SDN: February 9, 2026

Tax season has arrived:

Free tax help at SHS, TLU

Seguin ISD students to provide free tax assistance for second year

(Seguin) -- Students at Seguin High School are now offering tax preparation services to eligible taxpayers at no cost.

Students enrolled in the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) business pathway are certified to provide services through the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. These students completed IRS-required training on tax law and available tax credits.

Seguin ISD’s CTE department launched the high school’s tax assistance program in the spring of 2025.

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TLU VITA Clinic opens this week on campus

(Seguin) -- Spring is on the way -- but so is the annual deadline to pay those taxes. Have no fear: Once again this year, Texas Lutheran University’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Clinic is coming to the rescue!

The IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. At TLU, students from the university’s accounting program assist participating taxpayers—and gain valuable experience preparing tax returns in the process.

TLU, pg. 3

Cindy Aguirre-Herrera

(Comal County) -- Comal County is mourning the loss of longtime County Judge Sherman Krause, who passed away early Saturday morning at his home.

Judge Krause has served the citizens of Comal County since Jan. 1, 2011. Officials say during his tenure, he became known as a steady and dependable leader, guiding the county through both challenges and periods of growth and progress.

County officials say Krause’s commitment to public service and to the people of Comal County helped shape the community for more than a decade.

On the county’s Facebook page, officials stated, “Judge Krause was more than a leader. He was a colleague, a mentor and a friend to many. Our Comal County family is devastated by this loss.”

Earlier, county leaders requested that residents and businesses lower their flags to half-staff in his honor as a sign of respect and gratitude for his years of service.

Comal County mourns death of county judge Moonlight & Roses returns with a new dining experience

Main Street introduces a pre-event dinner in the Memorial Rose Garden

Lindsay

Hajek,

(Seguin) --Main Street’s beloved Moonlight & Roses is blooming into something new this year. While the heart of the event, celebrating our downtown, local arts, and community, remains the same, this year includes an exciting new pre-event dinner experience.

In years past, guests could purchase picnic baskets with charcuterie and wine during the ceremony. This year, Main Street is introducing a dinner that brings the community together in a memorable setting while supporting the future of downtown Seguin.

The ticketed dinner, from 6:00–7:00 pm, features a meal by the awardwinning Burnt Bean Co., a decadent dessert, complimentary wine, and

assistant director of Main Street and Destination Seguin

a commemorative wine tumbler to remember the night. Guests will be seated at beautifully arranged communal-style tables running through the Memorial Rose Garden. For those who prefer a more intimate setting, a limited number of private

tables for eight are available, offering a quieter, more personal dining experience.

Dinner tickets also include reserved grass seating for the Moonlight & Roses ceremony, making it easy to transition from dinner to the evening’s festivities. Individual dinner tickets are $45, and private tables for eight are $350.

Following dinner, from 7:00–9:00 pm, the celebration continues with the classic Moonlight & Roses experience, which is free and open to the public. Guests are invited to enjoy live jazz by Choo-Cha Booch as Main Street presents the 2025 Downtown Awards and Community Arts Awards.

Dining, pg. 3

SISD, continued.

Students can assist with basic tax preparation and electronic filing for:

- Individuals and families who generally make $67,000 or less annually

- Persons with disabilities

- Limited English-speaking taxpayers

To complete taxes promptly, those seeking assistance should bring the following:

- Original photo identification, such as driver’s license, school, employer, military, or state

TLU, continued.

ID for you and your spouse (if married)

- Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number documents for you, your spouse, and dependents

- Birth dates for you, spouse, and dependents

- A copy of last year’s tax return

- All Forms W-2 and 1099

- Form 1095-A, if applicable

- Information for other income, deductions, and credits

- Total paid to daycare provider and their tax ID number

- For direct deposit of refund, proof of account, and bank’s routing

There is no charge to get your taxes done, but to qualify for the clinic, household income should not be more than $69,000. People with disabilities and limited English-speakers also qualify.

In addition to VITA, the TCE program offers free tax help, particularly for those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors.

Taxpayers should bring their tax papers from all of their jobs, as well as an ID, driver’s license, or passport, and their social security card.

They cannot be seen if they arrive without all of the required materials.

The tax clinic will be in operation on Wednesdays and Saturdays only, beginning Wednesday, February 11. Wednesday hours of operation are 5–7 p.m., and Saturday hours are 9 a.m.–12 p.m. The clinic will be closed during the university’s spring break, when students are away from campus (March 7, 11, and 14). The clinic closes for the season on April 15.

TLU’s Beck Center is located at 1020 Beck Drive in Seguin.

number

- For prior year returns, copies of income transcripts from the IRS

- For those married and filing jointly, both spouses must be present Certified students will help eligible taxpayers at the Seguin High School Library on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:10 to 5:10 P.M. through Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

Those planning to seek assistance through Seguin ISD’s Tax VITA program are encouraged to make an appointment by contacting Helen Stamper at hstamper@seguin.k12.tx.us.

To participate, taxpayers should enter campus at the main entrance, turning onto Beck Drive from Court Street, then remain in their cars while student volunteers greet them and gather their tax information, and then provide their tax return to them.

Dining, continued.

All proceeds raised during the event are reinvested directly into downtown Seguin to support improvement and beautification initiatives. Tickets can be purchased online through Eventbrite or in person at the Seguin Visitor’s Center located at 200 South Austin Street.

The Moonlight & Roses pre-

event dinner is presented by Crown Event Rentals, who are generously providing tables, chairs, and linens to create a beautiful dining experience. Guests will also enjoy desserts from Lolo’s Place, with Blue Lotus Winery and Seguin Brewing Company contributing wine and beer to enhance the evening. Photography for the event will be provided by Andybernie_pix. We are grateful to these businesses and

other supporters for helping make the night truly memorable. Any business interested in contributing can contact: cmclain@seguintexas.gov.

Moonlight & Roses has always been about community, and this year’s updates make it easier than ever to celebrate, connect, and give back in one unforgettable evening. Discover all the details at https://www.seguintexas. gov/256/Moonlight-Roses

Wilson Wins 500th at TLU, Bulldogs Sweep UMHB in Opening Day Doubleheader

SEGUIN, Texas -- Texas Lutheran University softball head coach Wade Wilson became the fourth coach in Texas Lutheran history to reach 500 career wins as the No. 8-ranked Bulldogs earned an Opening Day doubleheader sweep over University of Mary Hardin-Baylor on Friday afternoon at Ed Kruse Stadium.

Wilson’s 500th win improves his career record to 501-97 (.838) at Texas Lutheran and at the collegiate level, only trailing former UT-Tyler and East Texas Baptist head coach Mike Reed for highest winning percentage in NCAA softball history.

Texas Lutheran didn’t take long to get into the groove in 2026 as Katelyn Howard (Waller/ Hempstead) tossed a no-hitter in the Bulldogs first game of the season and the TLU offense combined for 17 runs on 19 hits over the course of Friday’s two games.

Senior Katelyn Howard made her first Opening Day start on Friday, striking out eight of her 22 batters faced as she kept the Crusaders off the base paths until the seventh inning. A seventh inning walk and error would be the only blemish for Howard in her stellar season-opening performance. The no-hitter is the 34th in program history and the second Howard has been apart of as she combined with Ashlyn Strother and Sydney Ouellette for a no-hitter in the 2023 NCAA Marshall Regional against SUNY-Geneseo. It is the first Opening Day no-hitter since Maitlin Raycroft tossed a 16 K nohitter against Huston-Tillotson on Opening Day 2018.

TLU’s sophomore is now 8-0 over her last 10 starts, allowing just ten runs over 46.2 innings of work.

Singles from Caelee Clark (Montgomery/ Lake Creek) (2-for-4, RBI, R, 2 SB) and Riley Davila (Angleton/Angleton) (4-for-4, RBI, R, 2 SB) got the Bulldogs started in the first inning before Serena Gonzalez (Corpus Christi/Foy H. Moody) (0-for-1, BB, RBI) stepped to the plate to hit a sac fly to score Clark and give TLU an early 1-0 lead.

The Bulldogs doubled their lead in the second as Chesley Swisher (Cypress/Bridgeland) (1-for2, RBI, R, SB) drove in Ashley McMahon (Las Vegas/Durango) (1-for-3, 2 R, 2 SB) with an RBI single to left field.

Howard continued to deal through the Cru lineup over the next two frames. TLU doubled their lead again in the fourth with a two-run effort in the bottom of the inning as RBI singles from Clark and Davila scored McMahon and Swisher to give TLU a 4-0 lead.

Mia Landry (Cypress/Bridgeland) (1-for-4, RBI, 2B) drove in the Bulldogs fifth run in the fifth with an RBI double, scoring Harleigh Russell (Fort Worth/Boswell). Russell (1-for-1, RBI, R, SB) drove in the Bulldogs final run of the game in the sixth with an RBI single.

TLU turned around  in game two to put up 11 runs on eight hits. After a 1-2-3 first inning, the Bulldogs scored at least one run in every inning but the fifth. The Bulldogs stole 11 bases in game two led by three each from Clark, Davila, and Brey Jones (San Antonio/Brennan).

Harleigh Russell scored the first run of game two going second to home on a fielder’s choice. Jones caught the Crusaders defense sleeping as she was able to scamper home on a Caelee Clark stolen base to extend the lead to 2-0 in the third. A sac fly

from Cady Bowyer (Fulshear/Jordan) and an RBI fielder’s choice from Natalie Pacheco (Lytle/Lytle) gave the Bulldogs a 4-0 lead after three innings.

Riley Davila drove in Jones with an RBI single to left field before a double steal between Davila and Caelee Clark stretched the lead to 6-0 before the Cru got on the board in the fifth inning with three runs on three hits.

TLU put up five more runs in the sixth to bring the game to its run-rule conclusion. The Bulldogs would load the bases before scoring on a throwing error from the Crusaders pitcher. Harleigh Russell would walk the game off with a inside the park grand slam to left field that never touched the outfield fence in what was an odd conclusion to Friday’s contest.

Five Bulldogs recorded a hit in game two led by a 3-for-4 performance from Clark, a 2-for-4 showing from Davila, and 1-for-3 four-RBI game from Russell.

Jordyn Stuessy (Garden Ridge/Davenport), a transfer from Southern Illinois, earned her first win as a Bulldog, going 3.0 no-hit innings, striking out one and walking one. Jordyn Joy (Kerrville/Tivy) made her return to the circle for the first time since early in the 2025 season and struck out two in 2.0 innings, giving up three runs on three hits. Andrea Hataway (Port Lavaca/Calhoun) closed it out in the circle with a shutout inning of relief.

TLU opens SCAC play on Friday, Feb. 13, beginning a three-game series with McMurry. First pitch of Friday’s doubleheader is scheduled for 4 PM. All three games will stream on FloCollege. All streaming and live stats links can be found on tlubulldogs.com.

For more information on Texas Lutheran softball, follow the Bulldogs on Facebook (@ txlutheransoftball), X (Twitter) (@TLUsoftball), and Instagram (@tlu_softball) and as always you can find updates on all Texas Lutheran athletics on tlubulldogs.com and all official TLU social media channels (@tluathletics on Twitter, @ tlu_athletics on Instagram and TikTok, and @ tlubulldogs on Facebook).

is 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.

Study Highlights Two Background Noises That Hurt Sleep

(Philadelphia, PA) -- A new study highlights that certain background noise hurts sleep quality. An experiment by the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine shows listening to pink noise led to a nearly 19-minute decrease in REM sleep per night. That is a stage of sleep that has a major impact on memory, mental focus and mood. Pink noise is volume that steadily increases as the pitch gets higher and has a lower pitch than white noise. The study published in the journal Sleep also shows airplane noise is linked a 23 minute loss of deep sleep per night.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons Against Gender Procedures In Youth

(Arlington Heights, IL) -- The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is now recommending that gender transition procedures should wait until the age of 19. The group says there is not enough research on the long term impacts on young people who have procedures. The new advice conflicts with other medical groups in the U.S.. that have suggested certain treatments in minors are okay. That includes hormone related therapy, surgery and puberty blocking related medications.

Study Shows AI Can Predict Those At Higher Risk Of Falls

(Rochester, MN) -- A new study shows artificial intelligence can look over an abdominal CT scan and pick out adults at a higher risk of falling years in advance. Researchers from the Mayo Clinic used AI tools to examine medical images that show measured fat distribution, muscle area, density, and bone area to predict future fall risk. Experts say muscle density is a strong predictor of future fall risk than muscle size. The CDC says falls are the leading cause of injury for adults 65 and older.

February Is National Self-Check Month

(Cleveland, OH) -- When it comes to your health, February is National Self-Check Month. Doctor John Hanicak at the Cleveland Clinic says self checks mean looking for anything that may seem abnormal. That could include weight loss, blood in your urine, bumps and bruises that won’t heal, changes in bowel habits and skin checks for moles and spots. He says self-checks are very important for early cancer detection and identifying possible other illnesses.

&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.

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

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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.

Comes to the Texas Theatre

The Texas Theatre presents “The Savannah Sipping Society,” a Jones-Hope-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) 822-0608 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 w=ill 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.