December 8, 2025
KWED Holiday Food and Toy Drive records another successful year
(Seguin) -- The spirit of giving is alive and well this holiday season in Seguin.
That spirit was on full display during Friday morning’s KWED Holiday Food and Toy Drive, held outside the Guadalupe County Courthouse.
Nearly $8,000 in cash, along with mounds of food and toys, were collected during the two-hour event in downtown Seguin.
Donations will benefit the Seguin Police Department’s Blue Santa Program and the Christian Cupboard.
This year’s haul included nearly 800 pounds of food, an SUV and cargo truck full of toys, and another SUV loaded with winter coats — a new collection focus for the drive this year.
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Seguin Police Chief Jason Brady says the needs are great this year, and he encouraged the community to step up and give.
“Times are tough for a lot of families and if a parent is not trying to prioritize bills and groceries and maybe that is one expense that they could spare, we want to make sure every child has a gift to open at Christmas. We don’t want any child left out in our community,” said Brady.
Seguin is a fast-growing community, and that growth is also creating a greater need to help feed local families.
Christian Cupboard volunteer Nancy Hartfiel says the organization continues to serve hardworking families who just need a little help making ends meet.
She says many people assume those seeking help are
chronically in need or just down on their luck.
Hartfiel says that’s not always the case, and many families simply need short-term assistance.
“This sounds terrible, but a lot of people say ‘well, if those people would just get a job’ – so many of the people that come in have jobs. Some of them have two jobs and they still can’t make ends meet because their salaries stay the same and prices go up and one thing that I didn’t realize was – we were looking at statistics at the last board meeting, 40 percent of the people that came in from January to November only came once. They just needed it that one time just to get them over. Some people need it more often but to be there and to help them that little bit to get them over is worth it,” said Hartfiel.
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This year also marked the 25th anniversary of the KWED Food and Toy Drive.
KWED General Manager Darren Dunn says he is proud of the community and proud of the staff who make the event happen year after year.
He says the goal is simple — to help improve the lives of people across Seguin.
“I’m really grateful that I get to work with such fine people who make things like this possible for the community. I sent out a note this morning to the group, and I said we want to show the people why what happens in this community matters – why we matter and why taking care of this community matters and I think we were able to
do that today,” said Dunn.
Dunn also thanked the sponsors who helped make the event possible.
They include Premier Steel Solutions, Seguin Leads, Beck & Beck Buick GMC, Factory A/C Direct, Chickfil-A, Seguin Walmart, Su Casa Café, Beyond Coffee, Furniture Warehouse, TriCity Distributors, Heideke’s Country Kennels, Diamond Air, Mi Chula’s Taco Stand, Noe’s Café, Fresh Donuts, Agave Coffee, and Donut Palace.
If you missed your chance to donate, food, toys, and money will continue to be accepted at the KWED studios for Blue Santa and the Christian Cupboard. Donations may be dropped off at 609 East Court Street. Hours are Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
High school basketball: Seguin boys win last three at Matador Classic; Marion boys and Lifegate girls win tournament championships
Chris Austin
(Seguin) -- The Seguin Matadors won three in a row to close out play in the Matador Classic tournament over the weekend.
The Matadors secured victories over San Antonio Roosevelt on Thursday and San Antonio Marshall and San Antonio Southside on Saturday. Sophomore Noah King led the Matadors with 11 points in Seguin’s 67-63 win over Roosevelt. Junior Mikey Hernandez scored 16 points to lead Seguin in a 60-58 victory over Marshall, and senior Tavien Miles led the Mats with 13 points in their 60-38 win over Southside. San Antonio Brandeis won the tournament championship, defeating Pieper 62-59 in Saturday’s title game.
The Matadors improved to 5-4 on the season with the three wins. Seguin will next host Del Valle on Tuesday at Goldie Harris Gym.
(George West) -- The Marion boys won the George West tournament championship on Saturday.
The Bulldogs defeated Ingleside 61-41 in the tournament championship. Marion won all four of their games in the tournament. The Bulldogs, winners of seven in a row, will next face Comfort on the road on Tuesday.
(Nordheim) -- The Lifegate Christian girls took the Nordheim tournament championship on Saturday.
Lady Falcon Sharla Maples was named the tournament MVP. Meanwhile, the Lifegate boys finished fourth on the boys’ side of the tournament. The Falcons and Lady Falcons will next host San Antonio Keystone on Tuesday.
(Geronimo) -- The Navarro Runnin’ Lady Panthers went 1-2 at the Panther Classic in Geronimo.
Navarro opened with a big 54-39 win over rival Wimberley behind a barrage of threes on Thursday. Seniors Trinity Loftice and Jill Baker each buried five shots from downtown. Loftice finished with 19 points, and Baker added 17. Navarro will next play at Floresville on Tuesday.
(Seguin) -- The Seguin Lady Matadors took down Stockdale 51-42 on Friday night at Seguin High School.
Sophomore Jaz Gil paced the Lady Mats with 16 points in the win. Freshman Phaedra Douglas dropped in 14. The Lady Mats will open District 27-5A play at San Antonio Burbank on Tuesday.
VITAL STATISTICS
Brietzke
Eugene Edward Brietzke, age 90 of Seguin, passed away on December 2, 2025. Eugene was born in Guadalupe County, Texas, on February 26, 1935, to Annie Marie (Salge) and Eugene Louis Brietzke. Eugene grew up in Guadalupe County and was a member of the Seguin High School Graduating Class of 1953. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during peacetime for the American Soldier. In 1963 he began working as a welder for City Public Service in San Antonio, retiring after 35 years of service.
He and his family were part of the Founding members of Evangelists’ Lutheran Church in Kingsbury of which they were active members. Eugene had many favorite pastimes, including working cattle, welding, fishing, dancing, and bowling. He was a lifetime member of the Bexar Bowling Alley.
Eugene is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, LeRoy Brietzke, Marvin Brietzke, and Freddie Lee Brietzke, Sr., and his brothers-in-law, Jerry Baese, and Jack Mayo.
Survivors include his loving wife of 62 years, Edith Materanek Brietzke; children, Donna Kayter and husband Martin, Donald Brietzke and wife
Svatek
Margarett Svatek, age 79 of Seguin, passed away on November 23, 2025.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 2 to 5 p.m. with remarks at 3 p.m.
Michelle, and Raymond Welch and wife Deanna; grandchildren, Travis Caddell and wife Shelbie, Shelby Muller and partner Joshua Steelman, Kaden Head and wife Erica, Victoria Welch and partner Dayne Bellard, Mason Kayter, Michael Brietzke and partner Faith Saylor, Ronnie Peeler and partner Gina Vigliotti, and Douglas Pond; eight great-grandchildren; sisters, Jennie Faye Baese, and Helen Mayo; sisters-in-law, June Brietzke, and Carol Brietzke; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving family members and a host of friends.
Visitation will begin on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. with the Reverend David Truenow officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in the Kingsbury Cemetery. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall at Evangelists’ Lutheran Church.
Serving as honorary pallbearers will be his nephews, Bryan Baese, Bradley Baese, Mark Brietzke, Kevin Brietzke, Karl Brietzke, Paul Brietzke, Freddie Lee Brietzke Jr., and Gregory Mayo.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Evangelists’ Lutheran Church, 7745 Kingsbury Road, Kingsbury, Texas, 78638.
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 more complete obituary will follow when all arrangements are completed. In lieu of flowers the family humbly asks for memorial contributions to be made to the Guadalupe County Humane Society, P. O. Box 1593, 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.
Bothe
Wayne Bothe, age 75 of Seguin, Texas, passed away on November 23, 2025, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born and raised in Seguin and was a proud 1968 graduate of Seguin High School.
He lived his life with grit, humor, and stubborn determination. Those who knew him will forever remember his ever-ready smart-ass comments, sharp wit, and the sound of his laughter echoing through the house - and the garage.
Though officially retired, Wayne could never sit still - unless he received the text, “Football and ‘seegars’ at Skip’s,” or it was time for the Thursday night “Holy Smokes” group. He greatly enjoyed sharing a cigar, swapping stories, catching up on neighborhood news, and talking sports with his tight-knit circle of friends. He worked hard his entire life and took pride in his career as a truck driver. He spent more than 30 years driving everyday to Miller Brewing Company in Fort Worth. At home, he was a talented mechanic, always working on his own projects or helping friends with cars and tractors. Whether on the road or in the garage, his work reflected the same determination, and pride that defined him. No matter how long it took him to complete a project, he made sure it was
always done right.
Despite a life full of hard work, Wayne’s greatest joy came from the people and companions he loved most - his family and the four-legged friends who followed him everywhere. The garage is quieter now, and the house a little too still, but we take comfort knowing he is finally at peace. His voice, his humor, and his generous heart will live on in our memories. We loved him deeply, and we will miss him beyond measure.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Martha Ann Bothe. He is survived by the people he cherished most in this world: his wife, Lynn Bothe; his daughter, Alexandrea Bothe, and her husband, Scott Brown; his sons, Colton Bothe and his fiancée, Megan Younker; and Matthew Bothe.
Wayne’s family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to Hope Hospice, and especially to his primary nurse, Karra, whose compassion, humor, and ability to match his quick wit brought him comfort and reassurance during his final weeks. The family is also deeply grateful for the support and kindness shown by friends and neighbors during this time. Every thoughtful gesture has meant more than words can express.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Hospice of New Braunfels. Donations can be made at: https://www.hopehospice.net/donate
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.
WHO Highlights Shortage Of Weight Loss Drugs
(Undated) -- The World Health Organization is highlighting the fact there’s a shortage of weight loss drugs for those who need them. The organization is urging leaders in countries to do what they can to help with access for people who would benefit from GLP-1 therapies. WHO is also urging companies to lower the prices of the drugs. The recommendations come along the World Health Organization’s new recommendation for GLP-1 drugs to be used as a tool for managing obesity.
Children Have Increased Risk Of Asthma From Mothers With Eating Disorders
(Undated) -- A study shows mothers with eating disorders have a higher chance of having children with asthma. The research reported in the journal Thorax involved data from European studies with mother-child pairings. It shows the mother eating disorders are linked to a 26 percent high chance of their children getting asthma by the time they are school age and a 25 percent chance high risk of wheezing pre-school.
A Pain Killer Could Be Leading To Misdiagnosis Of Heart Failure
(Undated) -- A new study shows painkillers that are alternatives to opioids may be leading to the misdiagnosis of heart failure. Researchers note that a side effect of several painkillers is fluid retention which causes a person’s legs and feet to swell. That happens to be a symptom of heart failure. Researchers reported in the JAMA Network Open that many patients with this side effect are prescribed unnecessary additional medications based on their study of medical records from a number of veterans.
WHO Says Progress Against Malaria Being Threatened
(Undated) -- The World Health Organization says progress in fighting malaria is being threatened. An organization official says the growing threat of drug resistance and the impact of funding cuts could roll back progress made over the past two decades. The organization just released its annual world malaria report which shows 47 countries and 1 territory have been certified malaria-free. However, there were an estimated 282 million malaria cases last year, about nine million more cases than the previous year.
DECEMBER
We the People Food Drive extended
We the People-Central Texas is hosting a food drive through Dec. 22 to benefit the Christian Cupboard. Donations of non-perishable food and personal hygiene items may be dropped off at 1916 Bar & Bistro, Austin Street Market (Saturdays-only), Agave Coffee, Seguin Schoolyard, The Gathering Place, Keepers Interiors, Moyesway Shooting Sports, Pecantown Books & Brews, Seguin Art League, You’re So Crafty and Wal-Mart. Needed items include canned goods, cereal, pasta, and toiletries. Visit wethepeoplecentraltx.com for details.
KWED Christmas Angel Contest
KWED Radio will be hosting its annual Christmas Angel Contest, accepting letters now through 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12, at the KWED studios at 609 E. Court St., offering families in Guadalupe County the chance to nominate themselves or someone they know to receive $500 cash this Christmas. The contest invites residents to submit a letter explaining why a family could use the assistance, with all entries required to include the nominator’s name, address, and phone number; the winning letter will be read live on air before Christmas and featured along with photos in the Seguin Daily News, and entries may also be submitted anytime through the studio’s front-door drop slot.
Byron Zipp at Silver Center
The Silver Center will be hosting Byron Zipp at 7:30 p.m. on December 12th at the Crystal Chandelier Ballroom. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Presale tickets are $10 by calling 830-303-6612. Tickets are $15 at the door.
Snowflake Class
Seguin Art League will be hosting its Snowflake Class from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Seguin Art League Gallery located at 104 S. Austin St. in Seguin. Instructor Ellen Craine will teach participants how to create intricate paper snowflakes using fine paper and advanced cutting techniques. Supplies are included, the class is limited to 10 adults, and an SAL instructor can provide a kid-friendly version at no extra charge with advance notice from a paying attendee. For more information, contact Seguin Art League President Sara Rosales.
32nd Annual Holiday Home Tour
The Seguin Conservation Society will be hosting the 32nd Annual Holiday Home Tour from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, at eight historic sites across Seguin. The self-guided tour features grand homes from the late 1800s, craftsman bungalows, the Sebastopol House limecrete structure, and the restored Texas Theatre. Tickets are $20 in advance at Gift & Gourmet, Keepers Interiors, and the Seguin Chamber Office, or $25 at each site on the day of the tour. For more information call 830-560-0949.
Third Thursday in Downtown Seguin
The Downtown Business Alliance (DBA) of Seguin invites the community to it for Third Thursday. Enjoy food, music, and shopping during the event, which runs Thursday evening, December 18 in downtown Seguin. Businesses will be open late until 8 p.m. and offering great deals and fun. There will also be several shopping and dining options available that night.
Drive Through Living Nativity
The Faith Lutheran Church will be hosting a Drive Through Living Nativity at 5:30
p.m. on December 20 at 1326 E. Cedar St. The event will feature live music, live animals, and actors portraying scenes depicting the events leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ. This is a free community event open to all.
No Dance at Silver Center Christmas week
The Silver Center will not be hosting a dance on December 26th due to the holiday.
January
Geronimo Lions Club First Friday Feast\
The Geronimo Lions Club will not host its First Friday Feast in December. The event will return on January 2, 2026, with NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) as the beneficiary and entertainment provided by the Wyatt & Bill Show.
2026 Beef Cattle Short Course
Texas A&M AgriLife will be hosting the 2026 Beef Cattle Short Course at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Palo Alto College’s Ozuna Library. The program includes 2 CEUs (1 General and 1 Laws & Regulations), concurrent educational sessions, a meal, door prizes, and industry updates. To RSVP, email or call Kennedy Green at kennedy.green@ag.tamu.edu or 210-631-0400.
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.
