SDN: April 3, 2026

Seguin’s longest running Easter Egg Hunt returns this Saturday Local

(Seguin) -- What started 48 years ago as a local effort to bring joy to children has grown into one of Seguin’s longest-running Easter traditions.

The Seguin Pan American Golf Association (PAGA) will host its 48th Annual City-Wide Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday at the Seguin Little League Fields.

Club Secretary Toyo Amador says the event’s longevity is a testament to strong community and membership support. Hunt, pg. 3

WEEKEND EDITION

(Seguin) -- April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and a local non-profit organization is doing its part to offer support to victims and to help remove some of the misconceptions about these cases.

Representatives from the Thriving Hearts Crisis Center will be our guests on this weekend’s edition of the Saturday Topic program on radio station KWED.

Thriving Hearts CEO Jana Evans and Director of Strategic Advancement Bonnie Ramirez share details about their efforts to raise awareness about sexual assaults. Ramirez says no community is immune to these crimes.

“The raw reality is that it happens. It happens right here in our own very communities. We are not immune to it. It doesn’t just happen in your big metro cities like Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas. We

wouldn’t exist here if there wasn’t a need for us. We exist because there was a need for it and there is still a need for us to provide the services that we do for sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, human trafficking survivors. So, it happens right here in Guadalupe County, Karnes, Wilson, (and) Gonzales counties,” said Ramirez.

Thriving Hearts is hosting a Denim Day event as part of this month’s designation as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Ramirez says the community is invited to attend the event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29, in Central Park.

“Denim Day is very important and very special for us. It’s a call of action for survivors to be believed, to be listened to, and again to also clarify those misconceptions and educate people about the statistics Topic, pg. 3

Missing man from Schertz found dead

Cindy Aguirre-Herrera

(Schertz) -- A man reported missing from the western end of Guadalupe County has been found deceased.

On Tuesday, the Schertz Police Department received a report about a missing person, John “Beau” Stein, 32 years old.

The following day on April 1, Schertz PD officials say the search ended in tragedy when Stein was found

deceased in a wooded area north of the 17,600 block of Lookout Road. The road is located in the Schertz portion of Comal County. Investigation into his death continues.

The Schertz PD extends a thank you to TEXSAR (Texas Search and Rescue), Texas DPS, and Selma PD for their assistance in this case.

Selma invites Guadalupe County families for Easter weekend of eggs, crawfish plush carnival fun

(Selma) -- Families across Guadalupe County are being invited to head to nearby Selma this weekend for the Big TX Fun Easter Egg Hunt, a two-day event promising what organizers call “egg-cellent” entertainment for all ages.

The celebration is set for Saturday and Sunday, with egg hunts beginning at noon each day. Organizers encourage families to arrive early, noting that

once the eggs are gone, they’re gone.

Spread across the festival grounds, organizers say the event will feature thousands of candy- and toy-filled eggs hidden among vendors and throughout the carnival area. Participants will also have the chance to find special golden eggs, which come with redeemable prizes worth thousands of dollars.

In addition to the hunt, families

can meet and take photos with the Easter Bunny.

Admission to the festival includes access to the Easter egg hunt along with a full slate of activities. Guests can stay to enjoy crawfish and other festival foods, carnival rides, and live entertainment, including circus and dog shows.

For admission and event details, visit BigTXFun.com.

Hunt, continued.

“The Seguin Pan American Golf Association has been sponsoring these city-wide Easter egg hunts for our community children for the past 48 years. So, every year we solicit donations from area merchants and restaurants and people in general, and then of course our Seguin Pan Am members. So, they contribute wholeheartedly to the annual Easter egg hunt. And this year, along with Our Seguin Pan American Golf Association, the TLU Golf Dogs are also helping and sponsoring and helping out with this year’s Easter egg hunt, along of course with the Seguin Little League Association, which we’re very thankful that they let us use their fields. So, 48 years ago, we started and we’re still doing it,” said Amador.

Amador says children and those with special needs will be grouped by age to ensure everyone has a chance to participate in the hunt.

Topic, continued.

and encourage them to report rape and let them know they are not alone and there’s help out there. People like us from Thriving Hearts Crisis Center, we exist for this very reason,” said Ramirez.

In addition to Denim Day, the organization is also working with governmental entities across the area to make sure that this special month doesn’t go unnoticed by the public.

“We do have proclamations that counties and cities are doing. What that basically is, the counties and different cities…that we serve, they will proclaim April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Anybody is invited to attend that. We do ask that if you come, please stand up with us when we take photos with dignitaries…and wear teal or wear

“The age groups that we normally have, we start with age group from age 2 all the way up to age 12. So, we separate them like age 2 to 4, 5 to 6, and then like 8 to 9, and so on and so forth until age 12,” said Amador.

During the event, prizes, toys and Easter baskets will be given out to lucky hunters.

Amador says although the tradition continues to grow, he is hoping that even more new faces will stop by and become a part of the 48-year tradition.

“We definitely would like for people to bring their children, their neighbors’ children, their friends’ children, whoever they can invite over, the more the merrier. So, we have had a lot of following in past years, and it seems like every year, it grows more and more,” said Amador.

The free Easter egg hunt will begin at 1 p.m. on Field No. 6 of the Seguin Little League Complex located in Max Starcke Park East.

denim,” said Ramirez.

Evans and Ramirez will also talk about the important work being done by the Thriving Hearts Crisis Center on a daily basis. People sometimes still call them the women’s shelter, but Evans says the services they offer go well beyond that.

“At Thriving Hearts Crisis Center, we believe safety is something every person deserves, and our community plays a vital

role in making that possible. So, we serve survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault across Guadalupe, Gonzales, Karnes, and Wilson counties. We provide 24/7 crisis support, emergency shelter, advocacy, and counseling. Our role is to ensure that when someone reaches out for help, they’re met with immediate support, safety, and a path forward. Those are all free and confidential services. So, we’re here to support our community to make sure that it’s safer for everyone,” said Evans.

You can hear our full conversation with Evans and Ramirez on the Saturday Topic program. The show airs at 8:30 a.m. Saturday on AM 1580 KWED and streaming live online at seguintoday.com. You can also listen live to the radio station on any Alexa-enabled device by saying, “Alexa, play KWED Radio.”

&KOE WETZEL TREATY OAK REVIVAL A

VITAL STATISTICS

TSCHOEPE

Emil “Chuck” Tschoepe, III, age 74 of Marion, passed away on March 20, 2026. Chuck was born on September 12, 1951, in Anderson, Indiana, to Virginia Bertha (Babel) Tschoepe Howard and Emil Tschoepe, Jr.

After graduation from Marion High School in 1969 Chuck attended Texas A&M University where he served in the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets. After graduation with a degree in mechanical engineering, he went to work for Haliburton. He later retired from Southwest Research in San Antonio. He also took courses at Texas State University and Our Lady of the Lake University. He substitute taught at both Marion and Randolph Schools.

Chuck loved the outdoors and his favorite place to be, the farm in Marion! A lover of music, Chuck, played in the Good Ole Boys Band throughout the surrounding area. He was multi-talented, playing both the guitar and fiddle while also serving as lead singer.

KRUEGER

Ruby Jane Krueger, age 91 of Marion, passed away on March 13, 2026. Ruby was born on June 28, 1934, in Guadalupe County, Texas to Ella (Bartsch) and Charlie Hoffmann.

Ruby is preceded in death by her loving husband of 71 years, Allan Gregg Krueger, her parents, her daughter-in-law, Cynthia Krueger and brother Charlie Hoffmann, Jr.

Survivors include sons, Larry Krueger and wife Debra (Hunt), and Kenneth Krueger; daughter, Jannice (Krueger) Doege;

REIMER

On March 23, 2026, Craig Andrew Reimer went to his heavenly home. Craig was born April 28, 1974, to James and Connie Reimer.

He was a loving son, brother, and uncle, as well as the best friend anyone could ask for. He was always the first to be there when called. More than once he dropped his work when a friend called needing help. He loved tending to his chickens and cattle alongside his nephew, Tyler. Craig was the anchor of the family and will be missed dearly.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Hilmar & Evelyn Cowey & Arthur & Elsie Reimer.

Chuck is preceded in death by his wife, Lynette “Lyn” Weir Tschoepe, his parents, and his sister, Kathryn “Kathy” Reed.

Survivors include his loving wife, Paula Bass Tschoepe; daughter, Sarah E. Mihelich and husband, Robert Cox, Jr.; step-son, Eddie Snow and wife Celeste;, daughter-in-law, Haley Meador; grandchildren, Caleb Lawrence Mihelich, Caroline Lorraine DeUnger, Aryana Meador, Autumn Marie Snow, Summer Lilla Snow, Hayden Meador, Robert Pfeiffer, Dominick Snow, and Dylan Snow; siblings, June Brietzke, Carol Sassman and husband Freddy, and Kelvin Tschoepe and wife Sissy; brother-in-law, William “Bill” Reed; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and a host of friends.

A memorial service celebrating Chuck’s life will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel with the Reverend Tom Jones officiating. A reception will follow at the Geronimo VFW Hall.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Pl, Memphis, Tn, 38105-9959.

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, 7815, 830-549-5912.

grandchildren, Robyn Doege, Amber (Doege) Crawford and husband Dustin, Russell Krueger and wife Cheryl (Doell), Heather Krueger and husband Michael Bolanos, and Baylee Krueger; great-grandchildren, Aidan Krueger, Cole Crawford, Waylon Krueger and Wrenlee Krueger; numerous nieces and nephews, other loving family members and friends.

A memorial service celebrating Ruby’s life will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel. 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.

He is survived by his parents; sister Cheryl Jordan; nephew Tyler Jordan; along with many friends and extended family.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 5:00 -7:00 p.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel with the Rev. Ron Zipp officiating. Interment will follow at the Elm Creek Community Cemetery.

Memorable contributions may be made to Morgan’s Wonderland, https:// morgans.org/donate/donor-form/.

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.

Military Suicides Fell In 2024

(Washington, DC) -- Military suicide rates are down, marking a slight counter to an upward trend over the past 15 years. A new Pentagon report released on Tuesday found that 471 service members took their own lives in 2024, which is 52 fewer people compared to 2023. According to the report, 302 were active duty, 105 were National Guard and 64 were Reserve soldiers. The military has worked to improve focus on suicide prevention in the past decade, and the Pentagon has employed a multipronged approach with efforts such as increasing mental health care and gun safety education as well as addressing social stigma.

Autism Acceptance Month, Formerly Autism Awareness, Arrives

(Rockville, MD) -- April is Autism Acceptance Month, formerly known as Autism Awareness Month. According to the Autism Society of America, the stated goal of this month is to celebrate and honor the experiences and identities of autistic individuals. The non-profit says that’s best done by focusing on understanding, inclusion, and support that moves “beyond awareness towards meaningful acceptance.” CDC statistics show roughly one in 31 children are being diagnosed with autism before their eighth birthday in the U.S. A decade ago in 2016, reports from the CDC showed a rate of one in 54 eight-years-olds diagnosed with the disorder.

Study Finds Link Between Heart And Bone Health In Older Women

(New Orleans, LA) -- A new study shows a link between older women’s heart health and bone health. It shows women with an intermediate and high cardiovascular risk also had a similar risk level for experiencing a major fracture. The researchers hypothesize this link may be partially due to a reduction in estrogen which happens after menopause and that they say can impact both heart and bone health. The study by Tulane University was published in the Lancet Regional Health journal, and involved 21-thousand women age 64 on average.

FDA Approves Eli Lilly Weight Loss Pill

(Washington, DC) - The FDA is approving a new weight loss pill from drugmaker Eli Lilly. The daily pill, called Foundayo, is the second oral GLP-One to reach the market in recent months, following the approval of Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy pill in December. The lowest dose is expected to cost about 149 dollars a month for people paying out of pocket while higher doses could cost as much as 349 dollars a month. Foundayo will be offered in six doses and it can be taken at any time of day without meal restrictions, unlike the Wegovy pill.

GCCAC Golf Tournament to Benefit Children’s Advocacy Center

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

Pan American Golf Association Easter Egg Hunt

The Pan American Golf Association of Seguin will host its 48th annual City-Wide Easter Egg Hunt at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 4, at the Seguin Little League Baseball Complex, Field No. 6. The free event is open to children ages 2–12, including Seguin Little League and special needs players. Community donations of prizes, candy eggs and baskets are being accepted through April 1.

Job Fair Planned at New Braunfels Food Bank Area residents looking for employment opportunities are invited to attend a Job Fair hosted by the New Braunfels Food Bank and Workforce Solutions Alamo. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 8 at the New Braunfels Food Bank, 1620 S. Seguin Ave. in New Braunfels. Job seekers will have the opportunity to connect with multiple local employers who are actively hiring. Attendees are encouraged to bring copies of their resumes and dress professionally.

Seguin Art League Announces April Events, Classes & Deadlines

The Seguin Art League is hosting a series of upcoming events and classes throughout April, along with a deadline for its annual High School Art Show. Art in Action, a community-wide live art event, will take place April 11 to 12, with finished works displayed April 14 to 24.

A Needle Felted Landscapes workshop is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. April 18, followed by an Ink and Watercolor Landscapes class from 1 to 4 p.m. on April 29, both at the Seguin Art League Gallery. Entries for the Annual High School Art Show are due from 4 to 6 p.m. April 30 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church McKeogh Hall, with an awards reception set for May 2. Classes have limited space and require registration. For details, entry forms, and registration information, visit seguinartleague.com or call 830-305-0472.

Pantherpalooza Kids & Family Expo

Navarro ISD will host Pantherpalooza, a Kids and Family Expo, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at Navarro Intermediate School. The free event will feature family resources, student organizations, local businesses, games, food trucks and information about summer recreation and student job opportunities. For details or vendor information, visit navarroisd.us/pantherpalooza.

Child Abuse Awareness Fundraiser: Fiesta of Heroes and Villains

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

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.

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, Mari-

achi AJB, the Seguin Starlettes, and Danza Guadalupana. The event is free and open to all ages.

Wildlife Association annual meeting

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

Small Business Unite Symposium Coming to Northeast Lakeview College

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

Field of Honor BBQ fundraiser

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

SW Prep PTO hosts Bingo Night Fundraiser

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

Texans Reaching Out 2026

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

Seguin ISD Matador Family Bash

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

Geronimo Creek Spring Stream Cleanup

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

World Tai Chi & Qi Gong Day Celebration

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

Denim Day Event Raises Awareness for Sexual Assault Prevention

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

Evening with the Texas Rangers Set for April 30

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

Seguin Art League High School Art Show Now Accepting Entries

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

SHS students offer free tax help

Seguin ISD students are offering free tax preparation assistance through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The service is available from 4:10 to 5:10 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays through March 31 at the Seguin High School Library. The program is provided by IRS-certified students in the Seguin Independent School District Career and Technical Education business pathway and is open to individuals and families earning about $67,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers. Appointments are encouraged. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Helen Stamper at hstamper@seguin.k12.tx.us

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.