SDN: June 22, 2026

June 22, 2026

Fire damages home on Olive Street; Neighboring residence protected

(Seguin) -- Quick action by local firefighters reportedly helped prevent a house fire from spreading to a neighboring home Friday afternoon.

According to Seguin Fire Department Battalion Chief Kevin Rhea, firefighters were dispatched around 2 p.m. Friday to a residential structure fire in the 1300 block of Olive Street. Upon arrival, Rhea says crews encountered heavy fire and smoke coming from the home.

“(We) arrived on scene to a single-story residential structure, had heavy fire and smoke out of the north end of the building. Crews arrived on scene, started stretching lines, and went to work to put the fire out,” said Rhea.

One man was reportedly suffering from heat-related issues at the scene and was transported to a

local hospital as a precaution. No serious injuries were reported.

Rhea says firefighters received confirmation early on that everyone had safely escaped the home, allowing crews to focus solely on extinguishing the fire.

He says crews were also able to stop the fire from extending into the neighboring home.

Fire, pg. 3

Giving continues; Thriving Hearts Crisis Center works to pull in last minute donations for its Rooted in Safety campaign

(Seguin) – Although the official campaign ended this past weekend, community support to end violence among families continues.

Thriving Hearts, formerly Guadalupe Valley Family Violence Shelter, is still accepting monetary contributions for its Rooted in Safety: Spring Giving Campaign.

The effort is to ensure survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking have immediate access to safety and support.

New Executive Director and CEO Jana Evans says the fundraising effort is designed to strengthen the organization’s ability to respond around Center, pg. 3

Free summer meals program continues to serve local families

Cindy Aguirre-Herrera

(Seguin) – Even though the school year may be over, Seguin ISD is still making sure lunch is in session this summer.

The district’s free annual Summer Food Program is underway and will continue through July 31 at select locations across Seguin. The program offers free breakfast and lunch to children ages 1 to 18. School officials say the program is made possible through a partnership with the USDA and is designed to help families bridge the gap when school cafeterias are closed for the summer.

Emily Allen, Seguin ISD executive director of communications, says families have several options when it comes to finding a meal site.

“We are offering free breakfast and lunch at varying locations around the district, including Park West. That is going to be probably our most accessible location. A couple of our other locations are elementary schools such as Vogel and McQueeney. Those will offer meals through the end of July. We do have a couple other places that will only have meals through the end of June,” said Allen.

Because meal schedules, serving times and locations vary throughout the summer, Allen encourage families to check online before visiting a site.

“And so, it’s really important for families to go online. We do have all of this information posted on

the Seguin ISD website. If you scroll down on the homepage and click meals, that’ll bring you right up and show you the summer food program. You can get a link to more information on specific hours and locations, the dates that those locations are gonna be open, and who’s serving breakfast and lunch. Most of them have both, but there are some variations. So, it’s really important to check those out before you go to a particular location,” said Allen.

Allen says the summer meal program remains available to all children regardless of where they live or they attend school. The idea is for kids of all income brackets to enjoy warm meals.

“These meals are free for all kids ages 1 to 18. The adults, we do have a small fee based on which meal you might be receiving, whether it’s breakfast or lunch. We do provide these free meals during the school year, and we are very grateful to be able to continue to offer these meals during the summer thanks to a partnership with USDA,” said Allen.

Again, while meals are free for children ages 1 to 18, adults may also participate for a fee. Adult breakfast meals cost $3.40 and lunch meals are $5.20.

For complete information on meal sites, serving times and dates of operation, families are encouraged to visit the Seguin ISD website or the district’s Facebook page.

Fire, continued.

“The only thing was we did have another structure immediately to the north, the neighbor’s home, very close proximity. So that was an exposure that we had to protect. So, we did have the exterior of that house also begin to catch on fire. Crews made an interior search of that structure as well

-- all clear -- and then we were able to keep the fire from actually extending inside the home. So, the only real damage to the neighboring property would be pretty much exterior,” said Rhea.

According to Rhea, the fire is said to have originated in the garage area.

“The fire did start on the north end of the house on the garage area.

It did have some extension into the home, but it did not make it to the south side of the home. So, there was a significant amount of the structure that may have some smoke damage in it, but it was unaffected by the fire or water. That was you put it out,” said Rhea.

The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Center, continued.

the clock to individuals and families in crisis throughout the counties that it serves – which include Guadalupe, Gonzales, Karnes and Wilson.

Thriving Hearts Crisis Center for years has provided emergency shelter, crisis intervention, counseling and advocacy services to survivors seeking immediate help.

According to the organization, the need remains urgent. Last year alone, Thriving Hearts “provided more than 1,600 nights of safe shelter and answered more than 1,400 crisis calls from those seeking protection, support and hope.”

Evans says every donation, whether large or small, helps “ensure the organization can continue responding immediately when someone reaches out for help.”

“Whenever someone calls out for help, whenever they do that, whether that be domestic violence or sexual assault, that safety can’t wait. So, we need to be able to respond to that immediately and be there for them. So that’s that call to action to say that we need that community investment and support in order to be able to be there 24/7, respond to the call, respond to that safety planning – or however we can help them in the process, whether that be counseling,

whether that be that safety of shelter stay, all those things that we’re doing. We can’t do that alone. So, it takes the whole community to be able to make that happen. So it’s a call to action of being able to say that, you know, your $25, your $10, your $100, whatever you can give, that helps to make sure that when someone reaches out, we’re able to be there for them and support them in their journey,” said Evans.

Evans says giving has been made simple for those looking to support the effort.

“You can follow our social media and you’re able to go right on there and it’s a real quick donation that you’re able to go on there (and do). And the other monthly option is something that we’re doing too so that way, you can have a bigger impact of making sure that every month that they’re supported,” said Evans.

Those wishing to donate to the nonprofit can do so through Thriving Hearts Crisis Center’s social media platforms or by visiting its online giving page at safeseguin.org.

GIVE TODAY. SAFETY CAN’T WAIT. https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/ thccs-spring-appeal-safety-cant-wait

VITAL STATISTICS

ECKHARDT

Carl “Bubba” Eckhardt was born on August 2, 1964, to Colleen Davis Eckhardt and Carl “Doug” Eckhardt. He is preceded in death by his loving parents and grandparents. Bubba is survived by his 3 beautiful daughters, Ashley (Nicholas), Shelby, and Lauren (Braeden) who he shared with Rebecca; 4 grandsons Henry, Cooper, Finn, and Dawson; his brother Troy (Sharlene); nephew Remington and niece Olivia; and Willie Nelson (thank God).

Bubba graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in Animal Science. He had a rich career dedicated to wildlife and the outdoors, from working at the San Antonio Zoo to private game ranches. His “retirement job” with the City of Seguin allowed him to share his love of landscaping and parks management while pursuing one of his favorite hobbies: scavenger hunts. Whether it be arrowheads or jewelry, Bubba was always looking for a new treasure.

Bubba lived his life loud. He loved his beer, Texas country music, and sitting outside watching his pigs. He shared his love of raising show pigs with Shelby and Lauren and continued to share his knowledge with many families around Seguin. He was an avid outdoorsman and lifelong hunter. He would tell

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

his girls that they could marry anyone they wanted as long as they had 10,000 acres and a deer blind for daddy. He loved fishing and spent countless hours on the jetties in Port Aransas. More recently, he enjoyed fishing in Giddings with the Behrens family. He never had a bad day of fishing or hunting. Even if he went home empty-handed, he’d say “that’s why they call it fishing, not catching.” He cherished any time spent with his girls & grandsons in the blind or at the fishing hole. He followed his Red Raider sports religiously, along with NASCAR and the Cowboys. Any losses or other minor conveniences were obviously a result of the full moon. Some months, the moon was full every week.

Bubba was an active member of the community, always willing to lend a hand. He loved his time on the Faith Lutheran Church BBQ crew. His seafood boils were legendary for causing chapped lips and fights over peeled shrimp. He viewed recipes as inspiration and often forgot to write down what he changed, so every meal was unique. Feeding people was truly his love language.

Bubba will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the San Antonio Zoo in Bubba’s honor.

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.

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.

Major Flu Outbreak At Texas Air Force Base Sickens Nearly 160 Troops

(San Antonio, TX) -- A major flu outbreak at a Texas Air Force Base has sickened nearly 160 troops. It’s happening at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio in a Basic Military Training wing where recruits sit at communal tables for meals and sleep on bunk beds in open bays. This is occurring two months after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth did away with mandatory flu vaccination for U.S. troops. Meantime, the Air Force has issued a news release saying that a trainee has died after falling ill last Friday. A medical review into Keon McDaniel’s death is underway and it’s unclear whether his death is related to the influenza outbreak.

NY Neurologist Talks Brain Help Tips For Alzheimers Awareness Month

(New York, NY) -- It’s Alzheimers Awareness month and there are plenty of things people can do to protect their brain health. Neurologist Dr. Richard Issacson, who’s affiliated with New York’s Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital, says a brain healthy diet of blueberries, strawberries and fatty fish along with daily exercise is key. He stresses that sleep is also very important in getting that amyloid plaque protein buildup cleared out overnight, along with keeping the brain engaged and learning something new. He also stresses dental care should not be ignored, with any inflammation from the mouth which fast-forwards brain aging.

GLP-1s Linked To Less Violence

(New Brunswick, NJ) -- Weight loss GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are being linked to a decrease in violent behavior. A new study out of Rutgers University found that people taking GLP-1 medication were less prone to impulsive behavior and violence. One factor could be the reduction in alcohol consumption seen among GLP-1 users.

Bill to Tighten Rules on Mental Health Diversion Heads to Gov. Newsom’s Desk

(Sacramento, CA) -- A bill that would mean stricter rules for mental health diversion in California is heading to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk. California enacted its mental health diversion law in 2018. It allows certain criminal defendants to avoid going to prison for arrests linked with mental illness. Prosecutors say, in several cases, defendants who qualified for mental health diversion went on to commit more serious crimes. Current law says judges must presume mental illness was a factor if a defendant with a legitimate diagnosis seeks diversion.

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.

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 Vet-

erans 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.

Field of Honor Celebrates America’s 250th 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 830-401-2480.

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.