SDN: May 16, 2026

Operation Rolling Thunder III results in six Arrests, 12 victims rescued in Guadalupe County

(Seguin) -- A three-day human trafficking enforcement effort in Guadalupe County has resulted in six arrests for soliciting prostitution and the rescue of 12 victims. According to the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office, the operation, dubbed “Operation Rolling Thunder III,” marked the third major initiative conducted in Guadalupe County targeting sexual predators and human trafficking.

Sheriff Joshua Ray says the operation was designed to identify individuals seeking to exploit others and to connect victims with resources and support.

Authorities say all of the solicitations involved adults, and no minors were involved in the operation.

Those arrested on charges of soliciting prostitution were identified as:

• John Greenwood

• James Black

• Roger Gomez

• Timothy Kimbrough

• Kevin Meislin

• Paz Martinez

In addition to the prostitution-related arrests, two individuals who were transporting victims were taken into custody on outstanding warrants.

They were identified as:

• Joseph Borrego, wanted for possession of a controlled substance, Penalty Group 1/1-B, less than one gram.

• Francisco Gomez wanted for a parole violation.

County officials say each of the 12 victims rescued during the operation was offered comprehensive support services through state, county and nonprofit organizations.

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Local law enforcement agencies honor fallen officers

(Seguin) -- The names and stories of fallen peace officers were remembered Friday morning as the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office and the Seguin Police Department hosted a joint Peace Officers Memorial Day Ceremony at the Seguin Coliseum.

The annual observance brought together law enforcement officers, elected officials, clergy, and community members to pay tribute to officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

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Operation, continued.

Participating agencies included the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office, Guadalupe County Constable Precinct 3, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the

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Medina County Sheriff’s Office, the Schertz Police Department, the Live Oak Police Department, United States Army Criminal Investigation Division, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal

Representatives from multiple agencies, including the Seguin Fire Department, were invited to attend.

Guadalupe County Sheriff Joshua Ray opened the ceremony by reflecting on the lives lost in service to their communities.

“Our nation lost too many. One is too many. Badge numbers that will never be issued again. Too many chairs that will sit empty at the dinner table. Too many children who will grow up asking questions that deserve better answers than life has given them,” said Ray.

Ray says despite the lives lost including the eight here in Texas in 2025, every officer understands the risks that come with putting on the badge.

“I stand before you today as a sheriff, but more than that, as someone who understands the weight of this profession. I know what it means to send your people out into the unknown every single shift. I know the pride we have in our chosen profession, and I also know the dangers. Every officer in this country knows them as well,” said Ray.

He reminded those in the audience that those being remembered knowingly accepted those dangers in order to serve others.

Bureau of Investigation.

A video of the operation sting has been posted on the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.

Officials say no one was injured during the operation.

“The men and women we honor today knew those risks. They chose this profession anyway. Not because it was easy, but because someone had to. Because they believed in something greater than themselves. They believed in their communities, in justice, and in the idea that every person deserves to be safe,” said Ray. “That kind of courage deserves more than a moment of silence. It deserves a lifetime of remembrance.”

That lifetime of remembrance rings true today for Seguin Police Chief Jason Brady. Brady used the occasion to remember Officer Joe Carrillo, the only Seguin police officer to die as a result of injuries sustained in the line of duty. Brady says Carrillo’s legacy remains an important part of the department’s identity and culture.

“In September 26th of 1965, young Officer Joe Carrillo was conducting a traffic stop. It was for a headlight out here on Court Street. When he stopped the car, the driver produced a gun, shot him in the chest. Despite this devastating wound, Officer Carrillo returned fire, pursued the vehicle, and was able to put out information on the radio -- demonstrated extreme bravery, dedication to service that night. His story didn’t end there,” said Brady.

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“He managed to come back to work, and he chose to serve Seguin even after that incident and he served as a detective in that capacity for another 10 years. But unfortunately, that old wound caught up with him. He never really recovered fully, and he died of complications from that gunshot wound July 20th, 1975.

During his speech, Brady recognized more than just the officers. He also recognized the families left behind when an officer is killed in the line of duty.

“I want to address families of those that are fallen because we want to remember them too. They share in the profession of their loved ones, spouses, fathers, daughters, sons, brothers, to their loved ones that

aren’t coming home. And they signed up for this too, whether they knew it or not. Maybe they understood the gravity of it. Maybe they didn’t. But they live with that pain and that loss, and they grieve after the newspaper headlines fade. After the 21-gun salute, they continue,” said Brady.

The ceremony also included a combined honor guard presentation by the Seguin Police Department and Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office, the presentation of “Taps,” and bagpipes – plus proclamations from the City of Seguin and Guadalupe County.

Peace Officers Memorial Day is observed each year in May during National Police Week to honor federal, state, and local law enforcement officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty.

Marion’s season ends in Region IV semis with extra innings loss to Falfurrias

(Victoria) — The Marion Bulldog baseball season came to an end Friday night at Victoria Riverside Stadium, as Falfurrias scored eight runs in the top of the ninth inning to pull away for an 11-3 victory in game two and complete a two-game sweep of the Class 3A Division I Region IV semifinal series.

A second grand slam of the series capped the eight-run ninth for the Jersey Bulls and ended Marion’s season. Falfurrias also won game one on a walk-off grand slam Thursday.

The Bulldogs had led 3-1 heading into the six inning. Marion took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the third when senior Huck Schoenvogel launched a two-run home run over the left field wall, scoring Eli Parker from third. Parker scored again in the next inning to extend the advantage to 3-1.

Falfurrias pulled within 3-2 with a run in the sixth and tied it in the seventh, but the Jersey Bulls’ damage could have been greater if not for two defensive plays by junior center fielder Jack Wells. In the fifth, Wells threw out a Falfurrias runner attempting to score from third on a sacrifice fly. In

the eighth, Wells caught a liner and threw to the plate to gun down another runner trying to tag up from third.

Parker started on the mound and was sharp early, holding Falfurrias to one run on four hits while striking out six over four and a third innings of work. In the second inning, the Jersey Bulls loaded the bases with no outs using the bottom third of the order, but Parker struck out the top three batters in the Falfurrias lineup on consecutive swinging third strikes to strand the runners.

Marion finishes the season having won two playoff series in the Class 3A Division I bracket after completing an undefeated run through District 27-3A to claim the district championship. The Bulldogs reclaimed a district title after finishing second to Jourdanton in 2025, sweeping the Indians in this year’s district series.

Marion is led by head coach Tim Tesch, who completed his 11th season at the helm of the program. Tesch is the school’s all-time leader in career victories.

VITAL STATISTICS

JACKSON

Donald Eldon Jackson, age 86 of Seguin, passed away on May 10, 2026. Donald was born on November 18, 1939, in Guadalupe County, to Velma (Woods) and Everett General Jackson.

Donald is preceded in death by his wife, Fran Jackson, his parents and his brother, Harold Jackson.

Survivors include his daughter, Drena Lanae Tucker; brothers, Wayne Jackson and wife Reba, and David Jackson; sisters, Sharon McCallister, and

ZIMMERMAN

Leo A. Zimmerman, 78 of Seguin, Texas, went home to be with the lord on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Leo was born in San Antonio on July 13, 1947. He is preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Mary Persyn Zimmerman. Leo graduated from Holy Cross High School where he achieved great academic success and graduated near the top of his class. He also was a left-handed pitcher for the baseball team. In 1969, Leo graduated from St. Mary’s University with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a minor in Chemistry.

Leo worked for City Public Service as a computer programmer. He also worked for GECU and retired from SMI/CMC in Seguin. He was a hard worker. Leo also enjoyed going to Medina Lake with family and friends.

FLORES

Margaret Flores, age 75 of Seguin, passed away on May 16, 2026. Margaret was born on September 23, 1950, in Seguin, Texas to Francisca (Jimenez) and Felix Saenz.

Margaret worked for ten years as a nurse’s aid and then fifteen years for the Motorola Corporation.

She enjoyed serving our Lord at her church, Bethel Church C.L.A.D.I.C., where she was the President of the Damas (Ladies) for many years. She devoted her life to our God. She loved singing and was ready to direct a service, sing a song or work in the kitchen. She will be remembered as a fantastic cook.

Her love for her family was immeasurable. She would do anything for them without question and was always ready to help anyone in need. Her presence was always felt, and we will miss her dearly, but find peace in knowing she is rejoicing with the Lord and the love of her life George Flores, Sr. Margaret is preceded in death by her loving husband of 52 years, her

Brenda Grogan and husband Charles; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., at Faith Lutheran Church with the Reverend Jeremy Pedersen officiating.

Inurnment will be in the Faith Lutheran Columbarium.

Memorial contributions in Donald’s honor may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 1326 E. Cedar St., 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.

Survivors include his sons Brian Zimmerman and Chad Zimmerman (wife Amy). Grandchildren, Cole Zimmerman, Austin Zimmerman, Luke and Ellie Zimmerman. Brother John Zimmerman (wife Brenda) and sister Alice Zimmerman Boubel as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will begin on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Cross Church 814 N. Bauer St. in Seguin followed by funeral service at 10:30 a.m. with the Reverend Jim Price officiating. Interment will follow in Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park and lunch follows at the Fellowship Hall at Cross Church.

Serving as pallbearers, Cole Zimmerman, Austin Zimmerman, Luke Zimmerman, Brandon Zimmerman, Gene Zimmerman and Ryan Boubel. Memorial contributions may be made to Cross Church, 814 N. Bauer, Seguin, Texas, 78155 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.

“Prince Charming”, George Flores, Sr., her parents and her brothers, Elogio, Domingo Sr., Eusebio Sr., Juan, Felix, Jose, sister, Mary Gonzales and beloved son-in-law, Lawrence R. Salais.

Survivors include her daughter, Barbara Fuentes and husband Mario; son George S. Flores, Jr. and wife Sheri; daughter, Angelica Flores and Ray Maggio; grandchildren, Mario Isaac Fuentes and wife Cynthia, Joshua Fuentes, Autumn Flores, Madison Salais and Amelia Flores; brother, Jesse Saenz and wife Mary; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and many friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 6 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Bethel Church C.L.A.D.I.C. with the Reverend Joel Arroyo officiating. Interment will follow in Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park.

Serving as pallbearers will be Mario Isaac Fuentes, Joshua D. Flores, Chase Hernandez, Chanse Hernandez, Eusebio Saenz, Jr., and Gary Machado.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

New Braunfels location provides educational opportunities for residents of Comal & Guadalupe Counties: • Accounting, Biology, Chemistry, Economics, English, Math, Fine Arts, Philosophy, Psychology • Day & evening options • IT - Cyber Defense and Networking • Associate Degree with a Business pre-major

(8 week) format

U.S. Ranks 33rd In World For Health

(Undated) -- The United States ranks 33rd in the world when it comes to health. The U.S. News and World report says challenges related to public health outcomes, social cohesion and public safety pull down the country’s overall standing. The rankings on health factor in life expectancy, mortality, longevity, healthcare and public health preparedness. Iceland, Norway and Denmark were top countries in health.

Kansans Exposed To Hantavirus At University Of Kansas Hospital

(Kansas City, KS) -- Three Kansas residents who were exposed to the Andes hantavirus are being monitored at the University of Kansas Hospital. State health officials say they had contact with someone who had been on board the MV Hondius. In Nebraska, 16 Americans evacuated from that cruise ship remain under observation. Two more are in Atlanta. An Oregon doctor who had helped care for sick passengers aboard the ship has now been cleared to leave a special biocontainment unit. Sixteen states are monitoring residents who were potentially exposed.

Hantavirus Protocol Breach Forces Hospital Employees Into Quarantine

(Nijmegen, Netherlands) -- A dozen hospital employees in the Netherlands are under a six-week quarantine due to a breach in Hantavirus protocol. The incident occurred last week when Radboud University Medical Center admitted a patient infected with hantavirus, linked to an outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship. Officials discovered that the patient’s blood and urine were not processed under the strictest protocols required for this specific hantavirus strain. Now the twelve employees will go in “preventive quarantine” as a precaution.

Cancer Centers Scramble To Get Experimental Pancreatic Cancer Drug

(Redwood City, CA) -- Cancer centers across the U.S. are reportedly scrambling to procure an experimental drug that’s being hailed as a breakthrough for pancreatic cancer. It’s called daraxonrasib and is manufactured by Revolution Medicines out of California. Scientists say it works by targeting the most common gene associated with the disease. The FDA approved the drug two weeks ago for early access after it was shown in clinical trials to extend the lives of some pancreatic cancer patients by nearly double the time. Pancreatic cancer has one of the highest mortality rates with just threepercent of patients surviving more than five years. There are 53-thousand deaths each year in the U.S. due to pancreatic cancer.

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.