SDN: June 19, 2026

Juneteenth BBQ Fundraiser plus membership drive to support MLK Day programs

(Seguin) -- The MLK Seguin Planning Committee is inviting residents to celebrate Juneteenth with a plate of BBQ. The local group will be hosting its Juneteenth Freedom Day BBQ Fundraiser this Saturday.

The fundraiser will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Seguin Youth Services building.

Committee member Regina Lee says attendees will have plenty of food to enjoy as part of the event.

“We have a BBQ plate, and you get your choice, either a leg quarter, which is the thigh and the leg, or else sausage with ribs on the side. We have potato salad, baked beans, we’re going to have bread and onions and pickles if you like and BBQ sauce. Every plate comes with Kool-Aid and 7up cake,” said Lee.

MLK, pg. 3

Parade entry deadline arrives for Seguin’s Fourth of July Parade

(Seguin) – City officials are reminding residents that they have just two more days to secure a spot in the city’s 2026 Biggest Small-Town Fourth of July Parade which this year commemorates America’s 250th anniversary.

Organizations, businesses, schools, churches, and community groups hoping to be part of Seguin’s annual Independence Day Parade have

until Saturday to submit a free entry application for this year’s patriotic event in downtown Seguin.

With several entries already registered, Lindsay Hajek, assistant director of Main Street and Destination Seguin, says there is still time for additional participants to join the celebration.

Parade, pg. 3

Elevate brings classic rock favorites to Central Park Summer Concert Series

(Seguin) -- Central Park Summer Concert Series continues on Sunday, June 21, with a performance by Elevate, a high-energy, family-friendly classic rock band known for delivering crowd-favorite hits.

Fronted by Southern California recording and touring veterans Keith Gerson and Marilisa, now fulltime residents of New Braunfels, ELEVATE brings decades of stage experience to every performance. The group also features lead guitarist and vocalist Tommy Wilson, a veteran performer with experience throughout Europe and the Texas music circuit, along with bassist Mike McLean and drummer/vocalist David McBride, both accomplished musicians with extensive recording and touring backgrounds.

Together, ELEVATE delivers a full, crowd-ready sound built around the songs audiences know and love. Those in attendance can expect classic favorites from artists such as Santana, The Eagles, ZZ Top, John Mellencamp, Fleetwood Mac, Joe Cocker, and more, creating an evening of timeless rock hits and memorable entertainment.

The free concert begins at 7 p.m. Sunday in Central Park. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or

blankets and grab dinner at a food truck or visit nearby

Hosted by the Seguin Main Street Program, the Summer Concert Series has become a beloved community tradition, offering a variety of musical genres throughout June and early July.

Following Elevate’s performance, the series continues with: June 28 – Music Forya Soul (R&B and Old School Funk) July 5 – San Antonio Symphonic Band Patriotic Concert

This year’s concert series concludes with a special patriotic performance by the San Antonio Symphonic Band on July 5 as part of Seguin’s celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary.

The Summer Concert Series is made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including presenting sponsor Schertz Bank & Trust, along with Niagara, CMC Steel Texas, Guadalupe Regional Medical Center, GVEC, Guadalupe Trading Co., Seguin Electric Company, Inc., The Seguin Gazette, TQI Industries, and TRC Infrastructure Inc.

For more information about the Central Park Summer Concert Series and other upcoming events, visit our website www.visitseguin.com.

Parade, continued.

“Right now, we have over 130 entries for the parade. We do have our deadline. It’s coming up. We’ll accept them through Saturday. So, if you have not applied to enter the parade, definitely get your entry in as soon as possible. But

yeah, it’s looking to be a great year. We’re excited to be celebrating the 250th anniversary for America. So, it should be a fun event. I hope everybody’s getting ready,” said Hajek.

This year’s parade along Austin Street begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 4. Organizers say past

attendance estimates have exceeded 10,000 people. Applications and additional information about the parade are available through the City of Seguin website. Those interested in participating can visit seguintexas. gov for details and submission information.

MLK, continued.

In addition to raising funds, Lee says the event will also serve as a membership drive for the local NAACP chapter, which has a long history of serving residents throughout Guadalupe County.

“It is a fundraiser and a membership drive. So, if you’re interested, please come and join the NAACP. We have been in this community for more than 50 years. We have been continuously (working) in this

community. We are a small group. Our forefathers or mothers who started the group were really, really staunch about it, and they kept it together. So, we have been here more than 50 years, and that is the county including the Schertz, Cibolo area and parts of New Braunfels,” said Lee.

Barbecue plates are $15 each and can be purchased at the door. Both pick up or dine in will be available.

The Seguin Youth Services building is located at 919 N. Guadalupe St.

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.

VITAL STATISTICS

LOOFF

Ellen Blackwell Looff passed away peacefully on June 9, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. She was born on December 13, 1944, in Texarkana, Texas, to Susie Glayds (Stewart) and Stanley Phillip Blackwell.

Ellen graduated from Texas High School in 1963 and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from East Texas State University in 1968. While teaching school in Houston, she met and married Wayne Looff on May 31, 1973. They have one daughter, Whitney.

Shortly after her marriage and moving to Seguin, Ellen continued her thirty-five year teaching career at Randolph Air Force Base, A.J. Briesemeister School, and Seguin High School. Later, she taught at Mary B. Erskine and Vogel Elementary School; many of those students will remember with delight her reading of Hank the Cowdog.

Ellen was the ultimate hostess at parties that Wayne and she gave at their home, celebrating occasions like Christmas, Fourth of July, dinner parties, and other events. Her hobbies included reading, needlepoint, crewel, and crafting. As a member of Faith Lutheran Church for over 50 years, Ellen supported many activities at the church. She was also a member of the Pi Eta Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi and a charter member of the “Winettes,” which met every Friday afternoon after a long week of school. Other highlights of her life were

the many travels to Europe with Wayne. Ellen will be remembered for her style and grace, her kindness and compassion, and her endless love for all.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents; her mother-in-law and fatherin-law, Norma “Chick” and E. C. “Pinky” Looff; sister-in-law, Linda Blackwell; and brother-in-law, Jeff Looff and wife Joan.

Survivors include her husband, Wayne Looff; daughter, Whitney Looff McClean and husband, Charlie; sister, Suzanne Sengele and husband D.X., III; brother, Ronald Blackwell; sister-in-law, Lisa Carleton and husband David; niece, Bonnie Finnigan and husband Richard; nephews, D.X. Sengele, IV, and wife Mary; Christopher Sengele, Brandon Sengele, Christian Carleton, Brett Carleton and his wife Natasha; Jeff Looff, II, and his wife Hope Herrington; several great nieces and nephews, cousins, other loving family members and a host of friends.

Visitation will begin on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church. The Reverend Jeremy Pedersen will officiate the memorial service at 3 p.m., celebrating Ellen’s life. A reception will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 1326 E. Cedar, Seguin, Texas 78155; or Seguin Public Library, 313 W. Nolte Street, 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

DASHER

Francis Wagner Dasher III, “Randy” age 78 of Seguin, Texas passed away peacefully on June 10, 2026. Born on May 19, 1948, in Savannah, Georgia. He was the child of Francis Wagner Dasher Jr and Barbara Jones.

As a child, Randy spent his summers in Cherokee, North Carolina at Camp Sequoyah. He also spent time going on hunts with his granddaddy and enjoyed water skiing at various lakes in Savannah. Randy graduated from Savannah High School and then enlisted in the United States Air Force. Through friends Randy was set up on a “blind date” with Elisa in August of 1969. At that time, Randy told Elisa he knew they would be married someday. In April of 1970 they married and just celebrated their 56th anniversary together. Randy then left the Air Force and settled down in Seguin, where he worked at SMI (CMC) for 39 years. There he and Elisa had two children, Robert and Jennifer. Though they only had two children, they now have eight grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. During their time together, Randy loved to travel with Elisa on cruises and go to Coushatta.

LUNA

Randy is survived by his spouse of 56 years, Elisa; their children Robert Dasher (Monica) and Jennifer Vasquez (Pete); grandchildren Amanda (Jeremy), Alexis (Kayla), Kaitlyn, Kallie, Emily, Madison, Brandon, MaKenzie; and great grandchildren Bentlee, Ashton, Remi, and Lena; brother Walter Dasher (Alice).

Randy is preceded in death by his parents and his beloved dogs Cookie and Lucy.

Visitation will begin on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel followed by funeral service at 11 a.m. with the Reverend Patricia Riggins officiating. A reception will be announced.

Graveside services and interment with military honors will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with the Reverend Christopher Robinson officiating.

Serving as pallbearers will be Brandon Vasquez, Jeremy Torres, Bentlee Dasher, Joe Paez, Angel Estrada, and Alexis Galindo.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Randy Dasher to Hope Hospice, 611 N. Walnut, New Braunfels. A special thank you to Mayrn, his hospice nurse for all the care she showed Randy and the family.

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.

Melissa Ann Luna passed away on June 13, 2026, in Seguin, Texas. She was born on December 10, 1967. Arrangements are under the direction of Palmer Mortuary, 1116 N. Austin St., Seguin, Texas 78155. 830-379-9430.

BROWN

Elizabeth Ann Brown, 79, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 11, 2026. She was born on October 24, 1946 in Seguin, Texas.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Ethel (Brown) Kirchman, and her brother, Curtis Ray Kirchman.

She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Kay Brown; her sister, Linda K. Springfield and husband Johnny; her niece, Brandy Lynn Kirchman Garrett and husband David; and her cherished great-nieces and nephews, Brandon

Weber, Ashley Weber, Lisa Prather and husband Cedric, Abraham Luna, and Alegandra Luna.

Elizabeth found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved arts and crafts, enjoyed admiring flowers, and spent many happy hours watching TV. More than anything, she treasured her family. She especially enjoyed spending time with her nieces and nephews and creating memories during family sleepovers and gatherings. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family and friends.

A Graveside Service officiated by Chaplain Tom Jones will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. at Kingsbury Cemetery.

Services are under the direction of Goetz Funeral Home, Seguin, Texas.

CDC Gives Update On Ebola

(Atlanta, GA) -- There are now 856 cases of Ebola in Congo and Uganda and 198 confirmed deaths in the two countries. That’s the latest total in an update given by the CDC this week. The CDC recommends avoiding non essential travel to those areas and says the overall risk to Americans and travelers remains low. There are no Ebola cases in the U.S. linked to the outbreak. An American who tested positive for Ebola doing humanitarian work in Congo has fully recovered.

Synthetic Vape Coolants Could Have Heart Risks

(Louisville, TN) -- That smooth, “icy” taste in some vapes could harm your heart. New research from the University of Louisville says WS-23, a lab-made cooling chemical used to make vapes feel smoother, made mice’s hearts beat off-rhythm three times as often. It also made stressed human heart cells beat slower, then recharge faster for the next beat. Researchers say vapes with lab-made cooling ingredients like WS-3 and WS-23 are spreading fast, with sales up 872-percent in recent years.

Study Links Utah DUI Limit To Fewer Deaths

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- New research is tying a lower legal blood-alcohol limit to fewer alcohol-related crash deaths. Researchers from Colorado State University and UC Irvine School of Medicine compared Utah with six neighboring states after Utah passed its point-oh-five limit in 2017. That means drivers can be legally over the limit after less alcohol than the point-oh-eight cutoff used in every other state. The study found Utah’s alcohol-related deaths fell more than in those neighboring states, even as national alcohol-impaired crash deaths rose 25-percent. Utah is the only state with a point-oh-five drunk-driving limit.

FTC Sues Leading Transgender Medical Group

(Fort Worth, TX) -- The FTC and four states are suing the leading medical organization focused on transgender health. The World Professional Association for Transgender Health is accused of making false and unsubstantiated claims to parents to sell pediatric medical transition services. Alaska, Iowa, Nebraska and Texas joined the lawsuit, which was filed in federal court in Fort Worth, Texas. According to the lawsuit, WPATH did not disclose side effects and misrepresented the medical necessity of gender-affirming medical care for minors.

Juneteenth Freedom Day BBQ Fundraiser

The MLK Seguin Planning Committee invites the community to celebrate Juneteenth Freedom Day with a BBQ fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at Seguin Youth Services, 919 N. Guadalupe St. in Seguin. BBQ plates are $15 and include your choice of a chicken quarter or rib and sausage, plus potato salad, beans, trimmings, and dessert. Bring your family and friends for an afternoon of food, fellowship, and community while supporting local youth and community initiatives. For more information, contact the MLK Seguin Planning Committee.

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

Art Show Honors Military Veterans

The Seguin Art League will accept entries for its Red, White and Blue Honoring Veterans Art Show from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 13, at the Seguin Art League Gallery, 104 S. Austin St. The exhibit is open to league members and free for non-member veterans. The show will be on display through July 11. A Veterans Art Talk reception is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, at the gallery. A prospectus can be downloaded at seguinartleague.com, or picked up at the gallery. For more information, call 830-491-0778.

Salvation Army Benefit Basket Raffle

The public is invited to support a special basket raffle benefiting the Salvation Army. The fundraiser will be held Friday, June 19, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the back of the Cascade Café at Guadalupe Regional Medical Center. The raffle features Father’s Day and Fourth of July-themed baskets, with all proceeds going to support the Salvation Army and its local mission. Community members are encouraged to stop by, purchase raffle tickets, and help support a worthy cause. Tickets are $1 each or get six for $5.

Jury Duty Cancelled for JP1

Jurors who were summoned for jury duty on Monday, June 22 for Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 are advised that jury duty has been cancelled. Those who received a summons for the 9:30 a.m. appearance do not need to report to court. For additional information, contact the Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 office.

Anniversary

The public is invited to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday at the Field of Honor’s Birthday Party on Saturday, June 27, beginning at 10 a.m. The event will feature guest speakers, live music by Clint Taft, free hot dogs, chips and drinks while supplies last, plus family-friendly activities including a fish pond, duck pool, bean bag toss, coloring table and prizes for children. Flag dedications will also be available. Organizers invite the community to join them as they help kick off the Fourth of July festivities.

Junior Lifeguard Program

The Seguin Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a Junior Lifeguard Class from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, June 25 at the Seguin Wave Pool, located at 1 Wave Pool Drive. The class is open to participants ages 9 to 15 and will teach basic first-aid, CPR, water safety, rescue techniques, communication skills and lifeguard responsibilities. Participants must be able to swim and complete a swim-tread-swim sequence. This is not a learn-to-swim program and does not provide official lifeguard or CPR certification. The cost is $40 per participant. Participants should bring a swimsuit, sunglasses, towel, water, hat and a cold sack lunch. For more information, call Seguin Parks and Recreation at 830401-2480.

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.