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January 8, 2026
Volume 60 l Number 238
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The Voice of Seguin
Sheriff Pushes to End CountyRun Animal Control Program
WEEKEND EDITION
TODAY
Darren Dunn
(Seguin) -- Guadalupe County Sheriff Joshua Ray is calling for the county to end its taxpayer-funded animal control program. Sheriff Ray made his comments during Tuesday’s meeting of the Guadalupe County Commissioners Court. Ray told commissioners that he’s proud of the work being done at the sheriff ’s office, but says it’s becoming clear that it’s time for the department to get out of the animal control business. “Over this last year, we have made incredible strides at the sheriff ’s office in both modernizing what we do and our effectiveness and efficiency. It honestly would take me a whole lot longer than five minutes to talk about the accolades of the men and women of the Guadalupe County Sheriff ’s Office over this last year. I’m extremely proud of them. But one topic of discussion, which has generated a lot of rhetoric and, in some regards, misinformation on social media during the last several weeks, has been that surrounding the animal shelter,” said Ray. Program, pg. 2
A new year, a new building, and a new chapter at Navarro High School Students at Navarro High School walk the halls of their new campus Wednesday morning, marking the official opening of the school on State Highway 123 in the city of Seguin. The first day back from Christmas break also marked the first time all Navarro High School students attended classes together in the new facility. District officials say the opening represents the culmination of years of planning and construction, made possible through the work of campus staff, district leadership, and construction partners, as the community officially welcomed Panthers to their new home.
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THU. January 8, 2026
Teachers’ Union Sues TEA Over Social Media Investigations Darren Dunn
(Austin) -- A major teachers’ union is suing the Texas Education Agency for investigating teachers’ social media comments following the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Texas AFT President Zeph Capo says the federal lawsuit was filed this week and claims Education Commissioner Mike Morath initiated a wave of retaliation when he directed school district officials to report “inappropriate” comments made after last year’s killing of the conservative activist. “The TEA policy was announced in September of 2025, just days after the assassination. In the months since, the consequences for our members have run the gamut from written reprimands and administrative leave to doxxing and termination from their jobs,” said Capo.
The lawsuit claims the actions of the TEA represent clear violations of the First Amendment. “We’re suing TEA today for violating our members’ First Amendment rights and targeting them for their protected speech. The policy itself is fundamentally flawed. It asks school districts to punish public school teachers for exercising their First Amendment rights and subjects those educators to serious and unfair consequences. Even if our educators wanted to comply with this bad faith policy, TEA’s overly broad language makes it nearly impossible to know what is and isn’t acceptable,” Capo said. Whether people agree with the teachers’ words or not, Capo says they should not have been targeted for comments made outside the school day.
Program, continued. Ray says they have tried to maintain the operation of the animal control facility, but conflicts with former volunteers at the shelter and other challenges have made it difficult for the sheriff ’s office to provide these services. “The animal shelter is not a statutory requirement for the county sheriff. And I think everyone can agree that what has been done and what is being done is pretty much not working for anybody at this point. So, when I entered office, there were already discussions of potentially expanding that shelter that had gone on. We’ve had those meetings and discussions over the last year. When I first evaluated it, despite what some individuals may think, we have made considerable progress over the last year within the funding and resources that we have available for that particular responsibility,” said Ray. Ray says when he took office, he looked at how the county could improve the animal control operation, but he says it has become clear to him that it is not something his office should be responsible for in Guadalupe County. “We were not adequately providing a similar shelter that looked like other governmental agencies in the surrounding areas. So, we weren’t quite up to the standard of expectation of some of our constituents. I was hoping we could increase it to that standard, but through these conversations that I’ve had in meetings with both animal
“To be clear, we are not talking about an educator walking into their classroom and sharing their thoughts on the assassination with their students. The educators under investigation commented on the controversial nature of Charlie Kirk’s previous statements on their personal, private social media and outside of their official capacity. The remarks that they’re now being targeted for are constitutionally protected speech that has no bearing on an educator’s ability to perform their job duties and did not impact their work environments,” said Capo. The plaintiffs are asking the court to block the investigation, claiming it violates free speech protections. As of Monday, the state agency said it was still investigating 95 complaints, after having already dismissed hundreds of others.
advocates and constituents throughout Guadalupe County, I’ve gotten a varying set of perspectives on that particular issue. And I’ve formed the opinion that I don’t think that we are going to be able to put enough resources into it to make a certain segment satisfied with the services that we are going to provide, nor do I think we should. I think it would be a waste of taxpayer funding,” said Ray. A rift between the county’s animal control operation and a former group of volunteers has made it even more challenging for the sheriff ’s office to oversee the service. “This is a cause — this animal shelter. It’s a particular cause that people are passionate about, but the question that has come up with other constituents that I have discussed this with is whether or not it should be a taxpayerfunded cause. I particularly don’t think it should be. And if we continue to invest money into this, it’s going to end up becoming a bottomless, taxpayer-funded pit. With that being said, at this point, I’m not going to support us expanding the animal shelter any further, because I think what’s going to happen is we’re going to end up with more kennels that we’re going to fill, and we’re going to have the same problems that we already have. We’re just going to have a bigger shelter,” said Ray. Ray says he no longer sees this as a viable operation for his office. Program, pg. 3
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Program, continued. He says the county should not be shouldering this burden alone and should be looking at other options moving forward. “I think we have to start investigating other alternatives to how we’ve done it in the past. When I campaigned, I talked about a public-private partnership. We’re currently working on a potential public-private partnership that I think might help everyone. It might make some happy with some of the services that are provided that are better than what we are providing, but it also might lessen the burden on the county taxpayer. I don’t want to get too deep into the details on that. We’ll do that in future discussions. There’s also other alternatives that are available that this commissioners court will need to discuss. I do not think those other alternatives will benefit the county taxpayer,” said Ray. Ray says the Sheriff ’s Office already has a lot on its plate, and he believes it’s time for the county to end its animal control program. “We’re going to need to formulate a solution during this fiscal year, because October 1st of this year, I have no intention of operating an animal shelter, because I do not believe it falls within the statutory responsibilities of the county sheriff. I think the county sheriff should
be concentrated on preserving the peace, protecting the people of Guadalupe County, and managing a growing inmate population in the jail,” said Ray. Ray made his comments during the Citizens to Be Heard portion of Tuesday’s commissioners court meeting. There was no discussion by the court because the item was not officially on the agenda. The issue is expected to be placed on a future agenda for formal discussion and potential action by the court.
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4 SPORTS
THU. January 8, 2026
TLU Men’s Basketball Narrowly Falls to Concordia (TX) Bryce Hayes - TLU Sports Information
SEGUIN, Texas -- The Texas Lutheran men’s basketball team narrowly fell to Concordia (TX), 107-100, Tuesday evening at Memorial Gymnasium. The two teams pushed the pace and traded runs throughout the contest, the Tornados were able to hold on despite a late second half push from the Bulldogs. Texas Lutheran finished with 52 second half points and 100 total points as they pushed the pace with a Tornados team that entered Tuesday ranked third in Division-III in scoring, averaging 106.2 points per game. The 100 point performance on Tuesday is the first time the Bulldogs have hit the century mark in a SCAC contest since joining the conference in 2013-14 and the first time since Jan. 8, 2002 against Schreiner the Bulldogs have hit 100 points. Semaj Edwards (Lanham, MD/Oak Hill) led TLU with a season and career-high 29 points and five rebounds. Mason Wallace (San Antonio/ Judson) added 25 points, four rebounds, three blocks, and a career-high nine assists. Edwards and Wallace both connected on five threes each.
Teddy Tapken (Austin/Lake Travis) posted his first double-double of the season with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Isaac Orozco (Helotes/O’Connor) contributed five points and a career-high nine assists. Concordia scored first, and the opening half featured four ties and five lead changes as the Bulldogs matched the Tornados patented high pace style of play. Mason Wallace and Semaj Edwards set the tone in the first half combining to connect on seven threes in the half. TLU would lead for a majority of the half and lead by as many as nine points. Edwards led the Bulldogs with 17 points in the first half with Wallace adding 14 of his own. Points off turnovers swung the first half as the Bulldogs outscored the Tornados 14-7 in points off turnovers to carry a 48-45 lead into halftime as the Tornados sank a three at the halftime buzzer to cut their deficit in half heading into the locker room. The Tornados came out of the locker room with a ton of energy, starting the half with a 12-4 run to take a five point lead. The Tornados would
lead by as many as 12 points in the second half but with Teddy Tapken’s 16 second half points leading the charge the Bulldogs were able to stay within distance of a potential comeback victory. Turnovers and untimely second chance baskets would cost the Bulldogs in the second half. Every time the Bulldogs would make it a two-possession game, the Tornados would respond with another three to stave off the Bulldogs. Texas Lutheran continues its fivegame homestand on Friday, January 9 against University of the Ozarks (AR). Tip-off is set for 5:30 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 & @tlubasketball 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 @tlumensbasketball and as always follow TLU athletics on all of our social channels for updates on all things TLU Athletics.
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9 VITAL STATISTICS
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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
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
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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.
Hamilton
Maggie Miller Hamilton died recently at the age of 76. She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Hamilton and sister, Dorothy Alford. She is also survived by several other friends and family members. Memorial Services and viewing will be held Saturday, January 10 at Eunice and Lee Mortuary.
Wesch
Bernadette “Bobbie” Wesch, age 89, passed away on January 2, 2026. She was born to Anton and Annie Faldik on October 16, 1936. She was the eighth child out of nine. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Roger; daughter, Sandra; brothers, Tony, Frankie and Joe; and sisters, Olga, Ann and Edith. She is survived by her daughter, Suzanne; one sister, Marie; one brother, George; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Bobbie graduated from Yoakum High School in 1954 and then moved to Seguin. She continued to live in Seguin until December 2021. She spent her remaining years living it up at the Highlands Springs retirement community in Dallas, Texas. Her foundation in life came from her love for God, country, and family. There was no doubt she was a people person and wanted to help others. She did so by contributing her time and efforts to various organizations in the Seguin community. She was a member of St. James Catholic Church where she was a founding member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas chapter, Our Lady of Angels, a Eucharist Minister, and a member of St. Ann’s Circle. Bobbie
was a member of the H.U. Wood Post 245 American Legion Auxiliary for over 40 years and served in numerous officer positions including that of Chaplain. In addition, she served on numerous committees ALA and in 1992, named Auxiliary Member of the Year. She volunteered at the Seguin Police Department and helped with several of their programs including the DARE program; Cops and Kids; and Blue Santa. She was also a member of the Stern Sons of Hermann Lodge No. 142 and recognized for her humanitarian deeds and outstanding community service. A visitation will begin Friday, January 9, 2026, at St. James Catholic Church in Seguin at 10:00 a.m. with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 10:30 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 a.m. with the Reverend Canon Stanislaw Fiuk officiating. Interment will follow in the St. James Catholic Cemetery. A reception will follow at the church Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to the hospice care program of the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) located at 1420 W. Mockingbird Lane, Suite 700, Dallas, TX 75247 https://www.vnatexas.org or to the charity of your choice. 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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grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary for most of her career. After retiring from teaching, she helped Franklin run the Seguin Driving School, and they enjoyed taking several trips together. Velma married Franklin in 1961, and they built a home near Lake Placid. Velma took great pride in their vegetable garden and pecan orchard. She enjoyed cooking, baking, and especially making pecan pralines. She was a member and delegate to several education meetings and conventions. She belonged to Emanuel’s Lutheran Church where she was a member of the Ladies Aid and enjoyed helping with their annual coffee cakes. She was also a past president of the Seguin Hermann Sons Lodge and the Lake Placid Homeowners Association. Velma also enjoyed being a member of Delta Kappa Gamma. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. Emanuel’s Lutheran Church. Interment will follow in their columbarium. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall. Memorial contributions may be made to Emanuel’s Lutheran Church, 206 N. Travis 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.
Jahns
sister, Lillian Mayer Anderson and husband, Kenneth, her brothers-in-law, James Raymond Guidry and Billy Ray Jahns and sister-in-law, Sandy Mayer. Survivors include her sister, Catherine Guidry; brother, Jack Mayer and wife Jean; beloved niece Deborah Guidry; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving family members and a host of friends. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 2 p.m. at First Methodist Church with the Reverend Cathe Evins officiating. Interment will follow in San Geronimo Cemetery. A reception will follow in Hierholzer Hall. Memorial contributions may be made to the choir or handbell ministry at First Methodist Church, 710 N. Austin 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.
Velma Anne Boecker Huebner entered heaven on December 23, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband, Franklin Hugo Huebner, and her parents, Eugene and Ina Boecker. She is survived by her sister, Alice Magavern, and her brother, Gary Boecker, her son Howard Huebner and daughter Sheri Lyn Gardner and husband Marc Gardner. She leaves four grandchildren: Valerie Gardner, Wendi Huebner (Dustin), Jeremy Huebner, and Michael Gardner, and one great-grandson, Waylin Huebner, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. Velma was born on September 6, 1938, in Seguin, Texas. She grew up in the Leissner community and attended school there for eight years and then graduated from Seguin High School in 1956. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in education from Southwest Texas State University and later added a master’s degree in education and administration. She began her teaching career in Corpus Christi and later taught in San Antonio and Seguin. She was a first-
Joan Mayer Jahns, age 86 of Seguin, passed away on December 25, 2025. Joan was born on September 13, 1939, in Arlington, Texas, to Vera Lillian (Schlueter) and Eugene August Mayer. Joan and Benny were active members of First United Methodist Church in Seguin where they were long time members of the Paulist Class. She always played the piano to open the class with hymns alongside Charlie Richey who sang. Joan was also active in the Church Choir and played the handbells. Joan was preceded in death by her loving husband of 55 years, Benny Joe Jahns, her parents, her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Lonie and Oscar Jahns,
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Herbold
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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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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.
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CDC Works To Track Down Measles Exposures At Four Airports (Atlanta, GA) -- The CDC is working with local health officials to track down potential measles exposures at four major airports. They occurred in December during peak holiday travel season at Boston Logan, Newark Liberty, Raleigh-Durham and Denver International Airports. Infected passengers walked through terminals at all four locations, potentially exposing people to the highly-contagious airborne virus. They have to be located, contacted and advised to call their healthcare provider. Global Recall Of Some Baby Formula Products (Vevey) -- Nestlé is issuing a global recall of some baby formula products. The company announced the recall in a statement and said specific batches of its SMA infant formula and follow-on formula may contain toxins that can cause food poisoning. According to Nestlé, there have been no confirmed reports of illness caused by consumption of the products, but the company issued the recall “out of an abundance of caution.” Parents with concerns are advised to contact their healthcare provider and they will also be subject to a full refund. Deadly Fungus Infects People In 27 States (Atlanta, GA) -- A deadly fungus is spreading in the U.S. The CDC says candida auris, known as C. auris, infected people in 27 states in 2025. It’s a type of yeast infection, most often acquired in healthcare settings, that’s highly contagious. It can cause severe infection which is tough to treat because most antibiotics are ineffective against C. auris. This superbug has turned up on bed rails, hospital equipment, windows, sinks and floors. The CDC says, if infected, the mortality rate ranges from 30 to 60-percent. Flu Continues To Surge Across U.S. (New York, NY) -- Flu cases continue to surge across the U.S. The CDC says more than eight percent of doctor visits for the week ending December 27th were connected with flu-like sickness. That is the highest percentage since the CDC started tracking that data nearly three decades ago. Most states are now reporting high or very high levels of flu activity. The CDC estimates there’s been 11-million flu cases so far this season along with five-thousand flu- related deaths.
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January
at 6:15 p.m., with the student-led ceremony beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium. The event includes performances, remarks, a reception, and guided campus tours.
or $25 at the door. Reservations are required by contacting Glenda Partain at 830-391-3979 or silvercenter@sbcglobal.net
Seguin Little League seeking vendors for Spring 2026 season Seguin Little League is now accepting vendor applications for Opening Day and All Play Saturdays throughout the Spring 2026 season. Interested vendors are encouraged to apply. A board member will follow up with additional details. The vendor fee is $25 per event. For questions, send an email to SeguinLLBoard@ yahoo.com Grief Symposium Focuses on Caring for Children and Adolescents A Grief Symposium focused on caring for children and adolescents will be held Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event is designed for parents, caregivers, educators, and community members seeking insight, understanding, and hope while supporting grieving youth.The symposium will take place in the Seguin ISD Boardroom, located at 1221 E. Kingsbury Street in Seguin. Seating is limited, and advance registration is encouraged. For more information, call 830-379-5046. Seguin Art League Fiber Show The 10th Annual Seguin Art League Fiber Show will accept entries January 10, at the gallery from 10 to noon. Entry fee is $5 per artwork with a limit of two. Ribbons will be awarded. For more information call 830-491-0778, come by the gallery at 104 S. Austin to pick up a prospectus, or look at our website seguinartleague. com. TPWD scoping meeting The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will host a scoping meeting in Guadalupe County on Jan 12 at 6:30 PM to present proposed changes and receive public input on doe day expansion. The meeting is open to the public and will be held in the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Building, located at 210 E. Live Oak St. in Seguin. Navarro ISD High School Dedication Navarro ISD invites the community to the dedication of the new Navarro High School on Monday, January 12 in Geronimo. Doors open
Native Plant Society to Host Tree Care Program The Native Plant Society of Texas Guadalupe Chapter will host a meeting and educational program on Tuesday, January 13, featuring a presentation on tree care and disease management. The program will be led by Travis Franke with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Social time begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by the program at 7 p.m., with a chapter meeting afterward. The event will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Seguin, 1121 E. Walnut Street, with parking available on North Moss Street behind the church. 2026 Beef Cattle Short Course Texas A&M AgriLife will be hosting the 2026 Beef Cattle Short Course at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Palo Alto College’s Ozuna Library. The program includes 2 CEUs (1 General and 1 Laws & Regulations), concurrent educational sessions, a meal, door prizes, and industry updates. To RSVP, email or call Kennedy Green at kennedy.green@ag.tamu.edu or 210-631-0400. 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,
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/programs/A62849677.
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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