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January 16, 2026 Volume 60 l Number 244
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The Voice of Seguin
Father arrested for assaulting his son
WEEKEND EDITION
TODAY
Cindy Aguirre-Herrerra
(Guadalupe County) -Guadalupe County Sheriff ’s Deputies recently arrested a suspect in a child abuse case within minutes of the incident being reported, a response officials say is uncommon in these types of investigations. At approximately 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, deputies responded to a reported physical disturbance involving a juvenile victim in the 100 block of Archers Way. Lt. Zach McBride, public information officer for the sheriff ’s office, said cases involving child abuse are often reported long after the alleged incident occurred, making this response “especially rare.’ “We don’t often get them like this. A lot of times, it’s a delayed outcry or something that happened in the past so for this to have happened, it isn’t very common where the deputies arrive and arrest their suspect right there and then – freshly reported,” said McBride.
According to investigators, a 12-year-old child was physically assaulted by his father. The suspect allegedly struck the child multiple times in the face, causing visible injuries, and strangled the child to the point of impeding his ability to breathe. Sheriff Joshua Ray condemned the alleged actions and emphasized the department’s stance on crimes involving children. “This was a violent and inexcusable act against a child,” said Ray. Assault, pg. 3
Camera technology being attributed to location of missing man Cindy Aguirre-Herrerra
(Seguin) -- The Guadalupe County Sheriff ’s Office is crediting technology for helping them find a missing man earlier this week. Lt. Zach McBride, the public information officer for the sheriff ’s office, says at approximately 5 p.m. Monday, deputies were dispatched to the 100 block of Arthur Lane in McQueeney
for reports of a missing 79-year-old man. The man, identified as Steven Newell, had been reported missing by his daughter. According to the sheriff ’s office, Newell suffers from dementia, had recently undergone surgery, and was not supposed to be driving due to medical and health conditions. Camera, pg. 4
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MLK Weekend events continue in Seguin with Choir Showcase, Dinner Theater and Gospel Fest Darren Dunn
(Seguin) -- The community’s salute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. continues with several events planned for this weekend. Members of the Guadalupe County MLK Committee say Friday night will feature performances by some talented kids from Seguin ISD. Joe Patterson Sr. says this event focuses on the youth in the Seguin area, and it allows them to share their talents with the rest of the community. “We struggled trying to figure out how to get young people involved and to get them more involved, because it was almost like the youngsters and the kids -- elementary age and junior high and even high school age -- were being left behind. And we said, no, we got to fix that,” said Patterson. Patterson says the Choir Showcase is an MLK weekend event, but he says it has grown beyond that. He says it is now a community favorite that people come back to each year. “It instills in the kids that this whole thing has a purpose, and they can learn and be taught what this purpose is. And when they put on skits and sing songs
about it, they get it. Every year that we’ve had it, at the end of every event, the teachers and the parents are saying, we can’t wait until next year (and) we’re going to do this again. We look forward to it, and the kids look forward to it. They love coming and being on stage. So, it’s really been beneficial to us. And it’s the number one largest gathering for our events. We get 300 to 400 people easily into the auditorium,” said Patterson. MLK, pg. 3
TLU presents Little Shop of Horrors Concert Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) -- A strange and unusual plant is about to take center stage at Texas Lutheran University. That’s because audiences this week will get the chance to experience not only the story but the music of Mushnik’s flower shop on Skid Row during Texas Lutheran University’s concert version of Little Shop of Horrors. Tracy Donley, TLU’s director of communications and content, says the university encourages audiences to check out the show and its unique format. “We are really excited about this particular production of Little Shop of Horrors at TLU because it is unique in a few ways. One, it’s a collaboration between our dramatic media department and our school of music so we’ve got
an outstanding cast with great leadership by faculty from both of those departments. Secondly, it’s a concert version of the show which means that it has simple staging, simple costumes but all of the music that you love from the show. It won’t be staged with lots of different scene changes and things
like that but you will get all the music and all the fun and simple staging,” said Donley. Little Shop of Horrors began as a hugely successful off-Broadway production in the 1980s and continues to draw in audiences with its “dark humor, catchy score, and unforgettable characters.’ Working together to provide the show are David Legore, chair of TLU’s Dramatic Media Department along with Dramatic Media Professor Shannon Ivey and Dr. Melissa Sarabia, assistant professor in the School of Music. “It’s been an audience favorite and crowd pleaser for decades, both as a movie and musical theatre piece,” said Legore. “The songs are infectious and memorable. Concert, pg. 3
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Assault, continued. “Anyone who harms a child will be held fully accountable. We will not tolerate child abuse in this county, and we will aggressively pursue justice for victims.” The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Larry Vela III of San Marcos, was arrested at the scene and charged with injury to a child, continuous violence against the
MLK, continued. Friday’s free Choir Showcase begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at Seguin High School. Saturday’s schedule includes the annual MLK Banquet and Dinner Theater. It’s the only paid event during the weekend. It begins at 5 p.m. in the Seguin Coliseum. Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased from any committee member or online from Eventbrite. A link to purchase tickets can also be found at seguintoday.com. Committee member Herman Lampkin Jr. says the free lineup of events resumes on Sunday afternoon with this year’s Gospel Fest. “We just bring out different musicians and singers from the area and some from not in the area. We’ve got a great lineup. I’m not going to tell you everybody that’s going to be on there, but the main person we have is Gregory Daniels. He’s a saxophonist from out of the Houston area. I’ve seen some of this brother’s videos, and he is dynamic,” said Lampkin. Committee member Derric Bogany says people will enjoy the musical guests that will appear during Gospel Fest. He says there will be performances by talented people from all over the area. “Uplifting music to the soul and great artists (will perform). The Seguin community choir -- me and Herman kind of put that back together and revamped it -- will also
Concert, continued. The story is comically dark and filled with iconic characters and
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family, and assault — impeding breath or circulation. Anyone with information related to this incident, or any other incident involving this individual, is urged to contact the Guadalupe County Sheriff ’s Office. Officials say information provided may help protect additional victims. Anonymous tips may be provided at gccsTIPS.com or by calling the Guadalupe County Crime Stoppers at 1-877-403-TIPS.
be singing,” said Bogany. Zion Hills Baptist Church Pastor Kristofer Atkinson says music was such an important part of the civil rights movement, and Gospel Fest will fit right in with that tradition. “So, we go from Negro spirituals, we go to those songs that we’ve all heard now. We call them Negro spirituals, but at the end of the day, some of these came from our very hymn books. But more so, they came from the heart of the people who were there -- time in, day in and day out, sometimes leaving from the church to those pivotal landmarks that we now know. So, it’s going to be exciting to hear what they have when we bring the past and present together. We’re looking forward to hearing both that Gospel, that liberating Message will be resounding on that Sunday,” said Atkinson. Gospel Fest begins at 4 p.m. Sunday at New St. James Baptist Church, located at 302 A.J. Malone Dr. The final event takes place on Monday, the federal holiday honoring Dr. King. The symbolic MLK March begins at 10:15 a.m. Monday, 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 or at seguintoday.com.
campy fun. It’s been fun to work with colleagues in the arts, with a blended cast of students from both programs.” Performances will be held today
through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in the Studio Theatre, located in TLU’s Weston Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets can be purchased on TicketSource.
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Camera, continued. McBride says investigators were able to obtain Newell’s vehicle information and entered his license plate into the Flock camera system, which eventually helped track his movements. “We were also able to get his license plate and when we entered that into the Flock system to search for it, at about 7 o’clock, the flock system located his vehicle in New Braunfels. They coupled that with the fact that he used, or somebody used his debit card at the Buc-ee’s gas station in New Braunfels. So, then they got the New Braunfels PD involved and they went up there and searched the area and sure enough they found him off at Ferryboat Lane in McQueeney later on that evening,” said McBride. McBride says Flock cameras are mounted along public roadways and capture license plate data to assist with investigations involving missing or endangered individuals, stolen vehicles, and other cases. “It’s just a camera on a pole that basically captures license plate information on vehicles that are traveling on public thoroughfares and what it does is it will take that information and document it and then, we can go back and see when a particular license plate went by that camera and it just compares it to a list and the list that we put in would be for stolen vehicles, people who have warrants, maybe people who are missing or endangered like this gentleman was due to his medical issue and it’s really protected information. It’s not something that is hooked up to a system that says go arrest this person,” McBride. While license plate reader technology has been a source of debate in some communities across the country, McBride says the Guadalupe County Sheriff ’s Office believes it has proven to be a valuable resource locally. “We recently also had another success story with a shooting investigation down at the Elm Grove subdivision because they had a flock camera in that
area and it assisted in that investigation as well. There’s been several instances just here in Guadalupe County where flock cameras have been really a valuable tool for the sheriff ’s office,” said McBride. Meanwhile, sheriff ’s officials say the department will continue using the technology as part of its efforts to enhance public safety and assist in timesensitive investigations.
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Navarro senior earns prestigious state cross country honor Chris Austin
(Seguin) -- Navarro High School senior Lilia Flo was recently recognized by Texas high school coaches for her exceptional accomplishments as a member of the Navarro cross country team. Flo was named to the 2025-26 Class 1-4A Cross Country Legacy Team by the Texas Girls Coaches Association. The senior was one of just 20 girls across the state selected for the team. Flo capped her high school career last year with an 18th-place finish at the Class 4A state meet, crossing the finish line in 11:52.40. The performance marked a dramatic improvement from her 71st-place finish at the state meet during her junior season. She also earned recognition on
the Cross Country Coaches Association of Texas All-State Team and the CCCAT Academic AllRegional Team. In October, Flo set a Navarro High School record at the Class 4A Region IV Championship in Corpus Christi, claiming a bronze medal with a time of 11:48.71 in the two-mile race. The Texas Girls Coaches Association selects Legacy All-Star Cross Country teams to honor graduating seniors, recognizing top talent from UIL classifications 1A through 4A and 5A/6A separately. Selections are based on nominations and performance throughout the 2025-2026 season.
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10 VITAL STATISTICS
Gibbons
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MAJ William Alan “Bill” Gibbons USAF Retired, age 81 of Seguin, passed away on January 6, 2026. Bill was born on September 15, 1944, in Cleveland, Ohio to Doris (Kinzie) and Donald Gibbons. Bill received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Accounting from Baldwin Wallace College where he was a member of Phi Kappa Tau. He married his high school sweetheart, Betty. They were married for 59 years and had two daughters, Jenny and Carol. Bill enlisted in the Airforce in 1966. He flew B-52s in the Vietnam War and spent 13 months in-country at Pleiku Air Base. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross with two Oak Leaf Clusters and the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters. Major Gibbons finished his Air Force career at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio as an Instrument Flight Instructor. In 1987, Bill became a Captain for American Airlines. He retired in 2007. Bill’s pastimes and talents were varied. He rode his beloved quarter horse “Ginger” with the Guadalupe County Sheriff ’s Mounted Posse, he sailed boats (each one larger than the last), built a Hatz bi-plane for which he won the Wright Brothers Award, founded W. Alan Guitars building hand crafted guitars in his woodshop and enjoyed big-game hunting in South Africa for many years. He was an active member of the Seguin Noon Lions. “Wild Bill” was probably best
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known for playing his guitar and singing folk songs at events and coffee shops around Seguin. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Doris and Donald Gibbons. Survivors include his wife and best friend of 59 years, Elizabeth Anne (Betty) (Nadolski), daughters Jennifer Perelstein and her husband David, Carol Shymkiw and her husband Timothy, grandson Dakota Perelstein, sister Lynn Helpman, nephews James & Bill Helpman and niece Melissa Helpman, and so many friends made on his many adventures. To quote a song Bill sang often: “Some day when it’s all over, and they come to carry me. When you’re wearing black and walking slow with the rest of the family. When the choir stands to sing a song, make sure it’s one of mine. I had a few more tunes I wanted to sing but I ran out time.” Visitation will begin on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 1 PM at Cross Church in Seguin, followed by a memorial service including military honors at 2 PM with the Reverend Jim Price officiating. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall. For those who desire the services may be livestreamed on the Cross Church Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/crosschurchseguin Memorial contributions may be made to Cross Church, 814 N. Bauer, Seguin, Texas, 78155 or to any military organization of choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.
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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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Early ACA Numbers Show Drastic Drop In Enrollment (Washington, DC) -- Preliminary numbers are showing a drop in Obamacare enrollment. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 22-point-eight million consumers signed up for 2026 individual market health insurance compared to the 23-point-six million consumers who enrolled around this time last year. The decline of roughly 800-thousand people is an early indication that allowing the enhanced premium tax subsidies to expire caused people to defer signing up for health insurance. Customers have until January 15th to sign up for ACA Marketplace plans, but several states have announced deadline extensions. Trump Signs School Milk Law (Washington, DC) -- President Trump is bringing whole milk back to school cafeterias. Wednesday at the White House, the President signed a bipartisan bill that reversed Obama-era restrictions to allow schools to offer whole and two-percent milk. The Obama rules restricted students to fatfree or low-fat milk. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has touted the health benefits of whole milk, and joined Trump for the announcement. Trump said the move will also help American dairy farmers. Over 120 New Measles Cases Reported Over The Weekend In South Carolina (Columbia, SC) -- The South Carolina measles outbreak is spreading. State health officials say over 120 new cases have been reported since last Friday, with the majority in Spartanburg County. Officials say that brings the total number of cases in the current outbreak to more than 430, with most of those in quarantine. The contagious disease is being reported across the U.S., which last year recorded its highest number of measles cases since 1992. More Americans Taking Time To Unplug (Tukwila, WA) -- Half of Americans are spending less time looking at screens and it seems to be making them happier. A new survey from Talker Research finds that Gen Z is actually leading the charge when it comes to unplugging, with more than 60 percent intentionally putting down the smartphones. Those numbers start going down the older people are. People who report spending too much time online feel less connected and more anxious while those who intentionally take time to log off report feeling more productive and present.
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January
endary 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. Community members are encouraged to attend and be part of the celebration.
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. Jakes’ Colony Commemoration & Descendants Birthday Celebration A Jakes’ Colony Commemoration and Descendants Birthday Celebration will take place on Saturday, January 17, from 1 to 5 p.m. AT 1090 Jakes’ Colony Rd. in Seguin. Descendants of Jakes’ Colony Church and School, Sweet Home Church and School, Zion Hill Church and School, Guadalupe College, and tribal nations indigenous to Guadalupe County and surrounding areas are encouraged to attend and share their stories. For more information, call or text Earl at 830-743-7352. 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 Leg-
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 830-391-3979 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 Swiss-style 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 may occur in later rounds depending on attendance. Special prizes will be awarded, including 3-D printed trophies for first
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. Energy Assistance Available The Community Council of South Central Texas is accepting applications for utility bill assistance through the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). Funding is limited and available in select counties, including Guadalupe County. Apply online at ccsct.org/utility-assistance-apply-for-services/ and schedule an appointment with your county office. An appointment does not guarantee assistance. 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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