SDN: March 24, 2026

March 24, 2026

Central Park restrooms boost downtown visits

(Seguin) -- What began as a long-discussed quality-of-life project is now proving to be one of downtown Seguin’s smartest investments.

Just months after a preconstructed brick public restroom was lowered by crane onto the northeast corner of Central Park, the city facility is already delivering measurable results. That’s according to Blaire Friar, director of Seguin Main Street and the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

She says the restroom project stemmed from priorities identified in the Seguin Downtown Master Plan, where residents and stakeholders consistently ranked public facilities among the top needs for continued revitalization. Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act and designed to complement downtown’s historic architecture, the facility includes ADAcompliant stalls, stainless steel fixtures plus baby and adult-changing stations.

But for Friar and other downtown leaders, the true success of the project isn’t just perception, it’s in the numbers.

“Since the downtown restrooms opened, we have seen a significant increase in the amount of time that people are spending downtown. We use a data source called Placer. It kind of helps us look at those traffic patterns and how long people are spending (downtown). And, we have seen an increase,” said Friar.

Friar says downtown businesses are also

feeling the ripple effects. She says visitors attending concerts, markets, parades, and other Central Park events now have convenient facilities that allow them to stay downtown longer.

“That was the end goal with the restrooms is, you know, we didn’t have a public restroom downtown. And so therefore people were having to leave downtown to go use the facilities. And, you know, once you leave, once you pack up in your car, you’re not likely to come back that same day. So we were really excited to be able to provide that and just offer that extra service and keep people downtown, keep people enjoying the heart of Seguin,” said Friar.

Officials say the restroom facility was intentionally placed at the northeast corner of Central Park to serve both daily visitors and special events without disrupting event flow or the gathered crowds.

The new bathroom facility was installed and put into operation in November.

Threats, disturbance at local store lands man behind bars

(Seguin) -- Thanks to the quick response of the Seguin Police Department, a man threatening customers at a local store is behind bars.

Seguin Police officials say the disturbance was reported at 11:20 a.m. Thursday at the business located in the 700 block of East Kingsbury Street.

Officers were advised that a male, identified as Alex Baltierra, 28, of Caldwell County, had entered the business and was threatening to cause serious injury to random customers, causing fear and alarm to several individuals.

Officers located Baltierra outside the business, where he attempted to flee on foot.

He was quickly taken into custody.

During the investigation, officers learned Baltierra had two active warrants for his arrest.

Baltierra was arrested and transported to the Guadalupe County Jail.

Celebrating Texas History Month in Downtown Seguin

(Seguin) -- March is Texas History Month, a time to celebrate the people, places and events that shaped the Lone Star State. Downtown Seguin offers a frontrow seat to that history.

Founded in 1838 and named for Alamo hero Juan Nepomuceno Seguin, the city gained recognition in the mid- to late-19th century for its distinctive limecrete buildings. Today, walking through downtown, visitors can trace its transformation from a frontier settlement to a charming historic district, home to more than 120 buildings that showcase Seguin’s architectural past.

The Heritage Museum proudly promotes Seguin’s history through historical plaques located throughout downtown, sharing stories of the Texas Rangers, Wilson Pottery, the Southern Pacific Railroad Depot, local businesses, and the families who helped shape the community. The museum engages the community through guided tours, providing a glimpse into life in early Texas and showing how settlers lived, worked, and built a thriving community along the banks of the Guadalupe River. Visitors can also explore Seguin’s history on their own using the Historical Seguin App, created by the City of Seguin GIS Department, which is available online.

Heritage Village, managed by the Seguin Conservation Society, preserves Seguin’s pioneer-era buildings and historic treasures, including a hand-

built log cabin, an adobe home, and the Victorian-era Dietz Doll House. Visitors can also see the Calaboose, a portable jail once used to transport prisoners to the Convict Farm, Seguin’s First Church and Bell Tower, and the Texas Theatre, opened in 1931, which still features its iconic 620-bulb marquee, mica lanterns, and Spanish tile.

Providing a visual celebration of Seguin’s past, downtown murals bring the city’s history and culture to life. The Ranger Mural honors Seguin’s 1838 founding by 33 Texas Rangers, while the Stagecoach Mural recalls the city’s role as a bustling transportation and trade hub in the 19th century.

Beyond its architecture and public art, downtown Seguin demonstrates a strong commitment to preservation. The Historic Preservation and Design Commission carefully reviews exterior work to ensure the district’s historic character is maintained, while businesses and property owners can take advantage of programs such as facade grants, business improvement grants, and Chapter 380 Agreements, which provide financial support for building improvements, safety upgrades, and ongoing investment in the district.

As Texas History Month wraps up, celebrate Seguin by exploring downtown, supporting local businesses, and uncovering the stories that have shaped our community.

Area baseball and softball teams earn district wins on Friday

Chris Austin

(Seguin) -- The Seguin Matador baseball team run-ruled San Antonio Highlands 13-0 on Friday night at Matador Legends Ballpark.

The Matadors are 4-0 in District 27-5A and have not allowed a run in their four victories. Seguin has outscored its opponents 42-0 in district play.

Griffin Welfel earned the win on the mound with a five-inning shutout. The right-hander struck out nine and allowed just two hits. Welfel also went 2-for-4 at the plate with an RBI.

Leadoff hitter Ethan Tipple got things started with a little league home run in the bottom of the first. Tipple reached on a base hit to left field that was mishandled and rolled all the way to the wall, and he never stopped running. Tipple tripled later in the inning, driving in two, as the Matadors sent 13 batters to the plate in a nine-run frame.

Matthew Marek and Samuel Edwards each had two hits for the Matadors. Marek drove in three and Edwards had two RBIs and a triple.

Seguin travels to San Antonio Sam Houston on Tuesday afternoon. First pitch is at 4:30 at Sam Houston High School.

(Seguin) -- The Seguin Lady Matadors wrapped up a perfect opening round of district play with a 13-3 run-rule victory over Highlands at Legends Ballpark on Friday.

Brylee Wieding doubled three times and drove in three runs for the Lady Mats. Erin Johnston also had three doubles and drove home two.

Seguin is 6-0 in district play and 15-10 overall. The Lady Mats are off Tuesday and will host San Antonio Lanier on Friday night.

(San Antonio) -- The Navarro Lady Panthers beat San Antonio Kennedy 11-8 on the road Friday night for their first win in District 28-4A this season.

Cadee Zimmer, Jill Baker, Shelbi Stevens, and Audrina Pacheco each had three hits in the victory. Peyton Cisneros earned the win in the circle, going five innings and allowing just one earned run on three hits.

The Lady Panthers will play at San Antonio Memorial on Tuesday. First pitch is at 6 p.m.

(Geronimo) -- The Navarro Panther baseball team opened District 28-4A play with an 11-0 blanking of Gonzales on Friday in Geronimo.

Noah Rosas had four hits and drove in six runs for the Panthers. On the mound, Tyler Riske took a no-hitter into the fifth and finished with a complete-game, three-hit shutout, striking out seven in the six-inning run-rule victory.

Navarro has won six straight. The Panthers and Apaches meet again Tuesday at Gonzales High School. First pitch is at 7 p.m.

Study Shows 150K COVID Deaths Unaccounted For

(Washington, DC) -- The coronavirus death toll across the U.S. during the first part of the pandemic may be higher than the numbers show. A new study shows there appears to be around 150-thousand unaccounted for COVID related deaths in 2020 and 2021. There were a little more than 840-thousand official COVID deaths in that time frame. However, new findings in the journal Science Advances show the real death toll is about 16 percent higher. Those deaths, according to the study, were more likely to be Hispanic people, those at home, less educated people, and those with lower income. The study shows a high number of the unaccounted for deaths in Southern states.

Pope Backs Healthcare For All As “Moral Imperative”

(Vatican City) -- Pope Leo says everyone deserves healthcare. The head of the Roman Catholic Church spoke this week at a conference on healthcare inequality in Europe. He said “health cannot be a luxury for the few” and described providing care as “an essential condition for social peace.” The first Pontiff ever born in the United States told those in attendance that universal healthcare coverage is, in his words, “a moral imperative for societies that wish to call themselves just.”

Early Menopause Tied To 40% Higher Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease

(Evanston, IL) -- A new study says women who go through natural menopause before 40 face a 40-percent higher risk of heart disease. The study was done by researchers at Northwestern University and was published in JAMA Cardiology. Current evidence shows roughly three to four percent of women may experience some form of menopause before age 40. Black women are three times more likely to experience premature menopause. Most cases of early menopause have no clear explanation, but conditions like autoimmune disease, infections, inflammatory conditions and genetic mutations can trigger it.

Nearly 90K Bottles Of Children’s Ibuprofen Recalled

(Silver Spring, MD) -- Nearly 90-thousand bottles of children’s ibuprofen are being recalled. The voluntary recall is due to the possible presence of a foreign substance. A notice from the Food and Drug Administration says Taro Pharmaceuticals received complaints from customers who reported a “gel-like mass and black particles” in the drug products. The recall includes four-ounce bottles of Children’s Ibuprofen Oral Suspension with an expiration date of January 31st, 2027. The FDA said the children’s medication were manufactured in India for Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A.

Eggapalooza Returns with Free All-Abilities Egg Hunt at TLU

Families across Seguin are invited to the 4th Annual Eggapalooza All Abilities Egg Hunt from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at TLU’s Bulldog Stadium, located at 815 Fleming Dr. This free community event is open to children ages two to 12 of all abilities and features more than 40,000 eggs, age-specific hunts, games, booths, and activities hosted by local organizations. Guests can also enjoy free donuts, photos with the Easter Bunny, Kona Ice, and chances to find prize eggs. Gates open at 8:30 a.m., with the first egg hunt beginning at 9:30 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and check in at the main Fleming Street entrance to be part of one of the largest egg hunts in South Central Texas.

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. 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.

AAMPO Seeks Public Input at Seguin Meeting on $1.9 Billion Transportation Plan

The Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO) is inviting residents to attend a public meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, March 23, at the Seguin Public Library, 313 W. Nolte St., to review and comment on its Draft FY 2027–2030 Transportation Improvement Program. The plan outlines more than $1.9 billion in roadway, safety, and mobility projects scheduled over the next four years. Community members are encouraged to attend, learn about projects impacting Guadalupe County, ask questions, and provide feedback to help guide future transportation investments in the growing region.

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. 29 – Ken Simpson & Bentley Boys.

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.

Guadalupe County Republican Women to Host Guest Speaker

The Guadalupe County Republican Women will host their monthly meeting and luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 26 at the Seguin Silver Center, 510 E. Court St. in Seguin. Guest speaker Krista Schild, Texas Director of the RAIR Foundation, will present a program discussing grassroots activism, America’s founding principles and organizing at the local level. The program portion of the meeting is free to attend. Lunch is available for $20 with RSVP or $25 at the door. Those planning to attend lunch are asked to RSVP by calling or texting 830-391-3979.

Vietnam War Veterans Ceremony

A Vietnam War Veterans Ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 27 at Memorial Plaza at the Veterans Outreach Center, 205 E. Weinert St. in Seguin. The event will honor all veterans who served during the Vietnam Era, from November 1, 1955 through April 30, 1975. The ceremony will feature a presentation by

the Seguin High School NJROTC Drill Team, a tribute to Vietnam veterans, and the presentation of the 2026 Honor Wall recipient, Luis Gonzalez, CSM (Ret.), U.S. Army. For more information, call 830-303-8870.

Online Presentation Explores “The Science of God” rescheduled for March 27

The public is invited to attend an online presentation titled “The Science of God” hosted by Minister Stanley Holmes. The program has been rescheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, March 27 via Zoom. The event will explore the relationship between faith and science. Participants may join online at https://us02web.zoom. us/j/9910714276 or by phone by dialing 1-346-248-7799 and entering meeting ID 9910714276. The virtual presentation is open to anyone interested in the discussion.

International Cat Show & Adoption Event

An international cat show and adoption event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29 at the Seguin Events Complex Coliseum, 950 S. Austin St. in Seguin. Hosted by the Mission City Cat Club and The International Cat Association, the event will feature a variety of cat breeds competing in multiple judging rings, along with opportunities to adopt cats and kittens from area rescue groups. Attendees can also enjoy vendors, children’s activities, and giveaways. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for children ages 5–12 and seniors, and free for children 4 and under. For tickets or more information, visit https:// events.ticketleap.com/tickets/mission-city-cat-club/ letsCadeo.

Homestead Exemption Audit Process Begins for Property Owners

Property owners in Guadalupe County are being advised of a new requirement involving homestead exemptions. Under a new state law, appraisal districts across the state, including the Guadalupe Appraisal District, will begin conducting audits of homestead exemptions. As part of the process, property owners with an active homestead exemption may receive a notice asking them to reapply for the exemption every five years to verify eligibility. The appraisal district does not calculate taxes based on exemptions. Any tax adjustments will be handled by the Guadalupe County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office and reflected either in amended bills for previous years or on the current year’s tax bill issued in October. Property owners who receive a notice should follow the instructions provided by the Guadalupe Appraisal District.

TLU to Host Free “Chemistry of Health and Medicine” Science Event

Texas Lutheran University will host a special night of fun through science event from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 31 in the Student Activity Center at Jackson Park. The university invites the public to its Chemistry Chaos event, titled “The Chemistry of Health and Medicine.” The free, family-friendly event will feature interactive science activities and demonstrations focused on health and medical science. Community members of all ages are encouraged to attend and explore handson learning opportunities.

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.