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3 DAY FORECAST TODAY 66/40
January 15, 2026 Volume 60 l Number 243
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SATURDAY 54/32
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The Voice of Seguin
WEEKEND EDITION
TODAY
MLK Week in Seguin Kicks Off Thursday Night with Church Service Honoring Movement’s Roots Darren Dunn
(Seguin) -- The Civil Rights Movement began in the Black church, and Thursday night it will return to its roots with the official kickoff service for Seguin’s five-day salute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Guadalupe County MLK Committee is joining forces with the Baptist Ministers Union to host a church service at 7 p.m. Thursday at Second Baptist Church. Rev. Kristofer Atkinson, pastor of Zion Hills Baptist Church, says it only makes sense that the first event of Seguin’s nearly week-long MLK celebration would begin with a church service. “The civil rights movement started out in the church. So, therefore, it is the church’s responsibility. We have to take responsibility to keep the dream alive, to inform and to educate,” said Atkinson. “So, when we look at the Baptist Ministers Union and we look at the community of faith, we go beyond just our denomination. We want to get the word out to everyone because, at the end of the day, our goal is to promote unity — to promote not only the story, but progress and moving forward. And
we can do that united. United we stand, divided we fall. That is why we have aligned with other civic organizations to get the word out and hope that people are able to participate.” Atkinson says the entire community is invited to attend the special worship service. Several special guests have been invited, and organizers are expecting a gathering of people from across the community. “You can expect to come out at 7 p.m. Thursday at Second Baptist Church,” said Atkinson. “You’re going to hear from some community voices. We have Sister Commie Jennings and Chase Bell from TLU, and our guest speaker, Reverend Patrick Jones, who will give us some direction, encourage us, and light that fire for us to continue carrying out the life and legacy of Dr. King.” The Baptist Ministers Union’s MLK service has, for years, been the final event of the weeklong celebration. MLK Committee member Herman Lampkin Jr. says organizers decided it made more sense to make it the kickoff event each year. MLK, pg. 3
2 NEWS
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Navarro ISD Trustee Lacey Gosch Steps Into Interim Superintendent Role at Judson ISD (Converse) -- The Judson Independent School District is moving forward under new day-to-day leadership following action taken by the school board over the weekend, and that new leadership is a familiar face to those of us here in Guadalupe County. Judson ISD Superintendent Milton Fields has been placed on paid administrative leave. The district says Assistant Superintendent of Technology Dr. Lacey Gosch will now serve as interim superintendent, overseeing the district’s daily operations. Dr. Gosch is well-known locally as a Guadalupe County resident and a longtime member of the Navarro ISD Board of Trustees. Judson ISD officials have not released many details about the decision, citing confidential personnel matters, and said the board would not be commenting further. The Judson ISD board did not take action to terminate Fields’ contract, and one trustee
noted that Fields could potentially return to the position depending on the outcome of an unnamed investigation.
Voting Continues for Seguin as Top Small Town in America (Seguin) -- There’s still time for Seguin to climb the leaderboard in the America’s Favorite Small Town contest — but city leaders say it will take daily support from the community to make it happen. Blaire Friar, director of Main Street & Destination Management, says Seguin is already moving up in the standings, and every vote helps push the city closer to the top. Friar says the goal is to finish number one in Texas — and potentially win the national title, which would bring major recognition and celebration to Seguin through Parade magazine. Voting is open once per day, and each vote also counts as an entry for individuals to win $1,500 toward their next trip or vacation. The deadline is just over a week away, so residents are encouraged to vote daily and share the link with friends and family. Votes can be cast at americasfavoritesmalltowns.parade.com, and there’s also a link on seguintoday.com.
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MLK, continued. “It got to the point where it was kind of an afterthought and the attendance began to drop,” said Lampkin. “We wanted to really build it up. We talked with the Baptist Ministers Union and threw out the idea of switching it to Thursday night as the kickoff. When it was held on Mondays, people would be tired after the march and all of that. When we made the switch to Thursdays, it just seemed like the right thing to do. The Baptist Ministers Union has evolved, with newer preachers and pastors coming in, and they’ve sparked new energy. They’re working with us, and it’s just a match made in heaven.” MLK Committee member Joe Patterson Sr. says the committee typically selects a theme for the celebration each year, but not for Thursday’s church service. He says the program is entirely presented by members of the Baptist Ministers Union. “One of the reasons for that is we wanted them to feel independent in how they presented the program,” said Patterson. “With other events, the MLK Committee usually says, ‘This is what we’re going to do.’ We didn’t want to tell the pastors or ministers how to handle their program. We said, ‘However y’all want to do it,
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we support you.’ We’re the supporting group for the Ministers Union during that time.” The church service begins at 7 p.m. Thursday at Second Baptist Church, located at 609 S. Guadalupe St. MLK Week continues Friday with a Seguin ISD Choir Showcase at 6:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at Seguin High School. Saturday’s MLK Banquet and Dinner Theater is the only paid event of the weekend. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased from any committee member, by calling 210-857-6037, or online through Eventbrite. Doors open at 4 p.m. at the Seguin Coliseum, with dinner served at 5 p.m. On Sunday, a Gospel Fest will be held at 4 p.m. at New St. James Baptist Church, located at 302 A.J. Malone Dr., a few blocks west of North Austin Street. The final event takes place Monday, the federal holiday honoring Dr. King. The symbolic MLK March begins at 10:15 a.m., starting on Prexy Drive at Texas Lutheran University. The procession will travel onto Court Street and continue east to Central Park in downtown Seguin. More information about all MLK events is available on the Guadalupe County MLK Facebook page and at seguintoday.com.
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Sansano Named to D3hoops.com National Team of the Week Bryce Hayes - TLU Sports Information
SEGUIN, Texas -- Lauren Sansano (San Antonio/FEAST) was named to the D3hoops. com National Team of the Week following her dominant week on the hardwood that included a 23-point triple double as the Bulldogs improved to 9-4 on the season. This is the second time in Sansano’s career that she has been named to the National Team of the Week. 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 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 continues to etch her name into the TLU Women’s Basketball record book. Her ten assists tie for the fifth most in a single-game in program history in a performance that came mere days after she moved into second all-time in the program’s NCAA history with over 250 career assists. Her six steals against Ozarks (AR) also tied for the most in the SCAC in a single-game this
season. 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
Reed
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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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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.
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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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Seven In Ten People Now Survive Cancer Five Years Or More (Atlanta, GA) -- There’s encouraging news for cancer patients. According to the American Cancer Society’s annual report on cancer facts and trends, seven in ten people now survive their cancer five-years or more, up from only half in the mid-70s. The lead author of the report, Rebecca Siegel, states this stunning victory is largely the result of decades of cancer research, that provided clinicians with the tools to treat the disease more effectively, turning many cancers from a death sentence into a chronic disease. The stats show for the first time, that five-year survival rate for all cancers combined reached 70-percent for people diagnosed during 2015 to 2021 in the U.S. The data reveals survival gains are most notable for people diagnosed with more deadly cancers, such as myeloma, liver cancer, and lung cancer. Nurses Strike In NYC Continues (New York, NY) -- Scores of nurses remain on the picket lines on day two of what’s believed to be the largest nurses strike in New York City history. Thousands of nurses walked off the job Monday morning from Mount Sinai, New York Presbyterian and Montefiore hospital systems. They want higher pay, better health benefits and a better work environment. There’s no new talks scheduled between the nurse’s union leadership and hospital management. Montefiore says union leaders are making reckless demands including roughly 40 percent wage increases. Norovirus Cruise (Fort Lauderdale, FL) -- It was not smooth sailing for some passengers aboard a Holland America cruise. The CDC confirmed a case of norovirus which impacted close to 100 passengers and crew on the Rotterdam, forcing a complete sanitation of the ship. The Rotterdam pushed out of Fort Lauderdale on December 28th before it returned Friday. Norovirus is highly contagious and has predominant symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. It is the second norovirus outbreak aboard the same ship within eleven months. Dementia Patients Still Being Given Risky Meds (Undated) -- New research shows U.S. dementia patients are still being given potentially harmful brain-altering meds despite guidance against it. A peer-reviewed study published this week in the American Medical Association’s official journal finds roughly 25-percent of dementia patients enrolled in most Medicare plans were given “potentially inappropriate” drugs between 2013 and 2021. Typically patients with dementia, experience risk of falls and hospitalizations when given such anti-psychotics and anti-depressants among other meds. Researchers did note there was a decline in the doling out of such meds for Medicare beneficiaries from 20-percent to 16-percent over the course of the study, but it was still higher for patients with cognitive impairment as of 2021.
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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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