SDN: May 8, 2026

Feeding others at your mailbox: Stamp Out Hunger this Saturday

(Seguin) – Letter carriers this Saturday will be making their rounds throughout the community but this time, they are hoping to deliver more than just the mail.

The 34th Annual Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive returns this Saturday -- May 9th -- giving Seguin residents an easy way to help feed hungry families.

Organized by the National Association of Letter Carriers, the annual one-day food

drive has become the nation’s largest singleday food collection effort. Since its launch 34 years ago, the campaign has collected more than 2 billion pounds of food nationwide for families facing food insecurity.

Jesse Garcia, a letter carrier with the Seguin Post Office says the message is simple: if you have a little extra, leave it out near your mailbox for pickup.

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Master Thoroughfare Maps now available

(Seguin) -- The draft map for the future of transportation in Guadalupe County is now officially available online. Residents are being encouraged to weigh in on the county’s proposed Major Thoroughfare Plan before it is finalized later this year.

After months of public outreach and just keeping people in the loop of the process,

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Seguin ISD selects the district’s Teachers of the Year

(Seguin) -- Seguin ISD’s top two educators were named the best of the best for the 2025-2026 school year.

The school district announced Wednesday night both its elementary and secondary teachers of the year.

The recipients were selected from a pool of educators who also earned the title for their respective campus this past spring.

Earning this year’s title of Seguin ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year was Stephanie DuBose of Koennecke Elementary School.

DuBose, a third-grade science and social studies teacher, was stunned to hear her name being called as this year’s winner. She says it’s a humbling experience to be recognized after 15 years of being in the classroom.

“I was obviously shocked. I just

Stamp, continued.

go to work every day, and I do what I think needs to be done -- and a lot of hard work, a lot of sleepless nights, but well worth it -- well worth it.

I wasn’t expecting this at all,” said DuBose.

Named as this year’s Secondary Teacher of the Year was Xander Bien of Seguin High School.

Garcia says residents can help by setting out nonperishable food items they already have at home or by purchasing a few extra items at the store.

“If they could put any non-perishable food items that either they bought or maybe they just have, lying around, if they can put that in their mailbox or buy the mailbox for their letter carrier to pick up, all that food will be collected at the end of the day, be brought back to the post office and distributed amongst the Christian Cupboard here again,” said Garcia.

Residents may have also received a blue donation bag in their mailbox ahead of the drive – something that Garcia says makes donating even easier.

“Put it by the mailbox and if you receive the blue bag, you can use that blue bag to put whatever you have in there, whatever it is. For us, it might not be anything, but for somebody who’s in need, that can of soup or whatever will make a big difference,” said Garcia.

Courtesy Photo

Nationally, more than 44 million Americans face food insecurity, including more than 14 million children and nearly 5.5 million seniors. Organizers say, “the spring food drive is especially important because food pantry shelves are often running low after the holiday season, while summer months can bring even greater strain for families with children home from school.”

Bien, who has five years of classroom experience, teaches sophomore English and AP English 3. Bien says the journey has been well worth the work.

“I was definitely not expecting it. I feel a little bit shaky and in shock. I just really love being around those kids and helping them become people. It’s like a really special thing. So, I think I want to be the best because I want to give them the best, said Bien.

The Teachers of the Year were announced during the annual end of year banquet held at the Seguin Coliseum. The banquet also recognized several individuals who will be retiring at the end of May along with those employees who have dedicated years of service to the Seguin ISD.

Garcia says the rising cost of everyday necessities is again just one more reason why folks should come together and do their part.

“You can tell the gas prices and cost of everything pretty much is rising around us. All this stuff stays local. It doesn’t go anywhere else. So, you’re really just helping out your community. We’re trying to spread the word so that, you know, more people get involved,” said Garcia.

And for anyone who misses the official collection day, Garcia says donations will still be welcomed.

“We’ll still take it, if it’s a day or two late or a day or two early, we will take it. And it will still get given to the food bank,” said Garcia.

Residents are reminded that non-perishable food donations should be placed in a bag or box inside or near their mailbox.

Maps, continued.

Guadalupe County officials on Tuesday announced the release of the Final Draft April 2026 Master Thoroughfare Plan map for public viewing and comment.

County officials say the plan serves as a “long-term roadmap for future roadway development while also helping guide short-term decisions tied to roadway funding and corridor preservation as the county continues to grow.”

The county’s current Major Thoroughfare Plan was adopted in 2012. Since then, officials say they have gathered input through surveys, public meetings and coordination with area municipalities to help shape the updated proposal.

Carmen Davila, the public information officer for Guadalupe County, says the county is giving residents multiple ways to review the map and submit their comments.

“The map is ready to share to the public. We (have) that on the website. We’re going to have a webpage that provides the similar information that the previous engineer firm had provided us with education on what a major thoroughfare plan map is. It’ll link to an e-mail for comment,” said Davila.

Davila says residents will also have opportunities to review printed versions of the map at county facilities and attend a pair of public meetings.

“Other than that, we have the two public meetings planned. We will have maps displayed at county buildings,” said Davila. “I have here the courthouse, the Development Center, Justice Center, and Schertz Annex, which will all be on the website to direct the public if they want to go and see a physical map rather than looking at online.”

County officials say the updated draft will include public feedback gathered since the county unveiled an earlier draft of the plan during a public meeting in September 2025.

The first public meeting is scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, at the Guadalupe County Courthouse in Seguin. A second meeting will be held from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, at the Geronimo Community Center located at 280 Navarro Dr.

Residents can again review the draft map online and submit comments by email. Printed maps are expected to also be available for viewing at several county buildings beginning next week.

A link to access the map can be found on the homepage of the county’s website at https://www. guadalupetx.gov.

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

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,

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.

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.

VITAL STATISTICS

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.

SCHULZ

Rebecca “Becca” Schulz, lost her battle to cancer April 28, 2026, at 43 years old. She was born in Seguin, Texas on July 29, 1982.

Becca worked for the lodge and multiple group homes for several years. She worked at Advance America as a manager for quite a few years before she moved on to working at Continental (which at the time of her death is known as Schaeffler).

Her dad William “Bill” David Rauch precedes her in death.

Survivors include but not limited to her husband of 26 years Richard

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.

“Clay” Schulz; her mother Lucile Rauch; her daughter Kasaundra “Kaz” Schulz and Kaz’s partner Ryan Barr and daughter Melani Schulz; her nonbiological son William Tarver; her sisters Melinda “Mindy” Collins and Rachel Holub; her niece and nephew Dorianne Collins and Justin Holub; many cousins, many aunts, uncles and friends. We want to say a special thank you to Becca’s dear friend Theresea Blair whose been there for Becca and Becca’s family through everything the past few years and deserves recognition.

Becca will be remembered as an outgoing, smart, and hilariously honest person. Becca brought light to so many people’s lives, she helped anyone who needed it, she was a rock for so many people. She was a beautiful and brilliant person, and the world is forever dimmer without her.

Private services were held at Tres Hewell Mortuary.

WHO Evacuates Suspected Hantavirus Patients From Cruise Ship

(Undated) -- The World Health Organization is confirming it evacuated three people suspected of carrying the hantavirus from aboard the MV Hondius, a cruise ship en route to Europe. The WHO’s director general said it “continues to work with the ship’s operators to closely monitor the health of passengers and crew.” The trio will receive medical care in the Netherlands. Another hantavirus patient remains in critical condition at a hospital in South Africa. The WHO says the public health risk “remains low” at this time.

Infectious Disease Expert On Cruise Ship Hantavirus Outbreak

(Rochester, MN) -- Hantavirus is a deadly disease linked to rat droppings and now an eighth case has been linked to a the MV Hondius. Dr. Gregory Poland, an infectious disease expert at the Mayo Clinic, says that outbreak may be a first on a cruise ship and raises the question, “Is it human-to-human transmission or are there infected rats on board?” The W-H-O says it believes a Dutch couple brought pulmonary hantavirus with them when they boarded in Argentina. They died, so did another passenger, and five other people are sick, including the ship’s doctor. Dr. Poland notes that the mortality rate for that kind of hantavirus is 30 to 60-percent.

Study Shows Common Knee Surgery Doesn’t Work

(Undated) -- New research shows a common knee surgery is ineffective and made things worse. Researchers at the University of Helsinki in Finland did a ten-year clinical trial looking at the common repair surgery for a damaged meniscus and found it did not improve knee function when compared to a placebo procedure. Patients also reported more knee related issues a decade later and a greater likelihood of needing more surgery.

Utz Recalls Popular Chip Brands Over Salmonella Risk

(Hanover, PA) -- Utz is recalling two of its popular potato chip brands due to the risk of salmonella contamination. The company is recalling select flavors and bag sizes of Zapp’s and Dirty brand potato chips because the company was notified that the milk powder in some of its seasonings may contain salmonella and had been recalled separately. The Pennsylvania company is voluntarily recalling these chips out of an abundance of caution although tested seasonings were negative for the bacteria. No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled chips, but the company advises against consuming the products.

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

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.