SDN: April 21, 2026

April 21, 2026

New interview: Chief Brady explains what happened in teen traffic stop

(Seguin) -- If you missed our conversation with Seguin Police Chief Jason Brady, you can now listen to it online at seguintoday.com. The bulk of the nearly hourlong interview featured a discussion of a September 2025 traffic stop involving a 16-year-old boy.

Chief Brady says the optics of the stop may have been troubling to some, but ultimately, he believes the officer did not violate the department’s policy for use of force. Brady says that’s a separate question from whether or not it could have been handled differently.

“That’s the other benefit of…having body cameras and having footage -- is that officers are able to review and say, could that have been handled different?

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Guadalupe County to revisit proposed data center tax abatement agreement

(Seguin) -- Guadalupe County Commissioners today are expected to once again consider a proposed development agreement and tax abatement package tied to a multimillion-dollar data center project.

The proposed agreements between Guadalupe County and CloudBurst Texas, LLC. are listed on today’s agenda as both a presentation item and as two separate action items – one on the approval and one on the proposed tax abatement.

County leaders first heard details on the proposed data center project during the Feb. 24 regular meeting. However, no action was

taken at that time. During that meeting, at least one commissioner said she was not given some of the same details about the project that others on the commissioners court had received.

The data center proposal is expected to continue to draw public attention, especially as similar projects across Texas have generated concerns about land use, water consumption, energy demand and the long-term impact on rural communities.

Residents will have the opportunity to speak during the “Citizens to be Heard” portion of the meeting before commissioners

consider the proposed agreements.

The agreements are expected to outline the company’s plans for the project, investment commitments and the terms of any county tax incentives.

In addition to the CloudBurst proposal, commissioners are also expected to recognize Parker James Gilman with the Grandeza de Guadalupe Award for communityfocused achievements and civil service.

The Guadalupe County Commissioners Court meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. in the Guadalupe County Courthouse.

TLU’s annual Student Art Show opens this week

(Seguin) -- The artist Henri Matisse famously said that creativity takes courage. Pablo Picasso said that art washes the dust of everyday life from our souls. And Edgar Degas said that art isn’t so much about what the artist sees as it is about what they make others see.

The community is invited to come and experience a wide range of artwork during the Annual Student Art Show at Texas Lutheran University. The show opens with a reception on April 23, from 3–5 p.m. in the Annetta Kraushaar Gallery on campus.

Student artists were invited to submit works in any medium for evaluation by a juror who is a professional from a field within the visual arts. This year’s juror is Larry Seaman, an Austin-based musician, educator, and artist whose work has been featured on the East Austin Studio Tour and at the Davis Gallery and the Yard Dog Gallery in Austin.

Seaman has also been heralded as one of Austin’s best songwriters, and is founder, singer, songwriter, and guitarist for the band Standing Waves. Nowadays he is praised for “his playful yet sophisticated lyrical touch” and his music’s “rich patina, imbued with grace and truth with an edge and quirk ever present.” The same

could be said about his assemblage artwork. Seaman aims to “explore the beauty of obscure objects that have passed through time and find new meaning in intuitive juxtaposition.”

At the art show’s opening reception on April 23, Juror Award prizes will be announced, with TLU President Dr. Debbie Cottrell presenting awards at 4 p.m. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the artists and enjoy refreshments from 3–5 p.m. The artwork will remain on display through early May. The Annetta Kraushaar Gallery is located in the Schuech Fine Arts Center on campus. There is no charge for admission to the show, and all are welcome.

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Are there other ways to do that? And there’s always different ways. We’re always looking for opportunities to improve. And also, you have to look at the totality of it. If he’d been a two-officer unit, if it had been… 3 o’clock in the afternoon, if it’d been in a busy parking lot or something of that nature -- would the officer have interacted differently? Would his perception of the environment been different? (It) could absolutely. Would a different officer maybe have different perceptions, but you know we’re dealing with 73 different individuals that we have on our department,” said Brady.

Brady also addressed the questions that have been raised in the public about whether or not the teen had a right to call a parent during the traffic stop. Brady says officers, during a traffic stop, have control over your movements and communications. He says a parent needed to be present is incorrect.

“Again, I think people look at (it), they try to find similar circumstances because that’s how in our mind, we relate to situations. And (they say),‘my daughter got pulled over driving the family minivan the other day and she was allowed to use her phone.’ That’s again, up to the officer and the environment that he’s perceiving. And so, in terms of, there were a lot of things that came (forward, like);‘well, you can’t (do that), he’s a minor. You can’t question him.’ Well, let’s not forget in Texas, 17 is an adult. So, he’s a minor, but he’s not a toddler, right? And he’s old enough to be driving on public streets at 11 o’clock at night…and he’s old enough to drive a car. So, I think the age is of a concern, but it’s not to say that a 16-year-old can’t be dangerous or 16-year-olds can’t have weapons, because we routinely find this to be the case. But we heard, you can’t question a minor without a parent. That’s absolutely not true,” said Brady.

During the interview on KWED’s Saturday Topic program, Brady made a point to speak directly to the community, especially to parents who might have had a hard time watching the video. He says the officer had cause to use a straight-arm bar to take the teen to the ground, and Brady again stressed that the teen wasn’t slammed to the ground. However, he admitted it’s not easy to watch any use of force.

“I see that. I see the optics of that. And I understand why members of our community, parents, have concerns. And again, I’m happy to discuss it with them. I’m happy to look at that, happy to explore more. What I’m not going to entertain is people from other states that are trying to disrupt our community, trying to mischaracterize that encounter and, you know, trying to do various things for clicks and likes and all that silliness. I just don’t subscribe to that,” said Brady.

Brady says his department is committed to living up to the highest professional standards in Texas. He says that includes being accountable to the public or to those who want to file a complaint. He says recent claims that the teen’s family was effectively denied an opportunity to file a complaint prior to a 30-day deadline is an issue that he says never surfaced until after body-cam video went

viral on social media six months later.

“That’s the first I heard of a visit. I know that evening there were…some phone calls, and on multiple occasions it was described to our complaint process. In fact, our forms are online. So, you can go to our website and get one of our forms. A complaint by law has to be in writing and signed,” said Brady.

Brady says the department welcomes feedback on its work. He says that’s part of serving and protecting this community. But he says he can’t tolerate the actions of some people, mostly from outside of Seguin. Brady says he believes there was a coordinated attack on the department’s call system, tying up dispatchers after the video appeared online. Brady says it appeared their only motive was to disrupt the police department’s ability to provide services to the people of Seguin.

“These are people from out of state. Most of them could not pronounce the word Seguin. Again, just cussing and trying to tie up the lines. We’ve never dealt with that here. So, our protocols -- we don’t hang up on people, so as long as they were spewing -- I’ve since instructed them (to hang up). It’s like, you don’t have an emergency, you don’t need police, fire, or EMS, then hang up the phone, or they are authorized to do so. But at that point, they didn’t have that. But even then, the calls would keep coming. So yeah, the intention was to prevent the citizens and community of Seguin from receiving those emergency services that they may need. And I think that’s…to me, that’s despicable,” said Brady.

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. The boy’s family says the young man suffered a concussion during the incident, and they believe the officer’s actions were unnecessary.

Again, our full conversation with Chief Brady is available on-demand via our website seguintoday.com.

Seguin, Navarro, Marion track athletes advance to Region IV championships

(San Antonio) -- The District 27-5A champion Seguin track and field teams collected several gold medals at the Class 5A Region IV area championship Friday at Gustafson Stadium.

On the boys side, senior Hunter Hill won gold in the 800 meters and junior Adrian Rangel took gold in the 1,600 and 3,200 meters. Seniors Marcus Troy and Ayden Avila went 1-2 in the 300-meter hurdles, and the Matador boys 4x100 relay team also claimed gold.

For the Seguin girls, junior Kendra De La Garza and freshman Gianna Ferreira went 1-2 in the 100-meter hurdles. Freshman Paige Leyendecker won gold in the long jump, and Leyendecker and freshman Katelyn Bright swept

the top two spots in the triple jump. The Seguin girls 4x400 relay team rounded out the gold medal haul.

Seguin’s regional qualifiers will next compete at the Region IV championships May 1-2 at Heroes Stadium in San Antonio.

(Cuero) -- The Navarro track and field teams competed at the Class 4A Region IV area meet Thursday in Cuero.

Sophomore Emersen Cochran swept the girls 100, 200 and 400-meter dashes to lead Navarro gold medal performers. Senior Lilia Flo also won gold in both the girls 1,600 and 3,200 meter runs.

Navarro’s regional qualifiers will compete at

the Region IV championships May 1-2 at Texas A&M-Kingsville.

(Jourdanton) -- The Marion track and field teams competed at the Class 3A Region IV area meet Thursday in Jourdanton.

Top performers for Marion included junior Ellis Turner, who took gold in the boys high jump. Junior Brody Fizer won gold in the boys pole vault. Senior Kaitlyn Rackley took gold in the girls pole vault.

Marion’s regional qualifiers advance to the Region IV championships May 1-2 at Seguin High School.

Networking

Guadalupe

STATISTICS

SCHIEVELBEIN

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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

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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.

Male Infertility Linked To Increased Colorectal And Thyroid Cancer Risk

(Lund) -- A new Swedish study shows that a certain type of male infertility is linked to increased risk for thyroid and colorectal cancer. Researchers at Lund University studied data involving one million men who became fathers. They found that men with very low sperm counts who became dads through assisted reproduction were three times more likely to develop thyroid cancer, compared to those who became fathers naturally. They had twice the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Previous studies have shown a greater likelihood that men with severely reduced fertility are more likely to develop testicular and prostate cancer.

FDA Issues Seizure Risk Warning For Certain Popular Parkinson’s Drugs

(Silver Spring, MD) -- Federal health officials are issuing a seizure risk warning for certain commonly-prescribed Parkinson’s drugs. They involve medication that includes levodopa and carbidopa which are typically taken together by Parkinson’s patients. The FDA has notified pharmaceutical companies that produce these meds, including Novartis and Organon, that it plans to seek a label warning. It says levodopa and carbidopa can cause vitamin B6 deficiency that can trigger seizures.

Monkeypox Strain Found In San Francisco

(San Francisco, CA) -- A rare mpox strain linked to international travel has been found in San Francisco. This is the city’s first clade one mpox case, but there are more than two dozen confirmed cases of the clade two strain so far this year. Health experts say most mpox cases have been among gay, bisexual, and transgender people who have sex with men but since it’s spread by skin-to-skin contact, anyone can get it. Mpox symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and a pimply or blistery rash. A vaccine is available and recommended for at-risk groups.

Trump Signs Executive Order On Medical Research

(Washington, DC) -- President Trump issues an executive order on medical research. It directs federal agencies to expedite the review of drugs and it supports clinical trials. It also eases restrictions on psychedelics used to treat PTSD for veterans and others.

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.