big box stores like Target or Home Depot that the Jarrell market is big enough and ready for business.
That anchor effect means more than just shopping convenience. It will draw millions of outside dollars from Salado, Bartlett, Florence, and Granger putting sales taxes into Jarrell’s coffers. (The average Walmart contributes millions in annual sales tax revenue to the communities it serves.)
Right now, our retail dollars flow south to Georgetown. Every trip to their Walmart, Target, or H-E-B is money lost to our community. A local Walmart keeps spending local, which, in turn, will sig-
Walmart Win! Jobs & Local Investment
nificantly financially support our city services and schools.
Opportunities Close to Home
For families, Walmart brings something even more meaningful: jobs right here at home.
My Jarrell spoke to local business owners who are aware of residents forced into foreclosure because they don’t have the means to travel 20 miles for work. Walmart will bring jobs to them—and teens, part-timers, and professionals. Even better, jobs will be within walking, bike, or even skateboard distance from their homes.
Walmart is also a company with upward mobility. One Jarrell graduate now works in Walmart corporate leadership, a reminder that a job at Walmart can open doors far beyond a cashier’s stand. With seasonal hiring and corporate pathways, the range of opportunities is wide.
Record of Giving Back
Beyond the registers and shelves, Walmart is known for investing directly into the communities it serves. Through its *Spark Good* program, local stores and clubs awarded more than $46 million in small grants last year, funding projects like school supply drives, park improvements, and youth programs.
These grants are tailored to meet each town’s specific needs—which means in Jarrell, the money could support our schools, parks, or even first responders.
Walmart also steps up in times of crisis. In July 2025, the company committed up to $500,000 to flood relief efforts right here in Texas, proving their support isn’t just nationwide—it’s regional and local. In education, Walmart supplies Chromebooks, tablets, and direct donations to classrooms across the country, and most recently supported schools with more than $1 million in back-toschool resources.
It’s easy to see how that kind of giving could benefit Jarrell, where both our student population and city services are growing quickly.
Infrastructure Improvements Without Taxpayer Burden
One of the biggest concerns raised has been traffic but residents already drive to Georgetown, hitting multiple traffic lights, shopping, and driving back. With Walmart here, you will turn directly in and come straight back home. No extra lights, no downtown congestion.
Better yet, Walmart is committed to improving surrounding roads—something the county doesn’t have the funds to do. Like Samsung in Taylor, Walmart will build out infrastructure and then donate those roads to the city, setting the stage for future growth without raising local taxes.
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
The Planning & Zoning Commission meets WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8 AT 6 PM AT JARRELL CITY HALL. Residents who want a stronger future must speak up.
Show up at the October 8 meeting to show your support.
Email or call your city representatives and P&Z members and say "Yes" to Walmart.
Scan the QR code to access contact information and let your voice be heard.
for Jarrell and Sonterra
Change Means Progress
Some residents worry about change—the loss of open fields and the arrival of a large building. But the City of Jarrell Comprehensive Plan, adopted in 2021, has already designated that parcel as *regional commercial.* This is the plan the city and community created together and the current vote is simply a first step in its implementation.
While some worry about small businesses, local loyalty runs deeper than price tags. People go to Jarrell’s hardware store, tire shop, and independent restaurants for the relationships. Walmart won’t replace that—it will bring in outside shoppers who wouldn’t otherwise patronize local businesses.
It is worth noting the land in question is just 14 acres and the owner isn’t doing anything unusual—she’s following the same path that countless Texas landowners along I-35 have already taken, transitioning property once used for private or agricultural purposes into commercial development following municipal rezoning votes. Having owned the larger lot since 1961, she would like to retire, enjoy her golden years, and leave behind generational wealth for her family. It’s the natural course for land along the interstate, and nothing different from what many other landowners have already done or hope to do.
What’s at Stake?
If Jarrell turns Walmart away, the superstore won’t vanish. It will land in Salado, Florence, or Georgetown—as will the tax revenue, the jobs, and the investment. If we shrug and think Georgetown won't want a second Walmart for its 106,000 residents, consider Bryan/College Station, with a population of about 130,000 and three Supercenters.
Similarly, pastureland at the proposed site currently generates about $2,000 a year in revenue. A Walmart generates millions. That money could fund better roads, parks, schools, and public services right here at home.
Why Walmart Matters to Our Editor
As a wife and mom, I would welcome a Super Walmart in Jarrell with open arms. For families like mine, it’s not just about shopping — it’s about convenience, affordability, and time.
Right now, a simple grocery or home improvement run means minimum 40-mile round trip. That’s money wasted on gas, time lost from home and family, and stress added to already busy schedules. Too often, it means putting things off simply because the drive is too long.
A Walmart Supercenter changes that. With about 120,000 products — four times what a typical grocery store carries — it offers real choices and real value. It’s the Legos my son wants, affordable clothes for my daughter, and last-minute supplies for church and community events, all in one place.
The bottom line is simple: a Super Walmart improves our quality of life. It keeps families close to home, gives us back precious evenings, and makes our community more self-sufficient. For moms like me, that’s not just convenience — that’s peace of mind.
And beyond family needs, this is about Jarrell’s future. A Super Walmart means jobs, economic growth, and investment right here where we live. This isn’t just another store; it’s an opportunity to keep our community thriving.
It’s time for our leadership to step up and say YES to Walmart. Jarrell and Sonterra families deserve it.
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EDUCATION
Jarrell ISD Teachers Bring
Innovation to Life with
Education Grants
THIS AUGUST, 12 JARRELL ISD TEACHERS RECEIVED GRANTS FROM THE JARRELL EDUCATION FOUNDATION—FUNDING PROJECTS THAT TURN CLASSROOMS INTO GARDENS, LIBRARIES INTO GLOBAL GATEWAYS, PLAYGROUNDS INTO ADVENTURES, AND MATH LESSONS INTO HANDS-ON DISCOVERIES.
Here’s a look at a few of the innovative ideas helping students grow inside and outside the classroom.
Charlotte Kovalchuk
CULTIVATING CURIOSITY
Career and Technology teacher Brandon Grigsby’s Outdoor Flowerbed and Vegetable Garden project will allow students of all ages to roll up their sleeves and experience everyday science in an educational setting. The garden will feature a mix of ornamental flowering plants and vegetables. Students will start with planting, nurturing plants with daily care, and discovering the patience and dedication required to make things bloom. “For some students, this is the only time they will be able to have this experience, and this grant allows the district to provide it for them,” Brandon says. He sees this project not just as a garden but a real-world lab where students can learn life skills like attentiveness, patience, and perseverance.
A WINDOW TO THE WORLD
At Igo Elementary, Tiffany Weiss, director of elementary education, is using her grant to open doors to global experiences with a Virtual Labs project. The virtual reality lab will allow students—many of whom have never traveled outside the state or country—to explore cultures around the world. “My goal for this project is to provide teachers and students with enriching experiences that broaden their understanding about the world around them.”
Jarrell ISD
ADVENTURES IN PLAY
Over at Double Creek Elementary, fifth grade dual language teacher Dora Garcia is transforming recess with the Cougar Outdoor Adventures project. The grant will fund new playground equipment and activities, creating a safe and engaging space for movement, play, and connection. Dora emphasizes the benefits extend beyond fun: active play boosts health, reduces stress, and fosters cooperation, empathy, and belonging.
BUILDING BEYOND BOUNDARIES
Math interventionist Julie Woods, also at Double Creek Elementary, is bringing color and creativity to math with her Omnifix Odyssey: Building Beyond Boundaries project. Omnifix cubes connect in any direction, helping students explore 3D shapes, fractions, and volume. Their versatility and bright colors naturally draw students in, helping them become leaders in their own education. “Using more engaging and efficient materials will empower students to guide their own learning,” Julie says.
This spring, the Jarrell Education Foundation (JEF) launched its first-ever signature fundraiser: the Cougar Clay Shoot. Held in March at Solana Ranch—who generously donated their pavilion and shooting course—the event brought together 17 teams for a day of sporting clays, camaraderie, and community spirit. Central Texas Clays partnered with JEF to design the course and games, helping make the event a success.
By the end of the day, more than $24,000 was raised—all of which goes directly back into Jarrell ISD. The funds support innovative classroom grants for teachers, continuing education for staff, and, in the future, scholarships for students.
For JEF, the Clay Shoot was about bringing the community together in support of local schools. “JEF’s main goal is to promote academic excellence at JISD. Our hope for the annual Cougar Clay Shoot is not only to raise money, but also promote community engagement in the success of the district. I personally believe strong schools help build strong communities!” Scan the code to learn more about the Foundation.
The community of Jarrell has seen remarkable growth in recent years, with new families, new businesses, and a spirit of opportunity filling the town. With growth, however, also comes new challenges—longer commutes, busy schedules, and the stresses of balancing work, school, and family life. All of these can take a toll on health and wellness.
A Warm Welcome
TO JARRELL'S NEW CHIROPRACTIC CENTER
That’s why Anthony Medical and Chiropractic Center is excited to announce the opening of its newest location right here in Jarrell. Since July 16, 2025, the clinic has been serving residents with high-quality chiropractic care and massage therapy, giving families a trusted resource for natural healing close to home.
For over a decade, Anthony Medical has been known throughout Central Texas as a center for integrated, patient-focused healthcare, offering multiple services under one roof for a true one-stop shop experience — and we proudly accept most major health insurance plans. By opening in Jarrell, the team brings the same commitment to compassionate care, education, and results to a community that deserves nothing less.
“We treat every patient like family,” says Dr. Kelly, lead chiropractor at the Jarrell office. “Our mission is simple: to listen, care, and guide our patients toward real healing without depending on unnecessary medications or surgery.”
Why Chiropractic & Massage Therapy Matter
Most people think of chiropractic care as just “back cracking,” but it’s much deeper than that. The spine houses the nervous system, which controls nearly every function of the body—movement, digestion, circulation, and even the immune system. When the spine is misaligned, it creates pressure on nerves that can lead to pain, limited mobility, headaches, fatigue, and other health issues.
Chiropractic adjustments help restore alignment, reduce nerve interference, and bring the body back to balance. Patients often report relief from lower back pain, sciatica, neck stiffness, migraines, and even improved energy levels.
Massage therapy, on the other hand, works to relax tight muscles, improve blood flow, and support faster recovery. When used in combination with chiropractic adjustments, massage helps the body hold its alignment longer and enhances overall results. Together, these treatments form a powerful approach to natural healing.
“Chiropractic and massage go hand-in-hand,” explains Dr. Kelly. “Adjustments restore proper function to the nervous system, and massage therapy helps relax and heal the muscles. Patients don’t just feel better—they function better.”
Services, Specials & Community Commitment
At the Jarrell location, Anthony Medical has focused on delivering the therapies patients benefit from the most:
CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTS
Precise, gentle, and effective care that relieves pain and restores healthy movement.
THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE
Custom massages tailored for pain relief, relaxation, and improved range of motion.
These services may sound simple, but together they have transformed countless lives. Patients who once lived with daily back or neck pain are now enjoying more energy, better sleep, and renewed mobility. Parents who once struggled to lift their kids without discomfort now find themselves fully engaged in family life again.
To celebrate the opening, Anthony Medical – Jarrell is offering NEW PATIENT SPECIALS designed to make natural healing accessible for everyone. These affordable specials allow first-time patients to experience real relief from day one.
NEW PATIENT SPECIALS
ROOTED IN THE COMMUNITY
Anthony Medical doesn’t just want to be a clinic in Jarrell—they want to be a part of the community’s story. From partnering with local schools and businesses to educating families about posture, stress relief, and preventive care, the clinic aims to support Jarrell residents in living healthier lives.
“We’re excited to be part of the Jarrell community,” says Dr. Kelly. “We want our clinic to be a place where people feel cared for, understood, and supported—whether they’re in pain or simply want to maintain good health.”
THE ANTHONY MEDICAL DIFFERENCE
What sets Anthony Medical apart is not just the services, but the philosophy of care. Patients are never rushed. Every treatment plan is customized to fit the individual, with the goal of longterm health, not just short-term relief.
The clinic takes pride in its welcoming environment, where patients of all ages—children to seniors—can feel comfortable and confident in their care.
“Dr. Kelly is one of the best chiropractors I’ve ever seen!
After just one session with her and the amazing massage therapy, I had instant, lasting relief and finally slept pain-free. So glad to have her in Jarrell!” – Melissa H.
STAY CONNECTED
Stay up to date with wellness tips, events, and giveaways:
◊ Facebook: @AnthonyMedical ChiropracticJarrell
◊ Instagram: @anthonychiropractic jarrell
◊ YouTube: @AnthonyMedicalChiro Jarrell
◊ TikTok: @anthonychiropractic
READY TO FEEL YOUR BEST?
If you’ve been living with pain, stress, or discomfort, now is the perfect time to take the first step toward healing. With chiropractic care and massage therapy available right here in Jarrell, relief is closer than ever.
539 Town Center Blvd, Jarrell, TX 76537 (512) 883-8048 | AnthonyChiro.com
Williamson County is home to an incredible variety of hiking trails, and exploring them with a dog makes the experience even more rewarding. Nearby favorites in Georgetown like San Gabriel Park and Blue Hole offer scenic strolls where you and your pup can enjoy fresh air, open space, and riverside views. For a truly special outing, venture to Crockett Garden Falls, a hidden gem along the Good Water Loop where a waterfall spills into a shaded pool—a perfect spot for a mid-hike rest.
When you hit the trails, remember to bring plenty of water and a tasty snack for your four-legged hiking buddy. Check trail guides ahead of time to make sure pets are allowed, and always keep your dog on a leash—not just because it’s the safest choice, but because it’s also Texas state law.
FINDING YOUR NEW ADVENTURE BUDDY
Don’t have a dog to join you yet? Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter (WCRAS) can help you find your perfect adventure partner. With two locations—the main shelter and the Red Poppy Adoptique, located right next to gorgeous San Gabriel Park in Georgetown—it’s never been easier to meet adoptable dogs who would love to explore the outdoors with you.
Not ready for a long-term commitment? The DOGGY DAY OUT daytime foster program is the perfect way to enjoy local beauty with a canine companion, no strings attached. Imagine taking a shelter dog for an afternoon hike along the Bill Pickett Trail, soaking in the sights, and then returning them to the shelter at the end of the day. Of course, if you fall in love, you can always extend your foster—or make the adventure permanent through adoption.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or new to the trails, having a dog by your side makes the journey even better. So lace up, leash up, and get ready to explore!
To learn more, scan the code to visit wilcotx.gov/pets.
by Charlotte Kovalchuk • photos courtesy Newman's Castle
Newman’s Castle
A MEDIEVAL GEM IN THE TEXAS COUNTRYSIDE
Just outside Bellville, Texas, is a scene that looks straight out of a fairytale: a full-scale medieval castle complete with a drawbridge, moat, towers, and a dungeon amid the rolling hills of a small Texas town.
It may look like a relic from centuries past, but this unique landmark isn’t ancient—it’s the dream of a small-town baker who decided to bring a piece of Europe to Texas. The idea was sparked decades ago, after Mike Newman (inset) graduated from high school and spent several years wandering through Europe. There, he became enchanted by the towering castles of the 14th century. Years later, when he bought land in Bellville, he originally planned to build a simple ranch-style home—until a friend’s offhand quip changed his mind: “Well, Mike, a man’s house is his castle.” Mike took the idea literally, breaking ground in 1998 and spending nearly two decades bringing his unlikely dream to life. As his nephew says, once Mike got an idea in his head, there was no shaking it. “He was a very strong-willed man,” says Chad Welty, who now runs the castle alongside his wife, Amanda. “When he gets something stuck in his head, that’s what he does.”
BELLVILLE’S LOCAL LEGEND
Back in town, Mike was already a familiar face. He had opened Newman’s Bakery in the 1980s, so when word spread that the baker had also built a castle, curiosity followed. The first official visitors arrived by bus from Harris County—a group of seniors eager to see the medieval fortress. Soon, tour groups became a steady rhythm, with Mike himself guiding guests through his labor of love. What began as a personal passion turned into a thriving local attraction. “He was just really proud of it,” Chad recalls. “He loved talking to people about the castle. And he was a businessman—he figured, sure, if people want to come visit, why not?”
Mike passed away in 2024, but his imaginative legacy lives on. Chad and Amanda are determined to continue what he started, expanding the property into not just a castle, but a full medieval experience. They’re already brainstorming additions like a medieval village, more event spaces, and overnight stays that would let visitors fully immerse themselves in the old-world fantasy.
For Chad, the castle is more than a unique tourist attraction—it serves as inspiration to dream big. “The whole purpose was to inspire people,” he says. “To show that you can do something crazy, and it can work.”
WHEN YOU GO
The castle is about a two-hour drive from Jarrell and tours are available Monday through Saturday at 11am, with reservations required. Once inside the castle grounds, plan for about 90 minutes of exploration—wandering around the moat, climbing towers, and peeking into the dungeon—before gathering for a simple lunch of sandwiches, chips, and fresh-baked treats, all included in the ticket price ($20 for adults, $15 for children). Sturdy shoes are essential for the pebbled paths and outdoor terrain, and those enchanted by the setting can return for special occasions: the castle
also serves as a storybook backdrop for weddings, wine tastings, birthdays, and other private events.
A 7-minute drive from the castle, Newman’s Bakery offers its own kind of local magic. A Bellville staple since the 1980s, it opens at 4am to greet early risers with coffee, quiches, kolaches, cinnamon buns, croissants, and donuts, along with daily soup specials. Pairing the bakery’s cozy comfort food with the castle’s awe-inspiring grandeur makes for a memorable day steeped in medieval fantasy.
SMy Name is Leigh and I'm a HoarderDigital
chool started last month for most of us—my family included. My son is in the 10th grade now, which sounds fictional, but apparently it’s real. One minute he was wobbling through pre-K with Goldfish crumbs on his cheeks, and now he has to tilt his head down to look me in the eye when asking questions I can’t answer about Algebra 2 and airsoft gear.
Maybe that’s why, in the run-up to back-to-school chaos, I finally pulled the trigger on a new desktop computer. My old Mac—loyal but laggy—had been running on the “click, make a sandwich” cycle long enough. It had served me well for six years with its 4TB hard drive, but transferring data packets in the cloud for hours on end had worn it down in the slow, creeping way we outgrow jeans we still swear fit.
So, after steeling myself for the budget hit, explaining to hubby that this was necessary, and asking ChatGPT dozens of questions comparing processors and ports (thank goodness!), I closed my eyes and clicked “buy.”
I was told the new Mac didn’t need a big hard drive because “everything’s in the cloud.” Which is adorable. Clearly, they didn’t know who they were dealing with.
Also—and I mean this with every fiber of my analog soul—I am so sick of not owning anything. That 2TB hard drive is just one more reminder that we now forever rent our digital lives. Subscriptions for apps, subscriptions for fonts, subscriptions for storage… even music I “buy” isn’t really mine. I can’t make a mix tape anymore—not the kind that sounded like a soft hiss and a heart poured onto a fragile magnetic ribbon. Those tapes were how we shared joy and heartbreak with friends and sweethearts.
Now? If Adobe gets bored or decides to cancel me, they could revoke my apps and I'd lose my job by lunchtime. And we’re all just supposed to smile and accept that. But I digress.
When moving old Mac to new Mac, I realized very quickly: it would never fit. The JPGs and MPGs alone number 228,000. I have backups of user folders from every computer I’ve owned since 2010. I have every tax return, invoice, Leigh draft, Christmas card photo, and sooo many copies of the video of BabyJack laughing at me fake-sneezing at him in the highchair.
Why? Because the moment I delete something, I will need it. This very minute, my younger brother is looking for a new job for the first time in TEN years and his resume was one of those "Why do I still have this?" files I deleted from the old machine.
So of course I bought a 16-terabyte external I lovingly named “MonsterDrive,” because 16TB feels virtually limitless—for now. And, because my tech-nerd big brother understands technology and me, he gently suggested I also get an SSD—with no moving parts, the kind that might still be humming quietly on Jack’s desk in 30 years when he’s introducing his own children to “all the baby pictures your Mimi saved.”
That new and ridiculously tiny drive—about the size of a deck of cards—now holds 4TB of the most precious clutter of my life. And for those keeping score at home, that’s the equivalent of 3.3 million floppy disks.
Yes, I’m still-doing-floppy-disk-math-on-the-OregonTrail years old. I was there when computers clicked and whirred and made us feel like something magical was happening behind the screen.
Still, I’m not embarrassed by the pixelated Museum of Leigh I’ve curated. The beauty of digital photography is that I can take 50 shots to get one perfect one. The problem with me is that I can’t bring myself to delete the other 49. Because what if one of them captured a millisecond of BabyJack’s soul that the others missed?
But someday—and I say this with a touch of momancholy—Jack won’t have to rent a dumpster to clean out my house. He can just smile at the memory of his weird old mom… and press “delete.”
Or just maybe... he’ll open that tiny little drive, drag the tax returns to the Trash, then swipe through a few thousand photos, and realize his momma didn’t want to lose even a bit... or a byte of the people she loved.
So, to all you parents who just whispered, “Hmm... I do that too,” with phones full of nearly identical photos—the blink, the smile, the slightly better smile—and who never delete any of them, because what if that’s the one…
Maybe that’s not hoarding. Maybe that’s legacy.
by Camy Reynolds
onthelong-awaited
WilCo Breaks Ground SONTERRA BOULEVARD PROJECT
If you’ve driven down Sonterra Boulevard lately, you’ve probably noticed the construction barricades and wondered what’s happening. Good news—Christmas is coming a little early for those who have spent years dodging the infamous potholes at the entrance.
Soon, “Lake Sonterra” will finally disappear. While its legacy may live on—perhaps even through its playful Facebook profile popping up to remind us of its notoriety—residents can look forward to a safer, smoother commute.
Commissioner Russ Boles explained, “Even though the intersection at I-35 is controlled by Jarrell and the state, Williamson County saw the large and reoccurring road damage as a safety issue. The issue is being a little understated by calling it a pothole. The underlying problem is drainage that has caused previous repairs to fail. We’re going to fix that and then repair the road. Wilco’s hope is that when we’re done, ‘Lake Sonterra’ will become a memory of the distant past only sung about in folklore.”
The project is scheduled for completion in December 2025, marking the end of one of the community’s most notorious nuisances and the beginning of a smoother ride ahead.
Jarrell Animal Hospital serves to deliver gold standard veterinary medicine with a best practice approach.
JAH Memorial Garden
We are currently building our Jarrell Animal Hospital Memorial Garden to serve our clients and the Jarrell Community. Please stop by to visit when you have a moment to enjoy the tranquility of our brand new garden!
