April 15, 2026
Navarro ISD names Teacher of the Year, Support Staff of the Year for local campuses
(Geronimo) – The Navarro ISD is recognizing this year’s top campus leaders. The district recently surprised the recipients of its annual Campus Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year awards.
The 2025-2026 Navarro ISD campus award winners include Elementary School Teacher of the Year Kim Boerjan. Sharing the spotlight with the kindergarten teacher was this year’s Elementary Support Staff of the Year winner and Campus Registrar Amanda Lindsay.
Earning the title of Teacher of the Year for Navarro Intermediate was Third Grade Teacher Hannah Dreibrodt.
Also recognized was this year’s Support Staff of the Year recipient Stephanie Gray, campus secretary.
Named as Teacher of the Year for Navarro Junior High was Amy Dahlke. Dahlke serves as both a math teacher and head cheer coach.
This year’s Support Staff of the Year for the junior high was Paraprofessional Nikki Gresham.
Accepting the honors over at
Navarro High School were Teacher of the Year Chad Neubauer, CTE engineering/ robotics and head golf coach and Support Staff of the Year went to Lorena Gomez, the secretary to administrators and counselors.
Chelsea Ormond, Navarro ISD director of communications, marketing and public relations, says the district is again pleased to be able to extend the recognition to support staff, who like teachers, also provide “invaluable contributions to the success of students and the district as a whole.”
“We’re a Panther family and all of us, staff members, employees, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, custodians, we’re all in it for student growth and student success. And so the nominations and voting are done by the entire campus staff,” said Ormond.
Each of the honorees received Panther gift bags filled with gift cards, swag and treats.
The teachers will again be celebrated during the annual Seguin Area Chamber Teacher of the Year Banquet scheduled for May 8.
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
Behind the headsets: Inside Guadalupe County’s 911 Center during Telecommunicators Week
(Seguin) -- The voices on the other end of a 911 call are rarely seen, but inside the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office, they are the steady pulse behind every emergency response.
That’s according to Guadalupe County Sheriff Joshua Ray who is marking National Telecommunicators Week (April 12-18) with a unique look behind the scenes.
Ray says the strength of the department starts with the people inside the dispatch center.
“We have a fantastic dispatch team, and we’ve hired so many in the last couple of years. And this crew that we have right now are just so cohesive. And we have a fantastic supervisor up there in Tracy Albrecht. She does a lot to encourage them and keep morale up there because it’s a hard job. They’re working 12-hour shifts, seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Dispatch is covered for 365 days out of the year,’” said Ray.
He says it’s the dispatchers who are first to hear fear, confusion, and crisis in real time.
“When someone calls 911, they’re usually not calling 911 because it’s a good moment or it’s been a good day. And so, it can be very stressful when you take those calls over and over and over again. But every time I go up there, you know, they’ve got smiles on their
face and they’re happy and morale is really good. They all work hard. I’ve gone in there when those phones are just going nonstop and they barely have time to even acknowledge that the sheriff just walked in the room. But they just do a great job. They’re super cohesive and I’m extremely proud of all of them,” said Ray.
Despite the intensity of the job, Ray says Guadalupe County is experiencing something that is very unique and uncommon in these types of high-stress professions and that is stability.
“I think one thing that’s very telling about the atmosphere we have up there in dispatch is that since February of last year, we have had one opening, one. So, it’s very low turnover right now. So that tells you, I think it tells you that they’re very happy with their job and their work environment and they all work really good together,” said Ray.
Ray says as Guadalupe County continues to grow, so does the volume of emergency calls coming in.
“In the previous 12 months, we’ve had almost 75,000 calls for service that sheriff’s deputies have responded to. Who do you think those 75,000 calls go through? It goes through our dispatch, right? And at any given time, on average, I mean, there’s a few days
here and there that may not be the case, but generally on average, We have 3 dispatchers in that 911 center. And for that many calls, that’s a lot of calls going through three people. And then this year in 2026, we are averaging an additional 1,000 calls per month from previous years. So the development and the growth in Guadalupe County is having a direct impact on sheriff’s office operations,” said Ray.
Meanwhile, he says the growth isn’t stopping him from planning ahead.
“I’ve included some additional staffing requests. We’re putting together budget right now for FY27, and there are some more dispatch positions that are included in that. I’m hoping to eventually get up to at least where we can have 4 dispatchers on the floor per shift. And a few other things I want to do to develop them. I would like to see our 911 center become more a crime center and we develop those dispatchers not only as dispatchers, but as crime analysts and that they have more tools available to them so that they can assist the deputies and investigators better in their enforcement activities,” said Ray.
A reading of a proclamation in observance of Telecommunicators Week was recently held at the sheriff’s office. There, the dispatchers were applauded for a job well done.
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
Courtesy Photo
Ticket deadline nears for annual Texans Reaching Out
(Seguin) -- St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church’s annual fundraiser, Texans Reaching Out, is scheduled for Friday, April 24 in the church parish hall at 201 E. Nolte in historic downtown Seguin. Doors open at 6 p.m. The evening features a fish fry by Johnny’s BBQ and tunes everybody will know by The Magpies! You’ll also enjoy appetizers, drinks, and a handheld dessert bar. There will be a brief presentation by Caroline Figlioli with Iris Global Ministries, providing a home for children in Uganda / South Sudan, which is one of the ministries the event helps to support.
Tickets are free of charge, but reservations are required. A collection will be taken to benefit all the outreach ministries of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church including the Christian Cupboard, the Children’s Advocacy Center, Jefferson Elementary, the South Texas Pregnancy Care Center, and many more local ministries along with several international missions including in Honduras and Navajoland.
Seating is limited so reserve prior to April 17 by calling the church office at 830.372.4330 or emailing secretary@standrewseguin.org!
Special by Kelly Follis
Howard Named SCAC Pitcher of the Week
SEGUIN, Texas -- For the fourth time this season, Katelyn Howard (Waller/Hempstead) was named Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) Pitcher of the Week, the conference announced on Monday.
The award marks the most of any SCAC pitcher this season and is the most in a single-season since former Bulldog, Ashlyn Strother, earned five weekly honors during the 2023 season.
Howard started the both ends of the Bulldogs’ doubleheader against Hendrix College on Friday, going 2-0 across 9.0 innings pitched. She registered an ERA of 0.00, which included a complete-game shutout against Hendrix in game one on Friday. Howard allowed only seven hits and struck out three batters while walking none.
On the year, Howard is 17-0 with a 0.53 earned run average. She has 65 strikeouts in 105.0 innings pitched and is holding opponents to a .221 batting average. Howard was named to the NFCA Pitcher of the Year Watch List earlier this month.Texas Lutheran returns to action this weekend, traveling to Austin to face Concordia (TX) to continue SCAC play on Friday, April 17. First pitch is scheduled for 5 PM. All three games will stream on FloCollege. All streaming and live stats links can be found on tlubulldogs.com.
For more information on Texas Lutheran softball, follow the Bulldogs on Facebook (@txlutheransoftball), X (Twitter) (@TLUsoftball), and Instagram (@tlu_softball) and as always you can find updates on all Texas
Lutheran athletics on tlubulldogs.com and all official TLU social media channels (@tluathletics on Twitter, @tlu_athletics on Instagram and TikTok, and @tlubulldogs on Facebook).
Bryce Hayes
VITAL STATISTICS
MUELLER
Ralph Wayne Mueller, age 80 of Seguin, passed away on April 9, 2026. Ralph was born on September 23, 1945, in Cuero Texas to Inez (Kruse) and Walter John Mueller.
Ralph proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He served his entire career in Civil Service as a firefighter.
Ralph is preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers, Donald J. Mueller and wife Darla, and Gene F. Mueller.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Elaine Mitchell Mueller; daughter, Tracy Bittner and husband Roger; granddaughters, Savannah Clark and husband Stewart, and Ariel Rennspies and husband Derek; great-
BAKER
Sherry Causey Baker, 76, of Seguin, Texas, passed away on April 12, 2026. She was born on July 23, 1949, at Nix Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, to Roland Knox “Shad” Causey and Joyce Marie Alley Causey. She was their only child. She is predeceased by her father, who died on August 15, 1966, and her mother, who died on January 22, 2014.
Sherry grew up in Sabinal, Texas, where she was an active and engaged student. She participated in student council, cheerleading, basketball, softball, track, and band. After graduating from high school, she moved to San Marcos, Texas, and earned her Education Degree from Southwest Texas State University with a major in math and a minor in business. During college, she worked for the State Department of Agriculture, traveling the state promoting agriculture heritage.
She married Steve Baker on June 26, 1971, and together they built a loving home and family. Sherry was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose greatest joy was nurturing and celebrating the young lives around her.
Sherry was deeply devoted to children. She began her teaching career in Gonzales, Texas. She later served for many years as a dedicated substitute teacher at Navarro, where she was known for her generosity and reliability— she could never say “no” to a request to substitute for “one more day.” Her passion extended far beyond the classroom. Sherry remained actively involved in the lives of her own two sons and, later, her six grandchildren. She attended every sports event, dance recital, award ceremony, and school function for her children and grandchildren—Holden, Bailey, Piper, Quinton, Ava, and Lila— and generously supported many other children who were not even related to
grandchildren, Hadley Rennspies and Blaine Rennspies; nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving family members and many friends.
Visitation will begin on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel followed by funeral service at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Jeremy Pedersen officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in Lone Oak Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers will be Walter Mueller, Wade Mueller, Joe Mueller, Brian Settle, James Coker, and Carl Coker. Honorary pallbearers will be Carlton “Coker”, Jim Hotchkiss, George Rehfeld, and Steve Bruington.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made 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.
her. Her love for her immediate and extended family was amazing and such an incredible example to us all.
Faith was central to Sherry’s life from an early age. She was an active member of the Sabinal First Methodist Church during her youth and, after marrying and moving to the Kingsbury/Seguin area, became a steadfast and devoted member of the First Methodist Church of Seguin. She cherished every aspect of her church community and particularly enjoyed serving each Halloween in the church’s Pumpkin Patch.
To friends, as well as family, Sherry will be remembered as someone who never had a bad day. She looked upon life with a smile and a chuckle.
She is survived by Steve Baker; her two sons and their families:
Shad Baker and his wife Staci, along with their children Holden, Bailey, and Piper; Brandon Baker and Jamie Hawkins, along with their children Quinton, Ava, and Lila.
Visitation will begin on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 5 p.m. at First Methodist Church, Seguin, followed by funeral service at 6 p.m. with the Reverend Cathe Evins officiating. A reception will follow.
Graveside services and interment will follow on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Sabinal Cemetery, Hwy 90 , Sabinal, Texas, 78881. A reception will follow.
Serving as pallbearers will be Shad Baker, Brandon Baker, Holden Baker, Quinton Baker, Jase Hawkins, and Rocky Bickley.
In lieu of flowers or donations, the family kindly requests that you simply say a prayer for Sherry and for those who loved her.
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.
Women Exposed To High Levels Of Radon Have Higher Risk Of Getting Ovarian Cancer
(Undated) -- A new study shows women living in places with high levels of radon have a 31 percent greater chance of developing ovarian cancer. A report in JAMA Network Open shows that risk is even higher for women with a family history of breast cancer. About a quarter of Americans live in homes with radon levels that the EPA recommends mitigation action needs to be taken. Radon is a gas naturally released from the earth and water and is the second leading cause of lung cancer.
High Dose Flu Shot For Seniors Could Offer Brain Protection
(Minneapolis, MN) -- There’s new research suggesting that high dose flu shots for seniors could offer brain protection, too. A study, published in the medical journal Neurology involved insurance claims data from more than 200-thousand adults ages 65 and up. It found that seniors who received high dose flu vaccines had a 20-percent lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. That’s compared to seniors who got the regular flu shot. Researchers say the protective effect was strongest in women but say more research is needed to understand their findings.
Diarrhea-Causing Superbug Is On The Rise
(Atlanta, GA) -- The CDC says a diarrhea-causing superbug is on the rise. It’s a type of Shigella that’s resistant to all classes of antibiotics. A Shigella infection is reportable in all 50 states and the CDC says it’s been seeing an uptick in superbug cases since 2011. It’s typically spread through contaminated food and water but can be transmitted sexually, causing diarrhea, fever and stomach pain that usually clears up within a week. The CDC estimates that 450-thousand Americans are infected with Shigella bacteria every year.
Late Stage Multiple Sclerosis Drugs Could Reduce Nerve Damage
(Pittsburgh, PA) -- Exciting late-stage clinical trials are underway that could mean good news for some multiple sclerosis patients. They involve socalled BTK inhibitors, which permeate the blood-brain barrier and are designed to reduce nerve damage. Dr. Troy Desai, a neurologist at Allegheny Health Network in Pittsburgh, says this new class of drugs could be a game-changer for patients who are battling secondary progressive MS. That’s a type of multiple sclerosis that doesn’t respond well to existing medications. MS is an autoimmune disease that often causes weakness, balance problems, fatigue, numbness, vision changes and bladder and bowel dysfunction. It affects more than one-million Americans, with most diagnoses made when patients are ages 20 to 50.
Irma Lewis Outdoor Learning Center Open Trails
The Irma Lewis Outdoor Learning Center is now open to the public from 4 to 7 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. Visitors are invited to enjoy self-guided hiking and biking on the trails, have a picnic, or take part in catchand-release fishing at the pond. The community is encouraged to take advantage of this outdoor space for recreation and relaxation.
GCCAC Golf Tournament to Benefit Children’s Advocacy Center
The Guadalupe County Children’s Advocacy Center will host its annual golf tournament fundraiser on Thursday, April 16 at The Bandit Golf Course. The 4-person scramble begins with registration at 7:30 a.m. and an 8:30 a.m. start. The event will also feature opportunities for prizes, including a hole-in-one contest, along with food, drinks, and activities throughout the day. For more information, visit gccac.net.
Master Gardeners Hosting April Classes and Plant Sales
The Guadalupe County Master Gardeners will host a series of free educational programs and plant sales throughout April across the area. Educational classes include two programs on April 11 — “Native Gardening” from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Schertz Public Library in Schertz, and “Butterflies, Bees and Moths – Oh My!” from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Seguin Public Library. Plant sales will also be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 11 at the Polley Mansion Heritage Garden in La Vernia, April 18 at the Ron Pedde Memorial Community Garden in Cibolo, and April 25 during the Seguin Earth Day Festival at Central Park in downtown Seguin. All events are free and open to the public, with registration required for select classes.
Seguin Art League Announces April Events, Classes & Deadlines
The Seguin Art League is hosting a series of upcoming events and classes throughout April, along with a deadline for its annual High School Art Show. Art in Action, a community-wide live art event, will take place April 11 to 12, with finished works displayed April 14 to 24. A Needle Felted Landscapes workshop is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. April 18, followed by an Ink and Watercolor Landscapes class from 1 to 4 p.m. on April 29, both at the Seguin Art League Gallery. Entries for the Annual High School Art Show are due from 4 to 6 p.m. April 30 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church McKeogh Hall, with an awards reception set for May 2. Classes have limited space and require registration. For details, entry forms, and registration information, visit seguinartleague.com or call 830-305-0472.
Pantherpalooza Kids & Family Expo
Navarro ISD will host Pantherpalooza, a Kids and Family Expo, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at
Navarro Intermediate School. The free event will feature family resources, student organizations, local businesses, games, food trucks and information about summer recreation and student job opportunities. For details or vendor information, visit navarroisd.us/pantherpalooza.
Child Abuse Awareness Fundraiser: Fiesta of Heroes and Villains
An 8th annual Child Abuse Awareness fundraiser, “Fiesta of Heroes and Villains,” will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 11 at the Comal County Sheriff’s Posse, 3826 Morningside Drive in New Braunfels. Hosted by Guardians of the Children Hill Country Chapter, the event will include a fun run, bike show, silent auction, raffle drawing, vendor booths, and a free bike giveaway for youth. Attendees are encouraged to dress as their favorite superhero or villain. Proceeds will benefit Guardians of the Children, a nonprofit organization supporting abused children.
TLU Education Career Fai
Texas Lutheran University will host an Education Career Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 15 at the Dunne Conference Center in Tschoepe Hall, Room 115. The free event is open to students and community members seeking full- or part-time opportunities in education, with multiple school districts expected to attend. Attendees are encouraged to bring copies of their resume.
Navarro ISD to Host Pre-K and Kindergarten Roundup
Families with young children are invited to learn more about enrolling in Navarro ISD during the district’s upcoming Pre-K and Kindergarten Roundup events at Navarro Elementary School in Geronimo. Pre-K Roundup will be held from 4:45 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, followed by Kindergarten Roundup from 4:45 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 21. Parents will have the opportunity to meet teachers, tour classrooms and speak with district representatives about transportation, child nutrition and special education services while learning about the enrollment process for the 2026-27 school year. Children must be 4 years old for Pre-K and 5 years old for Kindergarten by Sept. 1, 2026. For details and required documents, visit navarroisd.us/roundup.
Master Gardeners Program: Landscape Mysteries
The Guadalupe County Master Gardeners will host their monthly membership meeting and educational program beginning at 5:45 p.m. Thursday, April 16 at 210 East Live Oak Street in Seguin. The evening will include a social at 5:45 p.m., a business meeting at 6:15 p.m., and a 7 p.m. presentation titled “Landscape Mysteries – ID That Plant or Bug,” led by Master Gardener, Master Naturalist, and Master Composter Peter Hernandez. The program is free and open to the public.
CASA of Central Texas will host its “Boogie Down Disco” Dinner and Auction from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, April 17 at The Chandelier of Gruene. The event, held in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, will include a seated dinner, live and silent auctions, and a special guest speaker who was once served by CASA. Proceeds from the evening will support advocacy services for children in foster care. Tickets are available online at givebutter.com/c/casadisco2026. For more information, visit casacentex.org or call 830-837-3026.
Pachanga 2026 to Benefit Teatro de Artes de Juan Seguín
The Center for Mexican American Studies and the Mexican American Student Association at Texas Lutheran University are inviting the community to Pachanga 2026, a free fundraiser supporting Teatro de Artes de Juan Seguín. The event will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, April 17 at the TLU Alumni Plaza. The evening will include a silent auction, dinner, dancing, and live music featuring Llamativa, DJ Navarro, Mariachi AJB, the Seguin Starlettes, and Danza Guadalupana. The event is free and open to all ages.
Wildlife Association annual meeting
The Guadalupe County Wildlife Management Association will hold its annual Spring Meeting on April 17 at the Texas Agriculture Education & Heritage Center (Big Red Barn), 250 Corodova Road in Seguin. The meeting begins with a social hour at 6 p.m., with the dinner meeting set to begin at 7 p.m. Anyone interested in Guadalupe county wildlife management is encouraged to attend. Dinner cost $15. RSVP by sending an email to RSVP:GuadalupeCountyWMA@gmail.com.
Small Business Unite Symposium Coming to Northeast Lakeview College
The Texas Tri-County Chamber of Commerce will host the Small Business Unite Symposium on April 17–18 at Northeast Lakeview College in Paluxy Hall in Universal City. The two-day event is open to entrepreneurs, business owners, students, and community leaders. The symposium will feature business education sessions, networking opportunities, industry panels, and a Lean Six Sigma White Belt Certification included with registration. Registration is now open at busines.txtricountychamber.org.
Field of Honor BBQ fundraiser
Seguin Field of Honor will have a BBQ fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 18 at Cash America Pawn, located at 1111 E. Court St. The plates are $12 each and consist of half a chicken, cowboy potatoes, beans and trimmings. Presale tickets are available from committee members, or call Connie at 830-243-2872.
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CASA Boogie Down Disco Dinner & Auction
TLU Spring Fling
Texas Lutheran University will host its annual Spring Fling from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 22 on the TLU Library Lawn. The free event will feature a live concert, food trucks, games, and activities for all ages. The community is invited to attend and enjoy the festivities.
SW Prep PTO hosts Bingo Night Fundraiser
The Southwest Preparatory School PTO is hosting a game night fundraiser to help build a new playground for students at the Seguin charter school. The event will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 23 in the Southwest Preparatory School Cafeteria, located at 2400 E. Walnut St. Entry is $10 and includes a game book. Tickets will be available at the door or from any PTO member. Students in 6th grade and up may participate, but must be accompanied by an adult.
Texans Reaching Out 2026
Come one, come y’all to celebrate in true Texas style at St. Andrew’s “Texans Reaching Out” on Friday, April 24 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the church parish hall, 201 E. Nolte. The event features a lip-smackin’ fish fry by Johnny’s BBQ and music by The Magpies! You’ll also enjoy appetizers, drinks, and a handheld dessert bar. Tickets are free of charge, but reservations are required. A collection will be taken to benefit the local and international outreach ministries of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. Seating is limited so reserve prior to April 17 by calling the church office at 830.372.4330 or emailing secretary@standrewseguin.org.
Seguin ISD Matador Family Bash
A Matador Family Bash will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 24 at Matador Stadium in Seguin. Hosted by Seguin ISD, the free event will feature games, concessions, and family activities. A movie showing of “Zootopia 2” will follow from 7 to 9 p.m. Families are encouraged to bring blankets and pillows for the movie.
Geronimo Creek Spring Stream Cleanup
A spring stream cleanup for the Geronimo and Alligator Creeks Watershed Partnership will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, April 25. Volunteers in the Seguin area will meet at the Seguin ISD Outdoor Learning Center, located at 1865 E. U.S. Highway 90. Participants will help clean local waterways as part of a regional effort to improve water quality. Cleanup supplies will be provided, and a limited number of event T-shirts will be available for those who register. Free breakfast tacos and coffee will also be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to sign up in advance at geronimocreekwatershed.org.
Free Community CPR Training
The Seguin Fire Department will host a free Community CPR Training from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25 at the Seguin Public Library. Space is limited, and participants are encouraged to sign up in advance. Register online at signupgenius.com/go/40 9044AA4AB22A1F58-63409752-community.
World Tai Chi & Qi Gong Day Celebration
A World Tai Chi and Qi Gong Day celebration will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 25 on the east lawn of Emanuel’s Lutheran Church, 206 N. Travis St. in Seguin. Local practitioners will gather as part of a global event promoting peace, harmony, and wellness, joining others around the world during the same hour. The free event is open to all skill levels, including beginners and those who wish to observe and participate. Participants are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and water.
Denim Day Event Raises Awareness for Sexual Assault Prevention
The Thriving Hearts Crisis Center is inviting the community to take part in Denim Day, a special awareness event focused on supporting survivors of sexual assault. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 29 at Seguin Central Park, located at 201 S. Austin St. in Seguin. Community members are encouraged to attend, show support, and help raise awareness with the message that consent matters.
Evening with the Texas Rangers Set for April 30
The Seguin Heritage Museum is inviting the community to “An Evening with the Texas Rangers,” a special program featuring history and live entertainment. The event will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 30 at the Palace Theatre, located at 114 S. Austin St. in Seguin. Entertainment will be provided by Dottsy Dwyer and the Hudiburgs, with concessions available during the evening. Admission is $20. Tickets can be purchased online at seguinheritagemuseum.org or locally at the Seguin Heritage Museum, Parker’s City Pharmacy, and Gift and Gourmet.
Seguin Art League High School Art Show Now Accepting Entries
The Seguin Art League will host its 16th annual High School Art Show, with artwork submissions accepted from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 30 at St. Andrew’s McKeogh Hall, located at 201 E. Nolte St. in Seguin. The show is open to all students in grades 9 through 12. Cash prizes will be awarded during a reception scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 2. For more information and a prospectus, visit seguinartleague.com or call 830-491-0778.
Friends of the Library Annual Meeting
The Seguin Friends of the Library will host its annual meeting at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 30 at the Seguin Public Library. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. The program, “Tejiendo (Weaving) Cultura: The Women Who Have, Who Are and Who Will Weave the Legacy of Teatro,” will be presented by Dr. Yvonne De La Rosa, followed by a brief business meeting. Refreshments will be provided.
Free Tax Help at Texas Lutheran University
Texas Lutheran University is offering free tax preparation assistance through its IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. The clinic will be held Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon through April 15 at the Beck Center on the Texas Lutheran University campus, 1020 Beck Drive in Seguin. The service is provided at no cost by accounting students from Texas Lutheran University and is open to individuals and households earning $69,000 or less, as well as seniors, people with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers.
Energy Assistance Available
The Community Council of South Central Texas is accepting applications for utility bill assistance through the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). Funding is limited and available in select counties, including Guadalupe County. Apply online at ccsct.org/utility-assistance-apply-for-services/ and schedule an appointment with your county office. An appointment does not guarantee assistance.
Homestead Exemption Audit Process Begins for Property Owners
Property owners in Guadalupe County are being advised of a new requirement involving homestead exemptions. Under a new state law, appraisal districts across the state, including the Guadalupe Appraisal District, will begin conducting audits of homestead exemptions. As part of the process, property owners with an active homestead exemption may receive a notice asking them to reapply for the exemption every five years to verify eligibility. The appraisal district does not calculate taxes based on exemptions. Any tax adjustments will be handled by the Guadalupe County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office and reflected either in amended bills for previous years or on the current year’s tax bill issued in October. Property owners who receive a notice should follow the instructions provided by the Guadalupe Appraisal District.
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.
Small steps to extend a car’s life expectancy
Vehicles continue to get more expensive. The automotive experts at Kelley Blue Book indicate the average American car buyer paid $50,080 for a new vehicle in September 2025, which was the first time the average price for a new car ever topped $50,000. More drivers are looking for ways to push their current vehicles past the 200,000-mile mark to save money.
According to S&P Global Mobility, the average age of a vehicle on the road hit a record high of 12.8 years in 2025. Although major mechanical failures concern drivers of older vehicles, it’s actually much smaller things that can affect vehicle longevity. There are small actions anyone can take to significantly extend a car’s life.
• Use caution on cold starts. When a vehicle sits, oil settles at the bottom of the engine. To help combat damage that can occur, drivers can wait about 30 seconds before shifting into gear, as this will allow the oil pump to circulate the lubricant to the upper valve train and help prevent extra wear on the engine. Modern fuelinjected engines warm up faster and more safely
by being driven gently rather than sitting still, so it’s not necessary to idle for a long while with the vehicle in the driveway, says Smart Motors Toyota. In fact, long idles actually can strip away oil.
• Treat fluids wisely. According to EngineeringCivil.org, checking and replacing fluids is cheaper than replacing hardware. Recent data suggests that consistent oil changes can add between 50,000 and 100,000 miles to an engine’s lifespan. It’s important to follow a vehicle’s manual for time-based intervals for fluid replacement, rather than just going by mileage.
• Drive faster on occasion. Oil will never get hot enough to evaporate internal condensation for those who primarily drive short distances under 10 miles. Once every few weeks, it’s important for drivers to drive at least 20 minutes at highway speeds to help get rid of contaminants.
• Drive smoothly on roads. Aggressive driving will not just burn more gas; such driving also creates heat, which can impact longevity. According to Kia, hard braking generates immense heat that can warp rotors and stress
suspension bushings. Likewise, it’s key to ease into acceleration. Rapid acceleration forces the transmission to downshift abruptly, increasing wear. Reports from The Zebra, an insurance shopping company, indicate that mindful driving can reduce mechanical strain by up to 30 percent.
• Fight corrosion. Rust can kill a car before the engine actually fails. People who live in areas where roads are treated with salt in the winter should use a winter car wash that includes an undercarriage spray. Auto Recycling World says road salt can eat through brake lines and fuel lines. In addition, applying a coat of wax twice a year can prevent UV rays and other damage to the clear coat, which protects the metal body from the elements.
• Address engine lights promptly. CarMD says addressing a “check engine” light immediately is 20 percent cheaper than waiting until the vehicle has a driveability issue. For example, ignoring a $150 oxygen sensor can eventually destroy a $1,500 catalytic converter. Small habits can help prolong the longevity of vehicles and help people save money.
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