SDN: April 22, 2026

April 22, 2026

Navarro ISD named semifinalist for prestigious H-E-B Award

(Geronimo) -- Out of 2,000 applications, the Navarro ISD has been recognized as a semifinalist in the district category for the 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards.

The district recently announced that it advanced to the regional judging process after judges reviewed applications from educators and school districts across the state.

According to district officials, Navarro ISD’s application focused on its “Collaborative Vision” and the relationship-centered approach known as the “Navarro Promise.”

They say the submission also highlighted the district’s “leadership development efforts, curriculum and instruction, and financial oversight during a period of rapid growth, and stakeholder engagement.”

Navarro ISD

Superintendent Dr. Mandy Epley says the district was honored to be recognized by one of the state’s most respected companies.

“We were super excited to see that they highlighted us. They recognized those things are really to a level of excellence. Award, pg. 3

These pinwheel displays seen throughout Seguin and Guadalupe County are part of an annual campaign to raise awareness, with each pinwheel representing a child served by the center. In 2025 alone, GCCAC supported 942 children — a number reflected at each of the pinwheel lawns. Photos courtesy Schertz PD. See story on page 2.

Pinwheels symbolize impact of Children’s Advocacy Center

Aguirre-Herrera

(Seguin) – Colorful pinwheels spinning across lawns and public spaces this month are serving as a visible reminder of the hundreds of local children impacted by abuse and neglect right here in Guadalupe County.

April is recognized as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, and members of the Guadalupe County Children’s Advocacy Center (GCCAC)

recently addressed the Guadalupe County Commissioners Court to both mark the observance and to provide an update on the nonprofit’s work in the community.

According to GCCAC Executive Director Christy Williams, the organization has spent more than two decades working alongside local agencies to support children during some of the most difficult moments of their

lives.

“You all have been great supporters of ours for almost 22 years now, and we are truly thankful for the support of the court and the citizens of Guadalupe County as we continue to do the work of supporting children when they have been victims or witnesses of crime here in Guadalupe County,” said Williams.

Pinwheels, pg. 3

Warrant resolution effort dubbed a success

(Seguin) -- Several people were recently taken into custody following a warrant resolution effort aimed at clearing outstanding traffic warrants in the community.

The operation, held Tuesday, April 14, resulted in multiple arrests, with those taken into custody transported to Guadalupe County Jail.

While the effort served as a reminder that unresolved citations can eventually lead to warrants and arrest, officials say “there is still time for others to avoid the same outcome.”

Residents with outstanding citations are encouraged

to contact Seguin Municipal Court to discuss available options for resolving their cases. They say “addressing citations early can help people avoid additional fees, enforcement action and the possibility of being taken into custody.”

Officials say the court works with residents to help them find a resolution before citations escalate into warrants.

The court is open Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Seguin municipal Court is located at 660 S. State Highway 46.

Award, continued.

And to be recognized by a brand that is so respected like H-E-B and to be honored amongst those folks who really are stepping up and achieving, I think was just an awesome surprise and truly, truly a celebration for all those people who call Navarro ISD home,” said Epley.

Epley says what is most prestigious is that the district took pride in being selected from such a large pool of nominations and applications from across Texas.

“Out of that 2,000 plus applications that came in, they pulled what they felt as judges and readers were the top 25 applications. So, out of that, they selected those winners. And while we weren’t the ultimate winner, to be part of that 25 group really was such an honor for us,” said Epley.

District leaders said the recognition reflects the work of teachers, staff, administrators, students, families and the school board in building what they describe as a continuously improving learning community.

Pinwheels, continued.

Williams shared how the center not only serves children involved in allegations of abuse or neglect but also those who may have witnessed violent crimes.

“We work with children and families when there are allegations of child abuse or neglect, or if they have witnessed a crime. We work alongside our partners in law enforcement, child protective services, medical, mental health professionals in CASA and Belong,” said Williams.

Williams says a key part of that work includes conducting forensic interviews “designed to gather information in a way that minimizes additional trauma to the child.”

“We do forensic interviews of children. So that’s a child-friendly, non-leading, non-interrogative interview that is fact-finding for law enforcement and child protective services to be able to do their criminal and civil investigations,” said Williams. “Those forensic interviews can be used later in court, not in place of the child, but in support of their statements and are super important for preparing for court and for defense attorneys to be able to watch and determine what their steps will be, whether they want to go to court or if they would like to take a plea deal or something else. They are very

In the district’s announcement, Epley says the recognition validates the work taking place across Navarro ISD.

She says the work they do to create a continuously improving learning community that embraces partnerships is exceptional and is being recognized at a state level. She says they especially extend a sincere thank you to their school board, amazing teachers, staff, administrators, and families who make this progress possible.”

As part of the recognition, Navarro ISD received a $500 H-E-B gift card.

impactful.”

Beyond interviews, she says the center also works closely with families, providing advocacy and connecting them to resources during ongoing investigations and recovery.

“We also provide support to family, supportive family members through family advocacy. And we give them resources and support for that time period,” said Williams.

She also took the public opportunity to share how GCCAC has recently expanded its services to address growing mental health needs among clients, including new screening measures.

“And we’ve really ramped up that program over the past couple of weeks. And we are now doing trauma screenings and suicide screenings when they are coming into our center. Unfortunately, we saw a large increase in the number of our clients committing suicide over the past year or so. And so, we are trying to do those screenings and ask those questions so that we can provide them with the support and get them hooked up with resources and therapy so that hopefully we don’t see our clients taking those steps in the future,” said Williams. “So that is a huge change since I approached you all in the past. And I’m really hoping that it makes a big difference.”

The organization has also seen

significant growth in staffing and services over the years.

“We also have now 21 employees. So, when I first came and stood in front of this court, I think we had four -- 12 years ago. And so, we’ve grown tremendously,” said Williams. “And we normally have about four therapy master’s level interns, too. So, our therapy department is twothirds of our organization, and we can see about 250 clients a week in therapy services. So, we are really trying to fill the gap and the void that is the mental health just desert that Guadalupe County is, and provide trained and educated, traumainformed, evidence-based therapy for all of our clients. And it is completely free to them.”

Williams says those services are made possible through a combination of grants, local funding and community support

The pinwheel displays seen throughout Seguin and Guadalupe County are part of an annual campaign to raise awareness, with each pinwheel representing a child served by the center. In 2025 alone, GCCAC supported 942 children — a number reflected at each of the pinwheel lawns.

Residents who suspect child abuse or neglect are encouraged to report concerns by calling 1-800252-5400.

Area softball teams set for bidistrict playoff action this week

The bi-district round of the softball playoffs arrives this week for three area teams, with Navarro, Marion and Seguin all drawing firstround matchups.

(Seguin) -- The Navarro Lady Panthers will open against Devine in a best-of-three series. Game 1 is Thursday at 7 p.m. in Devine, with Game 2 returning to Navarro High School on Friday at 7 p.m. A deciding Game 3, if necessary, would be played Saturday at 3 p.m. at the SAISD

(Jourdanton) -- The Marion Lady Bulldogs face a winner-take-all scenario against Crystal City on Thursday. The two teams will meet in a one-game bi-district playoff at 6 p.m. in Jourdanton.

(Seguin) -- The Seguin Lady Matadors will face a familiar opponent in the Southwest Lady Dragons. The teams met in the bi-district round

a year ago, with Seguin taking the best-of-three series two games to one. This year’s matchup is also a best-of-three format.

Game 1 is Thursday at 7 p.m. at Matador Legends Ballpark. Game 2 is Friday at 7 p.m. at Southwest High School. If a Game 3 is necessary, it will be played Saturday at 11 a.m. at the SAISD Sports Complex.

We’ll have all the Lady Matador bi-district playoff games on AM 1580 KWED and streaming at SeguinToday.com.

Networking

Guadalupe

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.

San Diego Hosting Cancer Research Meeting

(San Diego, CA) -- The American Association for Cancer Research is holding its annual meeting at the San Diego Convention Center through Wednesday. AACR President Keith Flaherty says the program will include results from late-breaking clinical trials that highlight how cancer research is expanding options and improving outcomes for patients. More than 22-thousand researchers, doctors, patients, and survivors will be at the meeting to share their latest work on cancer prevention, detection, and treatment.

Sleep Specialist Gives Sleep Tips

(Cleveland OH) -- A sleep expert is offering some tips on getting a good night’s rest. Doctor Brian Chen is a sleep specialist and says most of American adults don’t get the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep a night. He says a lot of people still use their phones right before bed and the light the phone gives off can disrupt melatonin production, which he says can make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. He recommends no phones, eating or exercising one to two hours before bedtime and to keep a consistent schedule by going to bed around the same time every night.

New Pregnancy Study

(San Antonio, TX) -- Having more kids is a good thing for the mother’s health. That’s according to a new study done partly in Texas. It shows that exposure to estrogen appears to protect the brain . Dr. Sudha Seshadri [[su-dah ses-HA-dree]] at UT Health was a co-author. She says three or more live births were associated with a reduced risk of stroke.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Helps Brain And Gut Health

(Charlottesville, VA) -- A new study shows extra virgin olive oil helps brain and gut health. Researchers at the University of Virgili followed more than six-hundred older adults for two years who were overweight or obese and had metabolic syndrome. They found those who ate extra virgin olive oil had better cognitive performance and more diverse gut bacteria than those using refined olive oil. The lead author of the study says it shows more evidence that diet plays a key role in cardiovascular and cognitive health through gut microbiota.

GRMC WELCOMES PRIMARY CARE + OBSTETRICS PHYSICIAN

Caroline Flowers, MD

Caroline Flowers, MD, is a family medicine & obstetrics provider passionate about whole-person care for all stages of life. Originally from Houston, Dr. Flowers earned her undergraduate degree at Carnegie Mellon University and taught high school science through Teach for America before completing her medical degree at UT Southwestern. She trained in family medicine at the University of Arizona and completed a surgical obstetrics fellowship at Full Circle Health in Boise, Idaho. Her clinical interests include maternal-child health, breastfeeding support, women’s reproductive care, adolescent medicine, preventive care, and managing complex chronic conditions. Outside of medicine, she enjoys family time, reading, podcasts, and cheering on the San Antonio Spurs.

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.