SDN: March 16, 2026

March 16, 2026

Large grass fire south of Seguin keeps firefighters busy Saturday

(Guadalupe County) — Fire crews from across Guadalupe County responded Saturday afternoon to a large grass fire in the 5000 block of Hickory Forest Road.

The fire which was initially reported in the afternoon quickly grew north toward the 1700 block of Hickory Forest Road due to dry vegetation and changing wind conditions.

Patrick Pinder, Guadalupe County emergency management coordinator and fire marshal, says early reports indicated it was spreading and threatening nearby structures.

“The cause of the fire was determined to be a nearby burn pile that was being monitored on private property. When wind conditions shifted, the fire spread beyond the area where it

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had been controlled and moved into dense vegetation, allowing it to grow and spread across the surrounding property. At the height of the incident, crews conducted precautionary evacuations of nearby residences as the fire spread toward structures in the area,” said Pinder.

The Sand Hills Volunteer Fire Department served as the primary responding agency. Fire departments from across Guadalupe County and surrounding jurisdictions also responded to assist, including the Seguin Fire Department, New Berlin Volunteer Fire Department, Kingsbury Volunteer Fire Department, and Geronimo

Volunteer Fire Department, along with mutual aid partners from Gonzales County, Bexar County, the City of Schertz, and the City of Cibolo.

Pinder says responding agencies provided brush trucks, tankers, and personnel to support fire suppression and containment operations.

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Fire, continued.

Due to the sandy soil and heavy vegetation in the area, aerial resources and heavy equipment from the Texas A&M Forest Service were used to support fire suppression and containment operations. Pinder says these resources helped crews establish containment lines and prevent further spread of the fire.

“Through coordinated efforts

by responding to fire departments and supporting agencies, the fire was successfully contained Saturday evening. Residents who had evacuated were later allowed to return home once the scene was deemed safe.

The fire burned approximately 15 acres. Fire crews remained on scene for several hours conducting mop-up operations and fire watch overnight to ensure no rekindles occurred.

No injuries have been reported,” said Pinder.

Officials say due to the size of the fire and the area it was located in, residents may still see smoke from the large trees.

Guadalupe County officials say they would like to thank the responding fire departments, mutual aid partners, and the Texas A&M Forest Service for their assistance in quickly containing the fire and protecting nearby homes.

&KOE WETZEL TREATY OAK REVIVAL A

VITAL STATISTICS

NAUMANN

Roland Berthold Naumann, age 94 of Seguin, passed into the loving arms of the heavenly father on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Roland was born on February 23, 1932, in Seguin, Texas, to Ella Louise (Lambrecht) and Berthold Otto Naumann. He was a kind, gentle soul, who loved and cared for his family. He graduated from Seguin High School and joined the Coast Guard following graduation. After attending Durham Business School in San Antonio, he went to work as a CPA, at the firm of Fred E. Pflughaupt and Company at the Alamo National Bank Building in downtown San Antonio. In later years, he and another partner, Andrew Beaver bought the business and formed the firm, Beaver and Naumann. When close to retirement they merged with the firm of Tschirhart Orion and Little in San Antonio. He worked in the accounting field for 59 years. He was very active in the community with membership in the Kiwanis Club and the Salvation Army, serving as a treasurer for the organizations. At Emanuel’s Lutheran Church he served on the council and as President of the congregation.

He and his wife, Nora, loved to go camping. They made many trips

HERNANDEZ

Juanita (Janie) Hernandez, February 12, 1941 - March 9, 2026 a lifelong resident of Seguin,Texas, passed away at the age of 84. She celebrated her final birthday on February 12 surroundedby her children, Henry and James Hernandez and her daughter Christine Buck, sharing one ofher favorite treats—cake with pineapple filling, which she loved despite carefully managing herdiabetes.

Janie was born in Seguin and raised in Geronimo, where she later married and devoted her life toraising her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and friend whose kindness and gentlespirit touched everyone who knew her.

She was a devoted member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, where she servedfaithfully for many years as a Guadalupana and Cursillistas and was a loyal volunteer in herparish community.

Janie was known for her sweet nature and the simple joys she cherished

around the United States over the years, starting with a pop-up tent camper and gradually moved up to a 5th wheel. Their favorite places to go on a regular basis was to the New Orleans, LA area and the panhandle beaches of Florida.

Roland is preceded in death by his Loving wife of 62 years, Nora Ellen Wheeler Naumann, his parents, daughter-in-law, Jenavee Naumann, sonin-law, Charles “Chuck” Sheldon, sister, Maxine Stansberry and husband Bob, nieces Marcia Stansberry and Janet Stansberry and nephew, Robert Stansberry, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Dan D. and Jimmie Lorene Wheeler, and sister-in-law, Maxine Carpenter.

Survivors include his daughter, Julie Sheldon; son, Thomas Naumann and wife Lori; granddaughters, Jennifer Sheldon Wilkes and husband, Andy, and Michelle Sheldon; nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving family members and a host of friends.

Visitation will begin on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Emanuel’s Lutheran Church followed by funeral service at 11 a. m. with the Reverend Marcus Bigott and the Reverend Rudy Salazar, Jr. officiating. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall.

Graveside services and interment with military honors will follow at 2 p.m. in the Floyd Chapel Cemetery in Gonzales County.

Memorial contributions may be made to Emanuel’s Lutheran Church, 206 N. Travis, 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, 7815, 830-549-5912.

in life. She lovedwatching I Love Lucy, caring for her plants, and keeping an eye out for the cardinals she adored.Her warmth and comforting presence made her a beloved friend to many.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gumecindo Hernandez; her parents, Pedroand Teresa Alvarado; her sisters Adela Barrientos and Maria Barrientos; and her brothers JoeAlvarado and Pedro Alvarado Jr.She is survived by her loving children, sons Henry Hernandez (Juanita) and James Hernandez,and daughter Christine Buck (Michael); her cherished granddaughters, Haley Buck and AllisonBuck; her sisters Lupe Villarreal, Teresa De La Cruz, Nancy Spittler, and Nasha Marin; and herbrothers Jesse Alvarado (Sylvia) and Johnny Alvarado (Nora).

Though she departed this life too soon, Janie now rests in the loving embrace of God and isreunited with her dear husband in heaven.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at Palmer Mortuary from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00p.m. with the Holy Rosary recited at 6:30 p.m. by Deacon Nick Carrillo. A Funeral Mass will becelebrated on Friday, March 20, 2026 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m.Interment will follow at San Geronimo Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Palmer Mortuary and Cremations located at 1116 N.Austin Street, Seguin, Texas 78155; 830.379.9430. Please log on to www.palmermortuary.com tosign and view the guest book.

Dramatic Rise In Heart Attacks In People Under Age 40

(Washington, DC) -- One in five heart attacks in the U.S. are now occurring in people under the age of 40. Heart attacks are no longer a concern mostly limited to older adults. The American College of Cardiology says there’s been a dramatic shift toward younger people since the start of the 21st century, a nearly two-percent increase per year among the under 40 group. Cardiologists say the rise in obesity and Type 2 diabetes are major factors. So are family history of heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. They recommend knowing your numbers, getting exercise, eating a healthy diet and trying to eliminate chronic stress.

Parasitic Infections In Humans Are More Common Than Assumed (Atlanta, GA) -- Parasitic infections are more common in the U.S. than you might think. For instance, the CDC says 60-million Americans are infected with Toxoplasma gondii [[GONE-dee]], a chronic infection often picked up from undercooked meat or cat feces. Parasites like hookworm are prevalent in some high-poverty areas, like the rural South, from contact with infected soil. Other parasites are spread through drinking contaminated water, poor hand hygiene and traveling to areas where these vermin are more common. If you have digestive symptoms, unexplained weight loss, fatigue or skin problems, it’s recommended that you see a doctor.

Gallup Polls Say Americans Are Rationing Medicine To Afford Healthcare (Washington, DC) -- Two new polls say Americans are rationing medicine and postponing retirement so they can afford healthcare. About one-third of the adults who responded to a new Gallup poll said they had to make compromises to afford healthcare in the past year. Those compromises include rationing medicine and skipping some medications altogether. In a second Gallup poll released today, about one-in-ten adults say they put off retiring because of healthcare costs, while others said they had to put off buying a home or having a child.

Mayo Clinic Offers Tips To Reduce Allergies (Rochester, MN) -- Allergy season is right around the corner and health experts are offering tips to lessen the impact. The Mayo Clinic says to reduce exposure, folks should try to stay indoors on dry and windy days and avoid lawn mowing and gardening. The Mayo Clinic also says people should remove and wash clothing after being outside and then shower to wash off pollen from skin and hair and wear a mask while doing outdoor work and chores. There are a number of non prescription nasal sprays and decongestants available to help lessen allergy symptoms.

GRMC WELCOMES OB-GYN PHYSICIAN

Azza Abdalla, MD

FLUENT IN SPANISH AND ENGLISH

Azza Abdalla, MD, is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist with a degree in biological sciences and medical humanities from the University of South Carolina. She earned her medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina and completed her residency at Duke University Medical Center. Dr. Abdalla is passionate about building meaningful connections with her patients, taking the time to understand them as individuals and providing thoughtful guidance to support informed decision-making. Her clinical interests include high-risk obstetric care, complex delivery planning, family planning and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.

Free Mulch for Seguin Residents

Free wood chip mulch is available to residents within the Seguin city limits through the City of Seguin Public Works Department while supplies last. Mulch may be picked up from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday at 634 Fred Byrd Drive. Residents must bring shovels, gloves and containers if self-loading. Staff will assist with loading large trailers or dump trucks only. For information, call 830-401-2416.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Service Begins in Seguin

Seguin residents now have a safe and convenient way to dispose of household hazardous waste as the City of Seguin launches a new at-your-door collection service beginning Monday, March 1. The service is available to residents who receive City garbage collection, with scheduled pickups taking place every Monday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. at participating homes in Seguin. The program allows residents to properly dispose of items such as automotive fluids, paints, chemicals, household cleaners, and small electronics while helping protect public health and the environment. Residents must schedule a pickup in advance. For scheduling details or additional information, visit hhwsolutions.com or call 888-694-4978.

Women’s History Month Events at TLU

Texas Lutheran University will celebrate Women’s History Month throughout March with a series of free events open to the community. Events begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 4 with a screening of Sally! in Wupperman Little Theatre inside the Schuech Fine Arts Center, followed by a discussion about the life and legacy of former TLU professor Dr. Sally Gearhart. A Lunch and Learn Authors Panel will be held at noon Tuesday, March 18 in the Dunne Conference Center at Tschoepe Hall. Those planning to eat lunch are asked to RSVP by March 13. The celebration concludes with the “Her Vision, Her Voice” Women’s History Month Recital at 7 p.m. Monday, March 30 in Ayers Recital Hall at the Schuech Fine Arts Center. All events are free and open to the public.

SHS students offer free tax help

Seguin ISD students are offering free tax preparation assistance through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The service is available from 4:10 to 5:10 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays through March 31 at the Seguin High School Library. The program is provided by IRS-certified students in the Seguin Independent School District Career and Technical Education business pathway and is open to individuals and families earning about $67,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers. Appointments are encouraged. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact

Helen Stamper at hstamper@seguin.k12.tx.us

Free Tax Help at Texas Lutheran University

Texas Lutheran University is offering free tax preparation assistance through its IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. The clinic will be held Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon through April 15 at the Beck Center on the Texas Lutheran University campus, 1020 Beck Drive in Seguin. The service is provided at no cost by accounting students from Texas Lutheran University and is open to individuals and households earning $69,000 or less, as well as seniors, people with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers.

Energy Assistance Available

The Community Council of South Central Texas is accepting applications for utility bill assistance through the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). Funding is limited and available in select counties, including Guadalupe County. Apply online at ccsct.org/ utility-assistance-apply-for-services/ and schedule an appointment with your county office. An appointment does not guarantee assistance.

Geronimo VFW Dance Schedule

Dance the night away at the Geronimo VFW Post 8456, located at 6808 Hwy 123 N. All dances are open to the public with $10 admission/donation at the door. Sunday Dances: Doors open 1:30 p.m. | Dance 3–6:30 p.m. Tuesday & Friday Dances: Doors open 6 p.m. | Dance 7–10:30 p.m. For reservations, call or text 830-305-8829. Upcoming Dance Schedule: Mar. 1 – Alibis (Burgers); Mar. 3 – Round Up 4 Charity feat. Meyer Anderson Band (7–10 p.m., Burgers); Mar. 8 –Dave Jorgenson; Mar. 15 – Lone Star Pickerz; Mar. 20 – Round Up 4 Charity feat. Randy Carson Band (7–10 p.m., Burgers); Mar. 22 – Nathan Colt Young; and Mar. 29 – Ken Simpson & Bentley Boys.

Guada-Coma ICA Chapter to Hold Producer Meeting

The Guada-Coma Chapter of the Independent Cattlemen’s Association of Texas will hold a chapter meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 16 at Seguin Cattle Company, located at 2424 TX-46 in Seguin. All producers are welcome to attend. The program will feature Dr. Caroline Alsop of Southern Winds Veterinary Clinic speaking on herd and bull selection. A beef meal will be provided, and door prizes will be awarded. Attendees are asked to RSVP by Friday, March 13.

National Ag Day celebration

The Guadalupe County Farm Bureau will host a National Ag Day event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 17 at its office, located at 325 S SH 46 in Seguin. The community is invited to come out and find out what ag-

riculture is all about. Several vendors will be on hand, and free hot dogs will be given away from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

C.A.S.T. for Kids at Irma Lewis Outdoor Learning Center

The C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation will be hosting a morning of fishing and celebration for children with special needs at 9:00 AM on March 21, 2026, at the Irma Lewis Outdoor Learning Center in Seguin, TX. The event enriches the lives of children with special needs, supports their families, and strengthens the community through fishing. For event details, contact coordinator April Bustamante at (830) 446-0110 or email irmalewis@castforkids.org. More information is available at https://castforkids.org/event/irmalewis.

South Texas Home and Garden Show

The 19th annual South Texas Home and Garden Show will be held Saturday, March 21, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Floresville Event Center, 600 S.H. 97 W. in Floresville. The free event will feature more than 100 vendors, gardening classes, food trucks, performances, plants, home décor, a blood drive and door prizes. Admission and parking are free. For more information, visit southtexashomeandgarden.com.

TLU to Host Disability Awareness Month Events Featuring Parasport Race and Panel Discussion

Texas Lutheran University is inviting the community to take part in its Disability Awareness Month celebration in March, highlighting education, inclusion, and advocacy. A wheelchair exhibition race featuring Texas Parasport athletes will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 21 at Bulldog Stadium during the university’s D3 Challenge track meet. The event marks the third anniversary of the exhibition and is now recognized as a World Para Athletics certified competition. In addition, a Self-Advocacy in Medicine panel discussion will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 26 via Zoom.

Green Valley SUD Scholarships

Green Valley Special Utility District is offering four $5,000 scholarships to graduating seniors whose parent or guardian receives water service from the district. Two scholarships are for university-bound students and two for those pursuing trade schools. Eligible students include those attending Seguin, Marion, New Braunfels, Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City or John Paul II Catholic School. Applications are due March 24. Apply at gvsud.org.

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.