SDN: April 17, 2026

Seguin’s CleanUp Day set for this Saturday

(Seguin – Tackling some spring cleaning will be made easy this weekend thanks to the City of Seguin’s Spring Clean-Up Day. Residents will have an opportunity to dispose of unwanted household items for free during the city’s CleanUp Day scheduled for this Saturday.

City officials say the event, which is held twice a year in the spring and fall, will take place from 8 a.m. to noon in the parking lot of the Seguin Events Complex, also known as the Seguin Coliseum, located at 950 S. Austin Street.

City officials encourage residents living within Seguin city limits to bring eligible items from around their homes for free disposal. Participants must provide a photo ID or utility bill as proof of residency. City employees will be onsite to assist residents with unloading vehicles and trailers.

Officials say the event will accept a variety of materials, including junk disposal items, scrap metal,

appliances without Freon, and up to 10 automobile tires per household.

Tires larger than 19.5 inches, tires with rims, and specialty tires such as tractor-trailer, lawnmower, bicycle, ATV, run-flat, or armored military tires will not be accepted. Tires from local businesses are also prohibited. Paper shredding services will be available on-site as a free service.

Residents may bring sensitive documents for secure destruction, with a limit of two boxes or bags per household.

City officials emphasize that certain materials will not be accepted, including hazardous waste or chemicals, brush and limbs, construction debris, fencing, sheds, treated wood, and any appliances containing Freon or other refrigerants. Electronics of any kind are also not allowed.

For a complete list of accepted and prohibited items, residents can visit https://bit.ly/ SeguinCleanUpDay.

(Seguin) -- Seguin Police Chief Jason Brady is the featured guest on this week’s Saturday Topic program on radio station KWED.

The Seguin PD has been in the news recently about a September 2025 traffic stop involving a 16-year-old boy. Topic, pg. 3

Texas Ladies State Chili Cook-Off returns to Seguin

New Friday competition adds spice to annual chili cook-off

(Seguin) -- The smell of the Lone Star State’s best simmering chili will be hitting the air this weekend as the Texas Ladies State Chili Cook-Off returns to Max Starcke Park in Seguin.

Now celebrating its 55th anniversary, the cook-off has become a tradition for generations

of chili competitors -- bringing visitors from across Texas and beyond to Seguin.

That’s according to Beverly Maricle, who is helping organize the event. She says the cook-off has deep roots both in Texas and in Seguin.

“This is actually our 55th

anniversary of this cook-off. It started in Luckenbach in 1971 and came to Seguin in 1991. So, it’s the 35th anniversary of being in Seguin. And it is a long-standing tradition. We have ladies who come from all over the different states and not just Texas.

Chili, pg. 4

A Bustin’ Cancer for Gail fundraiser set for this Saturday in Marion

Friends join community in support of volunteer Gail Damerau

Cindy Aguirre-Herrera

(Marion) -- For decades, Gail Bierstedt Damerau has been one of the people helping hold the Marion and Guadalupe County community together. From livestock shows and fair queens to 4-H and FFA projects, Gail has spent years volunteering and supporting others.

Now, as Gail battles cancer and prepares for a double mastectomy in May, friends, family and neighbors are coming together to support her

through the Bustin’ Cancer for Gail fundraiser this Saturday at Vic’s Arena in Marion.

Daughter Dori Damerau says a similar event has been held for years Gail, pg. 4

Event to include free food, live band plus DJ TLU to host free Friday night Pachanga

(Seguin) – The city of San Antonio can have its Fiesta this weekend because over at TLU, it’s Pachanga 2026. This Friday night, the community is invited over on the lawn at Texas Lutheran University for free food, fun plus sounds of cumbia, salsa and Tejano music.

Pachanga 2026, hosted by the Center for Mexican American Studies and the Mexican American Student Association at Texas Lutheran University, will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday at the TLU Alumni Plaza located on the east corner of the campus.

Dr. César S. Silva, TLU assistant professor and center director for Mexican American Studies, says the free event will raise money for Teatro de Artes de Juan Seguín and will include a silent auction and live entertainment throughout the evening.

“Friday, we have DJ Navarro. He’ll be playing throughout the other performances. And then we also

Topic, continued.

have Grupo Llamativa, an 8-piece cover band, out of San Antonio, all female group. And they’ll be playing from 7 to 9 p.m. We also have Danza Guadalupana, who will come by and they’ll be playing somewhere around 6 for about 30 minutes or so. And then again, we will have DJ Navarro intertwined,” said Silva.

Silva says organizers hope the

The story has made the rounds on both social media and traditional news media outlets.

The case involved the teen and a male friend, who were riding an electric bike. It was late on a school night, and the teens were pulled over for running a stop sign. The boy tried to call his dad, and the officer told him to put his phone away, which he did. But the dad called back and the boy answered. The officer told him again to put his phone away and reached for it. The boy turned away from him, and when that happened, the officer took him down to the ground.

Chief Brady says he understands the optics of the situation, but he believes the officer followed policy and, contrary to what some have said, the officer did not slam him to the ground.

“That officer perceived that (phone) communication at that point would not only be distracting to him and to the individual, but potentially an opportunity to

event becomes more than just a fundraiser. He says he also hopes it serves as an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate local culture.

“So, please come out for free food, free music. We have a silent auction raising funds for Teatro De Artes here in Seguin. You know, they’ve been a pillar of our community for such a long time. You are not forced to bid, but we’ve got some pretty cool items that people are going to want to potentially bid on. But, you know, the band is amazing. They’ll be playing for a couple hours, and again, it’s just free food, and it’s another night to be together to celebrate, the Seguin culture, the TLU culture, the student organizations at the Mexican American Student Association, and that’s what we would really, really hope that people can come out and support this community. We just wanted to do something in return,” said Silva.

The event is free and open to all ages.

summon maybe more people to the scene than he was prepared to deal with at that moment. The technique he used was a straight arm bar takedown, and we utilize a lot of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and we utilize a lot of techniques that are designed to produce the minimal harm (and) to use the least amount of force, but still accomplish our goal. And that is one way to take somebody to the ground as opposed to slamming them or pulling their legs from under them or grabbing them by the head and jerking them down,” said Brady.

You can hear our full conversation with Chief Brady during our Saturday Topic program. We’ll not only talk more about that incident, but we’ll also take a more broad look at policing in Seguin and how the chief says his officers are working to keep the community safe.

The program airs at 8 a.m. Saturday on AM 1580 KWED, with a livestream available at seguintoday. com. You can also listen live to the radio station on any Alexa-enabled device by saying, “Alexa, play KWED Radio.”

Chili, continued.

And then as our community is growing and getting more people, we’re trying to let everyone know that it is open to the public. It is a family event. You don’t have to cook or judge. You can just come and hang out in the park with us and have a good day and see what we’re all about. And then, you know, if people are interested in cooking, they’ve got an idea of what’s going on, and they’ll be, better prepared for the next year,” said Maricle.

Maricle says this year they’ll also be offering a more friendly competition that also opens the door for even more cooks to get involved.

“We are trying something different this year. Instead of doing the Friday night meal for the cooks, we’re going to have a Friday evening cook off and men can cook in that competition as well. And so hopefully that will bring in more cooks, a little bit more revenue for the event by having that Friday evening cook-off. And again, being in the park this morning, I recognized some campers that I’ve not seen before. So, by allowing the men to cook on Friday evening, we’ve already gotten some more extra cooks that haven’t been there in the past. So, I’m really excited to see how this new thing we’re trying turns out,” said Maricle.

To decide the winners, organizers say it takes the recruitment of more than 300 judges.

Maricle says even people who have never judged chili before are welcome to be a part of this year’s contest.

“If they want to judge chili this evening, turn in is at 6 p.m. So, arrive about 5:30 - 5:45. And if they want to judge on Saturday for the main event, that turn in is at 1 o’clock. So, if we can have our judges about 1230, 1245, so we can get them seated and set up and ready to go. Any first-time judges, new judges, we’ll go over the five criteria that we judge on. So, if you’re inexperienced judging, just come out anyway and we will review everything and make sure that you feel comfortable with scoring and cut you loose on the chili,” said Maricle.

Most importantly, Marcile says the event gives back to Seguin by

supporting a local organization.

“Thriving Hearts is our charity, and so we try to raise as much money as we can to donate that and help the community that way,” said Maricle.

The Texas Ladies State Chili Cook-Off will take place at Max Starcke Park in Seguin. Community members interested in judging can sign up online before the event or arrive before judging times on Friday evening or Saturday afternoon.

To sign up to be a judge visit https://www.tlscco.com/chili-judges-needed.html

Gail, continued.

but this year, the event was recognized in total support of Gail.

“It’s quickly become a full day lineup. Every year, this is our annual, we used to call it Bulls and Pulls. We kind of slacked a little bit on it -- the last few years due to volunteers and help. But this year, we threw everything back together for a full day. We’re going to start in the morning at 10 a.m. with the tractor pull, and that’s going to be antique tractors, and we’ll have maybe some V8 tractors that show up. Those are little highly modified tractors. We’ll be doing that almost all day. I think we’re expecting close to 100 tractors for that,” said Dori.

Dori says the fundraiser will also include food, raffles and auction opportunities throughout the afternoon.

“Around 11a.m., we’re going to start selling BBQ plates with a cup of tea for $20. And we’re going to sell those until 4 p.m. or until we run out. I have t-shirt pre-orders. You can get those off of the Facebook event. We’ll start our silent auction at 11. We’re going to close that at 4

o’clock. And then, we have a 50-50 drawing. So that’s going to be a 3 p.m. draw. We have five $10 prize drawings. So, we have a shotgun, a pistol,

tabletop pellet grill, a weed eater and a chainsaw. And then, we have a $20 bucket drawing that is going to be a two-day two-hunter hog hunt down in Lytle, Texas,” said Dori.

Dori says the evening portion of the event will continue strong as it shifts into rodeo activities and live music.

“When we close out food sales at 4 p.m., we’re going to have the fair queens selling popcorn during the multiple rodeo events that we’ll have. And we’re going to have a DJ from 1 to 4. We have about 50 mutton busting kids planned for a 3 p.m. start on that. And then, we’re going to roll into horses and bulls with Vic’s Rodeo Company at 7 p.m. And I think we’re going to close out our night with Gabe Galvan and Vernon Doege and Friends Country Music starting around 8:30 after the bulls,” said Dori.

The fundraiser will be held rain or shine this Saturday, April 18 at Vic’s Rodeo Arena. Admission is free until 4 p.m. and $10 afterward, while children 10 and under will be admitted free. Vic’s Rodeo Arena is located at 511 FM 465 in Marion.

New Braunfels location provides educational opportunities for residents of Comal & Guadalupe Counties: • Accounting, Biology, Chemistry, Economics, English, Math, Fine Arts, Philosophy, Psychology • Day & evening options • IT - Cyber Defense and Networking • Associate Degree with a Business pre-major

(8 week) format

VITAL STATISTICS

SCHIEVELBEIN

www.SEGUINTODAY.com

Margaret Lucille Jung Schievelbein, age 101 of McQueeney, passed away on April 15, 2026. Margaret was born in Sisterdale, Texas, on July 11, 1924, to Bertha (Seay) and William Henry Jung.

She was a very loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother.

She was the light of the family. She enjoyed gardening, reading, painting, and singing with different quartets throughout the years. But most of all, she loved the Lord and her family.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Kurt Schievelbein, parents, brothers Merlin Jung and C.J. Jung, sister Arlene Lenz (Val), and son-in-law, Jerry R. MyCue.

She is survived by her sons, Fernon J. Schievelbein (Julia) and Kurt

Schievelbein (Debbie), and daughter, Carol MyCue; grandchildren, Brent MyCue, Kyle Schievelbein and Erin Schievelbein; great-grandchildren Darren MyCue, Mason MyCue (Kylie), and Jaxon MyCue, great-great-grandchildren Louise Faye MyCue and Lucian Karr MyCue; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel with the Reverend Rudy Salazar, Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in San Geronimo Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Randy Lenz, Brent MyCue, Mason MyCue, Kevin Lenz, Wesley Hart, Kyle Schievelbein, and Mark Jung.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of 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.

VITAL STATISTICS

MUELLER

www.SEGUINTODAY.com

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.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Goes Before House

(Washington, DC) -- Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is going to Capitol Hill on Thursday. He’ll go before the House Ways and Means Committee in a hearing examining the budget priorities of the Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy has faced Democratic pushback in these hearings previously. They claim Kennedy ignores scientific study with some of his “Make America Healthy Again” initiatives.

WHO Highlights Deepening Health Crisis In Sudan

(Sudan) -- The World Health Organization is highlighting what it calls a health crisis that is getting worse in Sudan. The county is now entering a fourth year of civil war. In an update this week, the organization says 21 million people there now lack health services and repeated attacks are crippling a medical system. WHO says disease outbreaks and malnutrition are rising in Sudan while access to health services is shrinking. The World Health Organization estimates that four million people are acutely malnourished in Sudan.

FDA Requests Eli Lilly Safety Data On Foundayo

(Silver Spring, MD) - The FDA is requesting more safety data from Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly on its new weight loss pill, Foundayo. According to the FDA’s approval letter, the data it has so far isn’t enough to fully understand several potential risks, including whether the drug could be linked to liver and heart problems. Foundayo won FDA approval this month through a pilot program intended to fast-track drug reviews. Eli Lilly’s pill is the second oral GLP-1 to reach the market in recent months following Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy pill which was approved in December.

Skin Doctor Gives Advice On Skin Products

(Cleveland, OH) -- A skin expert is giving some advice on products that is good for skin health. Dermatologist Shilpi Khetarpal says moisturizing products should have hydrating ingredients like ceramide, cholesterol and hyaluronic acid. Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is best. She says shampoo should be sulfate free because sulfate can damage hair. Khetarpal says just because a product is higher priced doesn’t mean it’s better and that folks should always check the ingredients.

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.

Master Gardeners Hosting Plant Sales

The Guadalupe County Master Gardeners will host a series of free educational programs and plant sales throughout April across the area. Plant sales will also be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 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. 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.

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 Boogie Down Disco Dinner & Auction

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.

TLU 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.

Friedens Church Geronimo Fish Fry

Friedens Church in Geronimo will host its monthly Fish Fry beginning at 5 p.m. Friday, April 17 and continuing until sold out. Plates are $15 and include fish, fries, coleslaw, hush puppies, and tea. Hot dog plates will also be available for $5, along with $2 desserts. The community is invited to come out and enjoy a great meal.

TLU Presents “The Best of The Carol Burnett Show”

Texas Lutheran University’s TheatreXpress program will present The Best of The Carol Burnett Show April 17 to 19 at the Studio Theatre, located inside the Weston Center for the Performing Arts on the TLU campus. The student-led production brings classic comedy sketches to life for a new generation. For showtimes and tickets, visit ticketsource.com/tlu-dramatic-media-texas-lutheran-university.

Seguin-Guadalupe County Black History Bus Tour

The Seguin-Guadalupe County Black History Bus Tour will be held Saturday, April 18, with tours running from 10 a.m. to noon and from 2 to 4 p.m. The narrated tour departs from the Davila’s BBQ parking lot at 418 West Kingsbury Street in Seguin. Participants will explore local Black history aboard a chartered bus and receive a commemorative booklet and snack bag. Tickets are $30 per person.

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 to 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.

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.

Community Blood Drive

Green Valley Special Utility District, in partnership with South Texas Blood & Tissue, will host a community blood drive from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, April 24 at 605 FM 465 in Marion. Residents are encouraged to roll up a sleeve and help save lives. To schedule a donation time, scan the QR code on the flyer at gvsud.org. For questions, call South Texas Blood & Tissue at 210-731-5590.

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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 /409044AA4AB22A1F58-63409752-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.

All-Inclusive Special Needs Dance Party

Beyond 22, Artable Curiosities, and Seguin School-

yard will host the 2nd Annual All-Inclusive Special Needs Dance Party from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 26 at 225 North Saunders Street in Seguin. The free, family-friendly event will feature sensory-friendly activities, face painting, games, arts and crafts, a photo booth, and prizes. Individuals of all ages are invited to attend and celebrate Autism Awareness Month.

Student Life “Elevate” Night

Coming to Matador Stadium

Students are invited to a night of worship, food, and an encouraging message at “Elevate,” happening April 29 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Matador Stadium. The event will feature guest speaker Isaac Eisner and is open to everyone. Organizers say the evening is designed to bring students together for connection, community, and inspiration. Admission is free, and all students are welcome to attend.

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.