SDN: April 9, 2026

April 9, 2026

Four juveniles identified in Seguin door kickin incidents; estimated damage reported

(Seguin) -- Four juvenile suspects have been identified in a series of attempted door kick-in incidents reported across Seguin during the early morning hours of Friday, April 3.

Seguin Police Detectives say the suspects --all males between the ages of 14 and 15 -- have been identified following an investigation that included reviewing surveillance footage from several homes. Authorities estimate the total property damage from the six incidents at approximately $3,500. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials say appropriate charges are expected to be pursued.

Officers initially responded to multiple calls beginning around 3:30 a.m. in the 100 block of Lone Oak Street. In total, six separate reports were made involving individuals attempting to kick in front doors at residences, most of them located north of Interstate 10. Juveniles, pg. 2

Family raises concerns over 2025 traffic stop during Seguin City Council meeting

(Seguin) -- The Seguin City Council on Tuesday heard from family members of a 16-year-old who was involved in a September 2025 traffic stop that has recently gained headlines.

The teenage boy and his friend were both riding an electric bike around 11 p.m. on September 25 of last year. The teen allegedly ran a stop sign and was stopped and questioned by a Seguin police officer. During the stop, the teen called his father but was asked by the officer to put away his phone. The boy hung up the phone, but then his father called back and he answered. That ultimately led to the officer attempting to secure the phone. The teen appeared to turn to hold on to the phone, and he was then taken to the ground by the officer.

The teen’s stepmother, Rebecca Craddock, told the council that she hopes the city will further look into the issue. She says the boy was trying to do what his father had instructed him to do if he was ever stopped.

“He tried to call his father because he’s always been told, hey, call dad if you have any encounters. You need a parent, because he’s 16. So, he tried to do that. Officer Godinez told him, put his phone away. He put his phone away. His dad called him back. So, he complied with the officer as well as his father that night. However, in complying with his father’s wishes, he was body slammed to the ground, given a concussion, and given bodily injuries, as well as his civil rights were violated,” said Craddock.

The teen’s grandmother, Cindy Savini, identified herself as a former peace officer from Comal County who lives in Seguin. She said it’s hard to watch the video and think that nothing wrong was done. She was critical of the officer’s actions and of those within the police department who claim that the takedown was necessary.

“You have a lot of kids in this town. There’s good kids, there’s bad kids. But you have a lot of them that are petrified and scared of the police. That is why. You don’t handle kids that way. I don’t know why he kept escalating it. I feel like he thinks that he has a badge and a gun and he’s God,” said Savini.

Seguin Police Chief Jason Brady has repeatedly said that the officer followed policy and that the boy was not slammed to the ground but instead was taken down using an arm-bar takedown.

Even though the incident occurred months ago, the video was just recently shared online, which has led to new scrutiny of the situation.

The comments made by the family and others were delivered during the Citizens to Be Heard portion of the meeting. Council members are not able to have discussions during that time because the item was not on the agenda. If the council does decide to discuss the issue in the future, it’s likely that those discussions would take place in closed sessions because this is a personnel matter.

A video released of the incident can be found on our website, seguintoday.com.

Juveniles, continued.

Police believe the incidents are connected and say the homes appeared to be randomly targeted. Several residences were equipped with security cameras, which helped investigators identify those involved.

Officials confirmed that no additional incidents have been reported since Friday.

Seguin PD officials are warning that what some may view as a social media trend -- sometimes referred to as the “TikTok door kick challenge” -- is a serious criminal offense. Authorities emphasized that attempting to force entry into a home can create dangerous situations for both residents and suspects, including the risk of injury or escalation if homeowners act in self-defense.

Police are urging parents and guardians to speak with their children about the consequences of participating in such behavior, “noting that criminal charges at a young age can carry long-term impacts.”

Residents are also encouraged to take precautions such as securing doors and windows, maintaining exterior lighting, trimming landscaping to reduce hiding spots, and using home security systems when available.

Anyone with information related to the incidents is asked to contact the Seguin Police Department at 830-379-2123. They can also submit an anonymous tip through Guadalupe County Crime Stoppers by calling 1-877-403-TIPS (8477) or by visiting guadalupecountycrimestoppers.org.

Multi-agencies respond to emergency landing at local airport

(Seguin) -- A small aircraft made a hard but controlled emergency landing earlier this week at Huber Airpark after experiencing mechanical trouble mid-flight.

According to the Seguin Police Department, the incident occurred at approximately 7:51 p.m. on Monday, April 6 near Beechcraft Lane. The Seguin Police Department and Seguin Fire Department responded

after reports that the aircraft was experiencing issues and was attempting to land.

Officials say the plane, which was reportedly missing its right rear wheel due to a mechanical failure, was able to touch down on the runway despite the malfunction. The landing was described as hard but controlled.

Both occupants on board were evaluated at the scene by medics

and were not injured. The aircraft sustained only minor damage.

First responders, including Guadalupe County Fire Rescue, assisted in securing the scene and ensuring the safety of those involved.

Authorities praised the coordinated response among agencies, noting that crews worked seamlessly to manage the situation and provide patient care.

Navarro Panthers and Lady Panthers win first games at new high school

Chris Austin

(Seguin) -- The Navarro Panthers and Lady Panthers each won their first games at the new baseball and softball complex at Navarro High School on Tuesday.

The Lady Panthers routed San Antonio Kennedy 15-0 in a four-inning run-rule victory. Navarro clinched a playoff spot with the win. The Lady Panthers will play one final game at the old Navarro High School when they host San Antonio Memorial for Senior Night on Friday.

The Panther baseball team took down La Vernia 5-3 to claim the first win at the new high school. Senior Austin Davidson had two hits and drove in two runs for Navarro. Panther senior Noah Rosas stroked a two-out RBI double in a two-run third inning. Freshman Drew Mundine had the first hit in the new ballpark with a single to lead off the bottom of the second inning.

On the mound, junior Tyler Riske earned

the win, going six-plus innings, allowing three runs and striking out three. Sophomore Ryan Davidson came on with two runners on in the top of the seventh and struck out all three batters he faced for the save.

The win kept Navarro in a tie for first place in District 28-4A with Cuero. The Panthers and Gobblers are both 5-1 in district play. Navarro will next host San Antonio Memorial on Friday at the new high school.

(Seguin) -- The Seguin Matadors won their 11th straight while staying unbeaten in District 27-5A with an 11-2 win over San Antonio Edison at Matador Legends Ballpark on Tuesday.

Matadors hitters clubbed six doubles on the night, three of them from Austin Patek. Ian Moreno went 4-for-4 with a double and three RBI.

Griffin Welfel threw a complete game, fanning eight and allowing only two hits to earn the win. Seguin is now 9-0 in district. The Matadors will next play Saturday morning at San Antonio Burbank. First pitch is set for 10 a.m.

(Seguin) -- The Seguin Lady Matador softball team improved to 10-0 in district with a 12-3 win over Edison on Senior Night Tuesday at Legends Ballpark.

Morgan Schultze went 3-for-4 with two doubles and four RBI for the Lady Mats. Celeste Arroyo stole three bases on the night. Marissa Torrence had two hits at the plate and tossed four innings in the circle, striking out six.

Seguin will play at San Antonio Burbank on Friday. The Lady Matadors can clinch the district title with a win over the Lady Bulldogs.

VITAL STATISTICS

ZUROVEC

Anne “Angie” Jenene Zurovec, age 50, of Seguin, Texas, went to be with the LORD our Savior on Friday, April 3rd at her home in Seguin, Texas. Born on December 9, 1975, she brought great joy and love to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed.

Angie is survived by her husband Joe, daughters Maryanna, Macy, and Maegan Zurovec of Seguin, and daughter Madison and husband David Risner of Tyler, TX; her stepfather, Jon Timmermann of Seguin; her brother Kevin and wife Becky Raymond of McKinney, TX; step-brother, John and wife Laura Timmermann of New Braunfels, TX; step-sister, Dana Timmermann of New Braunfels, TX; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Rosemary and Terry Zurovec of Seguin, TX; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Cathryn and husband Glenn Chiappe of Lago Vista, TX, Sarah and husband Will Haltom of Seguin, TX and Carl and wife Wendy Zurovec of Seguin, TX; several aunts, uncles, numerous cousins, other loving family members and many friends.

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.

She is preceded in death by her son Mark Allen Zurovec, mother, Barbara Jenene Timmermann of Seguin, father, Cecil ‘Buddy’ Raymond of Weed, NM, grandparents Troy and Leona Swanson of Seguin, and grandparents William and Cleo Raymond of Alice, TX.

Serving as pall bearers will be GlennRoss Chiappe, Jordan Odale, Scott Raymond, Chad Swanson, Troy Swanson, Hunter York, and Ajay Zurovec.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at McQueeney Baptist Church with the Reverend Dale Jones officiating. Interment will follow in Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park. A reception will follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to McQueeney Baptist Benevolence Ministry, P. O. Box 44, McQueeney, Texas, 78123 or to the South Texas Pregnancy Care Center, P. O. Box 1962, Seguin, Texas, 78156.

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.

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.

Ranking Children’s Health Care

(Phoenix, AZ) -- A new study by finance website WalletHub takes a look at the best and worst states for children’s healthcare. The study used several key factors, including access to affordable insurance, the number of pediatricians in each state and kids in excellent health. Massachusetts was first when it comes to healthy kids and keeping them that way. Rhode Island came in second. On the other side of things, Mississippi was ranked last.

CDC Pauses Over 30 ID Lab Tests

(Washington, DC) -- The CDC is pausing over 30 infectious disease lab tests. Health and human services spokesperson Andrew Nixon says it’s routine, an evaluation for quality-control and the move will last just weeks. The lab test numbers have fluctuated throughout this year. Some public health experts say it’s concerning because the tests include rabies and mpox testing. Officials say actionable data is critical for health officials to be able to respond in a timely manner which may help in preventing the next pandemic.

New Poll Finds Fewer People Trust AI With Healthcare

(Columbus OH) -- A new poll finds Americans are not trusting AI as much when it comes to their own healthcare. Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center polled more than one thousand adults and found only 42 percent are open to AI being used as part of their care. That number was 52 percent in a 2024 survey. Ravi Tripathi, the chief health informatics officer at the center suggests using AI in conjunction with a doctor and consult with health care professionals before final decisions are made.

Social Media Filled With Mental Health Misinfo

(Norwich, England) -- There’s a lot of misinformation about mental health on social media. That’s according to a new study that found sites like YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X are spreading misleading or unsubstantiated claims, with TikTok being the worst. The offending videos cover everything from autism to ADHD and a lot are based on personal anecdotes rather than professional guidance. Researchers warn that misinformation can lead people into making incorrect self-diagnoses, leaving real underlying problems untreated. The study was published in the Journal of Social Media Research.

ETLINGER

Robert “Bob” Etlinger, 72, was surrounded by family when he was called home to God on April 4, 2026.

Bob was born on October 8, 1953, to Germaine (Lambrecht) and Clemens Etlinger in Seguin, Texas. He was baptized, confirmed, and received the Eucharist at St. James Catholic Church and attended its school, then known as St. Joseph’s Catholic School. He attended Seguin High School, graduating in 1972, and went on to graduate from Texas Tech University in 1976 and St. Mary’s University School of Law in 1979. He began a career in law as Assistant District Attorney in Bexar County for four years, receiving honors as a Hidalgo de San Antonio de Bejar from the Commissioners Court for his work, before transitioning into private practice for almost two decades.

Bob was proud of the community he was born and raised in, working not only to pursue justice as the Assistant County Attorney for Guadalupe County for over 22 years, but also serving the community through various organizations like Seguin Main Street Advisory Board, Guadalupe County Republican Party, South Texas Children’s Habilitation Center, and Boy Scouts. As a pro-life advocate, he supported the work of South Texas Pregnancy Care Center.

Dedicated to his faith and Lord, he was a lifelong parishioner of St. James and served his parish community through various ministries, including the youth group, A.C.T.S. Retreats, UNITAS marriage preparation, the annual Fall Festival, and serving as lector. He was also a Third Degree Knight and

Advocate for the Knights of Columbus Msgr. Bruno Hubertus Council #3412. He could frequently be found at the Perpetual Adoration Chapel at St. James reading his Bible and praying.

At his wife’s insistence, Bob finally retired in 2023 and spent his time tinkering around his farm, gardening, serving at the Knights of Columbus, fishing at the coast with his son, and spending all the time he could with his grandchildren.

Bob is preceded by his parents and stepmother, Josephine (Blume) Etlinger. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Jackie Etlinger; children, Zachary Etlinger and wife Thea, Candace Bryant-Lester and husband Levi, and Jayme Bryant; grandchildren, William Bryant, Jacob Etlinger, Jackson Etlinger, and Abigail Etlinger; siblings, Kay (Etlinger) Bloch and husband Albert Bloch, Jr., and Michael Etlinger; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and many friends.

Visitation will begin on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, followed by the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 10:30 a.m. and the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with the Reverend Canon Stanislaw Fiuk officiating. Interment will follow in the St. James Catholic Cemetery. A reception will follow in the Columbus Club Seguin Hall.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. James Catholic School, 510 S. Camp St., Seguin, Texas, 78155 or to the Knights of Columbus, P.O. Box 115, Seguin, Texas, 78156.

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.

&KOE WETZEL TREATY OAK REVIVAL A

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.

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

Wildlife Association annual meeting

The Guadalupe County Wildlife Management Association will hold its

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

Small Business Unite Symposium Coming to Northeast Lakeview College

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

Field of Honor BBQ fundraiser

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

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.