SDN: June 16, 2026

NewQuest breaks ground on game-changing Seguin Exchange retail, industrial space

(Seguin) -- After nearly two decades of anticipation, questions about whether the project would ever become a reality, and a previous groundbreaking ceremony that never led to development, the longawaited NewQuest project is finally becoming a reality.

Houston-based NewQuest has officially broken ground on infrastructure for the 544-acre Seguin Exchange, a massive mixeduse project at Interstate 10 and State Highway 46 that promises to bring the large-scale retail development local residents have long sought.

The development will include retail, medical, hospitality, entertainment and multifamily uses, along with two million square feet of industrial space. At its heart will be a shopping center totaling more than 750,000 square feet, making it one of the largest commercial developments ever undertaken in Seguin and Guadalupe County.

Exchange, pg. 3

City council to receive presentation on Coliseum policies ahead of Pride Event

(Seguin) -- The Seguin City Council on Tuesday is scheduled to receive an update on the policies and practices governing the use of the Seguin Coliseum and the broader Seguin Events Complex.

The presentation was requested by some members of the Seguin City Council following recent complaints regarding the Riverside Pride Festival, which is scheduled for October 31 both outside and inside the Seguin Coliseum.

City Attorney Mark Kennedy is expected to provide an overview of the booking, permitting, and security requirements that apply to the Riverside Pride event, as well as other events held at city facilities.

He is also expected to address the ability of city council members to express personal religious beliefs when discussing matters that come before the council.

The item is listed as a presentation only, meaning no action can be taken by the council during Tuesday’s meeting. However, all or portions of the discussion could be moved into executive session. Under the Texas Open Meetings Act, a majority of the council may vote to enter closed session under the attorney-client consultation exception.

There has been a steady stream of public comment both in support of and in opposition to the Riverside

Pride Festival. Organizers say the event will feature family-friendly activities outside the coliseum earlier in the day, followed by an adults-only drag show inside the facility later that afternoon.

Organizers have said they will comply with all state laws governing drag performances, which is why attendance at the drag show will be restricted to individuals 18 years of age and older.

Those opposed to the event have frequently cited religious concerns and have also raised questions about safety and security.

The Seguin City Council meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Seguin City Hall.

Exchange, continued.

Austin Alvis, president and chief development officer for NewQuest, says the project’s impact on the local economy will be significant.

“Seguin Exchange is the most significant mixed-use development in Seguin and Guadalupe County, bringing a tremendous economic impact through sales taxes, property taxes and jobs,” said Alvis.

Much of that economic impact is expected to come from the retail component. NewQuest officials say the shopping center will be anchored by a major general merchandise retailer and a home improvement store. Company officials also report that lease negotiations are already underway for more than 400,000 square feet of retail space, including the anchor tenants.

Infrastructure construction is now underway, with utilities and roadway improvements expected to be completed by the end of this year. That work will pave the way for vertical construction of retail, restaurant and other commercial projects. The first stores are expected to open by the end of 2027, with most retailers, restaurants and service businesses opening throughout 2028.

Alvis says Seguin’s rapid growth has finally created the market conditions necessary to support a project of this magnitude.

“Seguin’s population and job growth has been substantial and has garnered the attention of enough retailers to justify new class A development,” said Alvis.

NewQuest originally acquired the property in 2007 and waited years for growth in the region to catch up with its vision for the site. Today, officials say more than 60 masterplanned residential communities are under construction

across the area, fueling demand for additional shopping, dining and services.

NewQuest investors say located along one mile of Interstate 10 frontage, Seguin Exchange is positioned to serve not only Seguin residents but also workers employed by major manufacturers including Caterpillar Inc. and Vitesco Technologies AG, whose local operations employ thousands.

In addition to retail development, the project includes more than 250 acres designated for industrial growth. The first industrial user, Ohio-based automotive supplier -KTH Parts Industries Inc., has purchased 40 acres and is expected to begin construction in late 2026.

As construction gets underway, Alvis says past years of planning and patience have brought the project to this point.

“We are fortunate to have been patient with superior land positions,” said Alvis. “Exchange represents a longterm bet that will prove to have far-reaching and positive impacts on the local economy. We want to express our sincere gratitude to Seguin and Guadalupe County for their support through the years to get to this critical milestone.”

Business leaders say Houston-based NewQuest continues to be the most active mixed-use developer in Texas. Seguin Exchange is also now one of the largest for the company’s current pipeline – with at least 30 projects in various stages of development.

When fully developed, officials say Seguin Exchange will become a major regional destination and one of the largest economic development projects in Guadalupe County history, bringing new shopping, dining, employment opportunities and investment to Seguin --reportedly one of the fastest-growing areas in Texas.

TLU Men’s Soccer Helped Lead International Soccer Experience During FIFA World Cup Week

(Seguin) — Texas Lutheran University Men’s Soccer recently took center stage in an international soccer collaboration that connected local studentathletes and youth players with a professional European soccer club.

TLU coaches and student-athletes participated Sunday in the Global Soccer Experience held at Mainland Sports Complex in San Antonio. The event brought together German professional soccer club SV Darmstadt 98, Goal Impact Foundation, and community partners for a day focused on player development, leadership, and cultural exchange.

The TLU coaching staff was selected to implement

the professional training methodology used by SV Darmstadt 98, a vote of confidence in the university’s soccer program and its coaching leadership.

The opportunity comes on the heels of a successful season for the Bulldogs and further highlights the growing reputation of the TLU Men’s Soccer program. Organizers say the event showcased how collegiate programs can play an important role in developing young athletes while building international relationships through sport.

Current TLU student-athletes also assisted with the event, helping lead training activities and serving as ambassadors for the university. Coaches selected participants based not only on athletic ability but also

on leadership, professionalism, and character.

The collaboration also carried special significance for several TLU alumni. Former teammates from the Bulldogs’ 2002 conference championship team helped create the partnership, demonstrating the lasting impact of relationships built through the university and its soccer program.

Organizers say the Global Soccer Experience was designed to promote youth development, leadership, community engagement, and international collaboration while giving participants a unique opportunity to connect with the global game during the opening days of FIFA World Cup 2026.

VITAL STATISTICS

BAENZIGER

David Lee Baenziger, age 78, of Seguin, Tx., passed away May 27, 2026, in the surgical wing of Guadalupe Regional Medical Center. David was born on May 20, 1948, in Seguin Tx. to Harold and Ethel Baenziger.

After attending Seguin Public Schools, he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in math from Southwest Texas State University (Summa cum laude) where he met his future wife, Linda. At his death they were married just days shy of 55 years.

After attending Officers Training in Newport, Rhode Island, David and Linda married and were stationed in Yokosuka, Japan. David’s naval career as an officer was aboard the USS Oklahoma City (which was the admiral’s flagship in the far east). After his Vietnam service he and Linda lived in El Paso, Tx. where he became a pharmaceutical representative for Hoffman-LaRoche in the Southwest area including Texas and New Mexico. Later he switched gears to pursue several positions with Loomis International in the oilfields of east Texas, offshore Louisiana, and South Texas.

David was called back to Seguin to join his father and brother as part of the Baenziger’s Model Market. He also converted an old family property to become The Short Stop Convenience Store.

David believed in the betterment of community, state, and nation. His community activities included the Kiwanis service organization, a lifetime membership in the American Legion, and VFW. He became a president of the Chamber of Commerce and a perpetual judge of local and state chili cookoffs. Other local judging efforts included the high schools’ DECA and robotic

BAKER

The world became a little dimmer on May 13, 2026, when Patricia Ann “Patty” Faucher Baker left us. She was the heart of our family, steady, loving, and endlessly giving. Born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin on March 14, 1937, she grew into a woman who lived with purpose and grace.

Patty is preceded in death by her parents, Francis Joseph “Frank” Faucher and Virginia “Ginny” Evylan Smithers-Faucher, her brother James “Jim” Francis Faucher and daughter, Barbara Baker.

Survivors include her loving husband of 68 years, Claborn “Bud” Baker, Jr.; sons, Alan Baker and wife Danette, Kevin Baker and wife Missy Baker; daughter, Lisa Baker Reaves and husband John; grandchildren, Carson Baker and wife Allie, Dalton Baker and wife Desiree, Andrea Fowner and husband Carl, Michael Woehler and wife Brookelynn, Cory Knight and Amber White, Joshua Baker, Jeremiah Baker, Derek Baker, Kody Baker, Logan Baker, Kayla Klabunde, and Kyle Klabunde; numerous great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other loving family members and a host of friends.

programs.

For two weeks each year, David spent his vacation volunteering for the Souvenir Committee of the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo and became an Outstanding Volunteer, David helped represent the National Grocers’ Association-Pac in Washington D.C. for several years.

He also became an AKC-certified dog handler for emotional support with his dog partner, Candy. These two were a regular pair on San Antonio College campuses, especially during finals week.

He and Linda continue to sponsor several family scholarships at Texas Lutheran University. David spear-headed the family donation of the old opera-house which is now the Heritage Museum. He also believed in showing his support for his many friends on the police force and city government.

David is survived by his wife, Linda Baenziger, his brother Roger Baenziger, and his two sisters, Ruth Bates and Joan Russell, his brothers-in-law include Dan Bates, Tom Russell, Billie Wayne Heiser and Dannye Heiser. His surviving sisters-in-law include Merry Louise Topperwein and Gale Heiser, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also will mourn his loss.

He is preceded in death by his parents Harold and Ethel Baenziger and by his father and mother-in-law, Bill and Estelle Heiser.

David died a Christian.

Visitation will begin on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel at 10 a.m. followed by memorial service at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Brahm French officiating. Military honors will be rendered. The celebration of David’s life will continue with a reception in the Yellow Rose Room at the Silver Center, formerly Baenziger’s Model Market.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Life Changing Church Building Fund, 3170 Settlers Way, 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.

She had a gift for making people feel seen. Whether through a warm meal, a thoughtful phone call, or her ability to listen without judgment, she made life better for everyone around her. She loved travelling, camping/glamping, dancing, boating, fishing, swimming, theatre and a good movie. She was a lover of animals, cherished spending time with family especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, and believed deeply in family and our Lord and Savior.

Her greatest joy was her family. She poured her whole heart into raising her children and supporting her loved ones, and her legacy lives on in the people she shaped with her love.

We will gather to celebrate her life on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 2:00 p.m.-5:00p.m. at the American Legion H U Wood Post 245, 618 East Kingsbury Street, Seguin, TX, 78155.

We will miss her every day, but we are grateful for every moment we had. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion H U Wood Post 245, P. O. Box 503, Seguin, Texas, 78155 or 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.

12 Screwworm Cases Confirmed

(Undated) -- The number of confirmed cases of New World screwworm in the U.S. is up to 12. The screwworm is a parasitic fly that attacks warm-blooded livestock, wildlife and pets, posing a real threat to agriculture. So far, eleven cases have been found in Texas and one in New Mexico. The fly was eradicated in the U.S. in the 1960s but has since spread north through Central America and Mexico. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared a state of disaster and the U.S. Department of Agriculture is working to fight the spread.

Manhattan Project Waste Claims Keep Climbing

(Washington, DC) -- Decades after Cold War atomic test fallout and Manhattan Project waste, more Americans sickened by nuclear exposure are getting federal compensation. The federal payment program was closed to new claims after its filing window expired in 2024. Congress reopened it last July and widened the map of who can qualify. The money goes to people with certain serious illnesses, or their surviving families. Federal data shows nearly 409-million dollars approved since reopening, with over 30-thousand claims still pending. Requests are up about 14-percent since last month.

Be Mindful of Heat Related Illnesses

(Atlanta, GA) -- The hottest time of year in the U.S. is approaching. Dr. Casilda Balmeceda, a neurologist says it’s important to keep an eye out for those who look like they are experiencing a heat illness. She says slurred speech and confusion are signs of heat stroke. During extreme heat, the CDC recommends staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol or drinks high in sugar and sodium. The CDC says signs the body overheating includes muscle cramping, shortness of breath, dizziness and headaches.

Aging Cell Research May Tweak Future Health Treatment

(Cambridge, MA) -- Some worn-out human cells may be worth saving. In a new National Institutes of Health study, researchers looked at senescent [[ suh-NESS-ent ]] cells, which are older cells that stop making copies of themselves but keep sending chemical messages to nearby tissue. The NIH says some of those messages can help repair damage or slow tumor growth, but too many of the cells can pile up with age and add to chronic disease. The goal is to guide future treatments that clear out the damaging cells without taking out the useful ones.