SDN: January 19, 2026

January 19, 2026

Symbolic MLK March to highlight final day of Seguin’s five-day celebration

(Seguin) -- Seguin residents will again come together this Monday morning for the symbolic Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom March. The annual march wraps up a fiveday community celebration honoring the life, legacy, and vision of Dr. King. The annual celebration is organized each year by the Seguin–Guadalupe County MLK Day Planning Committee.

Participants today will gather at 9 a.m. at Texas Lutheran University, with the march stepping off at 10:15 a.m. and concluding in downtown Seguin. Organizers say the walk is intended to serve as a moment of reflection and unity, inviting the community to move forward together in the spirit of service,

justice, and love.

Today’s march follows a weekend filled with worship, music, and fellowship as part of one of the largest and longestrunning MLK celebrations in the state of Texas.

The celebration officially began Thursday evening with the Baptist Ministers Union Service at Second Baptist Church.

On Friday, the celebration included a Choir Showcase at the Seguin ISD Performing Arts Center, where Matador student choirs throughout the district honored Dr. King’s message.

On Saturday, the annual MLK Banquet and Dinner Theater brought the community to the Seguin Coliseum for an evening centered on reflection and unity.

MLK, pg. 2

(Seguin) -- Seguin’s road to the future just got a major boost. The city of Seguin has been awarded more than $20 million in transportation grant funding, setting the stage for major

roadway expansions and long-awaited pedestrian safety improvements in some of the city’s fastest growing and most heavily traveled areas. Projects, pg. 3

Confirmed gang member arrested, officers seize drugs

(Seguin) -- A multi-month narcotics investigation led by the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) Special Investigations Bureau has reportedly led to the federal arrest of a confirmed gang member. The arrest reported on Wednesday also included the seizure of thousands of lethal pills.

Guadalupe County officials say the narcotics unit working alongside the DEA San Antonio Field Division HSTF Group D51, executed the high-impact operation that took into custody Daniel Mendoza Jr. They say Mendoza, a current parolee, is a confirmed member of the Tango Orejon gang.

Officials say the investigation began in mid2025 and culminated after evidence was presented to the Assistant United States Attorney’s Office in San Antonio. They say a federal grand jury subsequently indicted Mendoza for Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and for Possession with Intent to Distribute Fluorofentanyl, a fentanyl analogue.

According to authorities, this specific operation removed a significant quantity of narcotics and illegal firearms from the local community. Items also seized during the arrest included: cocaine, THC cartridges and a semi-automatic handgun.

Guadalupe County Sheriff Joshua Ray emphasized

the agency’s commitment to combating narcotics trafficking and violent crime.

Ray states, “our message is clear: if you traffic these deadly substances in Guadalupe County, we will pursue you. We do not care who you are or where you hide; we will find you, we will bring you to justice, and we will hold you accountable. I’d like to personally thank the DEA for their partnership in the fight to eradicate this poison from our communities.”

Officials stated the investigation remains ongoing and that additional charges may be filed in the Western District of Texas federal courts.

MLK, continued.

Organizers say the banquet remains one of the signature events of the celebration and is the only

ticketed event of the week.

Weekend events concluded Sunday afternoon with a Gospel Fest at New St. James Baptist Church.

Those wishing to show their

support but unable to walk in today’s Symbolic March are encouraged to still gather and welcome participants as they arrive to Central Park anywhere from 10:30 to 10:45 a.m.

Projects, continued.

Melissa Reynolds, city of Seguin director of capital projects and engineering, says the funding was awarded by the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO) and will support two major transportation improvement projects focused on congestion relief, connectivity, and walkability.

“The city of Seguin has once again been fortunate to receive support and funding from AAMPO for two transportation improvement projects. These projects will enhance safety and walkability, relieve future congestion in high-growth areas, and help prepare our community for continued development,” said Reynolds.

The largest portion of the funding — $18,889,774 — will go toward the Strempel Road Extension project, which will extend Strempel Road from Rudeloff Road to State Highway 123. The project includes approximately 4,100 linear feet of roadway improvements, along with sidewalks, drainage improvements, and potential shareduse paths and intersection lighting.

Reynolds explains how the project fits into a larger plan to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion.

“We currently have underway, the Rudeloff Road Project, and it currently stops at Huber but coming on its tail once that one completes construction, not long after, we will be kicking off Phase Two. It’s going to take Rudeloff all the way to 123 and connect it at Hwy. 20. Strempel Road is going to come off just off of that intersection with a new Rudeloff and connect all the way back to where Strempel, Martindale hits 123. So, we will have two access points at 123 that will get you back to Rudeloff and then to 46, which is great. It makes running traffic out is how you prevent congestion,” said Reynolds.

The second project, according to Reynolds, focuses on alternative transportation and pedestrian safety. The city received $2,030,837 for improvements along

U.S. 90 Alternate and State Highway 46, including the construction of approximately 2.5 miles of concrete sidewalks and shared-use paths. She says the project will enhance pedestrian access near local school campuses and Texas Lutheran University.

“The other project is a little more exciting in that regard because it’s going to come quite a bit faster. It’s in the 2030 (plan) which means construction might not be until 2030, but we have opportunities to advance if we can get the project ready,” said Reynolds. “That one is really an exciting project. It’s a transportation alternative which means not cars so it’s a sidewalk and trails project that is going to connect two of our schools off of Kingsbury and Court and provide walkability down Kingsbury and Court Street and 46 and TLU.”

More importantly, Reynolds says this particular project addresses a critical safety need in an area where students regularly walk without sidewalks.

“That area of Court Street and Kingsbury right there – you see kids walking all the time getting to those schools and there are no sidewalks and so getting them safely across 46 is a major goal and again, that’s that partnership with TxDOT,” said Reynolds. “It’s not as much money because sidewalks don’t cost as much as a road, but we are very fortunate to get it and to have that moving and I think we can get that moving much faster.”

Reynolds says these types of projects go to show how regional partnerships are essential in making them possible.

“These are projects that we probably wouldn’t be able to fund locally and may not even have happened without support of regional partners like AAMPO,” said Reynolds.

Although the projects are still a few years from construction, city officials say having the funding secured now means planning and design work can begin, keeping the projects moving forward rather than on hold.

Seguin boys hold off Brackenridge to even district record

Chris Austin

(Seguin) -- Playing without their leading scorer, the Seguin Matadors held on to defeat San Antonio Brackenridge 70-66 on Friday night at Goldie Harris Gym, evening their district record at 4-4 after the first round of District 27-5A play.

Clinging to a four-point lead with under 10 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Matador junior Jayce Jackson came up with a crucial steal on a Brackenridge inbound pass in the frontcourt to clinch the victory. Jackson had been inserted into the game moments earlier by Matador head coach Guy Nowlin.

“That’s just the next-man-up mentality— always stay ready because you gotta be ready,” Nowlin said about Jackson’s steal after the

game. “He got called into the game and got a crucial steal there, so hats off to him.”

The Mats got off to a strong start in the first quarter, opening the game on a 15-2 run and leading 31-8 after the first eight minutes. The Eagles battled back, outscoring the Matadors 22-10 in the second quarter, but Seguin still held a double-digit lead at halftime. The Matadors hit seven three-pointers as a team in the first half to build a 41-30 advantage.

The Eagles kept the pressure on in the second half, pulling within one point late in the third quarter. But the Mats responded by scoring the final nine points of the period to push the lead back to 10. The cushion proved enough for Seguin to hold off the Eagles, who

outpaced the Matadors 20-14 in the fourth quarter.

“We started off the game really hot, but credit to them—Brackenridge played extremely hard,” Nowlin said. “We knew the game wasn’t over in the first quarter, and it proved to be so.”

Seguin leading scorer Tavien Miles missed the game with an injury. Sophomore Noah King stepped up in Miles’ absence, pouring in a team-high 25 points, including six threepointers. Freshman Nate Walter added 14 points and senior Abron Acuna contributed 13.

The Matadors begin the second round of district play on Tuesday night when they travel to San Antonio to take on the Sam Houston Hurricanes.

VITAL STATISTICS

Gibbons

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

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.

VITAL STATISTICS

Ablin

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

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.

California Authorities Say Mushroom Poisoning Outbreak Is “Largest Ever”

(San Francisco, CA) -- California authorities are reporting the state’s largest ever outbreak of mushroom poisoning. The California Department of Public Health says 35 people have been poisoned by the death cap mushroom since November, and that the average number of mushroom poisonings per year is only five. In a press conference Wednesday, a health official warned people foraging for mushrooms that a single bite of the death cap mushroom could cause “significant toxicity,” and that no amount of cooking or freezing of the mushroom would “inactivate the toxin.”

WHO Urges Higher Taxes On Sugary Drinks And Alcohol

(Geneva, Switzerland) -- The World Health Organization is trying to slow down consumption of sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages. The organization released a new report saying they are getting cheaper because of low tax rates in many countries, fueling obesity, heart disease and other health issues in young adults and children. It points to high sugar products like fruit juices, sweetened milk drinks, and ready-to-drink coffees and teas that are tax free in many places. The WHO is calling on governments to significantly raise taxes on sugary drinks and alcohol in hopes to reduce consumption.

January Is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

(Cleveland, OH) -- January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Dr. Robert DeBernardo of the Cleveland Clinic says screening typically includes getting a pap smear but he says a new at-home testing kit recently approved by the FDA is an option for some women. They must have no elevated risk, so if they’re immunocompromised or have had a positive pap smear in the past, they’re not candidates for at-home testing. Both tests look for the presence of human papillomavirus, or HPV, the virus that causes cervical cancer. Roughly 13-thousand women in the U.S. are diagnosed with the disease every year.

CA Governor Refuses To Extradite Doctor To Louisiana Over Abortion Pills

(Sacramento, CA) -- California Governor Gavin Newsom is refusing to extradite a doctor to Louisiana after that physician allegedly mailed a woman abortion pills. The San Francisco-based doctor mailed the woman abortion medications that were approved by the FDA in 2000. Abortion is illegal in Louisiana, including in cases of rape or incest. Louisiana’s Attorney General called Newsom’s decision “appalling,” but Newsom says he has the legal authority to say “no” to Louisiana.

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January

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. Community members are encouraged to attend and be part of the celebration.

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 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.

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/program s/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.

&KOE WETZEL TREATY OAK REVIVAL A