SDN: April 14, 2026

April 14, 2026

Man sentenced to 80 years in jail for aggravated robbery

(Seguin) — A 28 year old man will be spending the rest of his life behind bars.

On Friday, a Guadalupe County jury sentenced Dylan Alvarez, 28, to 80 years in prison for the firstdegree felony offenses of Burglary of Habitation and Aggravated Robbery.

According to the office of Dave Willborn, Guadalupe County Attorney, in a trial that began on Monday, April 6th, a jury heard evidence that Carol Schaefer Taylor, 61 at the time, went over to her daughter’s house on July 5th, 2022, to help care for Taylor’s granddaughter and son-in-law, who had just a few weeks prior been seriously injured in a wreck involving an eighteen-wheeler and who, as a result of those injuries, had started physical therapy that day.

When Taylor arrived at the residence at 4 p.m, the defendant exited her daughter’s home armed with one of her daughter’s firearms, ordered Taylor inside, put the gun to the back of her head, and pulled the trigger twice. The gun did not fire either time, and the woman then struggled with Alvarez over the gun. Once disarmed of the gun, Alvarez, picked up a hatchet that he had staged nearby, and said to Taylor, “I have another way to do this”. The woman then ran into a nearby bathroom and locked herself inside. Alvarez then took a rifle belonging to Taylor’s son,

went outside, and shot a round through the bathroom window, flushing her out of the bathroom. He then met Taylor back inside the residence, pointed the rifle at her head, and fired a round. She managed to grab the barrel of the rifle as it was being fired and directed the shot up into the ceiling, burning her hand and saving her own life in the process. A second fight between Taylor and Alvarez ensued, with her

successfully getting the rifle away from him and rendering it inoperable. She then fled the scene to a neighbor’s property to call 911 while Alvarez stole her vehicle, cellphone, and purse and fled before law enforcement could arrive. He was later located two and a half weeks in Arkansas and arrested.

The jury heard evidence that Alvarez’ fingerprints were found on items inside the residence and that his DNA was found inside her vehicle when it was recovered three months later.

Neither Taylor nor anyone in her family knew Alvarez before that date. Alvarez testified in his own defense during guilt and attempted to claim it wasn’t he who attempted to kill her but the jury rejected that argument and found him guilty of both charges on April 9th.

Evidence on punishment began that same day where the State presented evidence that the day before attempting to murder Taylor, Alvarez had broken into another residence in Guadalupe County and shot the owner’s two dogs, killing one of them, and taking the vehicle of the homeowner who was not present at the time of that offense. The jury also heard evidence that Alvarez was caught in possession of an improvised weapon in the Guadalupe Jail while awaiting trial in October of 2023.

Robbery, pg. 3

Seguin PD seeks information on missing teen

(Seguin) -- The Seguin Police Department is asking for the community’s help in locating a missing 15-year-old girl.

According to officials, Annalynn

Lerma was last seen by family on Friday. Authorities are urging anyone who may have seen her or has information about her location to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Seguin Police Department at (830) 379-2123. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Guadalupe County Crime Stoppers or the P3 app.

Overnight closures this week along I-10

(Seguin) -- Drivers in Seguin will once again need to plan ahead as another round of overnight closures is set to impact a section of the I-10 corridor.

Today through Saturday (April 18), crews will fully close North Austin Street between the eastbound and westbound frontage roads of Interstate 10 each night from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

The temporary shutdown is the latest in a series of traffic impacts tied to

ongoing work in the area -- something local drivers have grown accustomed to in recent months. Still, officials say the closures are necessary to continue progress and are urging motorists not to be caught off guard.

During the nightly closures, detours will be in place:

Southbound traffic will be routed along the westbound frontage road of Interstate 10 to SH 46 before looping

back via the eastbound frontage road.

Northbound traffic will take the eastbound frontage road to SH 123 and return using the westbound frontage road.

Drivers are encouraged to allow extra time for travel, follow posted signage, and remain cautious when driving through the construction zone overnight.

See map on page 3.

Subject wanted on Top 20 offenders list in Bexar County behind bars

(Seguin) -- A Seguin man listed among Bexar County’s most wanted offenders has been apprehended.

According to the Seguin Police Department, officers initiated a traffic stop at approximately 1:53 p.m. on Thursday, April 9 in the 2900 block of West Kingsbury Street. The driver, identified as 27-year-old Kristopher Shadd Friday of Seguin, was wanted out of Bexar County on multiple violent felony warrants and had been named to the Bexar County Sheriff’s

Robbery, continued.

Office Top 20 Offenders List. Authorities say the department

That evidence contributed to the eighty-year sentence in both counts, which will be served concurrently. The jury also assessed a $10,000 fine in each count. Judge Brenda Chapman presided over the trial. The State was represented by Assistant County Attorneys Michael McCarthy and Maritza Stewart. During testimony, McCarthy went on to state the following regarding Carol Schaefer Taylor:

received intelligence about Friday’s possible presence in Seguin --prompting officers to locate and attempt the stop.

However, instead of complying, Friday allegedly fled in his vehicle, leading officers on a pursuit that headed west toward San Antonio. The chase continued into the city before coming to an end in the 7000 block of Interstate 10 when the suspect’s vehicle became disabled.

Friday has since been turned over to Bexar County officials.

“Our office is incredibly impressed with the toughness, will to live, and selflessness Ms. Schaefer Taylor displayed throughout her incredible ordeal. She fought off four separate attempts to murder her by the defendant and after successfully doing so, her first thoughts were for the safety of her family instead of herself. Her bravery has inspired everyone who works for the Guadalupe County Attorney’s Office.”

The defense in the case was represented by Attorneys Kyle Ernst and Rick Vestal.

Lifegate Christian earns multiple honors at TCAL All-Star Banquet

(San Antonio) -- Lifegate Christian School was well represented at the Texas Christian Athletic League All-Star Banquet on Saturday, with several student-athletes and coaches earning recognition.

Maegan Zurovec earned First-Team All-State honors in both volleyball and basketball. Sharla Maples was named Girls Basketball Player of the Year and First-Team All-State. Kylie Maples and Jessica Green each earned Second-Team AllState recognition in girls basketball, with Green also receiving Second-Team All-State honors in volleyball.

Reagan Holdman, Noah Perez and Evann Cavazos each received Honorable Mention recognition in basketball. Holdman was honored in girls basketball, while Perez and Cavazos were recognized in boys basketball.

Gabe Galvan was named Class 1A Girls Basketball Coach of the Year, and Jes Maples was honored as Athletic Director of the Year.

VITAL STATISTICS

MUELLER

Ralph Wayne Mueller, age 80 of Seguin, passed away on April 9, 2026. Ralph was born on September 23, 1945, in Cuero Texas to Inez (Kruse) and Walter John Mueller.

Ralph proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He served his entire career in Civil Service as a firefighter.

Ralph is preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers, Donald J. Mueller and wife Darla, and Gene F. Mueller.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Elaine Mitchell Mueller; daughter, Tracy Bittner and husband Roger; granddaughters, Savannah Clark and husband Stewart, and Ariel Rennspies and husband Derek; great-

BAKER

Sherry Causey Baker, 76, of Seguin, Texas, passed away on April 12, 2026. She was born on July 23, 1949, at Nix Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, to Roland Knox “Shad” Causey and Joyce Marie Alley Causey. She was their only child. She is predeceased by her father, who died on August 15, 1966, and her mother, who died on January 22, 2014.

Sherry grew up in Sabinal, Texas, where she was an active and engaged student. She participated in student council, cheerleading, basketball, softball, track, and band. After graduating from high school, she moved to San Marcos, Texas, and earned her Education Degree from Southwest Texas State University with a major in math and a minor in business. During college, she worked for the State Department of Agriculture, traveling the state promoting agriculture heritage.

She married Steve Baker on June 26, 1971, and together they built a loving home and family. Sherry was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose greatest joy was nurturing and celebrating the young lives around her.

Sherry was deeply devoted to children. She began her teaching career in Gonzales, Texas. She later served for many years as a dedicated substitute teacher at Navarro, where she was known for her generosity and reliability— she could never say “no” to a request to substitute for “one more day.” Her passion extended far beyond the classroom. Sherry remained actively involved in the lives of her own two sons and, later, her six grandchildren. She attended every sports event, dance recital, award ceremony, and school function for her children and grandchildren—Holden, Bailey, Piper, Quinton, Ava, and Lila— and generously supported many other children who were not even related to

grandchildren, Hadley Rennspies and Blaine Rennspies; nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving family members and many friends.

Visitation will begin on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel followed by funeral service at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Jeremy Pedersen officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in Lone Oak Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Walter Mueller, Wade Mueller, Joe Mueller, Brian Settle, James Coker, and Carl Coker. Honorary pallbearers will be Carlton “Coker”, Jim Hotchkiss, George Rehfeld, and Steve Bruington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice. You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.

her. Her love for her immediate and extended family was amazing and such an incredible example to us all.

Faith was central to Sherry’s life from an early age. She was an active member of the Sabinal First Methodist Church during her youth and, after marrying and moving to the Kingsbury/Seguin area, became a steadfast and devoted member of the First Methodist Church of Seguin. She cherished every aspect of her church community and particularly enjoyed serving each Halloween in the church’s Pumpkin Patch.

To friends, as well as family, Sherry will be remembered as someone who never had a bad day. She looked upon life with a smile and a chuckle.

She is survived by Steve Baker; her two sons and their families:

Shad Baker and his wife Staci, along with their children Holden, Bailey, and Piper; Brandon Baker and Jamie Hawkins, along with their children Quinton, Ava, and Lila.

Visitation will begin on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 5 p.m. at First Methodist Church, Seguin, followed by funeral service at 6 p.m. with the Reverend Cathe Evins officiating. A reception will follow.

Graveside services and interment will follow on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Sabinal Cemetery, Hwy 90 , Sabinal, Texas, 78881. A reception will follow.

Serving as pallbearers will be Shad Baker, Brandon Baker, Holden Baker, Quinton Baker, Jase Hawkins, and Rocky Bickley.

In lieu of flowers or donations, the family kindly requests that you simply say a prayer for Sherry and for those who loved her.

You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.

HHS Secretary RFK Jr. Announces New Health Podcast

(Undated) -- Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is entering the podcasting arena. He’s set to launch a podcast next week that’s being billed as a “platform to engage with the public on the health issues that matter most to American families, from chronic disease and nutrition to food quality and health care costs.” RFK Jr. calls it “part of a new era of radical transparency in government.” New episodes of The Secretary Kennedy Podcast are expected to drop every other week.

Study:

Declining Sense Of Smell

Could Be

Alzheimer’s

Predictor

(Germany) -- Trouble with your sense of smell may be an early sign of Alzheimer’s. New research from German scientists found that immune cells in the brain actively destroy smell-related nerve fibers. The damage begins in early stages of Alzheimer’s, long before cognitive decline. The findings could help identify at-risk patients earlier and improvement treatment timing.

Survey: Americans Eating More Meat

(Arlington, VA) -- Americans are upping their protein intake. An annual survey from food industry groups FMI and the Meat Institute found that over three-quarters of U.S. shoppers viewed meat as part of a “healthy, balanced diet” last year up from 64-percent in 2020. The survey released last month shows 45-percent are “actively trying to prepare more meals containing meat or poultry,” while 30-percent are doing so off and on. The report notes that the cause of the increase is protein, which is at the center of consumer interest.

Study:

Early

Weight Gain Linked To Lifelong Health Issues

(Sweden) -- A Swedish study says early weight gain may be detrimental to health. Researchers from Lund University found that early adulthood obesity significantly raises the risk of premature death, especially from major disease like heart disease and diabetes. The longer the body carries excess weight, the more damage. Those who developed obesity between ages 17 and 29 had a 70-percent higher risk of premature death.

Irma Lewis Outdoor Learning Center Open Trails

The Irma Lewis Outdoor Learning Center is now open to the public from 4 to 7 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. Visitors are invited to enjoy self-guided hiking and biking on the trails, have a picnic, or take part in catchand-release fishing at the pond. The community is encouraged to take advantage of this outdoor space for recreation and relaxation.

GCCAC Golf Tournament to Benefit Children’s Advocacy Center

The Guadalupe County Children’s Advocacy Center will host its annual golf tournament fundraiser on Thursday, April 16 at The Bandit Golf Course. The 4-person scramble begins with registration at 7:30 a.m. and an 8:30 a.m. start. The event will also feature opportunities for prizes, including a hole-in-one contest, along with food, drinks, and activities throughout the day. For more information, visit gccac.net.

Master Gardeners Hosting April Classes and Plant Sales

The Guadalupe County Master Gardeners will host a series of free educational programs and plant sales throughout April across the area. Educational classes include two programs on April 11 — “Native Gardening” from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Schertz Public Library in Schertz, and “Butterflies, Bees and Moths – Oh My!” from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Seguin Public Library. Plant sales will also be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 11 at the Polley Mansion Heritage Garden in La Vernia, April 18 at the Ron Pedde Memorial Community Garden in Cibolo, and April 25 during the Seguin Earth Day Festival at Central Park in downtown Seguin. All events are free and open to the public, with registration required for select classes.

Seguin Art League Announces April Events, Classes & Deadlines

The Seguin Art League is hosting a series of upcoming events and classes throughout April, along with a deadline for its annual High School Art Show. Art in Action, a community-wide live art event, will take place April 11 to 12, with finished works displayed April 14 to 24. A Needle Felted Landscapes workshop is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. April 18, followed by an Ink and Watercolor Landscapes class from 1 to 4 p.m. on April 29, both at the Seguin Art League Gallery. Entries for the Annual High School Art Show are due from 4 to 6 p.m. April 30 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church McKeogh Hall, with an awards reception set for May 2. Classes have limited space and require registration. For details, entry forms, and registration information, visit seguinartleague.com or call 830-305-0472.

Pantherpalooza Kids & Family Expo

Navarro ISD will host Pantherpalooza, a Kids and Family Expo, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at

Navarro Intermediate School. The free event will feature family resources, student organizations, local businesses, games, food trucks and information about summer recreation and student job opportunities. For details or vendor information, visit navarroisd.us/pantherpalooza.

Child Abuse Awareness Fundraiser: Fiesta of Heroes and Villains

An 8th annual Child Abuse Awareness fundraiser, “Fiesta of Heroes and Villains,” will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 11 at the Comal County Sheriff’s Posse, 3826 Morningside Drive in New Braunfels. Hosted by Guardians of the Children Hill Country Chapter, the event will include a fun run, bike show, silent auction, raffle drawing, vendor booths, and a free bike giveaway for youth. Attendees are encouraged to dress as their favorite superhero or villain. Proceeds will benefit Guardians of the Children, a nonprofit organization supporting abused children.

TLU Education Career Fai

Texas Lutheran University will host an Education Career Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 15 at the Dunne Conference Center in Tschoepe Hall, Room 115. The free event is open to students and community members seeking full- or part-time opportunities in education, with multiple school districts expected to attend. Attendees are encouraged to bring copies of their resume.

Navarro ISD to Host Pre-K and Kindergarten Roundup

Families with young children are invited to learn more about enrolling in Navarro ISD during the district’s upcoming Pre-K and Kindergarten Roundup events at Navarro Elementary School in Geronimo. Pre-K Roundup will be held from 4:45 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, followed by Kindergarten Roundup from 4:45 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 21. Parents will have the opportunity to meet teachers, tour classrooms and speak with district representatives about transportation, child nutrition and special education services while learning about the enrollment process for the 2026-27 school year. Children must be 4 years old for Pre-K and 5 years old for Kindergarten by Sept. 1, 2026. For details and required documents, visit navarroisd.us/roundup.

Master Gardeners Program: Landscape Mysteries

The Guadalupe County Master Gardeners will host their monthly membership meeting and educational program beginning at 5:45 p.m. Thursday, April 16 at 210 East Live Oak Street in Seguin. The evening will include a social at 5:45 p.m., a business meeting at 6:15 p.m., and a 7 p.m. presentation titled “Landscape Mysteries – ID That Plant or Bug,” led by Master Gardener, Master Naturalist, and Master Composter Peter Hernandez. The program is free and open to the public.

CASA of Central Texas will host its “Boogie Down Disco” Dinner and Auction from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, April 17 at The Chandelier of Gruene. The event, held in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, will include a seated dinner, live and silent auctions, and a special guest speaker who was once served by CASA. Proceeds from the evening will support advocacy services for children in foster care. Tickets are available online at givebutter.com/c/casadisco2026. For more information, visit casacentex.org or call 830-837-3026.

Pachanga 2026 to Benefit Teatro de Artes de Juan Seguín

The Center for Mexican American Studies and the Mexican American Student Association at Texas Lutheran University are inviting the community to Pachanga 2026, a free fundraiser supporting Teatro de Artes de Juan Seguín. The event will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, April 17 at the TLU Alumni Plaza. The evening will include a silent auction, dinner, dancing, and live music featuring Llamativa, DJ Navarro, Mariachi AJB, the Seguin Starlettes, and Danza Guadalupana. The event is free and open to all ages.

Wildlife Association annual meeting

The Guadalupe County Wildlife Management Association will hold its annual Spring Meeting on April 17 at the Texas Agriculture Education & Heritage Center (Big Red Barn), 250 Corodova Road in Seguin. The meeting begins with a social hour at 6 p.m., with the dinner meeting set to begin at 7 p.m. Anyone interested in Guadalupe county wildlife management is encouraged to attend. Dinner cost $15. RSVP by sending an email to RSVP:GuadalupeCountyWMA@gmail.com.

Small Business Unite Symposium Coming to Northeast Lakeview College

The Texas Tri-County Chamber of Commerce will host the Small Business Unite Symposium on April 17–18 at Northeast Lakeview College in Paluxy Hall in Universal City. The two-day event is open to entrepreneurs, business owners, students, and community leaders. The symposium will feature business education sessions, networking opportunities, industry panels, and a Lean Six Sigma White Belt Certification included with registration. Registration is now open at busines.txtricountychamber.org.

Field of Honor BBQ fundraiser

Seguin Field of Honor will have a BBQ fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 18 at Cash America Pawn, located at 1111 E. Court St. The plates are $12 each and consist of half a chicken, cowboy potatoes, beans and trimmings. Presale tickets are available from committee members, or call Connie at 830-243-2872.

Continued on the next page.

TLU Spring Fling

Texas Lutheran University will host its annual Spring Fling from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 22 on the TLU Library Lawn. The free event will feature a live concert, food trucks, games, and activities for all ages. The community is invited to attend and enjoy the festivities.

SW Prep PTO hosts Bingo Night Fundraiser

The Southwest Preparatory School PTO is hosting a game night fundraiser to help build a new playground for students at the Seguin charter school. The event will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 23 in the Southwest Preparatory School Cafeteria, located at 2400 E. Walnut St. Entry is $10 and includes a game book. Tickets will be available at the door or from any PTO member. Students in 6th grade and up may participate, but must be accompanied by an adult.

Texans Reaching Out 2026

Come one, come y’all to celebrate in true Texas style at St. Andrew’s “Texans Reaching Out” on Friday, April 24 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the church parish hall, 201 E. Nolte. The event features a lip-smackin’ fish fry by Johnny’s BBQ and music by The Magpies! You’ll also enjoy appetizers, drinks, and a handheld dessert bar. Tickets are free of charge, but reservations are required. A collection will be taken to benefit the local and international outreach ministries of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. Seating is limited so reserve prior to April 17 by calling the church office at 830.372.4330 or emailing secretary@standrewseguin.org.

Seguin ISD Matador Family Bash

A Matador Family Bash will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 24 at Matador Stadium in Seguin. Hosted by Seguin ISD, the free event will feature games, concessions, and family activities. A movie showing of “Zootopia 2” will follow from 7 to 9 p.m. Families are encouraged to bring blankets and pillows for the movie.

Geronimo Creek Spring Stream Cleanup

A spring stream cleanup for the Geronimo and Alligator Creeks Watershed Partnership will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, April 25. Volunteers in the Seguin area will meet at the Seguin ISD Outdoor Learning Center, located at 1865 E. U.S. Highway 90. Participants will help clean local waterways as part of a regional effort to improve water quality. Cleanup supplies will be provided, and a limited number of event T-shirts will be available for those who register. Free breakfast tacos and coffee will also be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to sign up in advance at geronimocreekwatershed.org.

Free Community CPR Training

The Seguin Fire Department will host a free Community CPR Training from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25 at the Seguin Public Library. Space is limited, and participants are encouraged to sign up in advance. Register online at signupgenius.com/go/40 9044AA4AB22A1F58-63409752-community.

World Tai Chi & Qi Gong Day Celebration

A World Tai Chi and Qi Gong Day celebration will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 25 on the east lawn of Emanuel’s Lutheran Church, 206 N. Travis St. in Seguin. Local practitioners will gather as part of a global event promoting peace, harmony, and wellness, joining others around the world during the same hour. The free event is open to all skill levels, including beginners and those who wish to observe and participate. Participants are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and water.

Denim Day Event Raises Awareness for Sexual Assault Prevention

The Thriving Hearts Crisis Center is inviting the community to take part in Denim Day, a special awareness event focused on supporting survivors of sexual assault. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 29 at Seguin Central Park, located at 201 S. Austin St. in Seguin. Community members are encouraged to attend, show support, and help raise awareness with the message that consent matters.

Evening with the Texas Rangers Set

for April 30

The Seguin Heritage Museum is inviting the community to “An Evening with the Texas Rangers,” a special program featuring history and live entertainment. The event will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 30 at the Palace Theatre, located at 114 S. Austin St. in Seguin. Entertainment will be provided by Dottsy Dwyer and the Hudiburgs, with concessions available during the evening. Admission is $20. Tickets can be purchased online at seguinheritagemuseum.org or locally at the Seguin Heritage Museum, Parker’s City Pharmacy, and Gift and Gourmet.

Seguin Art League High School Art Show Now Accepting Entries

The Seguin Art League will host its 16th annual High School Art Show, with artwork submissions accepted from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 30 at St. Andrew’s McKeogh Hall, located at 201 E. Nolte St. in Seguin. The show is open to all students in grades 9 through 12. Cash prizes will be awarded during a reception scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 2. For more information and a prospectus, visit seguinartleague.com or call 830-491-0778.

Friends of the Library Annual Meeting

The Seguin Friends of the Library will host its annual meeting at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 30 at the Seguin Public Library. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. The program, “Tejiendo (Weaving) Cultura: The Women Who Have, Who Are and Who Will Weave the Legacy of Teatro,” will be presented by Dr. Yvonne De La Rosa, followed by a brief business meeting. Refreshments will be provided.

Free Tax Help at Texas Lutheran University

Texas Lutheran University is offering free tax preparation assistance through its IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. The clinic will be held Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon through April 15 at the Beck Center on the Texas Lutheran University campus, 1020 Beck Drive in Seguin. The service is provided at no cost by accounting students from Texas Lutheran University and is open to individuals and households earning $69,000 or less, as well as seniors, people with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers.

Energy Assistance Available

The Community Council of South Central Texas is accepting applications for utility bill assistance through the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). Funding is limited and available in select counties, including Guadalupe County. Apply online at ccsct.org/utility-assistance-apply-for-services/ and schedule an appointment with your county office. An appointment does not guarantee assistance.

Homestead Exemption Audit Process Begins for Property Owners

Property owners in Guadalupe County are being advised of a new requirement involving homestead exemptions. Under a new state law, appraisal districts across the state, including the Guadalupe Appraisal District, will begin conducting audits of homestead exemptions. As part of the process, property owners with an active homestead exemption may receive a notice asking them to reapply for the exemption every five years to verify eligibility. The appraisal district does not calculate taxes based on exemptions. Any tax adjustments will be handled by the Guadalupe County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office and reflected either in amended bills for previous years or on the current year’s tax bill issued in October. Property owners who receive a notice should follow the instructions provided by the Guadalupe Appraisal District.

To ensure non-profit organization’s meetings and events appear in this calendar, send information to: communitycalendar@kwed1580.com, or drop off the information at the Seguin Daily News/KWED offices located at 609 E. Court St. in Seguin. For best results, submit information at least two weeks prior to the event.

Small steps to extend a car’s life expectancy

Vehicles continue to get more expensive. The automotive experts at Kelley Blue Book indicate the average American car buyer paid $50,080 for a new vehicle in September 2025, which was the first time the average price for a new car ever topped $50,000. More drivers are looking for ways to push their current vehicles past the 200,000-mile mark to save money.

According to S&P Global Mobility, the average age of a vehicle on the road hit a record high of 12.8 years in 2025. Although major mechanical failures concern drivers of older vehicles, it’s actually much smaller things that can affect vehicle longevity. There are small actions anyone can take to significantly extend a car’s life.

• Use caution on cold starts. When a vehicle sits, oil settles at the bottom of the engine. To help combat damage that can occur, drivers can wait about 30 seconds before shifting into gear, as this will allow the oil pump to circulate the lubricant to the upper valve train and help prevent extra wear on the engine. Modern fuelinjected engines warm up faster and more safely

by being driven gently rather than sitting still, so it’s not necessary to idle for a long while with the vehicle in the driveway, says Smart Motors Toyota. In fact, long idles actually can strip away oil.

• Treat fluids wisely. According to EngineeringCivil.org, checking and replacing fluids is cheaper than replacing hardware. Recent data suggests that consistent oil changes can add between 50,000 and 100,000 miles to an engine’s lifespan. It’s important to follow a vehicle’s manual for time-based intervals for fluid replacement, rather than just going by mileage.

• Drive faster on occasion. Oil will never get hot enough to evaporate internal condensation for those who primarily drive short distances under 10 miles. Once every few weeks, it’s important for drivers to drive at least 20 minutes at highway speeds to help get rid of contaminants.

• Drive smoothly on roads. Aggressive driving will not just burn more gas; such driving also creates heat, which can impact longevity. According to Kia, hard braking generates immense heat that can warp rotors and stress

suspension bushings. Likewise, it’s key to ease into acceleration. Rapid acceleration forces the transmission to downshift abruptly, increasing wear. Reports from The Zebra, an insurance shopping company, indicate that mindful driving can reduce mechanical strain by up to 30 percent.

• Fight corrosion. Rust can kill a car before the engine actually fails. People who live in areas where roads are treated with salt in the winter should use a winter car wash that includes an undercarriage spray. Auto Recycling World says road salt can eat through brake lines and fuel lines. In addition, applying a coat of wax twice a year can prevent UV rays and other damage to the clear coat, which protects the metal body from the elements.

• Address engine lights promptly. CarMD says addressing a “check engine” light immediately is 20 percent cheaper than waiting until the vehicle has a driveability issue. For example, ignoring a $150 oxygen sensor can eventually destroy a $1,500 catalytic converter. Small habits can help prolong the longevity of vehicles and help people save money.