SDN: June 3, 2026

June 3, 2026

Fire damages solar panels at Niagara Bottling Plant in Seguin America

(Seguin) – Solar panels mounted on the roof of the Niagara Bottling plant in Seguin caught fire Tuesday morning, forcing the evacuation of employees and challenging firefighters who had to stretch hundreds of feet of hose to reach the blaze.

That’s according to Seguin Fire Chief Dale Skinner.

Skinner says crews were dispatched following reports of a fire on the roof of the building located at

1730 E. 8th Street.

“We received a call at around 11:30 this morning for a reported fire at Niagara on the roof. At the time of the call, it was unsure whether the Niagara employees inside the building were aware of the fire,” said Skinner.

When firefighters arrived, Skinner says heavy smoke was visible from the roof and employees were seen evacuating the facility. Fire, pg. 3

(Seguin) -- Seguin’s beloved Fourth of July celebration is entering a new chapter in 2026. While the name may be changing, organizers say the traditions that have brought families together for generations will remain at the heart of the event.

Formerly known as Freedom Fiesta, the community’s annual Independence Day celebration will now be known as the “Red, White & Seguin Festival.” The event was hosted for years by the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce. It has since been hosted by radio station KWED since 2014.

The rebranding comes as America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, also known as the Semiquincentennial, and as organizers look to expand the event through a new partnership with the city of Seguin.

KWED General Manager Darren Dunn says this year’s celebration promises more food, more music, more vendors and more family-friendly activities,

all while preserving the traditions that have made Seguin’s Fourth of July festivities among the most anticipated events of the year.

“I’m excited that we are able to partner with the city of Seguin to make this year’s celebration even bigger,” said Dunn. “It’s America’s Semiquincentennial. I’m old enough to remember what a big deal it was when we celebrated the Bicentennial year. I still remember collecting those quarters. We aren’t creating a specialized coin, but I think we are creating new memories for the people of Seguin. I hope that people will look back fondly at Seguin’s celebration of America 250.”

Festival, pg. 3

Tickets still available for annual Father Daughter Dance

Cindy Aguirre-Herrera

(Seguin) -- Beach-themed memories will be in the making during this year’s Seguin Police Department’s annual Father Daughter Dance.

The event will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, June 13 at the Seguin Coliseum.

Although the event carries a beach and coastal theme this year, Stephanie Larrimore, community engagement officer for the Seguin Police Department, says attendees should not feel pressured to wear formal ballroom attire.

“This year, we’re doing a beach theme. I personally am not a big fan of the big fancy dresses. I don’t feel as comfortable wearing it, and I’m sure some kids might not either. So with it being more of a beach theme, you know, the girls can wear a nice little summer dress and cute little sandals. We’ll have food. We’re going to have a DJ out there and the event is from 6 to 8:30 p.m. This is just a nice one-on-one with dad,” said Larrimore.

Larrimore says the dance is open to daughters of all ages, not just young children. She says the PD tradition was even meaningful for her own family.

“Me and my sisters were all adults and right before

my father passed away because he had cancer, we actually took my father to this event. I mean, we have this memory, something that we can always hold onto even years later. So this I feel is nice to do with dads. They can develop that relationship like, hey, this is something that we’re going to do every year. Some of these father and daughters, they have done it for the last couple of years. This is one of those events too, where the city of Seguin or the police department in general has been doing for at least 15 to 16 years,” Larrimore.

Larrimore encourages families not to wait too long. She says tickets tend to go quickly.

“It’s one of those events that we do sell out every year. If it’s something that you’re thinking about or considering, I would definitely buy this ticket sooner than later,” said Larrimore.

Cost is $55 for father/daughter couple and $10 for each additional princess. Valet parking is also available for $10. This year, guests will get to select their own seating when purchasing tickets online. Tickets can be purchased through the link available on the Seguin Police Department Facebook page.

Fire, continued.

“We deployed a drone that was able to give us a clear view of what was on fire, and it was the solar panels on the roof,” said Skinner.

The chief says the size of the building also created significant challenges for firefighters.

“This building is approximately 1 million square feet, and the fire was almost in the exact middle of the building, making access to the fire very difficult for our crews,” he said.

With assistance from the New Braunfels Fire Department, crews were able to reach the fire using aerial ladders and extended hose lines.

Skinner says it took nearly 45 minutes after arriving on scene to bring the blaze under control.

“Access to the fire was rather difficult. We were operating with hose lines off the tip of our ladder truck, and I’m being told that we had 800 feet of fire hose on the roof,” said Skinner. “That’s a long way for crews to operate on that rooftop in direct sunlight while stretching hose lines and extinguishing the fire.”

Skinner says damage to the manufacturing plant was

Festival, continued.

The day begins with many of the same traditions residents have enjoyed for decades, including the Flag Raising Ceremony and the Biggest Small Town Fourth of July Parade in Texas. This year, organizers are adding food and beverage options downtown to encourage visitors to spend more time enjoying the celebration earlier in the day.

“We’ve teamed up with the Seguin Main Street Program to bring food and beverage vendors down to Central Park before, during and after the parade. You’ll be able to choose from a variety of options. We think it’s just another way for people to enjoy what’s available that day in downtown Seguin,” said Dunn.

The evening festivities return to Central Park, where vendors will begin setting up at 4 p.m. on July 4. The official festival gets underway at 6 p.m. that night with the annual Kiddie Parade and Presentation of Colors.

Children are encouraged to wear their patriotic best, decorate their bicycles, scooters or wagons, and join Uncle Sam for a parade around Central Park. Organizers say the Kiddie Parade continues to be one of the event’s most cherished traditions, giving young families a chance to

limited primarily to the solar panel system.

“We had some light smoke inside the building, but there was no fire damage inside. The roof covering and, of course, the solar panels were heavily damaged,” said Skinner.

According to the longtime fire chief, this incident was the first solar panel fire that he has encountered during his career.

“It’s new to me. I’ve never experienced a fire from solar panels,” said Skinner. “We were aware that they had solar panels on the roof like several other businesses within our district, but it’s the first time that I’ve experienced a fire isolated to solar panels.”

Skinner says he was proud of the firefighters from both departments. He says despite the massive roof and the location of the fire right in the center, everything was attacked with precision.

“I’m very proud of the crews. They gave it their best, and we were able to minimize damage to the building. We have no injuries,” said Skinner.

Although the blaze has been extinguished, crews remained on scene Tuesday afternoon monitoring the area for any possible rekindles. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

become part of the celebration.

Live entertainment will once again play a major role in the festival.

DJ D’Trayne will provide music throughout the downtown area, while Clint Taft & The Buckwild Band return to headline the live music stage. Festival-goers will also find a variety of specialty entertainment, including giant dancing robots, fire spinners and other attractions.

Families can also enjoy the Red, White & Seguin Kids Kingdom, featuring bounce houses and activities designed especially for children. Adults will find plenty of options as well, including food vendors, specialty beverage vendors, mocktails and the return of the popular Beer Garden.

While the festival has a new name, Dunn says residents should not mistake the rebranding for a departure from the event’s history.

“I don’t want people to be confused by the name change. It’s a new name, but the tradition of Seguin celebrating the Fourth of July remains the same,” said Dunn. “Clydie Brodt came up with the name Freedom Fiesta for the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce. It was trademarked by the chamber, and we had a good working relationship for a number of years. But it was time to rebrand and to reflect that it wasn’t under the chamber’s umbrella any longer. I’m really excited for a chance for people to see what’s new at the Red, White & Seguin Festival.”

Organizers hope the combination of familiar traditions and new attractions will make this year’s event one of the largest Independence Day celebrations in Seguin history.

The free Red, White & Seguin Festival will be held from 6 to 11 p.m. on Friday, July 4, in Central Park. The event is presented through a partnership between KWED Radio and the City of Seguin as part of the nationwide celebration of America’s 250th birthday.

Sponsors are still being sought for the event. For sponsorship information, call KWED 830-3792234 or send an email to darren@ kwed1580.com.

VITAL STATISTICS

MACHADO

Ty Joseph Machado, age 24 of Seguin, passed away on May 24, 2026. Ty was born on January 28, 2002, in New Braunfels, Texas to Catherine Michelle (Steffens) and Joseph “Joey” Anthony Machado.

Ty graduated from Navarro High School in 2020. He loved art, fishing, cooking, music, traveling, his dogs Rosie and Walker and spending time with his friends and cousins who meant the world to him.

At a young age Ty enjoyed competition BBQ that allowed him to travel the country and appear on Food Network along with many accolades and even World Championship titles before the age of 16.

Most recently he was employed by Encompass Services where he served as Crew Chief surveying across the country and his family is eternally grateful for them and the support shown at this time.

WILLMANN

Charles Julius “Charlie” Willmann, Sr., age 101 of Seguin, passed away on April 25, 2026. Charles was born on March 31, 1925, in Seguin, Texas to Ethelda (Behrendt) and Charles Willmann, and grew up on his family farm in Seguin.

Charlie is preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Patricia “Patty” Willmann, his parents, and his sister, Ethel Willard and her husband D. B.

Survivors include his children, Charles “Chuck” J. Willmann, Jr. and wife Kay, Daniel N. Willmann and wife Carol and Jennie Willmann Moseley and husband Mike; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchild; other loving family members and a host of friends.

Ty is survived by his parents, Michelle and Joey Machado; twin sister Taya Allert and husband Aaron, Fiancé Heather Faber, Paternal Grandparents Joe & Sylvia Machado, Maternal grandparents Cathy Ball, Terrie Edwards, and Robert Steffens, aunts, uncles, cousins, and so many other loving, extended family and friends.

Visitation will begin on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at Living Waters Church, followed by a memorial service celebrating Ty’s life at 10:30 with Pastor Jeremy Roy and Pastor Paul Mason officiating. Following the service, a Celebration of Ty’s life will continue at 12:30, with a BBQ and all the trimmings at the family home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Ty Machado BBQ Memorial, PO Box 1978, Seguin, Texas 78156. The memorial fund will benefit youth BBQ events across the country, to help instill and educate the future of BBQ.

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.

A Life Service celebration is being planned at the Texas Agricultural and Heritage Center (Big Red Barn), on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. with remarks made at 2 p.m., 250 Cordova Road, Seguin, Texas, 78155, sometime this summer.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, P. O. Box 870, Seguin, Texas, 78156, the Texas Agricultural Education and Heritage Center (Red Barn), 250 Cordova Road, Seguin, Tx, 78155, Guadalupe Regional Medical Foundation, 1215 East Court St., Seguin, Texas, 78155 or to Guadalupe County Children’s Advocacy Center, 265 Wetz, 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

WOSNIG

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dorothy Wosnig, aged 95, lifelong resident of Guadalupe County. She was born to Alex and Annie (Hagemann) Weniger in Seguin on March 22, 1931.

She grew up in Seguin and graduated from Seguin High School in 1949. She married Kermit Wosnig on July 12, 1952, and moved to Marion where she resided for the rest of her life.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Kermit, brothers and sisters-in-law Wallace and Lucille Weniger, Frank and Nelda Weniger, brotherin- law Morris Wosnig, grandsons Jesse Collins and Kermit Mikolajczyk.

She is survived by daughters Diana Wosnig and Donna Wosnig (Gerald Zwicke) of Marion, Doreen Lucas (Dean) of Angleton, TX, and Karen Brooks (Scott) of Canutillo, TX; grandchildren Dallas Mikolajczyk, Lisa Tate (Anthony), Sarah Wester (Grayson), Clarie Bristow (Brandon), Cindy Jackson (Jimmy), Joshua Collins (Kylie), Michael David Lucas, Garrett Lucas (Hannah), Reagan Lucas (Maurice Spolan), Tyler Brooks (Kelsey), and Bowen Brooks; greatgrandchildren Rhema Mikolajczyk, Jacob Tate (Caitlynn), Deborah Tate, Abigail Tate (Chase Adams), Josiah Tate, Bravery Wester, Justus Wester, Abel Wester, Meritt Wester, Haven Joy Wester, Kylie Bristow, Caleb Bristow, Lane Pawelek, Luke Jackson, Tyler Jackson (Hannah), Tenley Jackson, Jonah Collins, Quinton Collins, Livi Collins, Archer Collins, Bailey Brooks, Samuel Brooks, and Malachi Lucas; great-great grandchildren Brayden Tate, Cayden

Tate, Willow Adams, and sister-in- law Evelyn Wosnig.

Dorothy was well loved by all who were privileged to know her. She was a devout Christian, and a diligent worker having retired from two careers (first from civil service at Randolph AFB, then as an LVN for several years. She was a previous city councilwoman in Marion, she served on the committee to plan Marion’s anniversary celebration, and was active in the Marion Community Library activities, and Marion Historical Society. She achieved multiple awards in her life including Sustained Superior Performance while working at Randolph.

She was a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, and the Guadalupe County EE Club. Most importantly, her priorities were her Christian values and family, as she served as a stellar role model of how to live a successful life. She will be sorely missed by all her who knew her.

The family would like to thank Eden Hill and Eden Hospice for their superior care, and for her daughters Doreen and Karen for caring for her at home in her final days where she was able to pass peacefully on the family farm where she spent so many years.

Visitation will be held at 9:00 am on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel followed by the funeral at 10:00 am. with the Reverend Jeremy Roy officiating. Interment will follow in St. John Lutheran Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Gerth Celebration Center.

Serving as pallbearers will be Dorothy’s grandsons, Dallas Mikolajczyk, Joshua Collins, Michael David Lucas, Garrett Lucas, Tyler Brooks, and Bowen Brooks.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Marion Community Library, 201 S. Center St., Marion, Texas, 78124 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.

Drug Doubles Pancreatic Cancer Survival

(Los Angeles, CA) -- An experimental drug is nearly doubling the survival rates for people with advanced pancreatic cancer. A new study out in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients with spreading pancreatic cancer who took daraxonrasib reduced their risk of dying by 60 percent if they had previously had treatment. They lived a little more than 13 months compared to about seven months for chemotherapy patients.

Lemieux’s Brain To Be Donated For Research

(Undated) -- Former NHL star Claude Lemieux’s brain will be donated for research into long term effects of repetitive brain injuries. That’s according to his family, who said in a statement that the brain will be sent to the Boston University CTE Center. The family said it gave the center permission to publicly share any findings with Lemieux’s name. The NHL Alumni Association announced Lemieux’s passing Thursday. Authorties later announced that he died by suicide. Lemieux played 21 seasons in the NHL and won four Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, and Colorado Avalanche.

Death Toll Rises From Ebola Outbreak In Africa

(Undated) -- Health officials say the death toll is rising from an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. That’s according to the World Health Organization, which reported 43 deaths across both countries. Forty-two of the deaths are in Congo and nearly 350 people are suspected to have died from the virus. The WHO confirmed the latest strain of Ebola is a severe and often deadly form of the disease. No treatment or vaccine has been approved yet for the strain.

Red Cross Recognizing CPR & AED Awareness Week

(Washington, DC) -- The American Red Cross is among the organizations recognizing CPR and AED Awareness Week beginning today. The annual occasion is meant to draw attention to the importance of learning about and using the life-saving technique and medical devices. The Red Cross reports over 350-thousand cardiac arrests happen outside of hospitals every year in the U.S. and only about 40 percent of those patients receive CPR before emergency medical teams arrive. The nonprofit is encouraging everyone to take CPR and AED certification courses. Folks can find the nearest classes by searching red-cross-dot-org.

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.

Golden Ticket Raffle

The Rotary Club of Seguin is hosting its Golden Ticket Raffle drawing on Thursday, June 4, 2026, with proceeds benefiting local high school scholarships and community grant programs. Only 150 tickets will be sold at $100 each, and the winner will choose between a trip for two to the 2027 Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, or the 2026 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico. Tickets are available online through the Rotary Club of Seguin.

Geronimo Lions Club First Friday Feast

The Geronimo Lions Club will host its First Friday Feast from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 5. Guests can enjoy a hand-cut ribeye steak or fried battered cod dinner while supporting a great cause. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Department Santa Sheriff program. The evening will also feature live music by the Brushy Creek Boys and recognition of two First Responder Honorees from the York Creek Volunteer Fire Department and the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Department. The Geronimo Lions Club says all proceeds are reinvested into the community through support for local nonprofit organizations and student scholarships.

Democratic Candidates Meet & Greet

The Guadalupe County Democratic Club invites the public to a meet-and-greet with Democratic candidates at 6 p.m. Friday, June 5, at Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church, 416 Dolle Ave. in Seguin. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet Johnny Garcia, candidate for U.S. Representative District 35;, and Eric Norman, candidate for State Representative District 44. Following the candidate meet-and-greet, guests are invited to stay for a watch party for

Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. Admission is free and all are welcome.

Hoffmann Reunion

Descendants of Christopf Bennard (Heinrich) Hoffmann and Friedricke H.P. Procknow are invited to attend the Hoffmann Reunion from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 7, at Conservation Plaza at Forke Store, 1300 Church Hill Drive in New Braunfels. The reunion is a covered-dish gathering. Attendees are asked to bring lunch and dessert for their family, plus a baked item for the bake sale. A guest speaker will discuss European immigration to Texas. Plates, utensils, tea and coffee will be provided. A $10 donation per adult is appreciated. For more information, contact Jane Jahns Rice.

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.

Texas A&M Chemistry Roadshow Coming to Marion

GVEC and Marion ISD will host the Texas A&M Chemistry Roadshow at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 9, in the Marion Primary Campus Cafeteria. The free educational presentation is designed for students in grades 3 through 12, as well as adult learners, and features engaging chemistry demonstrations that make science fun and interactive. Families looking for a unique summer learning opportunity are encouraged to attend. For more information about the program, visit the Texas A&M Chemistry Roadshow website or contact Kasie Tankersley at ktankersley@gvec.org.

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 830-4910778.

Crayton Cemetery Historical Marker Dedication

The Guadalupe County Historical Commission will dedicate a Guadalupe County Historical Marker at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 13, at the Crayton Cemetery. The cemetery is located on Lehmann Road between Hermann Road and Offermann Hill Road in Guadalupe County. The public is invited to attend the ceremony recognizing the historical significance of the cemetery and its place in the county’s history.

Father Daughter Dance

The Seguin Police Department is hosting its annual Father Daughter Dance from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, June 13 at the Seguin Event Complex, located at 950 South Austin Street. This year’s coastal and beach-themed event invites fathers or father figures and their daughters to enjoy an evening of dancing, fun and lasting memories. The annual community tradition offers families a special night designed to celebrate those important relationships. Tickets go on sale soon for this popular Seguin event.

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.