SDN: May 4, 2026

Navarro

ISD voters say ‘YES’ to reinvestment projects

Bond issue passes during Saturday’s election

Cindy Aguirre-Herrera

(Geronimo) -- Navarro

ISD voters have approved a $65 million bond issue. The decision made during Saturday’s May 2 Uniform Election gives the green light to school leaders to move forward with campus expansions, facility reinvestment projects and transportation upgrades.

Unofficial results

show that a total of 282 votes were cast in favor of Proposition A, while 202 votes were cast against it.

Navarro ISD

Superintendent Dr. Mandy Epley says she thanks voters for turning out and says the district is prepared to begin the next phase of the bond process.

Bond, pg. 3

The GOAT of Billiards is coming to Seguin this Tuesday

(Seguin) -- Seguin is about to land a trick shot of international proportions as billiards legend Efren “Bata” Reyes -- the man many call the greatest pool player of all time -makes a rare and highly anticipated stop in town this Cinco de Mayo.

Reyes is scheduled to make an appearance this Tuesday at Seguin Bar & Billiards.

The Filipino billiards legend, known around the world as “The Magician,” is expected to make one of only a couple Texas stops during his reported U.S. visit, with Seguin believed to be one of just two appearances in Texas, alongside Dallas. At 72 years old, Reyes reportedly does not often make trips to the United States, making his appearance in Seguin an especially rare opportunity for billiards fans across the state.

Manuel Cevallos, owner of Seguin Bar & Billiards, says bringing Reyes to Seguin is something he considers both exciting and humbling.

“We are extremely excited and not only excited, but humbled, you know, and honored to have him here because to me, he’s like the GOAT of billiards, you know, just like a Tom Brady in football, you know, he’s nicknamed the magician. His shots are incredible. It’s like, you know, how does he even do that, you know? And yeah, he’s a Filipino professional pool player and a world champion, also VCA Hall of Famer. He had won more than 100 international titles and professional tournaments, and he was the first player to win world championships

Courtesy Photo

in two different pool disciplines. He learned He turned to cue sport while he was working as a billiards attendant at his uncle’s billiards hall, coming from the Philippines, you know, race and poverty and stuff like that, and how to be doing, you know, what he’s doing is just awesome. And like I said, to me, there’s a lot of good pool players out there, you know, professional ones, but to me, he’s the GOAT of them all,” said Cevallos.

Reyes is also best known as a four-time World Eight-ball champion, 1999 WPA World Nineball champion and multi-time U.S. Open winner.

Cevallos says his visit will give fans the chance not only to watch Reyes in action, but also to take photos and see the billiards icon up close in an intimate setting.

“It’s going to start at 6 o’clock. We had VIP tickets, you know, where you get a chance to play Ephron, you know, have matches to play them. Those are also allowed, however. But we do have tickets, you know, pre-sale tickets that are kind of like secondary seating and then the general admission and all that that we’re trying to sell presale. And then we will also be charging the doors,” said Cevallos.

General admission tickets are $20 in advance. Admission for children 12 and under is $15. Tickets at the door will be $25.

Cevallos says interest in the event has already stretched well beyond Seguin, with billiards fans purchasing tickets and planning trips from outside the city.

“I think it’s a great thing for the community, and to promote, the sport of billiards -- a lot of people don’t, really look at it as like a sport like you do football and basketball, but it is, and it’s getting more and more popular,” said Cevallos.

Cevallos says to bring a person of this caliber to Seguin, it took plenty of business support and especially credits Stephen Banta, owner of BMF Welding, for making the special one-night appearance possible.

Those wishing to purchase tickets are asked to contact Cevallos at 830-556-7857. Seguin Bar & Billards is located at 113 N. River St.

Bond, continued.

“First, I am extremely grateful for all of the stakeholders that took the time to come out and vote. And I want everyone to understand that we believe very strongly in accountability. And so, we will be calling in the fall for our bond oversight committee. We will be welcoming folks to join that committee. But for us, the next phase is really starting that reinvestment and expansion of the district that we know will mean space for our students. It’s specifically at the junior high. It’s also the additional buses and secure parking for those buses -- and then the roof and HVAC for our annex and what is currently the elementary school. But both those buildings will be our early childhood center. So, it really is about the development of the district and that continuous improvement and reinvestment of our taxpayers’ dollars,” said Epley.

The single-proposition bond package includes approximately $57.5 million for expansion and renovation at the junior high campus, including additional classrooms, a cafetorium, kitchen improvements, gym updates and infrastructure work such as drainage and fencing. Another $5.4 million is earmarked for facility reinvestment, including roof and HVAC upgrades at Navarro Elementary and the district annex, both of which are expected to support the district’s future early childhood center. The remaining $1.9 million will go toward transportation needs, including additional buses

and expanded secure parking for the district fleet.

District leaders say the projects are intended to prepare Navarro ISD for continued and significant enrollment growth.

Although Epley acknowledged that not every voter supported the measure, she says the district plans to remain transparent as it rolls out all future projects.

“We’re excited to be able to move forward with the project, but we know there are some folks who were skeptical. We have some folks who didn’t think that was the right choice. And we want to be able to continue to be transparent through our website, through our drone footage that we put out every week about the projects, and to make sure that everyone understands we take the faith and trust of our taxpayers very seriously. And we want to be held accountable and we want to be transparent for the work that we’re doing with their tax dollars,” said Epley.

The voter approved bond issue was given the green light --- and all while maintaining the district’s current tax rate.

Meanwhile, the Navarro ISD is not the only school district in Guadalupe County who wrapped up the weekend with a successful bond election. A $295 million bond package was also approved by voters in the SchertzCibolo-Universal City ISD. Unofficial results show that the SCUC community approved all three of its propositions. Prop A included $230.7 million for general facilities; Prop B was $55.3 million for stadium facilities and Prop C was $9.1 million for technology devices.

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

VITAL STATISTICS

SCHWANZ

Roland Schwanz, age 90 of Seguin, passed away on April 16, 2026. Roland was born on April 21, 1935, in Guadalupe County, Texas to Erna (Gohlke) and Willie Schwanz.

Roland worked as a crane operator at SMI for 34 years.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Louise Schwanz, his daughter, Marilyn Brown, his parents, his siblings, Elton Schwanz, William Schwanz, Fritz Schwanz, Elsie Troell, Hilda Wattts, and Milton Schwanz, and son-in-law, Steve Blades.

Survivors include his daughters, Kathy Brown and husband Danny, Betty

GREIN

Bernard Grein passed away on April 28, surrounded by the love of his family. He will be remembered for his kind heart, his enjoyment of life, and the many friendships he cherished.

Bernard was preceded in death by his parents, Conrad and Mary Ellen Grein.

He is survived by his daughter, Sharla Clark (husband Whitney McCullough); his granddaughter, Dylan McCullough; and his siblings, Darlene Marshall (husband Pat), Clark Grein (wife Patricia), and Annette Weber (husband Will). He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews.

Bernard proudly served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Little Rock from 1965 to 1967, carrying with him a deep sense of pride in his country

O’Neal and husband David and Carol Blades; grandchildren, Megan Brown and husband Ben Sterner, Justin O’Neal, Stephanie Brown and husband Chris Willis, Casey Blades and husband Vincent Leal, and Tiffany Blades Carter and husband Jeremy; great-grandchildren, Arielle, Paisley and Colton; brother, Robert Schwanz and wife Frances; nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel with Megan Brown officiating.

Private interment will follow later in Eden Cemetery.

Memorial contributions to charity of 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.

throughout his life.

Bernard found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved summer trips to Port Aransas and later Surfside, Texas, where he enjoyed time by the water. He was passionate about hunting, fishing, gardening, and searching for arrowheads—always appreciating the outdoors and the stories it held. He especially valued time spent with others, whether visiting, sharing stories, or playing cards.

Bernard was a lifetime member of St. James Catholic Church, where his faith was an important part of his life.

A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, May 5 at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Seguin, Texas.

His warmth, sense of humor, and love for family and friends will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of customary remembrances, and with gratitude from the family, memorial contributions may be made to St. James Catholic Church of Seguin, TX or Hope Hospice of New Braunfels, TX.

Rotavirus Cases Rise In Children In U.S.

(Atlanta, GA) -- The number of Rotavirus cases in children continues to rise. According to the CDC, nearly eight in 100 people who get tested are positive and that is up from the seven out of 100 last year. Health experts also say rotavirus cases climbed earlier than last year. That is making health officials think that more children will get sick over a longer period of time. Rotavirus was first identified in the 1790s and it impacts the gastrointestinal system and can cause diarrhea, vomiting and fever.

Mayo Clinic Develops Early Test To Identify Pancreatic Cancer

(Rochester, MN) -- There’s a new test to detect pancreatic cancer up to three years before a patient is diagnosed. The Mayo clinic has developed it with an AI-assisted test model, which it says is the result of years of research. Dr. Ajit Goenka [[GEHN-kuh]], a radiologist at the world-famous medical facility, says his research shows that the new AI model can identify the signature of pancreatic cancer reliably and years before it would otherwise be detected. He says that can give patients more time to find curative treatments when the disease is still operable. Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. with a five-year survival rate of just under 14-percent. More than 65-thousand cases are diagnosed each year.

Map Reveals States With Worst Drug Problems

(Undated) -- Drug abuse remains a significant issue in American, with nearly 70-thousand drug overdose deaths reported in a recent 12-month period. A Wallet Hub study shows that New Mexico, Arkansas, Alaska, Nevada and Missouri have the highest drug use rates. New Mexico also ranks as the state with the most severe drug problem. While the country has seen a 24 percent decrease in overdose deaths, New Mexico continues to face high levels of drug use and addiction.

CDC Reports Highest Rate Of Tick Bite ER Visits Since 2017

(Atlanta, GA) -- Tick bites are on the rise in the U.S. The CDC reports seeing the highest number of tick bite emergency room visits since 2017. Ninety-six out of 100-thousand ER visits in April were for tick bites, three times the number recorded in March. So far, the Northeast and Midwest have been the most impacted. It’s a big issue because ticks can carry Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and something called alpha-gal syndrome, a condition that can trigger a meat allergy. The CDC says you can protect yourself by wearing insect-repellent and avoiding grassy, wooded or bushy areas.

GRMC WELCOMES PRIMARY CARE + OBSTETRICS PHYSICIAN

Caroline Flowers, MD

Caroline Flowers, MD, is a family medicine & obstetrics provider passionate about whole-person care for all stages of life. Originally from Houston, Dr. Flowers earned her undergraduate degree at Carnegie Mellon University and taught high school science through Teach for America before completing her medical degree at UT Southwestern. She trained in family medicine at the University of Arizona and completed a surgical obstetrics fellowship at Full Circle Health in Boise, Idaho. Her clinical interests include maternal-child health, breastfeeding support, women’s reproductive care, adolescent medicine, preventive care, and managing complex chronic conditions. Outside of medicine, she enjoys family time, reading, podcasts, and cheering on the San Antonio Spurs.

Jury Cancellation Notice

Guadalupe County residents summoned for District Court jury selection scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Monday, May 4 are advised that jury duty has been cancelled. Those who received a summons do not need to appear and should disregard their jury notice.

First Friday Feast Supports Navarro Education Foundation

The community is invited to enjoy the First Friday Feast on Friday, May 1, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event will feature a choice of hand-cut ribeye steak or fried battered cod, with proceeds benefiting the Navarro Education Foundation. Guests will also enjoy live music by Madelyn Abrameit and a special First Responder honoree from the Geronimo Fire Department.

Texas Opioid Prevention Program for Students

Texas A&M Health will host a community conversation and educational presentation on opioid prevention at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 5 at the Irma Lewis Outdoor Learning Center, 1865 E. U.S. Highway 90 in Seguin. The program will focus on the youth fentanyl crisis, including how young people encounter fentanyl, prevention resources, and ways the community can help create a safer environment.

Small Business Resource Fair Seeks Exhibitors and Invites Public

The Seguin Economic Development Corporation, Seguin Main Street, and the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce will host a Small Business Re-

source Fair from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at the Seguin Coliseum, 950 S. Austin Street in Seguin. Local businesses, organizations, and service providers are invited to sign up as exhibitors and connect with entrepreneurs seeking guidance and resources. The public is also encouraged to attend and learn about tools, programs, and support available to help small businesses grow and succeed. To reserve an exhibitor space, visit info.seguinedc.com/resourcefair26.

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.

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 Texas 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 Cleanup 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.