SDN: January 21, 2026

Busy barns, big numbers continue at Guadalupe County Youth Livestock, Homemakers Show

(Seguin) – After months of preparation in barns, kitchens, and workshops, hundreds of Guadalupe County youth are now seeing their hard work on display as the 2026 Guadalupe County Youth Livestock and Homemakers Show continues this week in Seguin.

The annual show, which began on Monday, continues through Saturday, culminating with the youth auction. Show, pg. 2

Final day to VOTE Seguin in America’s Favorite SmallTown contest

(Seguin) – It’s all hands-on deck for Seguin as it sprints into the final hours of voting for America’s Favorite Small Town.

Over the last few weeks, Seguin has become one of the Top 20 cities competing nationwide in the Parade Magazine contest. The competition which celebrates America’s 250th birthday is designed to shine a national spotlight on communities that exemplify hometown pride, culture, and connection.

Blaire Friar, director of Main Street & Destination Management for the city of Seguin, says this final day is critical to locking in the top spot – a spot that Seguin has been sitting in the last few days.

“The deadline is Jan. 21. That will be the last day for voting, and we are currently sitting at #1 so we are really pushing people to keep on voting so we can stay in that position. We are really excited and think Seguin is definitely a great small town and we deserve some recognition,” said Friar.

At the end of Tuesday, the city remained at No. 1. Contest, pg. 2

Contest, continued.

But Friar says staying there depends on one last push from residents, former locals, and anyone who loves what Seguin stands for.

Friar says voting takes less than a minute and can be done online at americasfavoritesmalltowns.parade. com.

“No time to go in and vote. Just put in your email and put in Seguin and hit Vote Now,” said Friar.

Friar says winning the national title would bring major recognition and a once-in-a-generation celebration to Seguin.

Show, continued.

Dustin Morgenroth, chairman of the board of directors for the Guadalupe County Youth Livestock and Homemakers Show, says participation numbers are slightly higher than last year. He says this is the result of both strong youth involvement and continued community interest.

“The total entries, we have 1,607 entries and a kid can enter different entries. So, there are 574 kids that have signed up to be an exhibitor and there are 1,607 entries across the board. That’s from homemaking and all the animal livestock that is coming in. It’s slightly up from last year. It’s pretty close. It’s barely up but it is up,” said Morgenroth.

Morgenroth says these numbers represent months -- and in some cases, a full year of preparation and effort by local youth.

“For some of these projects like your steers especially I know they have them for a little over a year or right at

“We will get some recognition in Parade Magazine as well as they will come and do an activation during Fourth of July to kind of highlight Seguin and highlight us as America’s favorite small town and we will just get a lot of great media coverage and things like that so a lot of it is really bragging rights and we are really proud of Seguin,” said Friar.

Keeping up with the strong momentum to vote is also giving voters a chance to be a winner themselves. That’s because each daily vote doubles as an entry to win $1,500 toward a trip or vacation.

Again, voting ends today with voting available at americasfavoritesmalltowns.parade.com .

a year and different animals you have them from eight to six months and then like rabbits, they are only a onemonth project so it’s a broad range. Even on the Ag mechanics portion where these kids are building projects and showing them – some of these kids have been working on them since last year’s show. Of course, for baked goods, they can be tweaking their different things throughout the year,” said Morgenroth.

Morgenroth says participation in the show illustrates the dedication that our youth have in the Ag community right here at home.

“It’s all of our youth, they have to be in one of the Guadalupe County schools’ FFA programs or they have to be in a Guadalupe County 4H and registered and show through the county 4H group. They don’t have to necessarily live in Guadalupe County. Most of them do but around the edges of the county, some of them might live in Bexar or Wilson County but actually go to one of the Guadalupe County schools – and if they are

in one of those programs, they are allowed to show here. Of course, they have to be up to par level on their grades. They have to be passing all of their classes to be able to show,” said Morgenroth.

Wednesday’s schedule includes cattle judging beginning at 8 a.m. in the rodeo arena, swine arrivals and weigh-ins, and the drop-off of handicraft, needlework and ag mechanics projects at the coliseum.

Buyer registration is now live, and organizers emphasize that every buyer, regardless of the amount they plan to spend, plays a vital role in supporting local youth and ensuring a smooth auction process.

Community members are encouraged to attend the shows in person or watch them via the live stream, both available through the youth show’s website at gcys.org. Those wishing to support exhibitors financially are urged to register as buyers as soon as possible ahead of this weekend’s auction.

See photos on page 3.

Seguin boys hold off Brackenridge to even district record

Chris Austin

SEGUIN, Texas -- For the second time this season, Texas Lutheran women’s basketball redshirt junior forward Davi’Yanna Jones (San Antonio/ Stevens) has been named the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) Offensive Player of the Week, as announced by the conference on Monday. In a 71-52 win over Schreiner on Friday, Jones finished with 14 points on 6-of-11 shooting and a team-high eight rebounds.

Jones followed up with her second double-double of the season against McMurry on Saturday, finishing with 14 points and ten rebounds. Jones scored five

points and grabbed seven boards to earn her doubledouble in the fourth quarter. In a game that went down to the wire and was tied with one minute remaining, Jones hit a trio of clutch free throws in the game’s final 22 seconds to put the Bulldogs ahead.

This season, Jones is averaging 11.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 0.9 steals on a .533/.277/.778 shooting split. Her 53.3 percent field goal percentage ranks fourth in the SCAC.

This is Jones’s third career SCAC Player of the Week honor.

The Bulldogs will travel to Longview, Texas, to

face off against LeTourneau on Friday, Jan. 23. Tipoff 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.

VITAL STATISTICS

Krueger

William John “Willie” Krueger, Jr., age 90 of Seguin, passed away on January 17, 2026. Willie was born on January 22, 1935, in Live Oak County, Texas, to Edna O. (Holtz) and William John Krueger.

Willie grew up in Live Oak County and proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He moved to Seguin in 1969. He worked for SMI and later for Guadalupe County Road and Bridge Department.

Willie is preceded in death by his loving wife Ruth “Ruthie” Krueger, his

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

parents and siblings, Alfred Krueger, Pauline Holtz, Josephine Dresch, Ollie Eckermann, Albert Krueger, Henry Krueger, Alveria Lenz, and Tyience Krueger.

Survivors include his stepchildren, Russell Cox, Jr., and Debra Hurley and husband G.R.; sister, Ella Nora Pawelek; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and many friends.

Graveside Services and interment with military honors, will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Boecker Cemetery in Seguin, with the Reverend Marcus Bigott officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, c/o Jeanette Siltmann, 196 Townesend Rd., Seguin, Texas, 78155 or to Emanuel’s Lutheran Church, 206 N. Travis, Seguin, Texas, 78155.

You may visit www.treshewell.com.

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.

Talks Stalled, No End In Sight To NYC Nurses Strike

(New York, NY) -- Talks are stalled, picketing continues and there’s no end in sight to the biggest nurses’ strike in New York City history. It’s now the second week of a nurses’ walkout at three of the city’s largest private hospitals: Mount Sinai, Montefiore and New York Presbyterian. Fifteenthousand nurses are on strike for a contract guaranteeing their health benefits, better staffing ratios and improved hospital security. The nurses’s union is attributing a patient death at Mount Sinai to reduced care while Mount Sinai is accusing the union of harassing nurses who’ve chosen to work. City Council Speaker Julie Menin is urging both sides to come together and resolve their differences.

Most Expensive States To Give Birth

(Undated) - Nebraska is topping the list of the most expensive states to give birth. Data from MoneyGeek found that families in states like Nebraska, Oklahoma and South Dakota, spent on average more than two-thousand-500-dollars out of pocket in 2020 for costs associated with giving birth. According to the data, rural states have less competitive hospital markets which can drive up prices as hospitals have more leverage to negotiate higher prices with insurers. The analysis also found Michigan, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Pennsylvania and Delaware had much lower costs associated with giving birth.

Study Shows Older Adults Can Age Healthier With Fewer Processed Foods

(Brookings, SD) -- A new study shows older adults who cut back on eating ultra processed foods will have healthier aging. The study by a South Dakota State University professor compared how folks fared following their usual diets with how they did with two diets low in ultra processed foods. The study shows they took in fewer calories and lost weight when on the low ultra processd food diets. Participants also had better cholesterol levels and less inflammation.

Psychologist Urges People Dealing With Loneliness To Take Action

(Cleveland, OH) -- A health expert is urging people who are dealing with loneliness to take action. Psychologist Susan Albers with the Cleveland Clinic says it’s important for someone’s health to get with other people, not just be around them. She says that could mean signing up for a class or book club or activities with others involving exercise. The CDC says about 33 percent of people report feeling lonely. Chronic loneliness can harm mental and physical health.

January

Sponsors Needed for “Swing for Seguin” Golf Tournament

The Leadership Seguin Class of 2026 is seeking sponsors for the Swing for Seguin Golf Tournament, a fundraiser benefiting Seguin Little League at 1121 S. Austin St. Proceeds will support important facility improvements and equipment upgrades to help create a safer, more welcoming place for kids to play. Sponsorships must be submitted by February 14, 2026 to receive maximum promotional exposure. Contact the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce to get signed up or click here.

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.

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

History of the Klein Opera House, now home to Seguin Art League

Dive into the history of the Seguin Art League’s iconic building, the historic Klein Opera House. Education Chair Kelly Hallmark leads us on a journey of discovery into the quirks, the mysteries and the fun of this historic treasure. Built in 1890, the Klein Opera House has been many things in Seguin including

home to several businesses, community groups and now the home of the Seguin Art League.The evening includes refreshments and a tour of areas rarely open to the public. Come explore with us, join the conversation and get to know all about the historic Klein Opera House. Find out what the Seguin Art League has in store for the future of this great space in downtown Seguin. $10 donation. Book your spot by calling the gallery during open hours Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Or stop by! They accept cash, credit card and check. 830-305-0472.

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.

The Little Fisherman Two Part Ceramic Class

The Little Fisherman two-day ceramic class with clay artist Roger Betschler and writer Joseph Gonzalez. Jan. 24 and Feb. 28, from 1-3 p.m. The narration of “The Little Fisherman” will be used to ignite your imagination and inspire your interpretation of a fish. The sculpture will be made in the first class.

Then, after drying and a first firing, sculptures will be glazed in the second class. Book your spot by calling the gallery during open hours Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Or stop by! We accept cash, credit card and check. 830-305-0472

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.

Falling Leaves in Watercolor Class

This is a beginning watercolor class where students will learn how to utilize dried leaves as both a positive and negative stencil when working with watercolor and will learn some color mixing to create the illusion of depth of background. Book your spot by calling the gallery during open hours Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Or stop by! We accept cash, credit card and check. 830-305-0472.

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