SDN: January 29, 2026

January 29, 2026

Voting extended in Parade contest; Seguin being urged to keep pushing for #1 spot

(Seguin) -- After holding strong in the number one spot for weeks, Seguin’s run as the frontrunner in Parade Magazine’s “America’s Favorite Small Town” contest hit an unexpected twist last week when organizers announced they were extending the voting deadline for another month.

Up until the change, local voters had consistently kept Seguin in the lead, voting daily to protect its top ranking. But now, Seguin’s voting numbers have taken a slight dip to #4.

Despite this decision to extend voting through Feb. 28, city leaders say the community must stay focused and energized to maintain that momentum.

Lindsay Hajek, Seguin Main Street and CVB assistant director, says the extension could have easily discouraged supporters, but instead, it’s

become a reminder to stay motivated.

“We held the number one spot for several weeks so absolutely, we are bummed. We definitely want to be the top spot and we can definitely still do it. Voting originally wrapped up in January but ultimately, Parade Magazine extended it so it goes through Feb. 28 now. With the voting extension, some of that excitement has kind of faded and of course, we are a little bummed out about it and we’ve seen our ranking slip a bit, but we can still do it. We still have time. We just need everybody to vote daily to make it happen,” said Hajek.

Hajek says Seguin has built its lead through “steady, grassroots support” with residents, families, and local businesses sharing links, posting reminders, and voting every day.

Voting, pg. 3

Last call for January; Still on stands

If you haven’t picked up your copy yet, now’s the time — the January 2026 issue of Seguin Today is still available, but the February edition will be arriving very soon. This month’s magazine spotlights Seguin’s thriving entrepreneurial spirit, featuring small local business owners who are fueling innovation, strengthening the economy, and shaping the community’s future. See more inside pages of the magazine on page 3.

Navarro ISD to break ground on second elementary campus

Cindy Aguirre-Herrerra

(Seguin) – The Navarro ISD is set to mark a major milestone today as district leaders, staff and community members break ground on a new second elementary school campus.

The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for today from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at 1680 E. Martindale Road, the future site of Navarro South Elementary.

The new campus is part of the $120 million bond package approved by voters on May 4, 2024. The bond was divided into three separate propositions to address district growth and facility needs. Proposition A focused on growth and reinvestment and included

funding for this new elementary 2–5 campus on a new site.

District officials say the school is being built in response to increasing enrollment, particularly in the southern portion of the district where residential development continues to grow.

Navarro ISD Superintendent Mandy Epley says the project reflects both community trust and the district’s long-term planning for student success.

“We are thrilled to be able to celebrate the groundbreaking with our community that trusts in the plan to build the elementary school in the south where we are seeing a majority of our growth happening. It’s something that we take very seriously, and we are thrilled to be able to start that project and very excited to be able to open that campus in 2027,” said Epley.

This campus, again, will be district’s first second elementary campus in its history.

Boldly Forward: TLU launches new strategic plan

(Seguin) -- A university’s strategic plan is a combination of things: a vision for the future, actionable steps to get there, and a guiding light—a sort of compass to keep things on track over a given period of time. That’s according to Tracy Donely, TLU director of communications and content. Donely says this year, Texas Lutheran University celebrates the conclusion of its previous strategic plan, TLU 2025, which she says successfully guided the university from 2020 through 2025.

Now this month, a brand-new strategic plan was launched with celebratory fanfare. That new plan, Boldly Forward, is designed to inform initiatives and leadership decisions for the next three years.

Boldly Forward, she says, is built upon four pillars: Financial Sustainability, Commitment to Students, Campus Vibrancy, and Community Connections. Within each of those pillars are goals and specific actions designed to meet those goals.

Donely says the plan, which was designed based upon extensive research with input from the university community and leadership, will conclude at the end of 2028.

“Using Boldly Forward to guide us, TLU is excited to pursue focused goals to strengthen our university over the next three years,” says TLU President Dr. Debbie Cottrell. “We know that this is a critical time in higher education

that requires that we work together around priorities that are designed to move us forward and allow us to live more deeply into our mission. I look forward to what our community will achieve through our new strategic plan!”

Among those invited to be a part of the strategic rollout celebration were Seguin Mayor Donna Dodgen and Seguin City Manager Steve Parker.

Voting, continued.

She says even Seguin’s Squirrel has gotten into the action with daily reminder videos on social media.

Hajek says that kind of persistence says a lot about the city itself.

“It’s just incredible to see that our community can come together for a common cause and just make it happen – just spreading the word, sharing with others, seeing the reminders daily and just sharing with their friends helps so much but it’s just only a single vote a day. It’s really quick and easy and it only takes about 15 seconds to do it so we appreciate the city really showing up and it really shows how much people enjoy living here and how proud we are of Seguin,” said Hajek.

Meanwhile, residents are encouraged to vote daily and work toward taking the lead once again.

Voting is available at americasfavoritesmalltowns.parade. com. The link can also be found daily on the city of Seguin and Seguin Main Street Facebook pages.

Seguin splits district games while Navarro boys and girls win district contests on Tuesday

Chris Austin

(Seguin) -- The Seguin Lady Matadors moved above .500 in District 27-5A with a 45-23 home victory Tuesday night over San Antonio Lanier.

After the teams ended the first period tied at six, the Lady Mats outscored the Lady Voks 14-3 in the second quarter to take control. Seguin head coach Veronda Kendall said her team made adjustments that led to the run.

“We changed defenses,” Kendall said after the game. “We made that adjustment, and I think that run was a direct result of us changing defenses.”

One of the key defenders for the Lady Mats was forward Aubrey Glenewinkel. The sophomore had two blocks and came up with key rebounds for Seguin while also scoring six points.

“Aubrey is a great kid. She always works hard, gives good effort, great attitude,” Kendall said of her sophomore forward. “She contributes night in and night out, so it’s not anything new defensively for her to come in and just be a stopper with a lot of blocked shots. We’re really happy with her production on defense.”

Phaedra Douglas led Seguin in scoring with 14 points. Imani Winn added seven points, and Faith Franklin had six.

The Lady Matadors improved to 7-6 in district play and currently hold the fourth and final playoff spot with three games remaining on the schedule. The Lady Mats travel to San Antonio Jefferson on Friday.

(San Antonio) -- The Seguin Matador boys’ comeback attempt against Lanier came up short in a 69-65 setback Tuesday night in San Antonio.

The Mats scored 23 points in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough to overcome a 10-point deficit entering the quarter. Noah King led three Seguin Matadors in double figures with 14 points. Mikey Hernandez added 12, and Jay Menchaca also had 12.

The Mats are 5-6 in district play. Seguin hosts San Antonio Jefferson on Friday night. We’ll have that game on KWED.

(San Antonio) -- The Navarro Panthers and Runnin’ Lady Panthers earned road victories over San Antonio Memorial on Tuesday.

The Panther boys crushed the Minutemen 59-24, while the Lady Panthers cruised past the Memorial girls 64-36. Both teams evened their District 28-4A records—the boys are 2-2, and the Lady Panthers are 3-3. Both teams continue their district schedule when they host San Antonio Kennedy on Friday night.

(Marion) -- The Marion basketball teams are in action tonight in District 273A. The girls take on Young Women’s Leadership Academy, while the 20th-ranked Marion boys battle Young Men’s Leadership Academy. The girls’ game tips off the doubleheader at 5 p.m at Marion High School.

Harborth

Robert Lee Harborth, age 77 of Seguin, passed away on January 25, 2026. Robert was born on October 23, 1948, in Seguin, Texas to Hilda (Grimm) and Eddie Wilheim Harborth.

Robert was a 1967 graduate of Navarro High School. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

Robert is preceded in death by his daughter, Stephanie Shannon, his parents, his mother-in-law Minnie Phillips, father-in-law, Vernon Wayne Haywood, his brothers, Frank Harborth, and Henry Harborth and wife Eleanor.

Survivors include his loving wife of 54 years, Sandi Harborth; children, Tonya Boyle and husband Dane, Richard Wayne Harborth, and Jaelynn Harborth; grandchildren, Rebecca Brietzke and wife Chandalyn, Cassandra Shannon, Timothy James Shannon and wife Kayla, Justin Harless and wife Taylor and Alexandria Harless; great-grandchildren, Cooper Shannon, Hudson

Cevallos

Juan Cevallos, 71, passed away on Jan. 20, 2026. Juan was born on July 7, 1954 in Seguin to Daniel P. Cevallos and Julia (Galvan) Cevallos. He graduated from Seguin High School and lived his entire life in Seguin. He loved sports and was an avid Dallas Cowboys and San Antonio Spurs fan. We will remember him as a kind and gentle soul who believed his new life was with his Lord and savior.

Orens

Benjamin Joseph “Benny” Orens, age 86 of Seguin, passed away on January 20, 2026. Benny was born on April 6, 1939, in San Antonio, Texas to Dorothy Marie (Bell) and Benjamin Samuel Orens. Benny proudly served his country by serving in the United States Marine Corp.

Dorcas and Benny had a golden marriage. They worked together at the Broadway Technical Institute, a job Dorcas and Benny owned and they held dear. They were mentors and loved all the students that they taught. Benny was a devoted member of his Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints in Seguin. Benny is preceded in death by his loving wife of 41 years, Dorcas Ann Orens, his parents, his grand-daughter Mary Lynn, brother-in-law, Johnny Denison and nephew, Trey Denison.

Harless, and Ella Shannon; brothers, Melvin Harborth and wife Betty, and Leroy Harborth and wife Bernice; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Tres Hewell Mortuary from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel with the Reverend Tom Jones officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in San Geronimo Cemetery.

For those who desire the service will be livestreamed https://s3-us-east-2. amazonaws.com/mf-fwp/hewell/hewell_20260130.html.

Serving as pallbearers will be Timothy James Shannon, Justin Harless, Alexandria Harless, Jimmy Harless, Dane Boyle, Dale Harborth, Ronnie Freeman, and Nick Harborth.

Memorial contributions may be made to Guadalupe Regional Medical Center, Hospice Services, 1215 E Court St., 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.

Juan is preceded in death by his parents; his brother Jose Manuel Cevallos and sister Guadalupe Cevallos.

He is survived by his brothers, Daniel Cevallos Jr. (Lisa), and Valentine Cevallos (Gracie); and sisters, Terri Cevallos (Wade), Velma Cevallos, Irma Flores (Edward) and Judy Casstevens (Brandon).

A memorial service with Holy Rosary will be held at noon on Feb. 2, 2026 at Legends Tri-County Funeral Home, 10935 N. State Hwy 123, Seguin, Texas, 78155.

Survivors include his daughters, Lori Korus, Donna Armstrong and husband Danny, Cheri Bishop and husband Kenny; step-daughter Marie; step sons Larry (Andrea), Steven (Tiffany); grandchildren, Austin Eaton (Teddy), Ashley Rose, Chelsea Bain (Tyler), Jeremy, Travis, William, Benjamin, and Charles; great-grandchildren, Parker and Oliver Eaton, Camden and Camille Rose; sister, Barbara Denison; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and friends.

Visitation will begin on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints in Seguin, followed by services including military honors at 2 p.m. with Bishop Tim Bird conducting. A reception will follow. Private interment will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery later.

You are invited to sign the guestbook at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.

South Carolina Largest Outbreak Since Disease Declared Eliminated

(Columbia, SC) -- A measles outbreak in South Carolina is now the largest recorded in the United States since the disease was declared eliminated in this country more than two decades ago. The state first reported measles cases in October and the number of reports has risen to over 780, surpassing a massive outbreak in Texas. According to South Carolina’s health department, at least 12 people have been hospitalized for complications, but there have been no deaths associated with the outbreak. Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, and prior to 2025, there was an average of 80 measles cases reported nationally each year.

Doctor Raises Awareness About Frostbite

(Undated) -- With a good portion of the U.S. experiencing extreme cold, a health expert at the Cleveland Clinic is raising awareness about the dangers of frostbite. Dr. Thomas Waters, an emergency medicine physician, says frostbite is an injury to skin tissue that starts to freeze and die. It can occur during winter weather when uncovered skin is exposed to freezing temperatures. Dr. Waters says early signs of frostbite include he skin feeling cold and tingly and then turning numb. He advises folks with minor frostbite to treat it at home by running warm water on the impacted area, but not hot water.

Loss Of Gray Matter During Menopause And Possible Link With Dementia

(Cambridge, England) -- A new British study shows that gray matter lost during menopause may increase a woman’s risk for dementia. Researchers at the University of Cambridge studied 125-thousand women in the UK to try to understand why nearly twice as many women as men develop the disease. They found that hormonal changes during menopause are linked to a loss of gray matter which is essential for memory, decision-making, concentration and managing emotions. What’s surprising is that researchers found that hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, doesn’t seem to protect women from the effects of menopause on memory and mental health.

Study: Heart Attacks Involve Brain And Immune System

(San Diego, CA) -- A new study suggests that heart attacks involve the brain, and immune system, too. Researchers at UC-San Diego have discovered that while the brain considers a heart attack an injury, there’s a disconnect that fails to launch an adequate immune system response. They also say there are no pathogens or bacteria to defend against a heart attack. They believe their findings, published in the journal Cell, could lead to novel treatments. The researchers hope the so-called “heart attack” maps they’re produced will be helpful.

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.

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.

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 imagina-

tion 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.

Geronimo VFW Dance Schedule (Jan–Mar 2026)

Dance the night away at the Geronimo VFW Post 8456, located at 6808 Hwy 123 N. All dances are open to the public with $10 admission/donation at the door. Sunday Dances: Doors open 1:30 p.m. | Dance 3–6:30 p.m. Tuesday & Friday Dances: Doors open 6 p.m. | Dance 7–10:30 p.m. For reservations, call or text 830-305-8829. Upcoming Dance Schedule: Jan. 25 – Dennis Vanek (EZ Country); Feb. 1 – Bob Appel (Burgers); Feb. 3 – Round Up 4 Charity feat. Rick Rice Band (7–10 p.m., Burgers); Feb. 8 – Paul Sanchez; Feb. 15 – Brandon Rosage; Feb. 20 – Round Up 4 Charity feat. Cactus Country Band (7–10 p.m., Burgers); Feb. 22 – Czechaholics; Mar. 1 – Alibis (Burgers); Mar. 3 – Round Up 4 Charity feat. Meyer Anderson Band (7–10 p.m., Burgers); Mar. 8 – Dave Jorgenson; Mar. 15 – Lone Star Pickerz; Mar. 20 – Round Up 4 Charity feat. Randy Carson Band (7–10 p.m., Burgers); Mar. 22 – Nathan Colt Young; and Mar. 29 –

Guadalupe Master Naturalists: “When Birds Inspire Innovation” Program

Guadalupe Master Naturalists will meet Monday, January 26, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the AgriLife Extension Office, 210 E. Live Oak, Seguin. Dr. Darrin Frye will present “When Birds Inspire Innovation,” exploring how nature’s smart designs inspire biomimetics and new technologies—from everyday tools to advanced military systems. Learn how feathers, wings, and natural behaviors can spark fresh ideas and inspire the next generation of innovators.

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.