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January 14, 2026
Volume 60 l Number 242
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830-379-2234 l 609 E. Court St., Seguin TX, 78155
The Voice of Seguin
WEEKEND EDITION
TODAY
Leadership Seguin Class Launches Effort to Renovate Seguin Little League Complex
Darren Dunn
(Seguin) -- The Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class wants to help spruce up the Seguin Little League Complex. The class recently selected its leadership project for 2026. Class member Forrest Fletcher says
the group has been learning more about what is happening in Seguin, which helped them determine how they wanted to best serve the community with their proposed leadership project. “I’m one of 14 members. We come from all
different areas, all different fields and backgrounds — coming together for one common denominator, which is to be educated and inspired to be the best leaders we can be. Complex, pg. 2
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One Killed In Rollover Accident
(Seguin) -- A 23-year-old man was killed in a rollover crash on Old Seguin Luling Road. According to officials at the Guadalupe County Sheriff ’s Office, deputies responded at approximately 8:45 a.m. Saturday to a major rollover collision in the 4300 block of Old Seguin Luling Road. Upon arrival, deputies located the deceased male in a nearby field. Preliminary findings indicate the driver lost control of a pickup truck, causing it to leave the roadway and
roll multiple times. The driver was ejected from the vehicle during the crash. Investigators say evidence at the scene suggests the collision occurred several hours before it was discovered. The Texas Highway Patrol responded to the scene and is handling the crash investigation. More details are expected to be released later by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Seguin Police Seek Public’s Help Locating Missing Man (Seguin) -- Seguin Police Department officials are still asking for the public’s help in locating a missing man who was last seen in Seguin on Tuesday of last week. Police say Raul Arebalo has been missing since approximately 4:19 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6. He was last seen at the River Shade RV Park, wearing a T-shirt, shorts, and carrying a camouflage backpack. Officers are urging anyone
who may have seen Arebalo or has information about his whereabouts to contact authorities immediately. Anyone with information is asked to call the Seguin Police Department’s non-emergency line at 830-379-2123. In an emergency, call 911. Police are encouraging residents to share the information in hopes of safely reuniting Arebalo with his family.
Complex, continued. In addition to that, the synergy that I have noticed in our group is that all of us have a willingness to serve, and that’s something that’s very important, very critical, and a cornerstone of true leadership. Going through the process and through the program, we’ve been able to be educated on some of the nonprofit organizations here around Seguin, and we have many, many good ones. There are so many things going on around Seguin that I know our team is very proud of. Throughout that process and being educated, as a team of 14, we’re a large team and we wanted to try to come up with a leadership project this year that was conducive to the
reach that we all had. So, we narrowed it down to one lone finalist, and that would be doing a renovation on the Seguin Little League fields,” said Fletcher. Fletcher says the team liked that Little League serves so many kids in the area, with program participation of more than 1,300 each year. He says they are also a fixture in Starcke Park, which is another reason the class wanted to help make improvements at the Little League complex. “One thing about the Little League Association here is that it is a nonprofit group, which is important. It does bring the community together, and it is in a central location in Max Starcke Park and has been around for decades. Complex, pg. 3
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Complex, continued. One of the primary benefits, and what was important to us, is that our reach was able to extend not only to the youth, but their families as well. Unfortunately, as we all know, we had some recent setbacks on July 5. We had some flooding that went on. It delayed our beautiful golf course opening up, flooded streets, and some homes were damaged. It also set back some things over at the Little League fields that maybe people don’t quite know about. And so that gave us plenty of opportunities to reach out and figure out some ways that maybe we could help inspire and do better for the Little League program,” said Fletcher. The leadership group has an ambitious goal for its project. Fletcher says they have developed three separate packages, all designed to improve the Little League grounds. “Package One will include dugout upgrades. That’s one of the main things they’re needing. That will include roof repairs. That will include a second field entry point to the fields, as they currently have to cross the fields to get off the field. That will include new bat and helmet racks. The ones that are there are currently in poor condition and are not large enough to house all the equipment that the children need to use. We would install new benches. Something else we felt was very important was elevating and raising the concrete slabs of those dugouts. One thing that we noticed is that when it rains, the sand runs into those dugouts, creating mud that has to be shoveled out. It makes for a very messy experience for the kids. In addition to those dugout upgrades, we would also do restroom remodels. Those restrooms are in dire need of it. We would install new fixtures and new paint to bring them up to current standards. The estimated required budget for that package is $60,000,” said Fletcher. Each package includes additional work. Fletcher says it is all based on how much money the group raises to cover those expenses. “Package Two includes everything we discussed in Package One. In addition to that, it would include new sports equipment. They had recently acquired new equipment last year, but unfortunately it was lost or damaged in the flood. So, we would be replacing what they lost. In addition to that, we would purchase mobile batting cages. The existing batting cages are in bad shape. We discussed the potential renovation of those batting cages with the Little League Association, and they opted for
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mobile batting cages instead, as they were more functional for what they needed on the fields. That increase is about $15,000, which would bring the estimated required budget for Packages One and Two combined to $75,000,” said Fletcher. Fletcher says the class has three packages, but their goal is to complete all of the work. “Package Three is truthfully what our large team is shooting for. We feel like we have the resources and the ability to get it done. It includes everything in Packages One and Two, and it also includes a Challenger League sponsorship. We want to show that we support and back all of the Little League programs. In addition to that, Little League is undergoing a press box renovation, but that does not include new press box equipment or a PA system. So, we would want to purchase those items and complete that renovation process. That is an additional $10,000, which would bring our total estimated budget to $85,000,” said Fletcher. Leadership Class member John Huerta says they have a solid plan in place to raise the money necessary to complete the overall project. He says the group will host a golf tournament at The Bandit, with sponsorship opportunities and team signups now available. “Our main fundraiser is going to be our golf tournament, which is scheduled for Thursday, March 5, 2026, starting at 8:30 a.m. We would have loved to have it at Starcke Park, but due to a couple of circumstances, we were unable to do that. That’s okay, though. There are various sponsorship opportunities ranging from $10,000 down to $300, with everything in between,” said Huerta. Huerta says they expect to attract serious golfers, but they want everyone who participates to enjoy themselves while out on the course. He says the group plans to add a little extra fun to the day. “While we’re out on the golf course, we’re going to have a couple of fundraising options. We’ll have Mulligan packages, tee-off funny songs, the Blue Ball Challenge, and spin-the-wheel activities. These different elements will make it a little more interesting, a little more fun, and more of an active entertainment-type experience, rather than being so serious on the course,” said Huerta. The tournament will be held Thursday, March 5, at The Bandit Golf Course. Signup and sponsorship information is available on Leadership Seguin’s Facebook page or by calling the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce at 830-379-6382.
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4 SPORTS
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Sansano Honored as SCAC Offensive Player of the Week Bryce Hayes - TLU Sports Information
SEGUIN, Texas -- Lauren Sansano (San Antonio/FEAST) has been tabbed Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) Player of the Week for the ninth week of the 2025-26 season, the conference announced on Monday. The senior guard posted a triple-double (23 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists) while adding a career-high six steals in the Bulldogs 85-61 triumph against Ozarks (AR) on Friday. Sansano became the first Bulldog with a 20+ point tripledouble in program history. For the first time in her career, Sansano has had three straight games with 15 points and five assists. For the week, Sansano averaged 18.3 points, 8.0 assists, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.7 steals per game while shooting 58.3 percent from the field and 45.5 percent from beyond the arc over the course of three conference games. Sansano’s ten assists were also a career-high, logging her first career triple-double in 35 minutes of action.
Sansano is the fourth Bulldog to win a SCAC weekly award this season. The Bulldogs have claimed SCAC weekly honors 11 times in the last five seasons under head coach Troy Patterson. Sansano notched her first career tripledouble with her performance against the Eagles. The triple-double is the first since Tara Molina finished with 13 points, 12 rebounds and ten assists on January 26, 2019 vs. Trinity. It is the third triple-double since the Bulldogs joining the SCAC and since the program becoming an NCAA institution (2000-01) with Karisa Cantu also notching a triple-double against Schreiner on January 4, 2014. All three instances have come at Memorial Gymnasium in Seguin. She is only one of only 12 Division-III players to post a tripledouble this season. Through 13 games, Sansano is averaging career-highs in points (12.9), rebounds (4.7), assists (4.8), and steals (2.0). She has scored
in double figures in 10 of the Bulldogs 13 games while connecting at a 42.5 percent clip. Following Monday’s game against Concordia (TX), Sansano moved into second all-time in the program’s NCAA history in assists with over 247 in her career. Sansano and the Bulldogs (9-4, 4-0 SCAC) continue a five-game homestand on Friday when they host Schreiner inside Memorial Gymnasium. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM. The game will be streamed on FloCollege. All streaming and live stats links will be available on tlubulldogs.com. Fans can receive updates by following @ tluathletics & @tluwbb on X (Twitter) and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the TLU Athletics Facebook page at @tlubulldogs or by visiting the team’s Instagram page at @tluwbb and as always follow TLU athletics on all of our social channels for updates on all things TLU Athletics.
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8 VITAL STATISTICS
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Schmidt
Anthony “Tony” Schmidt, and his wife, Tasha Schmidt; her cherished grandsons, Jackson Schmidt and Anderson Schmidt; and her brothers, Darry Ranft and John Ranft. She will also be remembered fondly by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. Graveside services and interment will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Kingsbury Cemetery with the Reverend Jeremy Roy officiating. 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.
Reed
their toes. He will be forever treasured and profoundly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, M.C. and Leola Reed. He leaves to cherish his memory four children, Keith Reed, M.C. Reed, Willie Reed, and Monecia Reed; two stepdaughters, Aereale Sykes and Ashley Wallace; thirteen beloved grandchildren; four siblings, Larry Reed, Charlitte Reed, Jeanette Reed, and Linda Davis-Reed; along with a host of extended family members and dear friends. A memorial service will be held Friday, January 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary with Pastor Kenneth Green officiating. A private inturnment. 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.
Susan Gail Ranft Schmidt, age 76 of Seguin, passed away on January 8, 2026. Susan was born on December 8, 1949, in Seguin, Texas, to Adelaide (Beutnagel) and Marvin Ranft. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Herman Anderson “Andy” Schmidt; her mother, Adelaide Phillips; her father, Marvin Ranft; her brother, Scott Ranft; and her sister, Karen Ranft. Susan is survived by her loving son, Herman
M.C. Reed Jr., age 59, passed away on December 15, 2025. He was born in Seguin, Texas to Leola (Anderson) and M.C. Reed. M.C. Reed was and will forever be known as a kind yet wild-spirited man—intelligent, passionate, witty, and gifted with a smooth command of words. Early in life, he was praised for his athletic abilities and accomplishments, which carried him through high school. He later served in the military and explored several industries, and skill sets throughout his life. A man of many talents, he was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and son. Known for his jokes, wisdom, and unexpected quirks, he kept everyone laughing and on
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DeKunder
Harold Thomas “Tom” DeKunder June 15, 1945 – January 3, 2026 Harold Thomas “Tom” DeKunder was born in San Antonio, Texas, in 1945 to Henry Julius DeKunder and Bessie Sonley DeKunder. He was raised on the South Side of San Antonio and graduated from Highlands High School in 1963. He attended Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1968 and a Master of Education in 1974. In 1993, he proudly earned his Doctorate of Education from Texas A&M University in College Station. Tom met the love of his life, Mary Ann Zemanek, at a friend’s wedding in 1968. They recently celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. Tom was a devoted father to his children, David and Sidonie, throughout their lives. Tom often shared fond memories of his grandparents’ farm in northeast San Antonio. He was a proud descendant of the Coker family, whose roots date back to the Battle of San Jacinto. He was an active member of the Coker Cemetery Association, and he will be laid to rest in this historic family cemetery. Tom dedicated his life to public education. He began his career in 1968 at O’Henry Junior High in Schertz, then joined Marion ISD in 1970 as a teacher and coach. Over the years, he served in various administrative roles before becoming Superintendent of Marion ISD in 1997. After retiring in 2000, he became an education professor at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. Throughout his career, he also taught education courses at Southwest Texas State University, Our Lady of the Lake University, and UTSA. He made a lasting impact on every community he served as a teacher, coach, and administrator. An active community member, Tom served on the Guadalupe County Historical Commission, the Marion Lions Club, and the Coker Cemetery Association. Tom devoted time to preserving historical cemeteries throughout Guadalupe County, a reflection of his lifelong passion for history. He was instrumental in founding the Marion Education Foundation and the Marion Community Library. He served on the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD Board of Trustees and was on the Board of Directors for the Guadalupe Valley
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Electric Cooperative. Tom was a passionate volunteer and meet director for the UIL Region IV 1A/3A Track and Field Meet for 30 years. Some of his greatest joys came from coaching numerous district track and field championship teams at Marion, including a state champion athlete. He also proudly led Marion ISD’s first district football championship team in 1977. Coach DeKunder loved reminiscing about his coaching era and celebrating those athletes. Everyone who knew Tom knew he loved traveling to West Texas. No small town could be passed through without driving by its football stadium. He also had a great love for nature and animals. Over the years, he adopted a miniature donkey named JD and kept a small animal farm behind his office, which included a pair of mallard ducks named Bernard and Bernadette and a rabbit named Spanky. In retirement, he took pride in his butterfly garden and once nursed an injured monarch butterfly back to health over the course of a month, naming it Lady Spirit. He was an exceptional storyteller. Tom will forever be remembered for his playfulness, humor, guidance, and wisdom. He found humor in everything and never missed a chance to share a pun. During the final two years of his life, Tom bravely battled cancer and, while in remission, passed away due to complications from pneumonia. One of his favorite songs was “Happy Trails” by Roy Rogers, a fitting farewell. Tom is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; his children, David DeKunder (Odilia) and Sidonie Dickson (Nicholas); his grandchildren, Milena Dickson, Tori Mai (Zac), Nicholas Dickson, and Elizabeth Dickson; and a greatgrandchild Lilith Mai. He is also survived by his brothers, Joe DeKunder (Edna) and Alan DeKunder (Jean), as well as numerous brother-in-laws and sisters-inlaws, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Barbara Jean DeKunder Olsen. Services will be held at Schertz Funeral Home, 2217 FM 3009, Schertz, Texas on Thursday, January 15th. Visitation beginning at 10:00am, followed by a service at 11:00 am. A reception lunch will immediately follow at the VFW Hall at 1000 FM 78, Schertz, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Tom’s memory to one of the following organizations: Marion Education Foundation (please designate for teacher grants), the San Antonio Autism Treatment Center, or South Texas Blood and Tissue Center Foundation.
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Svatek
friends along with the staff and volunteers at the humane society. Margarett also loved taking trips with her extended family to enjoy snow skiing and waterskiing. Margarett is survived by her husband Tom, siblings, Francis Steubing and wife Kathy, Thomas Steubing and wife Nita, and Julie Chiles, in-laws Charlotte and King Freeland, Donna and Johnny Poteet, as well as many nieces and nephews. Margarett is preceded in death by her mother Edna Martha Knetsch and father Aubrey Steubing, brother Aubrey Ervin Steubing, sister Pearl Esther Steubing, sister Nancy Gallagher and husband Carl, sister Caroline Cloud, and sister Dalie Magee, brother-in-law Gary Chiles. “The degree of people’s civilization is reflected in its attitude toward animals.” - John Galsworthy A memorial and dinner gathering will be held on January 17, 2026, at The Silver Center, 510 E. Court Street, Seguin, Texas 78155 from 2pm to 5pm with remarks at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, we humbly ask that donations be made to Guadalupe County Humane Society, GCHS, P. O. Box, 1593, Seguin, Texas, 78155-1593. 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,
Rains
performing his other duties. During his lifetime, Jeral enjoyed golfing, hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and summer trips to Port Aransas. He is preceded in death by his mother, father and brother, James “Rusty” Rains. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years Karen (Rieger) Rains, daughter Monica (Rains) and husband Melvin Pipes, and son Travis and wife Crystal Engelke. He has three grandchildren – Presley Engelke and fiancé Kyle Kolbe, Jaden Pipes and Ashlyn Pipes as well as sister-in-law, Kathy (Dittmar) Rains and niece, Kelly (Rains) and husband Randy Fluker and other family members and many friends. Graveside services and interment will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at the Elks Lodge in Seguin at 2 p.m. with remarks at 3 p.m. “When someone you love becomes a memory, their memory lives forever in your heart” Memorial contributions may be made to the Guadalupe County Humane Society, P. O. Box 1593, Seguin, Texas, 78155. 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.
Margarett Etta Svatek was born on December 11, 1945, in Falfurrias Texas to Aubrey Steubing and Edna Martha Knetsch. She passed away on November 23, 2025. Margarett moved to Seguin to finish her senior year of high school, where she met Tom Svatek at a football game. They were married about a year later June 18, 1965. Margarett’s love for animals blossomed when she and Tom got their first dog Caesar, a Schnauzer mix, whom they adopted as a puppy. She began rescuing animals out of her home in Seguin in the early 80’s. She started a non-profit in 1989, holding fundraisers to build a facility that would serve as a no-kill animal shelter for Guadalupe and surrounding counties. The Humane Society opened its doors in June 1997, and Margarett served as the volunteer director, a true labor of love for over 25 years. She worked at Southwestern Bell in Seguin for 18 years as an operator. Margarett loved to garden; she had a beautiful yard full of flowers and plants as well as a sparkling pool where she hosted family gatherings and water volleyball games. She liked cooking meals, not only for her husband, Tom, but also for many
It is with great sadness Jimmy Jeral Rains, aka “Poppi,” of New Braunfels passed away peacefully on December 19, 2025, at the age of 82. Jeral was born on February 6, 1943, in Parsons, Tennessee, to Iris Geraldine (Kennedy) and James Lavern Rains. Jeral’s family moved to Pasadena, Texas, where he spent most of his younger life before moving to Seguin to attend Texas Lutheran College in 1961 to play football. He also joined the Army National Guard and spent his training days in Tacoma, Washington. He began his long career at SMI – Texas in 1964 and was part of the company’s semi-pro baseball team, the SMI Steelers. At SMI – Texas he found his calling in rolling mill operations and gained a reputation as one of the finest rolling mill professionals in the world. Throughout his 50 years with the company, Jeral also worked at SMI Steel - South Carolina as Vice President/Works Manager and SMI Steel - Alabama as EVP Operations/Works Manager. He was asked to return to Texas in 2005 as Rolling Mill Technical Advisor for the CMC Steel Group where he assisted other mills including SMI Steel - Arkansas and CMC – HZ Poland while
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Ablin
people care well for themselves and those they loved. In 1987, Judy and Ralph endured the heartbreaking loss of their youngest son, Christopher, at the age of six and a half. In later years, following Ralph’s severe and debilitating stroke in 2004, Judy devoted herself fully to his care, walking faithfully beside him with patience, strength, and unwavering love until his passing in 2012. Her service extended far beyond her own family. Over the years, Judy volunteered as a hospital chaplain, served with Meals on Wheels, and was actively involved in various women’s ministries. She was drawn to those in need of comfort and hope, offering prayer freely, listening deeply, and caring wholeheartedly. Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Ablin; her son, Christopher Ablin (1980–1987); her daughter-in-law, Jana Ablin; and her parents, David and Sara Nordholm. She is survived by her children Charles Ablin of Normandy Park, Washington; David Ablin and his wife, Gaby, of Seguin, Texas; and Heather Engler and her husband, Chet, of New Braunfels, Texas; her sisters Sara Brown and Victoria Lofgren; and her ten grandchildren: Justin, Daniela, Alex, Brianna, Ceanna, Christopher, Josh, and Serena Ablin, and Jake and Sam Engler. Judy’s life reflected a deep love for the Lord and a sincere love for people. She spoke openly about her faith, offered prayer freely, and cared deeply for those around her. Her compassion, her voice, and her unwavering belief will continue to echo in the lives of those she loved. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Lifegate Church in Seguin, Texas.
Herbold
matched only by the love he held for his family. As we reflect on Chris’s life, we celebrate not only his adventurous pursuits but also the deep connections he formed with his loved ones. He is survived by his devoted children, Derick, Kaison, Capri, Marley, and Charlee Herbold, each carrying a piece of his adventurous spirit within them. His mother, Tami Herbold and husband William Newberg, and his father, Alfredo Sanchez and wife Brenda Sanchez, stood proudly in his corner throughout his life. Chris also shared a special bond with his siblings; his sister Kristen Jahns and her husband Clint Jahns, as well as his sister Ciera Sanchez and brother AD Sanchez. He was a cherished uncle to Kendall Hurt and Caiden Jahns, and beloved grandson to Margaret Herbold and her husband Ruben Sanchez along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who created countless memories with him. Though he is mourned by many, Chris is greeted in the beyond by those who passed before him, including his grandfather Texas John Herbold, stepfather Ricky Risinger, uncle Roger Herbold, aunt Wesley Shehane, cousin John Derick Herbold, and great-grandparents Milton and Catherine Krueger. His legacy of love, laughter, and an insatiable appetite for life will inspire all who knew him to embrace each day with passion and joy. May he rest in peace, his spirit soaring high like the waves crashing along the shores of Kona, Hawaii. A celebration of life ceremony will be announced at a later date.
Judith Carolyn “Judy” Ablin, of Seguin, Texas, was peacefully called home on December 28, 2025, as her daughter held her hand. She was lovingly cared for by family in the days leading up to her homegoing. Judy was born on March 5, 1939, in Willmar, Minnesota, to David and Sara Nordholm. She was raised in the small town of Elbow Lake, Minnesota, where she enjoyed an idyllic childhood, enriched by a close extended family and a tight-knit community. As the eldest of three daughters, she set an early example of love, compassion, and care for others that she carried throughout her life. Judy graduated from Elbow Lake High School in 1957 and went on to attend Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where she majored in nursing. It was there, in the late 1950s, that she met her future husband, Ralph Ablin. Their relationship began with a Sadie Hawkins dance—true to Judy’s confident and warm spirit, she was the one who asked Ralph out—and marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership grounded in faith and shared purpose. They were married in 1961. Judy and Ralph built a life together centered on family and ministry. Ralph, an ordained pastor, and Judy served side by side through decades of ministry, opening their home and their lives to others wherever they were called. Judy also had a strong passion for health and nutrition and genuinely enjoyed learning about wellness and sharing that knowledge with others, always wanting to help
Christopher Brian Herbold, affectionately known to those who loved him as Chris, was born on February 3, 1984, in Seguin, Texas. He left this world on October 9, 2025, in beautiful Kona, Hawaii. Chris’s journey through life can be described as one marked by boundless energy, a thirst for adventure, and a spirit that ignited joy in all who had the privilege of knowing him. After graduating from Seguin High School, Chris took a courageous step that would shape his future; he moved to Austin, Texas, where he began training to become an MMA fighter. Following this chapter, he spent several fulfilling years in Washington State, where he immersed himself in the great outdoors. Whether he was traversing hiking trails, gliding on a skateboard, conquering snow-covered slopes, cliff diving into refreshing waters, or racing on his BMX bike, his passion for the natural world was evident. Chris’s zest for life ultimately led him to Kona, Hawaii, where he embraced an adventurous lifestyle surrounded by the beauty of nature and cherished moments spent with family. Chris’s spirit was infectious, and his smile, contagious. How blessed are we to have someone that makes saying goodbye so hard. His love for adventure was
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Preterm Birth Rise In US Linked To Poverty And Race (Boston, MA) -- Researchers report that U.S. preterm birth rates rose in the last decade. The team of researchers from Massachusetts found that preterm births were mainly prevalent in households earning less than 200-percent of the federal poverty level. Black mothers had the highest preterm birth rates across all income levels. Preterm birth is defined as delivery before 37 weeks. It is the leading cause of infant mortality and morbidity in the U.S. FDA Upgrades National Cheese Recall (Bethesda, MD) -- A national recall of multiple cheese products is being upgraded. The FDA said in an update that the recall has been reclassified as Class I, meaning exposure or use of the product could cause serious adverse health consequences. The original recall by the Ambriola Company on November 25th followed routine testing that found traces of listeria bacteria in samples of cheese produced at the company’s New Jersey manufacturing facility. No illnesses linked to the recall have been confirmed. NH Ranked Healthiest State In The U.S. (Undated) -- New Hampshire is the healthiest state in the country according to an annual survey from the United Health Foundation. The rankings are based on multiple indicators including social and economic factors, physical environment, clinical care, health behaviors and health outcomes. Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut and Utah round out the top five healthiest states. Louisiana was categorized as the least healthy state for the fourth consecutive year. 16,000 NYC Nurses Now On Strike As Governor Declares Emergency (New York, NY) -- Some 16-thousand nurses in New York City are on strike today over a contract dispute. The largest sticking point is salary. The nurse’s union wants a 40 percent bump, but the hospitals impacted, including Mount Sinai and New York-Presbyterian, say that demand is reckless. The hospitals say patients won’t be impacted as travel nurses have now taken the floors. Governor Kathy Hochul on Sunday declared a disaster emergency over the strike. Mayor Mamdani in a statement said the value of these nurses is not negotiable. Mt. Sinai says they’re prepared for the strike to last an indefinite amount of time.
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January
Community members are encouraged to attend and be part of the celebration.
may occur in later rounds depending on attendance. Special prizes will be awarded, including 3-D printed trophies for first and second place in each age group: Kids (6–11), Teens (12–17), and Adults (18 and up). Registration opens January 1, 2026, and this program is free and open to the public. This is a great opportunity for chess enthusiasts of all skill levels to enjoy a fun, friendly competition with family and community members. This program is free and open to the public. Please call 830-401-2422 or visit library.seguintexas.gov for additional information.
2026 MLK Week Community Celebration Seguin will honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a five-day community celebration from January 15–19, 2026, featuring worship services, music, fellowship, and a symbolic march. Events include the Baptist Ministers Union Service, Choir Showcase, MLK Banquet, Gospel Fest, and the symbolic MLK March on Monday, January 19, stepping off from Texas Lutheran University and continuing into downtown Seguin. All events are open to the public and invite the community to come together in the spirit of unity, service, and remembrance. City of Seguin Offices Closed for Martin Luther King Day Non-emergency city of Seguin offices, including the Seguin Public Library, will be closed Monday, January 19, 2026, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The offices and the library will reopen on Tuesday, January 20. Garbage and recycling collection will continue on its normal schedule. Matador Legends Ballpark Sign Reveal Seguin ISD invites the community to “A Legendary Reveal” on Wednesday, January 21 at 5:30 p.m. at Matador Legends Ballpark, located on E. College Street behind Seguin High School. The event will celebrate the unveiling of the ballpark’s new squirrel and batting cage signs.
Guadalupe County Republican Women to Host Candidate Forum The Guadalupe County Republican Women will host a candidate forum on Thursday, January 22 beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Silver Center, 510 East Court Street in Seguin. The forum will feature invited candidates in the March 2026 Republican Primary, including local contested races and Congressional District 35. George Rodriguez, known as “El Conservador,” will serve as moderator. The program is free to attend. Lunch is available with an RSVP for $20, or $25 at the door. Reservations are required by contacting Glenda Partain at 830-3913979 or silvercenter@sbcglobal.net Chess Tournament at the Seguin Public Library The Seguin Public Library will host a small, informal chess tournament open to all ages, on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 10 a.m. The event will feature a Swissstyle format with four rounds and is expected to last about two hours. The tournament is unrated and beginner-friendly, but participants should be familiar with the basic rules and moves of chess. The library will provide chess boards and clocks, though participants are welcome to bring their own. There will be five-minute breaks between rounds, with snacks provided. Efforts will be made to match players by age group, but some mixing
Youth soccer registration underway Spring youth soccer registration is now open for players with birth years 2013– 2022. The cost is $90, which includes a jersey, shorts, and socks. Registration closes January 25, with a $10 late fee through February 1, if space allows. Games begin March 21 at Park West, with Saturday morning schedules. Practices start the week of March 2. Coaches and co-coaches are needed. Register online at system.gotsport.com/programs/A62849677. 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.
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