SDN: June 26, 2026

Field of Honor opening ceremonies set for Saturday in Seguin

Ceremony to include free food, ice cream plus kids games

Cindy Aguirre-Herrera

(Seguin) – A sea of red, white and blue will soon be waving above the grounds over at Faith Lutheran Church as Seguin prepares to celebrate the return of the 2026 Field of Honor.

Opening ceremonies are scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, marking the fifth time the community has hosted the patriotic tribute. That’s according to

Connie Ramirez, one of the event coordinators.

Ramirez says 250 flags will be displayed this year in recognition of America’s 250th birthday.

“On June 27th, we will have

opening ceremonies once again at Faith Lutheran Church at 10 a.m. This year, we are posting 250 flags, and that is for America’s birthday,” said Ramirez.

Ramirez says the ceremony will feature several special guests and performances.

“Mayor Donna Dodgen is going to open up the ceremony for us. Clint Taft will have music. We’ll have a keynote speaker,” said Ramirez.

Following the ceremony, organizers are inviting families to stay for a community birthday celebration designed especially for children.

Field, pg. 3

‘Cars’

The city is giving its Movies in the Park another go after postponing the event due to rain. Friday night’s free movie will be held at Max Starcke Park. See story on page 2.

Movies in the Park rolls back into Seguin Friday night

(Seguin) -- Seguin’s Movies in the Park is ready to hit the gas pedal this Friday night with a screening of the animated movie favorite “Cars.”

The City of Seguin has rescheduled its season-opening Movies in the Park event for tonight at Max Starcke Park East near the Kids Kingdom Playscape.

The event will feature “the Disney-Pixar hit as part of

the city’s Flashback Friday movie series.”

Residents are invited to arrive early to enjoy free family-friendly activities from 6 to 8 p.m. – with the movie beginning at dusk.

Parks officials say they encourage residents bring lawn chairs, blankets and their own snacks

The movie is free.

Music Forya Soul brings R& B funk plus feel-good energy to Central Park

(Seguin) -- The Central Park Summer Concert Series continues Sunday, June 28, with an evening of soulful grooves and classic hits. Music Forya Soul is known for its stage presence and crowd engagement, delivering a feel-good experience that keeps audiences dancing and singing along.

Music Forya Soul performs a blend of R&B, old-school funk, blues, jazz, and classic soul. Their repertoire features beloved songs from legendary artists across multiple decades, including favorites made famous by Whitney Houston, Patrice Rushen, Xscape, and many more.

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy an evening downtown while supporting local restaurants, shops, and food trucks.

The free concert is presented by Schertz Bank and Trust with additional support from the Wilson Pottery Foundation, 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. and begins at 7

p.m. in Central Park.

The Summer Concert Series, hosted by the Main Street Program, offers free live entertainment, with the final concert taking place on July 5 featuring the San Antonio Symphonic Band Patriotic Concert. This special performance will serve as the grand finale of the

2026 series and commemorate America’s 250th Anniversary with an inspiring evening of patriotic music, community celebration, and hometown pride.

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

Woman found dead along river in neighboring Wilson County

(Wilson County) -The Wilson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of an adult female whose body was discovered Tuesday afternoon at Helton Nature Park near Stockdale just south of the Guadalupe County line.

According to the sheriff’s office, deputies on Tuesday were dispatched at approximately 2:54 p.m. to the park, located in the

Cindy Aguirre-Herrera

15600 block of FM 775, after receiving a report of a deceased person. Upon arrival, deputies found the woman lying on the bank of the San Antonio River.

Preliminary findings indicate the victim suffered a fatal gunshot wound.

Wilson County authorities have partnered with the Texas Rangers as they work to determine

the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death and officially classify the manner of death.

Officials say the victim’s next of kin have been notified, but her identity is being withheld pending further investigation.

The Wilson County Sheriff’s Office says additional information will be released as it becomes available.

games for the kids,” said Ramirez.

“And then we’re going to open up with a birthday bash. And that will include a lot of the kids activities. We’re going to have a duck pool. We’re going to have a fish pond. We’re going to have a beanbag toss. There’ll be a table set up so the kids can color,” said Ramirez.

Free hot dogs, chips and drinks will also be available, while supplies last. Blue Bell Ice Cream is sponsoring free ice cream for attendees.

“We just want to make it a little different in that we want to get the community out there and get more of the kids involved with the field and have some pretty cool prizes and

The Field of Honor will remain open following the ceremony, and visitors are encouraged to return throughout the event. Ramirez says local resident Roxanne Heckman will also be performing Taps each evening at 7 p.m.

“We’d love the public to go out there and listen to Taps and just hang out with us,” said Ramirez.

Organizers will also participate in Seguin’s Fourth of July parade and hope to offer another round of complimentary hot dogs when they return to the field afterward.

The display honors military personnel, veterans and first responders while raising funds for local veterans causes. This year’s proceeds will benefit DAV Chapter 61 in Seguin.

STATISTICS

HERRERA

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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;

LUNA

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.

Federal Firefighters Encouraged To Wear N95 Masks

(New York, NY) -- It’s now being advised federal firefighters wear N-95 masks while fighting wildfires to help protect against smoke and fire related illnesses. That’s the new recommendation by U.S. Forest Service announced Wednesday. Health officials say wildfire smoke comes with gases and tiny particles that can enter the bloodstream after inhaled. A study earlier this year finds that wildfire smoke caused a rise in all causes of death, with neurological diseases showing the strongest links, followed by circulatory system illnesses.

Person Tests Positive For Ebola In France

(Paris) -- France has its first Ebola case where someone has tested positive outside the area in Central Africa where and outbreak is occurring. French Health Ministry officials say the person, a doctor is in stable condition and was recently on a mission in an area of the outbreak in Congo. Officials with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control say the Ebola infection risk is very low for the general European population.

Nashville Team Works On Bettering Cancer Reads

(Nashville, TN) -- Vanderbilt Health researchers are testing a safer way for AI to help doctors accurately detect cancer. A study published Tuesday focuses on a new computer tool that reviews digital tissue slides, the same images pathologists use to help identify cancer. The tool would warn doctors when a slide is too unclear for the computer to read reliably, reducing the risk of a wrong cancer read. Most of the testing at Vanderbilt involved lung cancer, with other cancer samples used to see if the check still worked. The Nashville medical center says the goal is safer backup, not pathologist replacement.

>>Judge Blocks State Bans Restricting Food Stamp Purchases

(Washington, DC) -- A federal judge is halting a Trump administration effort that would allow five states to tighten restrictions on what food stamp recipients can purchase. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has worked closely with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on an initiative that granted waiver requests by nearly two dozen states to ban the purchase of sugary drinks and candy when using the government assistance. However, five food stamp enrollees challenged the ban and argued that they need to buy the restricted items for their health and wellness. The judge ruled that the Department of Agriculture lacked the authority to approve state waivers for the pilot projects in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee and West Virginia.

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.