SDN: July 2, 2026

July 2, 2026

Come Hungry: Freedom Fiesta serving up

a morning plus last night

full of food, fun and shopping

(Seguin) -- If there’s one piece of advice for anyone planning to celebrate the Fourth of July in Seguin this Saturday, it’s this -- don’t eat before you come.

From new breakfast treats before the parade to wood-fired pizza, handmade burgers and sweet desserts late into the evening, organizers say this year’s KWED Freedom Fiesta is shaping up to be the biggest food event in the festival’s history.

KWED Radio says the celebration is especially unique this year because, for the first time in many years, Freedom Fiesta is being held on the actual Fourth of July. That means

festivities won’t just begin with the evening festival. They say some vendors will also be open Saturday morning, serving breakfast before, during and after Seguin’s Biggest Small Town Fourth of July Parade in Texas, which begins at 10 a.m. in downtown Seguin.

KWED’s Linda Duncan, who coordinates the festival’s vendors, says they are excited about starting the day early.

“We wanted to give people a shop opportunity and an opportunity to get beverages and some food, some breakfast foods while they’re coming to enjoy the parade,” said Duncan.

Food, pg. 4

Sheriff: County must act before Oct. 1 to keep shelter open Guadalupe County changes animal shelter intake policy following parvo outbreak

(Seguin) -- Weeks after a parvovirus outbreak at the Guadalupe County Animal Shelter led to the euthanasia of 47 dogs, the Guadalupe County Sheriff is defending its actions taken during the outbreak while also announcing immediate changes to shelter operations and renewing calls for county leaders to address what Sheriff Joshua Ray says are longstanding issues at the facility.

In a statement to the public, the sheriff’s office stated that the policy changes are intended to reduce

overcrowding, which officials believe played a significant role in the recent outbreak.

They say, effective immediately, Guadalupe County Animal Services will no longer accept or seize stray dogs unless they pose a threat of bodily injury or illness to people or are themselves sick or injured. Officials also say the shelter will close its doors to incoming animals whenever it reaches capacity.

According to the sheriff’s office,

the current shelter has just 33 kennels and no dedicated quarantine space. In an effort to avoid euthanizing healthy animals, the shelter has routinely housed dogs beyond its intended capacity -- a practice officials say ultimately contributed to the spread of parvovirus.

The sheriff’s office also sought to correct what it describes as misinformation –- especially criticism raised on social media -- surrounding the euthanasia of 47 dogs.

Shelter, pg. 3

Two Air Force Generals to lead Seguin’s salute to America at Fourth of July Parade

(Seguin) -- As America marks its 250th birthday, it just seems fitting that Seguin’s “Biggest Small Town Fourth of July Parade in Texas” would be led by two men whose careers were dedicated to defending the freedoms the nation will celebrate. That’s according to City of Seguin Mayor Donna Dodgen. Dodgen has selected retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Tom H. Walters Jr. and retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Marshall B. “Brad” Webb to serve as grand marshals for this year’s Fourth of July parade, placing decades of military service at the front of one of the state’s most patriotic hometown celebrations.

Dodgen says selecting this year’s parade marshals was especially meaningful as the nation commemorates its milestone birthday.

“One of my greatest honors each year is selecting our Parade Marshals, and this year’s honorees truly represent the very best of America,” said Dodgen. “These two remarkable men—and their families—answered the call to serve our country during pivotal moments in our nation’s history.”

Dodgen says the recognition extends beyond the two retired generals and honors every American who has served in uniform.

She said the city proudly recognizes all military veterans and the families who supported them throughout their service, noting that the nation’s freedoms exist because of their courage, sacrifice and unwavering love of country. She says Seguin remains forever grateful for their service.

Walters retired from the U.S. Air Force after a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years. Generals, pg. 3

Shelter, continued.

Officials say the dogs were euthanized over a threeweek period, not all at once as some online posts have suggested. The first two dogs were euthanized for reasons unrelated to the outbreak, while the remaining 45 tested positive for parvovirus. According to the sheriff’s office, several of those dogs had already been vaccinated but still contracted the highly contagious disease.

The sheriff’s office maintains that euthanasia decisions were based on confirmed parvovirus infections and not simply to create kennel space.

Before making those decisions, Sheriff Ray says it consulted with local veterinary clinics and area animal shelters. However, Sheriff Ray says he has chosen not to identify those organizations because of concerns they could become targets of the same criticism and harassment that he says has also been directed at his office.

The sheriff’s office also noted that the Guadalupe County Humane Society, which operates independently from Guadalupe County government, experienced a parvovirus outbreak around the same time that also resulted in infected dogs being euthanized. Sheriff Ray contends that that incident did not receive the same level of public criticism or social media attention.

In addressing the controversy, Sheriff Ray stated that the recent outbreak is only part of a much larger problem facing the county’s animal shelter.

According to Ray, the sheriff’s office has spent the past several years trying to improve shelter operations despite limited resources. Those efforts have included restructuring shelter leadership, equipping animal services officers with body cameras, using asset forfeiture funds to purchase

Generals, continued.

He most recently served as director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency at the Pentagon, where he oversaw international military programs, security assistance and humanitarian efforts across the globe. A command pilot, Walters accumulated more than 3,500 flying hours while serving in leadership positions with Air Mobility Command, Strategic Air Command and the Joint Staff.

Webb also retired after nearly four decades of service in the U.S. Air Force. During his military career, he commanded both Air Education and Training Command and Air Force Special Operations Command while helping lead some of the nation’s most critical special operations missions. A command pilot, Webb logged more than 3,700 flying hours, including combat missions in Afghanistan, Iraq and Bosnia.

The parade begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 4, in downtown Seguin.

vaccines and help offset budget shortfalls, assigning a dispatcher to improve customer service during business hours, and creating a social media presence to promote adoptable animals and highlight the work of animal services staff.

Despite those changes, Ray says relationships between the sheriff’s office and some animal advocacy groups have continued to deteriorate, making it increasingly difficult to build partnerships with rescues and other organizations.

Earlier this year, Ray informed the Guadalupe County Commissioners Court that if meaningful changes were not made to the shelter’s operation, he would close the facility on Oct. 1, 2026. He renewed that deadline Thursday, saying discussions with county leaders have occurred but have yet to result in action.

Ray continues to recommend that the county hire a dedicated shelter manager and remove responsibility for operating the shelter from the sheriff’s office, arguing that animal shelter operations are not among the statutory duties assigned to Texas sheriffs. He stated that the sheriff’s office should instead remain focused on public safety while continuing to oversee animal services officers in their law enforcement capacity.

The sheriff also argues that the shelter remains underfunded and lacks the staffing, quarantine space and financial resources needed to meet public expectations or adequately prevent future outbreaks, including vaccinating every animal upon intake.

Until county leaders determine the shelter’s longterm future, Ray says the sheriff’s office will continue working within its available resources to improve operations while protecting the health and safety of Guadalupe County residents.

Food, continued.

Duncan say this all means that parade-goers who skip breakfast at home won’t have to go hungry.

“If you’re wanting to go down and get your spot for the parade and you don’t have time to get breakfast, well, come on downtown... all around the square, there’s either food trucks or food on the ground,” said Duncan.

Breakfast options will include such things as pancakes, crepes, breakfast pizza, breakfast tacos, breads and coffee cake.

Duncan says all in all, the response from businesses and food vendors for the entire day has been overwhelming.

“It’s very exciting and I’m just overwhelmed by the outpouring of folks who want to be involved in Freedom Fiesta this year. And I think this is the largest number of vendors that I know I’ve been involved in putting together. So, total all vendors, including food and others selling their wares, approximately 38. So hopefully, they all come that day and it’s going to be a lot of fun,” said Duncan.

With nearly 40 vendors expected in the evening, Duncan says visitors should plan on bringing both an appetite and a little spending money.

“Come hungry and bring you some money so you can buy some food, and you can buy some great products at Freedom Fiesta this year. If you can name a food, we probably will be selling it,” said Duncan.

More importantly, Duncan says the menu stretches far beyond those traditional festival foods.

She says families can choose from hot dogs, hamburgers, sausage, roasted corn, Korean, Filipino, Mexican foods pus Creole seafood specialties and a variety of refreshing drinks ranging from lemonade to dirty sodas and dirty teas.

Plus, one of Duncan’s personal food goals will also be making its debut this Saturday night.

“Something I’m really excited about this year, I’ve been wanting to add this to our food lineup for years, and that is pizza. There is going to be a pizza company there that they’ll be on the ground with a wood fire pizza oven, so that’s going to be interesting too,” said Duncan.

Duncan, however, adds that no festival would be complete without dessert.

“After you get your food, you’re going to want to save a little extra room and dollars for desserts because there’s ice cream, there’s cookies, there’s sweets of all kinds,” said Duncan.

Beyond the food, Duncan says shoppers will also find handcrafted items, jewelry, clothing, car freshies, 3D-printed toys and products from a variety of local organizations and businesses.

“Just come and check them out. I don’t want to spoil everything for you, but it’ll be a sight to behold,” said Duncan.

After the parade concludes, the celebration continues with KWED’s Freedom Fiesta events from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday in Central Park. The free event features live music by Clint Taft & The Buck Wild Band, DJ D-Trayne, children’s activities and a beer garden.

The event is free. Blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged.

VITAL STATISTICS

REEVES

Janet Reeves, age 55, of Kingsbury, Texas, passed away on June 21, 2026.

Janet was born on April 26, 1971, in Lockhart, Texas, to Linda Sue Hebbe Taft and Lee Roy Woods, Jr. From the very beginning, Janet had a big heart, a bright smile, and a way of making people feel like family the moment they met her.

Janet was known for her kindness, her laughter, and her joyful spirit. She never met a stranger and could turn any room into a place filled with warmth and friendship. She proudly served as Vice President of the KVFD Auxiliary, where she gave her time and energy to serving others— something she truly loved doing.

Above all else, Janet’s greatest joy was being “Mimi” to her grandchildren. She lit up when she talked about them, and nothing made her happier than spending time with them and loving on them in her own special way.

She was also the best dancer in every room she walked into. Whether there was music playing or not, Janet brought life, laughter, and a spark that stayed with everyone long after she left.

ZIPP

Albert Robert Zipp, Jr., age 93 of Seguin, passed away peacefully at his home on June 26, 2026. Albert was born in Guadalupe County on January 21, 1933, to Emilie Sophie (Fischer) and Albert Emil Zipp.

He attended Seguin Independent School District beginning at McQueeney Elementary School and graduating from High School, Class of 1950. He also attended Texas Lutheran College.

On July 26,1959, Albert married the love of his life, Carolyn Reiley Zipp, in Seguin, Texas. Together they built a loving family and shared 67 wonderful years together.

Albert dedicated 39 years of service to Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative (GVEC), where he was known for his strong work ethic and commitment before retiring. He also proudly served his country after being drafted into the United States Army.

Outside of work, Albert had a lifelong love of baseball. He was a threeyear letterman of the Seguin Matador Ball Club and was named Captain in 1950. After high school, he played for the Seguin Raiders. He was scouted by the White Sox and accepted to the team, but due to a football injury his baseball career was cut short.

Albert and Carolyn were previously members of Emanuel’s Lutheran Church where they enjoyed serving as Leaders of the Youth Group. Albert also worked on maintaining the grounds at both Emanuel’s Lutheran and their current Church, Faith Lutheran.

Albert enjoyed trotline fishing, good music, picking pecans, tending his passionflower garden, volleyball and simply visiting with all the friends and acquaintances he made through the R.V. Park.

He was well known in the Seguin community as the owner and manager of Zipp RV Park. He also faithfully helped Carolyn with her business, All Occasions Catering. Above all else, he was a hardworking, family-oriented husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who treasured time spent

Janet was preceded in death by her beloved daughter-in-law, Lyndsay Maclin Woods, and her stepfather, Glen Taft, both of whom she cared for deeply and now carries in her heart always.

She is survived by her children, AJ Woods; Travis Woods and Jessika Parham; and Paige Birdwell and Carl Birdwell Jr.; her precious grandchildren, Josiah and Roland Woods, and Amelia and Eleanor Birdwell; her father, Lee Roy Woods, Jr. and Tawnya Woods; her mother, Linda Sue Taft; her siblings, Becky Carlberg and Kevin Carlberg, and Keith Tausch; along with numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving family members, and a wide circle of friends who felt like family.

Janet’s love was the kind that stayed with you. Though her absence leaves an unimaginable space in the hearts of those who knew her, her laughter, her hugs, and her spirit will continue to live on in every memory shared.

Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever in our hearts.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at the Kingsbury Fire Station in Kingsbury, Texas from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. with remarks by the Reverend Tom Jones and friends and family at 3 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to a fund for her grandchildren.

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.

with those he loved.

Albert was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Emil Zipp and Emilie Sophie Fischer Zipp, his sister Regina Rehfeld and husband Milton, motherin-law and father-in-law, Hedwig and Herbert Reiley, his sister-in-law, Marciel Koepsel and husband George, and his brothers-in-law, Vernon Reiley and Leroy Reiley.

He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Carolyn Reiley Zipp; his daughters, Dina Scales and husband Ed, and Debby Sekula; grandchildren who knew and loved him as “Pops”, Carson Baker and wife Allie, Dalton Baker and wife Desiree, Taylor Sekula and wife Audrey, Brandon Sekula, and Alexis Sekula Strom and husband Jake; great-grandchildren, Eli, Amara, Kaylee, Alex, Cayden, and Jade Baker; brothers-in-law, Orville Reiley and wife Beulah, James Reiley and wife Betty Lee, and Larry Reiley and wife Lucy; sisters-in-law, Betty Jean Reiley, and Rosemary Pfullmann and husband Jimmy; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and a host of friends.

Albert’s kindness, dedication to his family, and quiet strength will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary. Funeral service will be on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Faith Lutheran Church at 11 a.m. with the Reverend Jeremy Pedersen officiating. A reception will follow in the Life Enrichment Center (LEC).

Private burial will be held in San Geronimo Cemetery later.

Serving as pallbearers will be Carson Baker, Dalton Baker, Taylor Sekula, Brandon Sekula, Alexis Sekula Strom, and Jake Strom.

The family would like to thank Dr. James Rider, Pastor Jeremy Pedersen, Guadalupe Regional Hospice Services and all the family and friends for their loving support they have given to Albert.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 1326 E. Cedar St., Seguin, Texas, 78155, Guadalupe Regional Hospice Services, 1215 E. Court St., Seguin, Texas, 78155 or to the Christian Cupboard, 516 N. Camp, 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.

VITAL STATISTICS

RANFT

www.SEGUINTODAY.com

JD Ranft, age 68 of Seguin, passed away on June 13, 2026. JD was born on February 26, 1958, in Seguin, Texas to Martha Lea (Dietert) and John Lenwood “Floppy” Ranft.

JD was a 1977 graduate of Seguin High School. He worked for Schubert Distributing for many years and several other companies.

JD is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Kenneth Scholl, grandmother, Norma Schievelbein and sister-in-law, Rhonda Ranft.

Survivors include his wife, Terri Lynne

SULLIVAN

Robert “Bobby” Charles Sullivan, Jr., age 85 of Seguin, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on June 14, 2026. Bobby was born on November 16, 1940, in Dallas, Texas to Ethel Mae Robinson Sullivan Coleman and Robert Charles Sullivan, Sr.

Robert is preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Joy Sullivan; grandson, Robert Reich; his parents; his brothers, Frank Sullivan, Sr. and Mike Sullivan; in addition to his brotherin-law, Charles Thompson.

Survivors include his daughter, Debi Reich and husband Jerry; grandsons, who knew and loved him as “Papa”, Philip Strauss and wife Sarah, and Marshall Reich; great-granddaughter, Amelia Joy Strauss; sister, Laura Thompson; sisters-in-law, Juliane Sullivan, and Kathy Brantley; cousins, Eric Vordenbaum and wife Brenda; Dorothy Trower and Connie Taubert; additional family, Molly, Danny, Jennifer B., Ben, Jenifer I., Skylar, Steele, Amanda, Johnathan and Joseph; friends Tommy Jean and Sam, the Willmann family and the morning taco bunch including Marilyn and Doyle. With special appreciation to Frank Sullivan and wife Judy, Pam Gonzalez and husband Joel and Kelle Wilde and husband Mitch whose extra loving care assisted him these last few years. With Debi and her family living in Florida and Georgia, these local family members’ help was instrumental in allowing him to stay at home where he could be comfortable.

As a child, Robert’s family moved numerous times within Texas before permanently settling in Seguin. He never left his adopted hometown of Seguin. Starting at age 12 he worked with his dad and brother, Frank, driving and delivering steel from the local steel mill and erecting buildings with them. For the rest of his work life, he was self-employed often working multiple

Ranft; daughter, Brittany Ann Ranft Gaillard and husband Justin; son, Shane Ranft; grandchildren, Riley Gaillard, Mackenzie Ranft, and Braxton Ranft; siblings, Dennis Ranft, Diane Syamken and husband David, George Ranft and wife Sandy, William Scholl and wife Pat, and Lyndon Scholl; aunt, Gloria Reininger; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving family members and friends.

Graveside services and interment will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at San Geronimo Cemetery with the Reverend Jeremy Roy officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s 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.

jobs and running businesses simultaneously. He installed fences and hauled materials, all the while incorporating time for breaks at the old Kettle Pancake House.

Back in the mid ‘60s, he met his future wife, Joy, at Seguin High School. Many stories from this time period included fast cars and drag racing. When they married, they bought a partially completed river house where they lived for over 50 years. Their home held lively 4th of July and Christmas eve parties. The size of the house never limited the number of guests who attended, often overflowing onto the front porch. Lots of fun was had, such as swimming in the river, floating down to the house from the Parkview boat ramp, and water skiing which was tricky on this narrow part of the Guadalupe.

His skill for all things mechanical, lead to a life-long passion for buying and selling vehicles, tractors, and equipment. He kept the family in a wide variety of cars because he found the perfect deal and could make repairs himself. His thriftiness and ingenuity with his welding machine kept things running long after their normal life span. Robert enjoyed frequent trips to Port A with family and friends, many over Memorial Day weekend. When Joy was a teacher, he would provide fall hayrides for her students while dressed in his farmer overalls.

After he became a grandfather, the family went to Disney World 24 years in a row. Due to his fondness for Disney, he became an unofficial and unpaid Mickey spokesman to anyone who would listen or watch the family videos.

A Celebration of Life for Robert will be held on Sunday, July 12, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at The Wayside, 501 N. Austin Street in Seguin, with remarks given at 5 pm including The Reverend Jeremy Roy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Seguin Education Foundation, P. O. Box 701, Seguin Texas, 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.

Study Links Ground Zero PTSD With Faster Aging In First Responders

(Stony Brook, NY) -- A new study links PTSD among Ground Zero first responders with faster aging. Researchers at Stonybrook University in New York found molecular changes associated with accelerated aging. SUNY scientists tested blood samples from nearly four-hundred Ground Zero first responders nearly two decades after the September 11th terrorist attacks on America. More than 230 who worked at Ground Zero were diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The study showed that many of their proteins and metabolites were “significantly different,” especially when it came to immunity, brain function and protection against cell damage. Researchers found accelerated biological aging in the kidneys, heart, liver and lungs among 9-11 first responders with a PTSD diagnosis.

Dementia Will Cost U.S. $818B This Year

(Undated) -- Dementia costs in the U.S. are expected to surpass 800-billion-dollars this year. According to a new study published by the Alzheimer’s Association, the costs are mostly falling on unpaid caregivers, not the government as individuals and families bear over three times the cost versus health systems. Over five-million Americans are living with dementia and another five-million people are caring for them without pay. The study also highlighted that quality-of-life losses are the largest driver of dementia’s total burden.

Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program Covers Popular GLP-1s

(Washington, DC) -- A Medicare pilot plan will now cover the most prescribed GLP-1s. The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program launches today. Participants must meet certain criteria, including height and weight and have comorbidities. The co--pay is 50-dollars a month for a 30-day supply. It runs through next year.

Texas Settles Millions In AstraZeneca Kickback Claims

(Austin, TX) -- A nearly 34-million dollar settlement is coming to Texas after drugmaker AstraZeneca [[ Ass-truh-ZEN-uh-kuh ]] was accused of using an illegal kickback scam to trick doctors. AG Ken Paxton announced the deal Monday, claiming the company offered doctors free perks like nurse services, using these kickbacks to push AstraZeneca drugs over competitors. Because many of those prescriptions were billed directly to Texas Medicaid, the state sued to get back the millions in misused taxpayer dollars. AstraZeneca denies any wrongdoing under the deal.

June

Summer Reading Experience Underway at Seguin Public Library

The Seguin Public Library is inviting readers of all ages to participate in its 2026 Summer Reading Experience, “Unearth a Story.” The free program features books, activities, special events, and opportunities to win dino-mite prizes throughout the summer. Children, teens, and adults are all encouraged to join. Registration is available in person at the library or online at Seguin Public Library Summer Reading Experience. No library card is required to participate. Participants have until Aug. 6, 2026, to complete their activity boards and be entered into drawings for raffle prizes.

National Reunification Month

SJRC Texas is recognizing June as National Reunification Month, a time to celebrate the safe reunification of children with their families and to raise awareness about the importance of family preservation. Reunification is the primary goal for children in foster care whenever it is safe and appropriate. Learn more about the services and support available through SJRC Texas.

July

Freedom Fiesta on July 4

The community is invited to celebrate Independence Day at Freedom Fiesta on

Saturday, July 4, in Central Park in downtown Seguin. Activities begin at 6 p.m. and continue until 11 p.m. The event will feature music from DJ D’Trayne and Clint Taft and the Buck Wild Band. There will also be food vendors, a beer garden, inflatables, family activities, and the annual Kiddie Parade. Admission is free. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of patriotic fun as Seguin celebrates the Fourth of July and America’s 250th birthday. Freedom Fiesta is hosted by KWED Radio and is open to the public. For more information, call KWED Radio at 830-379-2234.

Kiddie Parade Set for July 4 in Seguin

Children and families are invited to take part in a patriotic Kiddie Parade at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, at the gazebo on Donegan Street in downtown Seguin. Participants can march or ride decorated bicycles, scooters, strollers, and other patriotic “floats” behind Uncle Sam, portrayed by Guadalupe County Sheriff Joshua Ray, as the parade makes its way around Central Park. Prizes will be awarded for the top entries in riding, walking, stroller, and motorized categories. Participation is free and open to the public. The event is organized by the Guadalupe County Republican Women. For more information, contact Kelly at 830-463-7549 or email kdfoll123@yahoo.com.

CASA of Central Texas Foster Care Simulation

CASA of Central Texas will host a free Foster Care Simulation from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, at Gruene United Methodist Church, 2629 E. Common St. in New Braunfels. Participants will experience the challenges and realities of the foster care system through an interactive simulation. Registration is required. For more information, visit casacentex.org.

August

Seguin ISD Back-to-School Family Bash

Seguin ISD invites families to its 5th Annual Back-to-School Family Bash on Friday, August 7, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Seguin High School Cafeteria, 1315 E. Cedar Street. The districtwide event is open to students and families from Pre-K through 12th grade and will feature free games, a hot dog supper, resource booths, prizes, and activities for the entire family. Attendees can also meet representatives from Seguin ISD schools and departments while learning about services and resources available throughout the community. Admission is free.

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.

Q:I went out to the nursery to buy a large pot of geraniums for my front porch. They said they had none; the season was over. Isn’t the geranium a summer plant?

A:

The plant we call “geranium” is actually a Pelargonium. Our common geranium that most of us grow is the Pelargonium x hortorum according to the University of Georgia Extension Bulletin 790 on Geraniums. Flower colors range from white to pink, rose, salmon, and red. The flower head is made up many small flowers called “florets” which can be single or double. This source recommends planting the geranium as an annual rather than trying to bring it through the summer. This is because the growth and flowering of these plants slows during hot weather, particularly in areas with high nighttime temperatures (like we have here).

If you have managed to get one through the summer, you can try to rejuvenate it by pruning the long stem growth back in August. Remove half to three fourths of the stem length. Move it into light to moderate shade until October (or whenever cooler nights occur), then move back to full sun. Fertilize every three weeks. Your geranium should then flower until it freezes.

Q:What are we supposed to do about the lawn in the summer as far as mowing and fertilizing?

A:Doug Welsh, Extension Horticulturist, says to increase mowing heights during the summer to decrease lawn water use and increase drought tolerance. He also suggests you decrease your fertilizer rates. You also could use less water on the part of the lawn that doesn’t show. Or you could plant ground covers.

Three Texas Superstar ground covers are Purslane, Blue Daze, and Little Ruby Alternanthera. Each one can grow in full sun and Texas heat. In fact, Purslane (Portulaca oleracea, P. umbraticola) needs full sun for good flowering. Spreading type plants grow 4 to 10 inches tall and spread from 12 to 24 inches. This plant is probably an annual here since it will freeze.

Blue Daze Evolvulus glomeratus is also treated as an annual although the Superstar material says it is a tender perennial in USDA zones 9-11. If you live on the coast, the plant tolerates salty conditions. Blue Daze must have well drained soil. It grows 9 to 18 inches tall and spreads to 36 inches wide.

A move recent Superstar is Little Ruby Alternanthera. (In fact, it is not even in my Superstar book.) This a compact version of our old favorite Joseph’s Coat. It grows 12 to 15 inches high and 14 to 16 inches wide. It is very heat tolerant. In full sun the foliage is a rich burgundy, while in the shade the foliage is more greenish. It also freezes although the information given suggests that it might tolerate light frosts. All three of these ground covers will also work in containers as “spiller” plants.