THU
3 DAY FORECAST TODAY 93/74
September 24, 2026 Volume 61 l Number 166
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The Voice of Seguin
WEEKEND EDITION
TODAY
TLU among the top best private colleges University earns top rankings in 2027 U.S. News & World Report Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
ARF raising pet awareness on Remember Me Thursday, September 24th Darren Dunn
(Seguin) -- A local non-profit organization is working to raise awareness about the need for more pet adoptions in this community. Mayor Donna
Dodgen on Tuesday read proclamation recognizing Thursday, September 24 as Remember Me Thursday Day in Seguin. ARF, pg. 3
(Seguin) – Texas Lutheran University is celebrating several strong showings in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, including a ninth-place ranking among private schools in the western region. The annual rankings are one of the resources prospective college students use when comparing schools, with colleges and universities evaluated using a variety of factors, including academic quality, student excellence, retention and financial resources. For TLU, the recognition places the Seguin university among the top 10 private schools in a western region that spans 15 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. Tracy E. Donley, TLU director of communications, says the recognition reflects a lot of work by the university. “It is a lot of hard work and we are very, very proud to be part of this, this elite group of colleges that are singled out by US news and world report,” said Donley. In addition to ranking ninth among private schools in the West, TLU ranked 12th
overall among regional colleges in the West. The university also earned a fifth-place ranking for Best Value in the West. The Best Value category measures a school’s academic quality against the cost of attendance. “So, one of the big deals, we also came in 5th for Best Value in the West. So that measures the cost of attending the college against the quality of the education that you’ll receive. So we’re really proud of that ranking,” said Donley. TLU, pg. 3
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Deadline for fair parade arrives Friday (Seguin) -- The clock is ticking for those who want to enter this year’s Guadalupe County Fair Parade. Gail Damerau, with the Guadalupe County Fair Association, says the deadline to be a part of this year’s county fair parade is this Friday. “Our deadline for the parade is going to be the 25th of Friday of September. So, you’ve got a few days to get those entries in, and you want to go to gcfair.org and find our parade tab on the left-hand side of our website, and it’ll take you right to a form to fill out, send it in, and we’ll get you entered in the fair parade,” said Damerau. The Guadalupe County Fair Parade is set for 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 9. Damerau says the parade is open to a wide variety of participants, making it an opportunity for businesses, organizations, schools, groups and individuals -including those who are new to the community to get involved. “We take anything. We will take it all. Anybody is eligible. They can go on the website and put their entry in,” said Damerau. “We love to have those specialty things that are quirky, quirky and different and that the public will love to see. So yeah, we’ll take anything.” Damerau says the fair association is hoping that new entries join the fun. “I would just encourage any of these new residents
in Guadalupe County to come on out to the fair parade. You’re going to see all kinds of entries. You’re going to see what Seguin and Guadalupe County’s all about, and we have the bands and we have the schools participating. So that’s always great. We’ve got TLU even coming this year,” said Damerau. The parade which begins at Austin and College Streets will travel south on Austin Street toward the Guadalupe County Fairgrounds. There is a $40 entry fee for politicians and businesses. Again, entries can be submitted online at gcfair. org. The Guadalupe County Fair and PRCA Rodeo will run from Oct. 8-11.
Seguin Police seek public’s help identifying theft suspect (Seguin) -- The Seguin Police Department is asking for the public’s help identifying a woman investigators say was involved in a theft at Academy Sports & Outdoors. The theft occurred September 2 at the store located at 1316 IH-10 East in Seguin. Police have released security footage of the woman as they work to identify her. She is described as a Black woman who stands approximately 5 feet, 2 inches tall with a slender build and is believed
to be possibly in her mid-50s. At the time of the incident, she was wearing a black do-rag, a black short-sleeve shirt, black sweatpants
and maroon fuzzy slippers. Anyone who recognizes this individual or has information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Seguin Police Department at 830-401-2370 and reference the associated case number 26-P30674. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can submit a Crime Stoppers tip through the P3 Tips app. Officials say do not approach or confront the individual. If you have information, contact law enforcement.
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ARF, continued. The proclamation recognizes the efforts of the Animal Rescue Foundation, or ARF Texas to promote pet adoption and to honor the many animal shelters that exist across the nation. Mayor Dodgen shared some of the details of this year’s recognition, while reading the proclamation. “Whereas, Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF Texas) is participating in Remember Me Thursday; and whereas the board members and volunteers of Animal Rescue Foundation Texas have agreed to devote their time, resources and energy to the united efforts to bring attention to orphaned pets; and whereas Animal Rescue Foundation Texas will hold a public candle lighting ceremony with the goal remembering those orphaned animals who died without a loving home and shining a light on the orphaned animals still waiting for their forever homes throughout the Seguin and Guadalupe County area,” said Dodgen. Dodgen, who has three dogs of her own, says it’s important to draw more attention to this issue. “The Remember Me Thursday campaign will assist in not only bringing attention to the orphaned pets in Seguin, Texas, but therefore result in increased adoptions of these pets,” said Dodgen. Remember Me Thursday, September 24, is an international social media event and awareness campaign. Today ARF-TX encourages Seguin and Guadalupe County residents to participate in a public candle lighting ceremony from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in downtown Seguin. The idea is for people to use this day to shine a light
on their own pets and to promote the need for more pet adoptions and care locally.
TLU, continued. TLU also placed among the top 25 regional performers in Social Mobility. The Social Mobility ranking measures how well universities support students who receive Pell Grants, including how well those students are supported from the beginning of their college experience through graduation. Donley says the recognition is particularly meaningful because of the impact it can have on students searching for a college. “It really helps us put the word out because we’re a small school. But, we are an excellent school, and the US News and World Report is a very well-respected resource for prospective college students, “said Donley.
Donley says the new rankings also provide an additional distinction for TLU because U.S. News & World Report separately recognized private universities this year. In previous years, TLU competed in the broader regional college category that included both public and private institutions. This year, the university earned
recognition both among all regional colleges in the West and specifically among private schools. For students considering a private college in the western region, Donley says TLU’s appearance among the top 10 provides another way for the university to stand out. “Students looking for a private school in the Western region, they’re going to look at those top 10 schools, and we are there among those top 10 schools. So, it is a huge honor and a big deal,” said Donley. The 2027 U.S. News & World Report rankings are based on criteria used to evaluate eligible colleges and universities that grant bachelor’s degrees, hold regional accreditation, offer traditional campus-based education and actively accept new applicants for first-year, full-time students.
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Marion finds its footing in 3-1 district-opening win over Jourdanton MARION, Texas — Marion spent much of its non-district schedule searching for the right lineup and the identity that would carry it into the matches that mattered most. Tuesday night, the Bulldogs looked like they may have found it. Marion opened district play with a 3-1 victory over Jourdanton, knocking off a program that won 28 matches and went 13-1 in district play a season ago behind a balanced attack, relentless defense and the poise to finish when the match tightened in the fourth set. Marion won set one 27-25, set two 25-11, and set four 25-20 after falling behind 5-1 in the fourth round. For Marion head coach Bree Holz-Gonzales, the performance represented more than one victory in the district standings. “They are kind of notably a very good volleyball program,” Holz-Gonzales said. “They had a great senior class. We had a great senior class. I feel like both teams had spent most of this preseason kind of trying to find their identity, and I feel like we took a giant step in the right direction on kind of figuring things out for ourselves.” That step came after a preseason filled with experimentation. Holz-Gonzales and the Bulldogs made several lineup changes leading into district play, using the non-district schedule to determine which combinations gave Marion its best chance once the stakes increased. Against Jourdanton, Marion finally had the opportunity to build a game plan specifically for one opponent. “We’ve made a lot of changes in this preseason leading up to district — lineup changes,” Holz-Gonzales said. “It felt good to kind of have a true game plan because you play so much in the preseason, you don’t have time to scout everybody and do all the things that you want to do to truly prepare. We had a plan and I felt like we executed [it] really well.” The numbers reflected that across the floor. Kelley Williams led Marion with 10 kills and did not commit an attack error on 24 swings, finishing with a .417 hitting percentage. Ellie Shelton added seven kills. Whitley Wiatrak finished with six. Addi Stewart and Lexie Shelton supplied five apiece. Marion also spread the responsibility of running its offense. Landry Canham finished with a team-high 11 assists while Stewart added eight. But it was on the defensive side where the Bulldogs’ effort became impossible to miss. Marion piled up 100 digs over four sets, with Maeleigh McClendon’s 27 leading the way. Stewart added 18. Williams collected 17. Elliott Mergele and
Canham finished with eight apiece. That ability to keep points alive became particularly important when Marion tried to close the door in the fourth set. The Bulldogs did not get the start they wanted with a chance to finish the match, giving Jourdanton an opening to push back. But rather than allowing the set to unravel and the match to reach a decisive fifth, Marion settled down. Holz-Gonzales saw one of the clearest examples of that composure in Stewart. “She stayed very calm,” Holz-Gonzales said. “Even though she’s our setter, she also hits on the front row. I think her calmness really, in intense situations, kind of set the tone for the team. It was like, ‘OK, we’re OK. Our freshmen aren’t freaking out, so we need to be chill too.’” Stewart’s impact extended well beyond setting. The freshman finished with five kills without an attack error on 23 attempts, eight assists and 18 digs while staying on the floor throughout the match. Then, with Marion one point from putting away its district opener, Stewart delivered the ace that finished the job. It was the type of performance Holz-Gonzales had been waiting to see after Stewart experienced the inevitable highs and lows that came with stepping into such a large varsity role as a freshman. Marion, pg. 5
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“She’s done a remarkable job,” Holz-Gonzales said. “She’s had her ups and downs this whole preseason, and so to see her kind of really come into her own in this first really important district match was really kind of, for me, it was like, ‘OK, we’re good. She’s good. We’re going to be OK.’ “I was just super proud of her, her ability to just keep her calm, doing everything I ask her to do as a freshman. She’s on the floor every point of the game.” Marion also made the most of the service line, finishing with five aces against just one service error. Also, as tends to happen inside Marion’s gym, the building itself made its presence felt. The Bulldogs’ low ceiling affected several rallies, something Holz-Gonzales joked does not always work in favor of the team that practices underneath it every day. “Sometimes we’re the people that don’t use it to our advantage,” Holz-Gonzales said. “We practice in here every day, and we still hit balls up to the ceiling. But yeah, the ceiling helped us out a little bit for sure, as always.” The more important home-court advantage Tuesday came from a Marion team that looked increasingly comfortable with themselves. After a preseason spent changing lineups, testing combinations and trying to determine what kind of team it could become, Marion entered district play with a plan and executed it against one of the district’s established programs. Williams gave the Bulldogs efficiency. McClendon anchored a 100-dig defensive effort. Stewart supplied a little bit of everything and remained composed when the fourth set demanded it. And when the night was over, Marion had more than a 1-0 district record. It had what Holz-Gonzales had been searching for throughout non-district — a clearer picture of who the Bulldogs can be.
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The win improves Marion to 15-16 while Jourdanton falls to 16-13. Marion looks to extend their three-match win streak this Friday when they host the Universal City Randolph Ro-Hawks.
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GRIFFITH
cities of Vinita, Bartlesville, Muskogee, and Okmulgee. In 1964 they moved their young family to Texas, living in the cities of Abilene, Dallas, Temple, Waco, Palestine, Marshall, Denton, Alice, Portland, and New Braunfels. After their youngest graduated High School, they moved to Seguin, where they lived their last 26 years together. Along the way they made many lifelong friends and were deeply invested in the life and leadership of the local Churches of Christ. Jean was a faithful follower of Jesus and lived her life accordingly. She initially was a stay-at-home mom, but later began to work as an aide in nursing homes. Jean then began working for Walmart, a career that stretched 35+ years. She loved her time at Walmart and made many dear friends while working there. Jean was also quite the collector! Her greatest love of collecting were her teapots, glass chickens and roosters. She was known by many as the “chicken lady” and was gifted hundreds of glass chickens and roosters. She also loved collecting decorative items depicting bluebonnets and cardinals. Other collections of hers included glass heart dishes and Cinderella memorabilia. Jean loved a good hamburger, especially from Kirby’s in Seguin. Her other “joys” in life included corn nuggets, the color yellow, cryptogram and crossword puzzles, Hallmark movies, romance novels, Lindor chocolate and Diet Coke. She will be dearly missed by friends and family and will always be remembered as a strong, vibrant lady who loved her Lord and family fervently. May she rest in peace with those who preceded her to their heavenly home.
MAYES
Gene is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Nancy Mayes and his brother-in-law, Virgil Brietzke.
Emma Jean Griffith, born November 7, 1938 in Carselowey, OK peacefully gained her heavenly wings on September 17, 2026. She is preceded in death by her husband of 61 years Stephen Roger Griffith, her parents Emma Martin & Isaac Merit Waldrop, brothers Isaac “Bob”, Harold and Melvin Waldrop, and daughter Vickie Jean Duncan. Emma is survived by her sister Mary White, sons Stephen “Mark” (Teresia), Kevin (Michele), Kyle ( Jennifer), and 11 grandchildren, their spouses and 7 great grandchildren. Jean was born on a farm in the rural farming community of Carselowey in northeast Oklahoma. While still in grade school her family moved to the city of Vinita, OK. Shortly before Jean graduated from Vinita High (Class of ‘56) she married her high school sweet-heart, Steve (Class of ‘54). Steve and Jean were married on April 29, 1956 - a marriage that lasted for 61 years before Steve’s death in 2017. One year after they were married they welcomed their first child Vickie Jean in June of 1957, and then Stephen Mark in January 1959. Their third child, Kevin Bruce, was born in November of 1963, and their 4th child, Kyle Edward was added to the family in May of 1972. In their 61 years of marriage Steve and Jean lived in the Oklahoma
Eugene A. “Gene” Mayes, age 76 of Seguin, passed away on September 23, 2026. Gene was born on May 26, 1950, in San Antonio, Texas, to Darlene (Godbold) and Jack Thurman Mayes. Gene served Seguin and surrounding communities in law enforcement at different levels for 52 years. He was widely known for pulling security at local events for his entire career. He was a member of the Guadalupe County Fair Association and a Life Member of The Guadalupe County Sheriff ’s Posse. He was a member of The San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo Ambassador Committee. He was a board member for The Guadalupe County Women’s Shelter for many years. He also served as a board member of The Texas Justice of the Peace & Constables Association and a Life Member of The South Texas Justice of the Peace & Constables Association Most of Gene’s hobbies required a gun on his hip and a badge on his chest, but he did find time for family. Gene loved his family and was never known to miss a family event. He was never lost for words and would talk to anyone that was willing to listen. He loved his music. It didn’t matter if he was listening or playing one of his many instruments, Gene surrounded himself with music. He loved his western way of life, from riding and roping in his younger years to peacefully watching his horses and goats graze in the pasture as time passed on.
Survivors include his loving wife of 53 years, Mona Lange Mayes; daughters, Colinda Burns and husband Darin, and Monica Polasek and husband Michael; granddaughter, Allie Barrilleaux and husband Beau; great-grandchildren, Blakely Barrilleaux and Barrett Barrilleaux; sistersin-law and brothers-in-law, Lillian Brietzke, Doyle Lange and wife Billie, Jimmie Lange and wife Gloria and Linda Ebest and friend Edward Bode; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving family members and a host of friends. Visitation will be held on Monday, September 28, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel with Mr. Darin Burns officiating. Interment will follow in Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park. Serving as pallbearers will be Butch Reneau, Wylie Eckols, Michael Polasek, Brian Nickell, Russ Randau, Will Welch, Joe Dodge Jessee, Leonard Lummas The Celebration of Gene’s Life and reception will continue at the Gerth Party Barn at 3:30 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Guadalupe County Youth Show, P. O. Box 1400, Seguin, Texas, 78156, the Wade Busby Memorial, P. O. Box 736, Marion, Texas, 78124 or the Marion ISD Future Farmers of America (FFA), 506 Bulldog Lane, Marion, Texas, 78124 . 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.
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WHO Releases Cancer Survival Country Comparables (Geneva) -- The World Health Organization is releasing its first ever childhood cancer survival data report comparing countries. The report is a five year survival estimate for children and adolescent lymphoid leukemia in 194 countries. Data shows in high income countries, childhood cancer survival reaches 80 to 90 percent but in countries with weaker health systems, the survival rate is around 40 percent. The organization says the report establishes a standardized baseline to track progress and identify areas where investment is needed. Marijuana In Pregnancy Linked to Brain Differences At 10 (Atlanta, GA) -- Using marijuana while pregnant is linked to lasting brain changes seen a decade later. According to a new Georgia State University, study published in “Translational Psychiatry,” researchers found disrupted brain wiring in ten-year-olds who were exposed before birth. The Atlanta team evaluated 751 exposed children against thousands of their peers, finding the exposed group faced more behavioral issues and scored lower on memory and thinking tests. Scientists say THC crosses the placenta directly, interfering with the chemical signals that direct fetal brain development. The national project is currently tracking participants for roughly a decade into young adulthood, running follow-up brain scans every other year. Patients Sue GLP-1 Makers Over Condition Leading To Vision Loss (Washington, DC) -- Some patients are suing GLP-1 weight loss drug makers over a condition leading to sudden vision loss. They allege the drug manufacturers didn’t provide clear information about the possible side effect. Novo Nordisk, which makes Wegovy and Ozempic, and Eli Lilly, which makes Zepbound, are facing the lawsuits. There is some research that suggests GLP-1s could raise the risk of developing the condition, and some nations outside the United States require the drugs to include information about it on the label. Americans Drinking Slightly Less (Los Angeles, CA) -- Americans are drinking less alcohol than they were during the COVID-19 pandemic, but overall drinking is higher than it was before 2020. A study out Monday in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, found that the decline has been small, about one percent. Drinking has declined among Gen Z and millennials but increased for people ages 50 to 64. More than twice as many men are reporting less overall alcohol intake compared to women, although women are more likely to be heavy drinkers.
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Hillcrest Assembly of God Blood Drive Hillcrest Assembly of God will host a South Texas Blood & Tissue blood drive Friday, September 25, from noon to 5 p.m. in the church gym at 1440 Eastwood Drive in Seguin. Donors will receive a free T-shirt and a free ticket to the October 25 Shrimp and Sausage Bowl. Appointments are encouraged, but eligibility and donation information is available through South Texas Blood & Tissue at 210731-5590.
27 Season The Mid-Texas Symphony has announced its 49th concert season, featuring performances in Seguin and New Braunfels. The remaining concerts are scheduled for Nov. 8, Dec. 13, Jan. 31, Feb. 28, April 11 and April 25. For concert details or tickets, visit mtsymphony.org or call 830463-5353.
about breast cancer prevention and schedule a screening mammogram. Don’t miss this special event on Saturday, September 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the GRMC Central Entrance Lobby. For more information about this event, please visit https:// www.grmedcenter.com/mammos/
TLU Nursing Students Offering Free Health Services Texas Lutheran University Community Health Nursing students are providing free health services in Seguin, including patient education, medication teaching and management, and assistance completing the “File of Life” emergency medical information form. Services are available from 9 a.m. to noon at Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church, 416 Dolle Ave., on the first, second and fourth Mondays of each month, and at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 409 W. Krezdorn St., on the third Monday of each month. Friedens Church Fish Fry Update Friedens Church will not hold its Fish Fry Friday events in September or October. The Friedens Church Fish Fry Team has also announced that its monthly fish fries have been discontinued indefinitely. Mid-Texas Symphony Announces 2026-
Scarecrow and Skeleton Window Contest Destination Seguin and the Seguin Main Street Program are accepting entries for the 2026 Scarecrow and Skeleton Window Contest. Businesses, organizations, clubs and individuals may create family-friendly displays in downtown Seguin. Entries are due Friday, Sept. 25, and displays must be installed by Wednesday, Sept. 30, and remain through Saturday, Oct. 31. For an application or help securing a downtown window, email cmclain@seguintexas.gov or visit the Seguin Visitor Center, 200 S. Austin St. Mammos & Mimosas at GRMC Join Guadalupe Regional Medical Center for Mammos & Mimosas, a free community event dedicated to breast cancer prevention, early detection, and awareness. Bring a friend and enjoy a fun and educational morning featuring complimentary mimosas, exciting giveaways, local vendors, breast health education, and tours of GRMC’s state-of-the-art Women’s Imaging Center. Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn
Guadalupe Chapter Native Plant Society Fall Plant Sale Saturday, September 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1121 E. Walnut St. in Seguin. A large selection of Texas native plants will be available under the big oak tree. Parking is available behind the church off North Moss Street. Guadalupe Master Naturalists Program The Guadalupe Master Naturalists will host a program from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28, at the AgriLife Extension Office, 210 E. Live Oak St. in Seguin. Dr. Sonja L. Swiger will discuss the life cycle of the New World Screwworm fly and the threat it poses to domesticated animals and wildlife. Refreshments will be served prior to the program. Guests are welcome. 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.
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