SDN: June 25, 2026

June 25, 2026

Kiddie Parade set for 4th of July night during Freedom Fiesta

All participants to be entered into special prize drawing

(Seguin) -- For almost two decades, the Guadalupe County Republican Women have celebrated Independence Day by hosting their annual Kiddie Parade. As always, this year’s event is an opportunity for kids of all ages to show their patriotism as Seguin kicks-off of KWED’s Freedom Fiesta. The opening ceremony is held on Donegan Street behind the Guadalupe County Courthouse where kids should begin to line up at about 5:30. The parade will step off following Uncle Sam (a.k.a. Sheriff Joshua Ray) around Central Park right after the opening ceremony at 6:00 PM.

GCRW member and event organizer, Kelly Follis, invites the community to attend, “Join us for the Kiddie Parade by decorating a wagon, stroller, bike, scooter, or an electronic vehicle.

Kiddie Parade, pg. 3

Seguin ISD announces new leadership team for upcoming school year

Cindy Aguirre-Herrera

(Seguin) – This summer, the Seguin ISD is finalizing several leadership changes across the district in preparation for the upcoming school year.

The district has announced a number of administrative moves affecting campuses and programs throughout the Seguin ISD.

Emily Allen, Seguin ISD executive director of communications, says the latest round of hirings and promotions include both familiar faces and returning administrators.

“We have several people who have moved, whether it’s here in the district and we have someone coming back into the district, but we’ll have new leadership at several of our schools. That includes Mercer Blumberg Learning Center, Barnes Middle School, Koennecke Elementary, and Rodriguez Elementary,” said Allen.

Among the campus changes, Andrew Mason has been promoted to principal at Barnes Middle School. He replaces Jay Law, who is returning to Mercer-Blumberg Learning Center. Meanwhile, Tanya Webb will move from Patlan Elementary to serve as principal at Rodriguez Elementary, and April Shellnut is returning to Seguin ISD to lead Koennecke Elementary.

Allen shares those transitions taking place at those campuses.

“Mr. Andrew Mason, who has been at Barnes, is moving up to become principal because Mr. Law, Mr. J. Law, who was principal, is moving back to Mercer

Bloomberg Learning Center. And then we have Ms. Tanya Webb, who’s going to be moving from Patlan Elementary over to Rodriguez Elementary. And Ms. April Shellnut, who’s going to be coming back to Seguin to lead Koennecke Elementary,” said Allen.

Allen says the district has also filled key positions at the central office level.

“So, we now have a new chief academic officer, Dr. Esmeralda Munoz. And then, we also have a new director of special education. It’s Joshua Kohutek. He is coming to Seguin ISD from East Central, where he was most recently the director of special education and has experience working in several other districts, including Luling, Judson ISD, and Comal and Gonzalez. So definitely has some experience, has worked in special education, I believe, his entire career and we think he’s going to be a great addition to our special ed department here in Seguin,” said Allen.

The leadership announcements follow another major hire made earlier this month when the Seguin ISD Board of Trustees approved Gary Gutierrez as the district’s new athletic director and head football coach. Gutierrez returns to Seguin after previously serving as offensive coordinator at Seguin High School from 2003 to 2006. Most recently, he led John Jay High School in San Antonio to a district championship and a 9-2 season, earning District 14-5A Coach of the Year honors in 2025.

District officials say more additions and leadership transitions are expected for the upcoming school year.

Seguin Main Street Receives designation as a 2026 Main Street America Accredited Program

(Seguin) -- Seguin Main Street has been designated as a 2026 Accredited Main Street America program for meeting rigorous performance standards. Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the roster of designated programs in recognition of their commitment to creating meaningful improvements in their downtowns through preservationbased economic development and community revitalization using the Main Street Approach.

“We are proud to recognize Seguin as a 2026 Accredited Main Street America program for their unwavering commitment to grassroots transformation and the extraordinary abilities of their staff, board of directors, and volunteers to respond to the needs of the community,” said Erin Barnes, president and CEO of Main Street America. “Seguin demonstrates a dedication to investing in the people and places that make the downtown district special and contribute to the collective power of the Main Street movement to build vibrant spaces and durable economies.”

Seguin is one of 838 nationally

recognized Accredited Main Street America organizations and is part of a network of more than 1,600 communities leading positive commercial district transformation efforts throughout the United States.

Main Street America recognizes two tiers of national designation — Accredited and Affiliate. These designations are a badge of excellence and a powerful tool, signaling to community members, civic leaders, decision-makers, funders and others that the Main Street program holds an established position within a nationwide movement with a 45-year proven track record of generating transformative economic returns, fostering welcoming and inviting communities, and creating lasting positive impact.

To qualify for Accredited status -- Main Street America’s top

Just deck yourself out in red, white and blue and join us! If you’re not participating in the parade, I promise you’ll enjoy just standing along River Street to watch this adorable celebration of our great nation, especially on our country’s 250 th birthday. There couldn’t be a better way to celebrate because after the parade, the food, drinks, music, and fun of Freedom Fiesta will get underway!”

Follis continued, “Some kids just dress in their patriotic best and march behind Uncle Sam. Other families go all out with their eye on winning an award. Choosing the top entries are parade judges District Heather Wright, County Court at Law Judge Kirsten Legore, and County Clerk Teresa Kiel. Presenting the prizes to our top two most patriotic entries in each of three categories will be Seguin Mayor Donna Dodgen.”

Any decorated entry is welcome in any of the 3

designation tier — communities must demonstrate a proven track record of achieving outcomes in alignment with the Main Street Approach and exceptional performance in six areas: broad-based community commitment to revitalization; inclusive leadership and organizational capacity; diversified funding and sustainable program operations; strategydriven programming; preservationbased economic development; and demonstrated impact and results.

In 2025, the Seguin Main Street program continued to make significant progress in downtown revitalization through strategic partnerships, preservation efforts and community engagement initiatives. The City of Seguin allocated more than $300,000 toward Main Street operations and an additional $85,000 in capital project funding, while sponsorships and event revenue generated more than $18,000 to support downtown programs and events. Major accomplishments included, downtown beautification and lighting improvements, expanded historic preservation initiatives, and more than 2 million social media impressions promoting downtown Seguin and its businesses.

categories: Self-Powered Riders (bikes/scooters), Walkers (including wagons & strollers), and Motorized Entries. There is no registration required and no fee for this event, but participants should arrive about 5:30 to get a number and find a place in the line-up. Contact Kelly Follis with any questions at 830.463.7549 or kdfoll123@ yahoo.com.

Thanks to the Law Office of Ruben James Reyes, each participant in the Kiddie Parade will be entered into a drawing for the chance of winning a very special prize.

STATISTICS

HERRERA

www.SEGUINTODAY.com

Antonio “Tony” Herrera, age 73 of Seguin, passed away on June 19, 2026. Tony was born on March 15, 1953, in Seguin, Texas, to Nieves (Chavez) and Pedro Herrera.

Tony will be remembered as one of the service mangers at Soechting Motors for more than 40 years.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Elizabeth Herrera, and his parents.

Survivors include his daughter, Bianca Herrera and husband Steve; stepchildren, Ian Sandoval and wife Gena, Iris Hernandez and husband Jesse, and Lynn Medrano and husband Ray; grandchildren, Alexiana Morales, Steven Rudolfo Antonio Herrera, Ernest Rene San Miguel, Elizabeth Medrano, Ivoree Sandoval and Trinity Sandoval; great-granddaughter, Aliana Montealvo;

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siblings, Alicia Nieto and husband Sam, Ramon Herrera and wife Carol, and Sylvia Larick and husband Steve; nieces and nephews, Joshua Nieto and wife Patricia, Aimee Nieto Anderson and husband Ben, Sarah Tisdale, Ayla Larick and Tracy Lynn Mayfield; numerous other loving family and friends.

Visitation will begin at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. followed by the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 10 a.m. and the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in St. James Catholic Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Stevie Antonio Herrera, Joshua H. Nieto, Ernest Rene San Miguel, Darrell Cowey, Gilbert C. De La Garza, Jr., and Bobby Calderon. Honorary pallbearers will be BB Loera, Al Hewell, Donald “Banjo” Carley, and Henry Sam Herbold.

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.

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.

WILSON

Frank Wilson, Sr. passed away on June 12, 2026 at the age of 92 years old.

Survivors include his childeren: Lana Wilson, Dana Wilson, and Frank Wilson, Jr.

Siblings: Louia L. Francis, Everlene Nash, Veryl Inman, Dollis Bagwell,

Manuel Wilson, Jr, and Lorraine Johnson.

Funeral services will be held Thursday 6/25/2026 at 11:00 AM at New St. James Baptist Church in Seguin, TX. A public viewing will take place at the church beginning at 10:00 AM. Burial will immediately follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, TX.

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.

Research Suggests More Than Minimal Amount Of Protein And Exercise

(Cambridge) -- New research suggests people who exercise and take in more protein than the minimal amount recommended have a higher chance for better long term health. The University of Cambridge published findings in the Frontiers in Nutrition and argue current recommendations are geared to preventing deficiency but not helping people achieve the best possible long-term quality of life. Author of the study Doctor Chris Macdonald says highintensity exercise and high-protein diets is less about having a beach body and more about being able to lift up, play with, and even remember, your grandchildren thanks to a strong and resilient body and mind.

Long Term Study Shows Strength Training Decreases Chances Of Death

(England) -- Long term research shows strength training increases the chances of living longer. The study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine combined other studies that followed around 150-thousand people for up to 30 years. Researchers concluded that those who did 90 to 120 minutes of strength training exercises a week had a 13 percent lower risk of dying compared to those who did none. That includes a 19 percent lower chance of dying from cardiovascular disease and a 27 percent lower risk of dying from neurological conditions. The study also suggests people who combined strength training and aerobic exercises had an even lower risk of dying.

Knee Treatment GAE Touted A Success

(Aurora, CO) -- A simple procedure that helps people avoid or delay knee replacement surgery is being touted a big success. The University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine published an article suggesting a treatment called GAE has helped reduce inflammation inside the knee joint and can provide relief for years. GAE first came out about a decade ago. Doctor Leigh Casadaban who has performed the procedure commented in the article in “ScienceDaily” saying 70 percent of patients have phenomenal results. The doctor says they cut their pain scores in half or more and can get back to normal activities.

Non Profit Talks Vision Loss

(Spring Valley, NY) -- A non profit that helps people with vision loss is raising awareness about blindness which is on the rise in America. The company called “Visions” out of Spring Valley, New York says there’s been a recent technology boom in devices to aid the visually impaired to keep them working or performing everyday tasks. Visions recommends people get an eye exam if starting to experience vision issues and then look into vision rehab services. The CDC says 12 million Americans 40 or older have visual impairments and one million people in New York State are either blind or have difficulty seeing.

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.