SDN: May 14, 2026

May 14, 2026

GVEC members help power community growth

Local nonprofits selected for latest round of grants

(Seguin) -- The spare change GVEC members add to their monthly electric bills will soon be responsible for some major improvements across Guadalupe County.

Thirteen organizations across South Central Texas have been awarded more than $208,000 through GVEC’s Power Up community grant program. Of those 13, four belong right here in Guadalupe County.

According to Christine Presley, GVEC community relations representative, the funding for the grant projects comes directly from members who voluntarily round up their electric bills each month.

“So just to stress, this is member money,” said Presley. “I round up

my bill on my electric bill and that change gets put into a collection pot and we use a portion of that for Power Up grants specifically to go back into the community.”

Presley says these small contributions have added up to make a major difference in local communities.

“It is such an amazing thing to be able to turn around and give right back directly into the towns and the communities that we’re in and living in and working in,” said Presley.

The Guadalupe County recipients include the McQueeney Volunteer Fire Department, which received $20,000 to upgrade equipment for its new attack rescue pumper.

GVEC, pg. 2

Residents encouraged to Bike to Work this Friday

(Seguin) – You might want to consider trading in those four wheels for two this Friday.

The city of Seguin is inviting residents to celebrate Bike to Work Day this Friday, May 15.

Jennifer Sourdellia, public information officer for the city of Seguin, says the annual event is designed to encourage residents to consider alternatives to driving. Bike, pg. 2

Bike, continued.

“May is National Bike Month, and this Friday, May 15th, is Bike to Work Day. This is an initiative that we have celebrated for the past few years, and we have our partners with Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, and we do this to promote people getting out and riding their bikes and doing alternative transportation,” said Sourdellia.

Whether you commute across town or simply take a short ride

GVEC, continued.

with family and friends, Sourdellia says every mile on two wheels helps promote a healthier community. She says teaming up with the city to help send out the message will be the Guadalupe Regional Wellness Center.

“This year, we are cosponsoring an energizer station at Guadalupe Regional Wellness Center over at GRMC. So, we’re encouraging people to grab their bike, grab their friends, grab their family. They can ride or walk to our energizer station. It’s completely

Funding will help purchase AEDs, CPR suction units, thermal imaging equipment and other emergency response tools designed to improve firefighter and citizen safety across the department’s 18-square-mile coverage area.

Seguin ISD also received nearly $20,000 for a new Construction Trades education mobile classroom. The trailer will be equipped with construction-grade power tools, cabinetry and a generator, giving students expanded hands-on learning opportunities while also allowing the program to travel to campuses and job sites.

Presley adds that this project stood out across the board during the grant review process.

“I want to specifically speak to the Seguin ISD,” said Presley. “It was one that just unanimously every single time a committee reviewed it and looked at it, was absolutely — they are so passionate about putting back into the community specifically for the CTE program.”

The Seguin-Guadalupe County Senior Citizens Center, better known as The Silver Center, received

free. We’re going to be there from 7 to 10 a.m. and we’ll be giving away healthy snacks and waters. We’re going to be also giving away some t-shirts and cups. And a little birdie told me that we’re going to be giving away a few passes to the wave pool,” said Sourdellia.

City officials remind riders to wear a helmet, obey traffic laws, use bike lanes when available, and wear bright or reflective clothing to stay visible.

GRMC Wellness Center is located at 1339 E. Court St.

more than $18,000 for a new digital sign to improve communication about activities, events and community programs hosted at the facility.

St. James Catholic School also received $9,200 for an outdoor learning pavilion and garden area that will provide students with additional classroom space and hands-on learning opportunities.

The vision for future possibilities is not over. Presley says GVEC encourages even more nonprofit organizations and community groups to apply for future funding cycles.

“My first suggestion would be to go to gvec.org and go under community and Power Up information. There is a lot of great information. I would take the time to review that. My cellphone is on there and you can call me and I would be happy to go over any questions people may have,” said Presley.

Since the program launched in 2012, more than $4.6 million has been awarded to 283 projects across the cooperative’s service area. The next Power Up grant application deadline is Aug. 17, 2026.

See photos on page 3.

Seguin, Marion and Navarro track stars set to compete at state meet

(Austin) — Six student-athletes from area schools will compete at the UIL State Track and Field Meet in Austin, beginning Thursday.

Seguin High School freshman Paige Leyendecker and junior Adrian Rangel will compete in the Class 5A meet on Friday. Leyendecker will take part in the girls long jump, while Rangel will run in the boys 1,600 meters. Both athletes earned silver medals at the Class 5A Region IV meet earlier this month.

Navarro High School will be represented in the Class 4A competition by sophomore Emerson Cochran and senior Lilia Flo. Cochran will run in the girls 400-meter dash. She also qualified for the state meet as a freshman last year, finishing sixth in the event. Flo will compete in two events — the 1,600 and 3,200-meter runs. She also competed at the state cross country meet last fall, finishing 18th.

Marion High School senior Kaitlyn Rackley and junior Brody Fizer will compete in Class 3A — Rackley in the girls pole vault and Fizer in the boys pole vault. Rackley was the state silver medalist in the event a year ago, while Fizer placed ninth. On Monday, Rackley will sign a letter of intent to compete

VITAL STATISTICS

AUTEN

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of William Brutus Auten. Brutus was born September 22, 1945, to parents – Drs. Gladys and John Auten in Corpus Christi, Texas and died May 6, 2026, in Seguin, Texas.

It is hard to believe that we are no longer able to see that gentle guy with the easy rolling walk leaning on a counter assigning nicknames to all; sharing sage advice; telling a joke or playing (and always shuffling) cards; cooking a great Thanksgiving meal or listening to and helping a friend in need.

Even his name – Brutus -- has a story. For the first 21 years of his life, he was called Bill, but that changed soon after he joined the Coast Guard and was assigned to a ship based in Hawaii that had so many Bills aboard that he said, “I’ll go by my middle name, Brutus.” This one decision proved over the years to be a wise one. Yes, each time he introduced himself to a stranger, there could be eyerolls and gales of laughter followed by the question – “And how is Popeye?” Well, people from all over world in the oil and gas industry seemed to have no trouble remembering his name, because often when an issue arose at a site someone would suggest -- “Just call Brutus, get him to come help you!”

After his military service he returned to college and graduated from Texas A&I (Texas A&M, Kingsville). Brutus was a worker and greatly respected others committed to jobs and work. From high school on he always had a job and was an entrepreneur at heart mowing lawns, delivering feed, running a golf course, being a certified firefighter and EMT, or working as a schoolteacher substitute on his days off from the fire station. But his career opportunities sky-rocketed when he was recruited to work for Grant Oil and Tool as a salesman. That job morphed into international work in the oil industry that took him all over the world. He lived first in Houston, then Singapore as he covered the East and Middle East with his friend and business partner, Jimmie

VALDEZ

Julia “Jewels” Valdez, born Julia Rojas on February 16, 1955 in Seguin, Texas peacefully passed away on May 3, 2026, in her hometown of Seguin. Her life was one marked by boundless warmth, care, and an ever-present smile that lit up every room she entered. Julia’s journey was one rich with devoted family moments, lifelong friendships, and a spirit that embraced joy with open arms.

Known fondly as Jewels to those who loved her, Julia spent many years dedicated to the dry cleaner business—a testament to her strong work ethic and attention to detail. However, after the loss of her dear husband Manuel Valdez, she found her true calling in giving back to others as a senior caretaker. This role deeply resonated with Julia, reflecting her nurturing soul and the loving heart that constantly sought to uplift and support those around her.

Her personality was distinctly radiant—she was always smiling, laughing, and dancing, infusing joy into the lives of everyone she met. Friends and family remember her as caring and loving, someone who made you feel instantly at home in her presence. She enjoyed the simple pleasures that made life sweet: crafting beautiful arts and crafts, putting puzzles together, and cherishing the most treasured moments with her family. Nothing brought her more happiness than being a grandmother, a role she embraced fully, showering her grandchildren with love and pride. Her spirit came alive during lively gatherings where she joyfully danced the night away and cheered passionately for her beloved Dallas Cowboys and San Antonio Spurs.

Williams, and later based in Los Angeles as he managed service operations in Alaska and the lower 48 while still being called to travel internationally.

There came a time when Brutus was willing to continue servicing Alaska, but he wanted to leave LA and return to Texas. He partnered with George Hendricks to purchased peach and pecan land in Seguin, Texas, and it was there that he met and married the love of his life, Kathi, or Peg as he often called her.

Brutus loved both playing and watching sports. He was blessed with a natural golf swing; had a mean serve that helped earn him and his tennis partner a trip to the State Tennis Tournament; treasured his time as both guard and fullback on the Ingleside Football Team that made its way to the State finals. And, while in Singapore he mastered the game of Squash.

Prior to Brutus’ permanent retirement from traveling, he and Kathi purchased Comanche Crossing – a bar/convenience store in Seguin. Just as in all his jobs, he loved interacting with people; enjoyed opening early; greeting customers and having the opportunity to play cards and cribbage with friends.

Brutus is survived by his wife, Kathi; sister Annette Blaschke; nephew Barrett Blaschke; great- niece Madison Jane (MJ) Blaschke; sister-in-law, Janis Thomas and husband Gary; nephew, Ethan Thomas; God Daughter, Kimberly Williams Johnson; and so many more loving family members and friends around the world.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Comanche Crossing Country Store, 2080 FM 477, Seguin, Texas, 78155. Please bring your best “Brutus Stories” as we look forward to having time with all of you!

If you should choose to honor Brutus’ memory, gifts to Ingleside Exes Scholarship Fund, created by Brutus and his sister, PO Box 7, Ingleside, Texas 78362, or the Texas Agricultural Education and Heritage Center (Red Barn), 250 Cordova Road, Seguin, Tx, 78155, would be greatly appreciated. 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.

Julia’s legacy is carried forward by her beloved siblings Angelita Rojas and Guillermo “Willie” Rojas, her children Judy Sanchez, Adolfo Trevino IV (Kim), Jeffery Trevino, Yvette Trevino (Daniel), and Shelby Sanchez (Kevin). Her devotion extended to her grandchildren—Justin (Kayla), Laura, Juliann, Corissa, Rey, Elijah, CJ (Selena), Ashlea, Alyssa, Kassandra, Samantha (Eric), Adyson, and Tyler—and her great-grandchildren Lily, Kayden, Zendaya, Kolbe, Taylor, Max, Hannah, Allison, Landon, Micah, Luna, Genesis, Emerie, Avery, Noah, Aiden, Esme, Ezra, Jet, and Elias. Many nieces and nephews also hold her memory dear, a testament to the wide circle of love she nurtured throughout her life.

Julia was preceded in death by her loving parents, Apolonio Rojas Sr. and Francisca Diaz, her late husband Manuel Valdez, and her first husband Adolfo Trevino III as well as siblings, Juanita Rojas, Apolonio “Piggy” Rojas, Ramona Sanchez, Maria Rojas and Cipriano “Zip” Rojas.

The family will receive condolences at Palmer Mortuary on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 3:30pm to 8pm. A rosary will be recited at 4:30pm followed by the Pastors from Crossroads to share a few words and songs at 5:15pm. The family and friends will share memories of Jewels at 5:45pm and the services will conclude with Mariachis giving her a final serenade. All services will conclude at 8pm and cremation will follow.

Julia “Jewels” Valdez was a beacon of love, laughter, and kindness—a soul whose presence made the world a warmer, brighter place. Her memory will forever dance in the hearts of those she held dear, inspiring each of us to live with the same generous spirit she so beautifully embodied.

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 to sign and view the guest book.

VITAL STATISTICS

SAUNDERS

Judy Eileen Saunders, age 81, of Seguin, Texas, passed away on April 3, 2026.

Judy was born on October 12, 1944, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Virginia Taylor Turley and was adopted by James B. Saunders and Mary E. Saunders. She grew up in Central Texas and graduated from MacArthur High School in 1963. She went on to attend Texas Lutheran College in Seguin, where she met Glen Arthur Engeling. The two were married in September of 1966 and began their life together as a Navy family, living in Pensacola, Florida, during training and later in Newport News, Virginia, while Glen was stationed at Langley Air Force Base.

Judy’s life was marked by both deep love and resilience. After the loss of her newborn twins, she later welcomed her daughters, Kimberly EngelingSaunders and Denise Sheldon, and made her home in Central Texas, eventually settling in Seguin. With the support of her parents and sister, Diana, she raised her daughters in a supportive, loving family.

From the age of four through eighteen, Judy studied dance, training in ballet, tap, and jazz. She trained under the renowned “Toots” Johnson, a Hollywood dancer and choreographer, and performed throughout Central Texas for veterans’ groups and community events.

Teaching became Judy’s true calling. She returned to Texas Lutheran College, earned her degree and teaching certificate, and embarked on a dedicated teaching career spanning more than thirty years in Seguin ISD, Gonzales ISD, and Judson ISD, where she became a Math Trainer. She devoted countless hours to developing lessons, leading workshops for teachers, tutoring students, and teaching summer and evening classes. Her students described her as “strict but fair,” and they appreciated her humor, dedication, and unwavering belief in their ability to succeed.

Judy was a woman of strong personality and vibrant spirit. She was feisty, competitive, and known for her sharp wit and unmistakable sarcasm, often delivered with a playful smile. She had a flair for storytelling, sometimes embellishing details for dramatic effect, much to the delight of those around her. She cared deeply about fairness and social justice and was generous with both her time and her resources.

In her earlier years, Judy enjoyed cooking, baking, crafting, and gardening,

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.

and she took pride in creating a warm, cozy, and beautifully decorated home— especially during the holidays. In her later years, she relished playing games and keeping up with friends on Facebook. She lived with her daughter Kimberly, where she spent many leisurely hours sitting on the front porch, sharing stories from her life as a teacher, mother, and grandmother, as well as fond memories of growing up in San Antonio and Blanco with family and friends.

She was grateful to reconnect later in life with her biological brothers, Gary and Windle, and cherished the relationship she and Gary built.

Judy was a lifelong Lutheran whose faith sustained her through life’s many challenges, including the loss of her twins and a newborn grandson, a battle with thyroid cancer in her 40s, and ongoing health struggles. She often recited the Serenity Prayer and shared this practice with her grandson Cameron. Her steadfast faith in God gave her strength in hardship, comfort in sorrow, and a deep sense of peace in uncertain times. She trusted that every chapter of her life held purpose, and in the end, she rested in the assurance of God’s grace and the promise of eternal life.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, James B. and Mary E. Saunders; her sisters, Bonnie Blanchard, Diana Saunders, and Mary Lee Alexander; her daughters, Amy Lynne and Angela Lynne Engeling; her grandson, Aidan Crettenden, and many other beloved relatives.

She is survived by her brothers, James “Billy” Saunders II and wife Lisa, Gary Turley, and Windle Turley; her daughters, Kimberly Engeling-Saunders and Denise Crettenden and husband Leigh; her grandchildren, Cameron Saunders-Matthews, Eleanor Crettenden, and Abigail Crettenden; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, including: Linda Randall and husband Lloyd, Marilyn Payne, Jackie Ross, Walter Klaus, extended family members, and dear friends.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 13th from 10:00am to 11:00am with a Celebration of Life at 11:00am at Tres Hewell Mortuary in Seguin.

Memorial contributions for large print books may be made to the Seguin Public Library, 313 W. Nolte Street, Seguin, Texas 78155 (please make checks payable to Seguin Public Library with “large print books” noted in the memo line). FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY.

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.

Networking

Guadalupe

WHO: No Signs Of Larger Hantavirus Outbreak

(Undated) -- The World Health Organization says there are no signs of the start of a larger hantavirus outbreak. In an update this morning, the WHO said there have been eleven cases reported with nine of those being confirmed. All cases are among passengers and crew of the hantavirus-infected cruise ship where three people died. Sixteen Americans who were on the cruise are now in quarantine in Nebrasksa while two others are in Atlanta. Health officials have said the risk to the public remains low.

Senior Citizens Turning To Cannabis For Relief

(Undated) -- Senior citizens and older adults are more often turning to cannabis for self-medication. A new study published in JAMA Network Open looked at adults 60 to 85 in Colorado. It found they are increasingly using cannabis edibles to help with pain, sleep issues or mental health concerns. Most of these users are doing so without medical guidance and most also wanted to avoid pharmaceuticals. In many cases the study found older people are turning to cannabis after exhausting other options for relief.

CA May Ban Quartz Countertops

(Sacramento, CA) -- California may soon be the first state in the U.S. to ban quartz countertops to protect workers from a serious lung disease linked to cutting and shaping the material. Silicosis has killed 30 workers and sickened over five hundred since 2019. A new law adds stricter rules for shops that cut engineered stone, but in a new petition, health experts say it’s not enough. Some experts want California to follow Australia, which banned engineered stone in 2024 after a similar health crisis. The ban faces pushback from manufacturers who say safer alternatives would cost more.

Study Shows Brain-Controlled Hearing Aids Can Help In Noisy Environments

(New York, NY) -- A new study shows that brain-controlled hearing aids can help in noisy environments. Scientists at Columbia University in New York say this technology can help people identify which voice they want to follow in a busy room and then boost that audio. Conventional hearing aids can’t do that, although they’re quite proficient at amplifying general speech and reducing some types of background sound, like traffic. The study is published online in Nature Neuroscience.

Starcke Park Golf Course Grand Re-Opening Tournament Weekend

The wait is almost over. Golf is returning to Seguin. Starcke Park Golf Course will celebrate its grand reopening with a special tournament weekend on Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31. The Sunday event will feature a four-person scramble with lunch served at 11 a.m. and a shotgun start at 12:45 p.m. Entry is free, and concessions and beer will be available for purchase. Cart path only will be in effect. Participation in the Sunday tournament will be determined through a lottery system. Individuals were invited to submit an entry form, with selected participants notified ahead of the event with additional tournament details. Enter here: https://forms.office.com/r/BNumdKWdR9 The reopening also signals the return of regular play at Starcke Park. Online tee times will open May 22—10 days in advance—for rounds beginning in June. Golfers can also make tee time reservations by phone starting May 25 by calling 830-401-2490. City officials say they look forward to welcoming golfers back to the course and encourage the community to be part of the celebration as one of Seguin’s favorite recreational amenities returns to action.

Seguin Noon Lions Club Spring Fling

The Seguin Noon Lions Club will host its Spring Fling from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 7 at the Silver Center, 510 East Court Street in Seguin. This drive-thru only event will feature a pork steak dinner catered by Troy Brown’s Next Door Catering, with tickets available in advance or at the door. Raffle tickets will also be available for a chance to win prizes.

Blood Drive Coming to Seguin Coliseum

The City of Seguin and the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center are teaming up for a community blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, May 7 in the Seguin Coliseum parking lot. The blood drive is open to the entire community. Donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh 120 pounds and present a signed parental consent form, or be 17 or older and weigh at least 110 pounds. Donors should be in good general health and present a valid photo ID. All donors will receive a free tote bag. Appointments can be made online, and for more information, call Jennifer Gauna at 830-401-2471.

Foster Care Month Highlights Need for Local Families

May is National Foster Care Month, and SJRC Texas | Belong is recognizing the vital role foster caregivers play in the lives of children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Foster families provide more than just safety and stability — they offer nurturing homes, healthy family dynamics, and support that can leave a lasting impact well into adulthood. The organization says there is a significant need right now for foster families. Learn more at sjrctexas.org.

National Day of Prayer Observance

The Guadalupe County Ministerial Association will host a National Day of Prayer observance at noon Thursday, May 7 in Seguin City Park. The 30-minute gathering is open to the public, and all are invited to attend.

Guada-Coma ICA Chapter Meeting

The Guada-Coma Chapter of the Independent Cattlemen’s Association of Tex-

as will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 18 at Seguin Cattle Company, 2424 State Highway 46 in Seguin. All producers are welcome to attend. The meeting will include chapter scholarship awards, state convention delegate designations, a beef meal, and door prizes. RSVP by Friday, May 15.

Badges, Bikes & Tykes Set for May 16

The Seguin Police Department and Seguin Fire Department will host the annual Badges, Bikes & Tykes event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 16 at Max Starcke Park East. The free, family-friendly event includes lunch, games, prizes, and chances for kids 16 and under to win a bicycle or skateboard, while meeting local first responders. For more information or to donate, call 830-386-2582.

Guadalupe County Bulk Clean-Up, May 16

Guadalupe County invites residents to take part in the County’s Bulk Clean-up Event scheduled for Saturday, May 16, from 7:30 to 11:30 AM at the Road & Bridge Department. The event entrance is at 3100 N. Austin St., at the intersection of Austin and North Guadalupe Street in Seguin. This is a free opportunity for residents to dispose of waste and help create a safer, healthier environment. Residents are asked to bring a photo ID or utility bill.

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.