SDN: January 30, 2026

January 30, 2026

Navarro ISD breaks ground on first second elementary campus, marking historic expansion south

Cindy Aguirre-Herrera

(Seguin) -- They didn’t just come to watch a groundbreaking -- they came to see their future school. A busload of children was among those in attendance Thursday morning as the Navarro ISD celebrated the start of construction of its first second elementary campus.

Community members waving purple pom poms formed a human tunnel Tuesday morning, welcoming the future students of Navarro South Elementary School at 1680 E. Martindale Rd.

Just across from the construction site, homes in the growing Navarro Oaks neighborhood can be seen on the horizon. Navarro Oaks is just one of the many indicators of residential growth driving the district’s expansion south.

Navarro ISD Superintendent Dr. Mandy Epley says the moment was more than just about construction plans. She says it was about students and families who will benefit from a closer neighborhood campus.

“I’m just thrilled to see the kids’ excitement, to know that families who live in the southern border of our district

have a closer 2-5 campus. It’s exciting and it is such a testament to the commitment that families have to providing the best for their kids. It’s exciting to see a campus that is close to neighborhoods so kids can walk. Kids can ride their bikes, and I think there is a lot of value in having a campus close to the neighborhood that they live,” said Dr. Epley.

The new campus represents a historic shift for Navarro ISD, whose schools have traditionally been clustered in the heart of Geronimo. Dr. Epley says this will be the district’s first campus built away from that central pod.

“This is the first (school) to be off that Link (Road) and 123 intersection. Certainly, we have seen our staff adjusting to not being able to walk to all of the campuses and I think that is difficult. We really enjoy being able to, by foot, get to wherever we needed to go and so we will be adjusting to that and having to travel in cars to visit the campuses but knowing that we are being proactive in serving the growth in every corner of the district, I think is really important,” said Dr. Epley.

Campus, pg. 3

Chronicles of Black Sound to kick off Black History Month at Palace Theatre

(Seguin) -- Music, movement and history will take center stage this weekend as the Wilson Pottery Foundation partners with the historic Palace Theatre to present The Chronicles of Black Sound, a live musical presentation celebrating the influence of Black music on American culture.

The event, designed to help kick off Black History Month, begins at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1, at the Palace Theatre in downtown Seguin.

Designed as both a concert and cultural experience, Paula KingHarper, of the Wilson Pottery Foundation, says the afternoon will guide audiences through the evolution of Black sound.

“The Chronicles of Black Sound is a celebration of black artist and their contributions to society in the form of music, dance, spoken word and song. A variety of genres will be explored such as gospel, country, jazz, blues, funk, R&B and rock,” said King-Harper.

She says the event promises a vibrant mix of live music and dance that invites the community not just to watch, but to celebrate.

“Folks can expect live, interactive presentations from performers from the Seguin, San Antonio and Austin areas, coming together to share their gifts, lift up, encourage a motivate those in attendance. The event will conclude with an hour-long musical journey provided by MusicFoYaSoul, San Antonio’s hottest R&B band!” said King-Harper.

The presentation is hosted by the Wilson Pottery Foundation, an organization rooted deeply in local and state history. The foundation traces its legacy to Hiram, James and Wallace Wilson, formerly enslaved brothers who were brought to Capote outside Seguin in 1856. Chronicles, pg. 3

Preserving Mexican American culture and arts in the community just got secured

(Seguin) -- A major national investment in cultural arts is heading to Seguin.

Teatro De Artes De Juan Seguin has been awarded a $50,000 Walking Together Grant, making it one of only two organizations in Texas and one of just 56 nationwide to receive the honor. The grant is part of a new national initiative led by Mid America Arts Alliance and U.S. Regional Arts Organizations aimed at supporting folklife and traditional arts rooted in communities of color.

The funding comes from the Walking Together: Investing in Folklife in Communities of Color pilot program, which provides nonmatching grants to organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to preserving cultural traditions and serving historically underrepresented communities.

Sulema J. Silva, president of Teatro De Artes De Juan Seguin, says the recognition affirms the value of Teatro’s mission.

“We are deeply honored to be a recipient of the Walking Together grant and sincerely grateful that our national funders recognize the importance of sustaining the grassroots cultural arts programs we provide -- not only for Seguin, TX, but for surrounding rural communities as well,” said Silva. “These funds will help us continue with

our mission of promoting a better understanding of the Mexican American culture and its people through the teaching, study, practice, and performance of the arts and humanities.”

Teatro Executive Director Yvonne M. De La Rosa says she could not be more excited. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, De La Rosa says Teatro focuses on preserving Mexican American arts, history, and traditions while also nurturing the next generation of artists and leaders.

“We consider ourselves a cultural arts organization on an island out here in Seguin. You have Austin not far away and San Antonio –Culture, pg. 3

Campus, continued.

Epley says Thursday’s celebration reminded her of the groundbreaking for the newly opened high school – a task she immediately took over as the district’s new superintendent. Now, she says, it feels like another chapter of growth for the “Panther family.”

Speaking directly to the children gathered during the celebration, Dr. Epley stated, “you are the reason we dream big in the Navarro ISD.”

The new elementary school is being funded through the $120 million bond package voters approved in May 2024.

Navarro ISD Board Vice President Clint Scheib says the campus is the result of careful planning -- following enrollment projections.

“About two years ago, we really buckled down and put a committee together and made a 10-year plan. This is a step in the plan. So, the next step would be obviously with the growth -- the next bond that we called and updating the junior high. If the growth continues, we are going to follow the plan because our demographers have really set together a good estimate of how many students we are going to see. So, as long as we follow the plan, the next step is obviously going to be

Chronicles, continued.

probably a new elementary. Quite a few years out from there, we might even be looking at an addition to the high school. It’s the plan that we put into place that is really driving this,’ said Scheib.

Despite the district’s expansion, Scheib says maintaining Navarro’s close-knit culture remains a priority.

“I really wish -- because we have a really tight knit community -- I’ve lived in the area for a long time, and everybody is so personal. Everybody is so inviting and as we grow, we want

After the Civil War, they established their own pottery business and are recognized by historians as the first African American businessmen in Texas. Today, their pottery is displayed in museums and collections not only locally statewide, “preserving a legacy of resilience, craftsmanship

Culture, continued.

less than an hour away but for them to see the value of the programming that we bring to our surrounding rural community and for philanthropists to say this a worthy organization that has been here for 43 years, let’s keep helping them do the good work in the community that they serve — for me personally, it’s a nod from the heavens that the 43 years of labor

to try to keep that same environment. We really want to keep that feel of a tight knit community so it’s going to be a little different, obviously, having a campus off site so it’s going to be different for us having maintenance crews that have to come over here, having buses that have to come over here. It’s going to be different, so we are really going to focus on trying to keep the feel of a community,” said Scheib.

As growth continues to blur the lines between Seguin and Navarro ISD, Seguin Mayor Donna Dodgen says she believes the campus will help unite and strengthen all communities.

“We are literally kissing cousins. We got here so fast. It’s a neighborhood school. We are a neighborhood and we are all a part of this. Families that are coming and houses that are around –they are going to be able to walk to things. Parents aren’t going to have to worry about where they park. They are just going to come here. And, we all are one. Our region is growing and we all need to be involved in that and be supported of that as well,” said Dodgen.

Construction of Navarro South Elementary is expected to be completed in time to welcome students in August 2027.

and entrepreneurship.” Tickets for the fundraiser concert are $20 for adults or 2 for $35; $40 for a family of four (2 adults and up to 4 children) and $5 for students.

Seating is general admission and attire is casual. Accessible seating is also available on request.

Tickets may be purchased online at givebutter. com/24yV8V.

of love is coming full circle,” said De La Rosa. “I smile when I think about it. It makes my heart happy to know, that we are making a stamp not just throughout the arts community but nationally and that really makes me proud to be from Seguin and to see the support that are we receiving.”

The Walking Together initiative awarded $3.34 million nationwide to 96 grantees, including $50,000 organizational grants and $15,000

grants for individual artists. The goal, according to the organization, is to strengthen traditional arts, support cultural leaders, and build long-term equity in arts funding across the country.

The award is rooted in the Educational Theatre Association’s Opportunity to Learn Standards, Texas Theatre Knowledge and Skills for Fine Arts (TEKS), and active support of International Thespian Society troupe involvement.

TLU Baseball Picked Fourth in Preseason Poll

SEGUIN, Texas -- The conference’s head coaches tabbed Texas Lutheran to finish in fourth in the 2026 Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) standings announced Wednesday.

#RV Concordia (TX), last year’s SCAC Tournament runner-up, is the coaches’ pick to win the conference garnering eight first place votes, while McMurry, another one of the SCAC’s three representatives in last season’s NCAA Tournament, was picked to finish second, receiving three first place votes. St. Thomas, who tied with the Bulldogs for fourth place last season, were picked to finish third while the Bulldogs sit in fourth with 83 total points. Hendrix, who returns to the SCAC for the first time since 2012, rounded out the top five in their first season of their second act in the conference.

Last season, the Bulldogs finished tied for fourth in the regular season posting a 17-13 league record.

TLU has finished in the top two of the league standings in seven out of 12 seasons in the SCAC.

Led by All-Region shortstop Chase Bourgeois (League City/ Clear Falls), the Bulldogs return seven starters, sux All-SCAC players, and 24 letterwinners from a year ago. Also returning to the lineup are Tyler Helpenstill (Pearland/Lutheran South), Cooper Jen (Kyle/ Hays), Triston McGowan (Vidor/Vidor), Adam Peavy (Houston/Memorial), and Brayden Sprencel (Robstown/Calallen) who were All-SCAC Honorable Mention performers last season.

The Bulldogs concluded the 2025 season with a 24-15 record.

Texas Lutheran starts its 2026 campaign with six straight tilts at home, beginning play on Feb. 6 with the opener of a three-game series versus Howard Payne (Feb. 6-7). All home games this season will be streamed on FloCollege.

For more information on Texas Lutheran baseball and all TLU athletics, you can find updates on tlubulldogs.com and all official TLU social media channels (@tluathletics and @TLU_Baseball on X (Twitter), @tlubulldogs on Facebook, and @tlu_athletics on Instagram and TikTok).

the only nonprofit mental health treatment hospital for kids ages 3 to 17 in South Texas. When a child is in crisis, we work with families to get much needed treatment regardless of their ability to pay.

Crisis Services is a 24/7 walk-in clinic for children and teens experiencing a psychiatric emergency.

Outpatient services offer diverse treatment interventions, such as individual, family, and group therapy.

Southside High School is home to a new Clarity location, allowing all students enrolled in a Southside ISD school access to mental healthcare.

Inpatient hospitalization stabilizes kids in crisis who need immediate care and continuous supervision.

First Step is a one-time consultation for families that know their child is struggling but aren't sure what help they need or where to get it.

Multisystemic therapy is a community-based program, focused on empowering caregivers by providing skills to keep kids in their homes.

Partial hospitalization provides intensive mental healthcare during the day and then works with families to practice skills in the evening. The Next Step Center connects families to services that support their child’s continued path to mental wellness.

Claritycon is an annual conference on children’s mental health. Attendees work in education, social work, nursing, psychiatry, psychology, etc.

VITAL STATISTICS

Reneau

www.SEGUINTODAY.com

Dorothy Smith Reneau, age 95 ½, of Seguin, passed away on January 27, 2026. Dorothy was born in El Campo, Texas, on June 22, 1930, to Essie Irene (Reaves) and Elmer La Fayette Smith.

Buddy and Dorothy owned and operated JW Reneau Poultry and Egg Co. for 36 years. She and Buddy were charter members of Hillcrest Church. She will be remembered as the most loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her loving husband of 71 years J.W. “Buddy” Reneau, her son Kenneth Reneau and his wife Kathy, her siblings, Dalton Smith and wife Odessa, Helen Broadway, Jean Brumbelow Eisland and husband Curtis, Leona Hoot and husband Anson, LeRoy Smith and wife Mary, Marvin Smith and Paul Smith, sisters-in-law, Mildred Springs, and husband Pitts, Leona Reneau, Maxine Knodel and husband Ernest, Iva Mae Carley, and Billie Fowler and husband Bennis, brother-in-law, Malcolm Reneau and wife Bess Emily.

Survivors include her daughter, Wanda Grimm and husband Arno; grandchildren, Robin Westbrook and husband Mark, Brandon Grimm and wife

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.

Melissa, Justin Reneau and wife Kelsey, and Desiree Morris and husband Bobby; great-grandchildren, Toby Grimm, Levi Grimm, Jude Grimm, Cooper Morris, Hadley Morris, Haley Hendrix, Beckett Parrish, Finley Reneau, Hollyn Reneau, and Tripp Reneau; brother, Burl Smith and wife Delores; sister, Gerry Kirkland and husband Glenn; sisters-in-law, Ruth Smith, and Sandra Smith; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and a host of friends.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 1, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel. Funeral service will be Monday, February 2, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Hillcrest Church with the Reverend Michael Moak officiating. Interment will follow at San Geronimo Cemetery. A reception will follow at the church.

Serving as pallbearers will be Brandon Grimm, Justin Reneau, Mark Westbrook, Bobby Morris, Toby Grimm, Levi Grimm, Cooper Morris, Jude Grimm, and Beckett Parrish.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hillcrest Church, P. O. Box 247, Seguin, TX, 78156.

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.

Trump Administration Announces Third Round Of Drug Price Cuts

(Washington, DC) -- The Trump Administration is announcing a third round of price cuts for prescription drugs. Fifteen medications will be up for Medicare price haggling including Botox, not for cosmetic use, but to treat chronic migraines, lazy eye, overactive bladder and other medical conditions. Trulicity, a GLP-1 drug used to treat diabetes, is also among the 15 as well as several medications prescribed to treat Crohn’s disease. The list also includes cancer drugs, medicines designed to treat HIV, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune disorders and asthma. This Medicare round price cuts would take effect in 2028.

Scientists ID 22 Genes Linked To Epstein-Barr Reaction

(Wilmington, DE) -- Scientists have identified variations in 22 genes that affect the way we react to the Epstein-Barr virus. It’s one of the most common viruses around, believed to affect 90-percent of the world’s population at some point, mostly with minor symptoms. It also causes mononucleosis, the so-called “kissing disease.” And now, researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, AstraZeneca and Baylor College of Medicine have discovered that people with high EBV levels are much more likely to develop chronic pulmonary disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, heart disease and even some cancers. They believe their gene-linked findings, published in the journal Nature, could lead to earlier risk intervention and one day potential new treatments.

Study Shows Early Birds Have Better Heart Health Than Night Owls

(United Kingdom) -- New research shows early birds have healthier hearts than those who stay up late. The findings in the Journal of the American Heart Association show night owls had a 16 percent higher risk of having heart attacks or strokes compared with the intermediate group. Early birds had no increased risk. Researchers studied 323-thousand adults in the U.K. The American Heart Association recommends adults get an average of seven to nine hours of quality sleep a night to maintain optimal heart health.

Mental Health Bible About To Get Major Makeover

(Washington, DC) -- The so-called “Bible of Psychiatry” is about to get a major makeover. The American Psychiatric Association says its reference book of mental disorders, known as the DSM, will be more dynamic so patients will receive more effective treatments. It plans to publish the next one online, so it’ll be easier to update. The DSM, which is now in its fifth iteration, is typically revised every 15 years. It currently lists about three-hundred conditions which some critics say aren’t scientifically valid. The APA says it’ll focus on more objective measures of mental disorders including biomarkers that could indicate illness.

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.

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.

February

TLU Celebrates Black History Month

Throughout February, Texas Lutheran University will celebrate Black History Month with a series of free events for the community, centered on this year’s theme, The Stories, Songs, and SPIRIT of the Black Experience. The full schedule can be found at tlu.edu/ black-history-month. All events are free and open to the public.

Chronicles of Black Sound – Live Musical Presentation at Palace Theatre

The Wilson Pottery Foundation and the Palace Theatre will present “The Chronicles of Black Sound,” a live musical presentation exploring the impact of Black music in society. The event will be held Sunday, February 1 at 3 p.m. at the Palace Theatre in Seguin. Tickets are $20 for adults, $40 for a family (2 adults and 4 kids), and $5 for students. Tickets can be purchased online at https:// givebutter.com/24yV8V

TLU Faculty Chamber Music Recital

Texas Lutheran University will host a Faculty Chamber Music Recital on Sunday, February 1, at 3 p.m. in Ayers Recital Hall inside the Schuech Fine Arts Center on the TLU campus. The recital will feature works by Mozart

and Dvořák, performed by TLU faculty musicians and a guest artist from Trinity University. This event is free and open to the public.

Geronimo VFW Dance Schedule (Feb–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: 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 – Ken Simpson & Bentley Boys.

Community Blood Drive

Give the gift of life at a community blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 3 outside the Seguin Coliseum. The bloodmobile will be set up in the Coliseum parking lot, located at 950 S. Austin St. Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance and will receive a free long-sleeve T-shirt while supplies last. For more information, contact Jennifer Gauna at jgauna@seguintexas.gov.

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