SDN: February 6, 2026

Final retail store opens at Seguin Crossing, SEDC celebrates overall project of local shopping center

(Seguin) -- Five Below’s official opening at Seguin Crossing marks yet another milestone in the city’s largest retail development to date.

That’s according to Alora Wachholz, the executive director for the Seguin Economic Development Corporation. The discount retailer’s debut is more than just a ribbon cutting -- city leaders say it represents steady progress on a project that’s been years in the making.

The $25 million Seguin Crossing shopping center, located along Interstate 10 near the State Highway 123 Bypass, totals 135,000 square feet of new retail space. Major tenants already include Academy Sports +

Outdoors, Hobby Lobby and James Avery.

Wachholz says the store’s grand opening helps solidify the overall progress of the Seguin Crossing project – an undertaking that the city has not experienced in years.

“Seguin Crossing is the largest multi-tenant retail development that Seguin has seen built in over 30 years. We did have three main tenants. Those were Hobby Lobby, Academy and Five Below. Hobby Lobby opened in September of last year; Academy in November and then we had on the front side James Avery and Aspen Dental open in December and so, Crossing, pg. 2

Seguin welcomes Five Below to Seguin

(Seguin) -- The doors to Five Below are officially open in Seguin. This weekend marks the grand opening celebration of Seguin’s newest store at the Seguin Crossing Shopping Center.

According to company officials, the trend-focused, extreme-value retailer will celebrate with a threeday event from Friday, Feb. 6 through Sunday, Feb. 8.

They say the weekend celebration will feature giveaways, special product deals plus family-friendly games and activities.

The new store, located at 1308 IH-10, will offer a wide range of products aimed at kids, teens and families, including candy and snacks, toys and games, collectibles, beauty items, tech accessories, room décor and seasonal merchandise.

Five, pg. 3

Black History Month kicks off its celebration at TLU

The Stories, Songs, and Spirit of the Black

Cindy Aguirre-Herrera

(Seguin) -- Throughout February, TLU will be commemorating Black History Month, offering numerous fun and informative events for the whole community. This year’s theme is The Stories, Songs, and SPIRIT of the Black Experience.

The monthlong celebration kicked off on Thursday with a Black Gospel Music Archive Exhibit, a presentation and interactive exhibit with Dr. Darryl Stuhr, digital archivist at Baylor University.

On Wednesday, February 11, the public is invited back to the chapel to join the campus for a short service at 10 a.m. with special guest Pastor Stuart Perryman from Agape Christian Church in San Antonio.

On Thursday, February 19, at 6 p.m. in Wupperman Little Theatre, there will be an African and African American Spirituality lecture with Dr. Allen Callahan, New Testament scholar and author of The Talking Book: African Americans and the Bible. Dr. Claudette Anderson, founder of the Umichi Foundation, will be the respondent for the lecture.

Crossing, continued.

we’ve really been waiting for that last major retailer Five Below to open,” said Wachholz.

The retail project was first announced in September 2024, with the goal of creating a regional retail hub that would keep shoppers closer to home while drawing visitors from surrounding communities. Since then, Wachholz says construction has moved steadily, with multiple buildings rising almost simultaneously across the site.

“Academy and Hobby Lobby just so everyone is aware, they build their own stores. A lot of retailers don’t. A lot of retailers will rely on a developer to build the building itself and then they come and occupy that space. But Hobby Lobby and Academy are different in the fact that they each want to build their own building and the way they do that as everyone saw it being built – they tilt

Experience

Then at 8 p.m., also in Wupperman, enjoy Sounds of Afrotourism, featuring musician Kid Astronaut—a concert with sounds that imagine possibilities of Afro Futures. All of these events are free and open to the public.

walls up pretty quickly. So, they are able to kind of jump ahead by doing it this way. Five Below on the other hand was a developer– a project more traditional so we knew that it was always going to come later on in the process and we are absolutely happy with it. Everything has been delivered on time or in advance of the timeline, so this has really been a great win

for the community all around,” said Wachholz.

As each storefront opens, the development is already beginning to show its broader impact. Increased traffic along the corridor and interest from additional retailers across the city suggest Seguin Crossing is doing exactly what it was designed to do -Crossing, pg. 3

Five, continued.

Store officials say most items are priced between $1 and $5, with additional products available at slightly higher price points.

Officials say the Seguin location is designed to deliver the brand’s signature “extreme value” shopping experience while offering trend-right products across categories such as style, party supplies, sports, crafts and electronics.

As a shopper herself, Alora Wachholz, the executive director for the Seguin Economic Development Corporation, says she is excited that Seguin families will get to enjoy something new.

“I grew up in DFW and I’ve got kids and all that kind of stuff but one thing I noticed was how many people when I said ‘oh, Five Below is coming,’ -- how many people in Seguin maybe had never really known that brand and didn’t really know what Five Below does or what kind of products they had – they didn’t know they were a discount sort of cool, very rotating stock type of retailer. It really does target kids and teens and families and so, I think Five Below needs to be spotlighted because so many people here maybe don’t know about it and it’s going to be really great for all of our demographic here in Seguin,” said Wachholz.

Store hours will be 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.

Crossing, continued.

spark more commercial investment.

“There is a small space – I believe it’s still available out there. A lot of times that is built in in case the space is subsidized or things like that but nothing major that we have to announce yet. I will say out there at Seguin Crossing – what is exciting to continue to look at is the pad sites that they have along Jay Road that is still available. So, there are two pad sites when you enter into that shopping center that you can see on either side. Those pad sites are being considered for future development as well. So, I think that is the interesting part really to keep an eye on is what could go in those places and what kind of progress will we be able to make on finding tenants for those pad sites,” said Wachholz. “I don’t have anything that I can give you yet, but I can say that there has been some exciting conversations happening about potential retailers for those sites.”

Although Five Below has officially opened, it won’t be the final retailer left to welcome local customers. Next on the list is America’s Best Eyeglasses

Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Philadelphia, Five Below operates more than 1,900 stores across 46 states and continues expanding into growing communities like Seguin as part of its national growth strategy.

The opening completes the lineup of retailers at Seguin Crossing Shopping Center and adds another national brand to the city’s expanding retail corridor. That corridor already includes Academy Sports + Outdoors, Hobby Lobby and James Avery.

located on the southeast corner of the property.

Looking ahead, the Seguin Economic Development Corporation team will continue building on that momentum by attending a regional retailer expo hosted by the International Council of Shopping Centers in the coming weeks, where nationally branded retailers and

developers gather to scout emerging markets. Officials say projects like Seguin Crossing often serve as a catalyst for them during recruitment --- signaling that Seguin is a viable place for investment.

The team will then hit the ground running again in May during the organization’s national conference in Las Vegas.

Seguin’s Goldsberry and Troy make college football commitments official

Chris Austin

(Seguin) -- Two Seguin High School seniors made their college football choices on Wednesday.

Marcus Troy and Zayon Goldsberry signed letters of intent at a signing day ceremony at the high school. Troy signed with Schreiner University in Kerrville, while Goldsberry committed to McPherson College in Kansas.

Troy earned All-District 13-5A honorable mention accolades this past season after recording 58 tackles and two interceptions for the Matadors. He was also named an Academic All-State honorable mention. Troy plans to study finance and pursue a

career in real estate after his playing days.

Schreiner brought back football in 2025, and Troy says he looks forward to being part of a new program.

“It’s definitely a place I can call home,” Troy said. “I see a future with them. I want to start something new. It’s a new football team. So, I want to accomplish something that nobody’s done before instead of going to another program where everybody’s accomplished something there before.”

Goldsberry earned second-team all-district honors at linebacker in his first and only season in

Seguin. He was second on the Matadors this past season with 66 total tackles and led the team with nine tackles for loss.

Goldsberry says the coaches at McPherson, an NAIA school in Kansas, impressed him.

“It was pretty much one of the first schools to offer me, not too far from home but far from home,” Goldsberry said. “Nice coaching. I like the coaching staff. I like the program they have.”

Goldsberry plans to study kinesiology at McPherson and intends to get into coaching following his playing career.

the only nonprofit mental health treatment hospital for kids ages 3 to 17 in South Texas. When a child is in crisis, we work with families to get much needed treatment regardless of their ability to pay.

Crisis Services is a 24/7 walk-in clinic for children and teens experiencing a psychiatric emergency.

Outpatient services offer diverse treatment interventions, such as individual, family, and group therapy.

Southside High School is home to a new Clarity location, allowing all students enrolled in a Southside ISD school access to mental healthcare.

Inpatient hospitalization stabilizes kids in crisis who need immediate care and continuous supervision.

First Step is a one-time consultation for families that know their child is struggling but aren't sure what help they need or where to get it.

Multisystemic therapy is a community-based program, focused on empowering caregivers by providing skills to keep kids in their homes.

Partial hospitalization provides intensive mental healthcare during the day and then works with families to practice skills in the evening. The Next Step Center connects families to services that support their child’s continued path to mental wellness.

Claritycon is an annual conference on children’s mental health. Attendees work in education, social work, nursing, psychiatry, psychology, etc.

VITAL STATISTICS

Trinidad

Eugenio “Gene” Trinidad, Jr., age 69 of Seguin, passed away on February 2, 2026. Eugenio was born on April 25, 1956, to Maria (Escovedo) and Eugenio Trinidad, Sr.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jose Escovedo Rodriguez, two half-sisters and one-half brother.

Survivors include his loving sisters, Mary Gomez, Margarita Figueroa and husband Felix, Fidelia Trinidad Sanchez and husband Juventino, and Teresa Moreno and

husband Abel; half-brother, Abelardo Trinidad and wife Celia; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and friends.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 2 to 4 pm. with a prayer service beginning at 3 p.m. A procession will depart Tres Hewell Mortuary on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. for graveside services and interment at 2 p.m. at the Elm Creek Community Cemetery in Seguin.

Serving as pallbearers will be Manuel Galvan, José Galvan, Michael Gomez, Samuel Gomez, Jr., Trinidad Galvan, Alicia Sanchez, Samantha Gomez, and Henry Morales.

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.

WHO Study Says 1-In-4 Cancer Cases Worldwide Are Preventable

(Geneva) -- The World Health Organization says over a third of all cancer cases worldwide could be prevented. A new study from the international agency looked at nine cancer-causing infections and dozens of preventable causes, including air pollution, ultraviolet radiation and physical inactivity. Their analysis found an estimated 37 percent of all new cancer cases, which is over seven-million, were linked to preventable causes. It found tobacco to be the leading cause of preventable cancer at 15 percent of all new cases, followed by infections at ten percent.

GOP Senators Warn Against Chinese-Made Vape Pens

(Washington, DC) -- A group of Senate Republicans is warning that Chinese e-cigarettes could pose national security and criminal risks. Senators including Thom Tillis and Lindsey Graham sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to address their concerns. The GOP lawmakers claim these “highly sophisticated” vapes could be used by the Chinese Communist Party to spy on Americans and launder money for Mexican cartels. Beyond the potential for espionage, the lawmakers pointed out that profits from these vapes could fund military and technological initiatives in China that oppose American interests.

New Jersey And 42 Other States Accuse Novartis Of Inflating Prices

(Trenton, NJ) -- Drug maker Novartis and its Sandoz [[ SAHN-doze ]] subsidiaries are being sued by New Jersey and 42 other states accusing the drug maker of taking steps to fix drug prices. The complaint accuses Novartis of systematically working with generic manufacturers to fix prices, divvy up markets, and mess with the bidding process for 31 generic drugs -- in effect driving up their costs. The states Attorneys General argue this amounts to a conspiracy that inflated prices in the health insurance market, Medicare and Medicaid, and for people having to pay for their prescription drugs. New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania are among the 42-other states taking part in this complaint.

World Health Organization Launches Health Care Access Appeal

(Geneva) -- The World Health Organization is launching an appeal to make sure there is healthcare access for those living in humanitarian crises and conflicts. The annual appeal is requesting one billion dollars for what WHO describes as 36 emergencies worldwide. The organization says infectious disease outbreaks are driving increasing demand for health emergency support in certain places. Among the priority areas this year for WHO are Afghanistan, Haiti, and Gaza.

&KOE WETZEL TREATY OAK REVIVAL A

February

TLU Celebrates Black History Month

Throughout February, Texas Lutheran University will celebrate Black History Month with a series of free events for the community, centered on this year’s theme, The Stories, Songs, and SPIRIT of the Black Experience. The full schedule can be found at tlu.edu/black-history-month. All events are free and open to the public.

Geronimo VFW Dance Schedule (Feb–Mar 2026)

Dance the night away at the Geronimo VFW Post 8456, located at 6808 Hwy 123 N. All dances are open to the public with $10 admission/donation at the door. Sunday Dances: Doors open 1:30 p.m. |

Dance 3–6:30 p.m. Tuesday & Friday Dances: Doors open 6 p.m. | Dance 7–10:30 p.m. For reservations, call or text 830-305-8829. Upcoming Dance Schedule: Feb. 1 – Bob Appel (Burgers); Feb. 3 – Round Up 4 Charity feat. Rick Rice Band (7–10 p.m., Burgers); Feb. 8 – Paul Sanchez; Feb. 15 –Brandon Rosage; Feb. 20 – Round Up 4 Charity feat. Cactus Country Band (7–10 p.m., Burgers); Feb. 22 – Czechaholics; Mar. 1 – Alibis (Burgers); Mar. 3 – Round Up 4 Charity feat. Meyer Anderson Band (7–10 p.m., Burgers); Mar. 8 – Dave Jorgenson; Mar. 15 – Lone Star Pickerz; Mar. 20 – Round Up 4 Charity feat. Randy Carson Band (7–10 p.m., Burgers); Mar. 22 –Nathan Colt Young; and Mar. 29 –Ken Simpson & Bentley Boys.

Seguin Job Shadow Program Invites Local Businesses to Participate

The Seguin Economic Development Corporation and the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce are inviting local companies to take part in the Seguin Job Shadow Program, offering businesses the chance to host high school juniors and seniors for a one-day job shadow experience. Participating students will come from Seguin High School, Mercer Blumberg Learning Center, Navarro High School, and Marion High School. Employers may choose one or more available dates and host different students each day. Available Job Shadow Dates (9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.):

• Wednesday, February 4

• Thursday, February 26

• Tuesday, March 31

Email Jessica Dersen at jdersen@ seguintexas.gov to sign up.

Geronimo Lions Club First Friday Feast

The Geronimo Lions Club will host its First Friday Feast from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, February 6 at the Big Red Barn on Cordova Road. Guests can enjoy a choice of ribeye steak or fried fish. Proceeds will benefit the Our Lady of Guadalupe Food Pantry, and live music will be provided by Deuces Wild. The community is invited to come out for great food, music, and a good cause.

Zorn Cemetery Association Business Meeting

The Zorn Cemetery Association will hold a scheduled business meeting at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 7 at Los

Cucos Mexican Restaurant, located at 920 IH-10 in Seguin. For more information, call 830-832-1703.

Regional Job Fair

The Seguin Economic Development Corporation, Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, Cibolo Economic Development Corporation, and Schertz Economic Development Corporation are teaming up to host the first Regional Job Fair of 2026 on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Seguin Coliseum, 950 S. Austin Street. More than 50 employers from Seguin, New Braunfels, Cibolo, and Schertz will be on hand with job opportunities in a variety of industries. Job seekers are encouraged to dress in business attire and bring multiple copies of their résumé. For details, visit https://info.seguinedc.com/ regional-job-fair-winter-2026-jobseeker-info-page.

Guadalupe Native Plant Society Monthly Meeting

The Guadalupe Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas will hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church (FM 465) in Marion. A plant and seed exchange begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by the program at 7. Conservation Biologist and Plant-Centric Ecologist Andy Blair will present, “Beyond Bluebonnets: An Introduction to Local Wildflower Diversity.” Meetings are free and open to the public. For details and directions, visit https://npsot. org/chapters/guadalupe/

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Birch Please Class

Create an original composition of Birch trees utilizing primarily one type of brushstroke for the majority of the painting! Students will use various techniques that call back to pointillism and Impressionism and will be given background on Color Theory with focus on values of individual colors and complementary colors. Book your spot by calling the gallery during open hours Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Or stop by! We accept cash, credit card and check. 830-305-0472

SEF Mardi Gras 2026 Fundraiser

Enjoy an evening of great food, games, and giving at Mardi Gras 2026 on Thursday, February 12, 2026, starting at 6 p.m. in the Seguin Coliseum, located at 950 South Austin Street. The event features food from Burnt Bean Co., interactive games, prize opportunities, and fundraising in support of a Fund-a-Need recipient to be announced soon. Tickets and sponsorships are limited and selling fast. Purchase tickents online at https://seguineducationfoundation.betterworld. org/events/seguin-education-foundation-mard-3#tickets-form.

Annual Fiber Art Show Now through Feb. 13

The Seguin Art League Annual Fiber Show is open during Gallery Hours Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Twenty-five works of art by 15 artists include quilts, crochet, weaving, felt, embroidery, baskets and more. Stop by the Gallery and see what our talented area fiber artists have been creating. All pieces are available for sale.

Texas Farm Bureau Food Connection Day

Texas Farm Bureau will host Food Connection Day on Friday, February 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the

Guadalupe County Farm Bureau office, located at 325 South State Highway 46. Local farmers will visit with the community about how food gets from the field to your fork, and hamburgers will be available for just $1 each.

The Savannah Sipping Society Comes to the Texas Theatre

The Texas Theatre presents “The Savannah Sipping Society,” a JonesHope-Wooten comedy filled with laughter and Southern charm. Opening Night is Thursday, February 13, at 6:30 p.m., with additional performances February 14, 20, and 21 at 7:30 p.m., and February 15 and 22 at 2:30 p.m. The production will be staged at The Stephen & Mary Birch Texas Theatre, 425 N. Austin St., Seguin. Audiences are invited to enjoy this heartfelt and humorous story brought to life by an all-star cast. Tickets are available online at https://thetexas.ludus.com/ index.php?show_id=200511473.

Laubach Bowling Club Chili Cook-Off

The Laubach Bowling Club will host a Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, February 28, from 1 to 7 p.m. at Laubach Bowling Club, located at 1986 Laubach Road in Seguin. Teams will compete in categories, including People’s Choice, Spiciest Chili, and Best Overall. Bowling will also be available during the event. The entry fee is $30 per team, with registration due by February 18. Proceeds benefit Laubach Hall repairs. For more information, contact Jodi Watts at (830) 8220608 or the Laubach Bowling Club at (830) 379-9033.

Call For Entries into Elementary and Middle School Art Show

All students in elementary and middle school (grades 1-8 are invited to

participate in the Seguin Art League’s annual student art show. All entered works will be judged and eligible for cash prizes and ribbons. Deadline to Enter: February 19, 2026. Get the entry form on seguinartleague.com or call the gallery during open hours Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. for additional information.

Singo Bingo Fundraiser to Benefit Local Charities

The Seguin Sunrise Lions Club will host a Singo Bingo Fundraiser on Friday, February 21, starting at 4 p.m. The event will be held at the Silver Center, located at 510 E. Court Street in Seguin. Tickets are $20 and include five rounds of Singo. Proceeds will benefit local charities and Lions Club service projects.

Annual “Taste of Soul”

The Guadalupe County MLK Commission invites the community to attend the Annual Taste of Soul, a celebration of culture, community, and cuisine. The event will be held Saturday, February 28 at the Seguin Youth Services building, located at 919 N. Guadalupe St. in Seguin. Doors open at 11 a.m., and admission is $15. This annual gathering features a variety of soul food dishes and offers an opportunity for fellowship while honoring history and uplifting the future of the community. For more information, email guadalupecountymlkcommittee@gmail.com.

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.