April 30, 2026
Seguin stands up for survivors Community gathers for Denim Day
(Seguin) -- A solid mix of messages were shared from the Central Park Gazebo this past Wednesday as community members, advocates, and law enforcement leaders gathered for the 2026 Denim Day event.
“Stand up for survivors” and “recognize that real change does not happen in isolation,” were among the messages heard at the event hosted by Thriving Hearts Crisis Center.
The annual awareness event, held in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month helped raise awareness about sexual violence and the support that is available to those in Seguin and Guadalupe County. Participants took part in a symbolic walk around the park, visited
resource booths, and heard from community leaders and advocates working on the front lines.
Among those voices was Jana Evans, executive director of the Thriving Hearts Crisis Center. Evans emphasized that the issue of sexual violence is closer to home than many realize.
“It’s real and that it’s here no matter what community you are in, none of us are immune to it. We could say that like, oh, well, I don’t know anybody or it’s not happening, but it’s happening, it’s here. And that’s the reason why before Thriving Hearts Crisis Center, we were Guadalupe Valley Family Violence Shelter. And it was established back in 1983 because of the need.
Denim, pg. 3
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) -- The Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office has dismissed the Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon charge against a Harris County Constable. As reported on Tuesday by the Seguin Daily News, the officer, Julio Valdez, was taken into custody for not only the unlawful carrying of a weapon charge but also for public intoxication.
According to sheriff’s officials, Valdez, was a passenger in one of the vehicles involved in a hit-and-run at 6 p.m. Monday in the 8500 block of IH-10 East. The deputy reported that Valdez exhibited signs of intoxication and was observed carrying a firearm.
During the arrest, Valdez identified himself as a Harris County Precinct 3 Deputy Constable.
But after further review of the arrest,
it was determined that the exemption applicable to peace officers in Texas Penal Code 46.15 does apply in the circumstances of this arrest. Therefore, Guadalupe County Sheriff Joshua Ray instructed that the charge for Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon be dismissed. He says the decision to arrest for public intoxication, however, was based on the totality of the circumstances, and confirmed thorough evidence to support that charge.
“After reviewing the arrest, it was very clear to me that the exemption provided for peace officers in Texas Penal Code 46.15 was applicable in this incident, and the correct course of action moving forward is to have the charge dismissed. Yet, it is worth noting that an average citizen under the exact same circumstances would
have been legally and justifiably charged with Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon. That said, there is no question that Mr. Valdez made poor decisions and placed himself in a situation that reflected poorly on our profession. I stand by my prior comments that those in law enforcement are held to a higher standard, and if you cannot live up to that standard, then this isn’t the profession for you,” stated Ray.
Ray previously emphasized that the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office holds all individuals, regardless of profession or affiliation, to the same standard of the law and will enforce the law equally and without exception.
Again, Valdez remains charged with public intoxication.
GCSO dismisses weapon charge against Harris County Deputy Constable Future Marion elementary school receives name
(Marion) -- The Marion ISD has officially approved the naming of its newest elementary campus.
During a recent board meeting, trustees voted to name the future school Genevieve Moore Elementary School. District officials say the name recognizes a woman who is described as a cornerstone of early childhood education in the district.
The new campus, located at 2112 S. Santa Clara Road, will serve students in kindergarten through fifth grade and is scheduled to open for the 2028–2029 school year.
Courtesy Photo
District leaders say the naming followed a communitydriven process that gathered input from families, staff, and residents. They say after reviewing nominations submitted across the district, Mrs. Genevieve Moore emerged as the clear favorite.
Marion ISD Board President Ryan Zwicke says the decision is significant to the district.
“I am extremely honored to share that the next Marion ISD elementary school will be named in honor of Mrs. Genevieve Moore. Mrs. Moore devoted her life to elementary education right here in Marion for decades and positively impacted countless lives across Guadalupe
County and beyond. I would also like to thank the community members who submitted nominations, as well as the naming committee for their time and thoughtful consideration throughout this process. I am proud that we continue to honor those who have given so much to the students of Marion ISD. Naming this elementary school in honor of Mrs. Moore is a meaningful continuation of that legacy,” said Zwicke.
Moore is said to have dedicated more than 40 years to Marion ISD, serving as a kindergarten teacher at what is now Norma Krueger Elementary School. A graduate of the district herself, she returned to teach in the same community that shaped her.
Marion ISD Superintendent Dr. Don Beck says she is remembered for her commitment to student success -spanning multiple generations.
“Mrs. Moore’s legacy reflects the very heart of Marion ISD. Her dedication to our students, her passion for teaching, and her love for this community make her an ideal namesake for a campus that will serve our youngest learners for years to come,” said Beck.
Construction on the new campus is expected to begin in January 2027.
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
And so just knowing that Maybe it’s your sister, your aunt, your cousin, your neighbor, someone at church. There’s somebody that is affected by it and you’re right around you in your community. And that could be someone at work. It could be your, you know, your employee, your, you know, anyone. So just knowing that sharing and standing up for them is so important for us to make it not such a stigma. Almost every minute someone is sexually assaulted. And so that’s men and women,” said Evans.
Evans “underscored the importance of speaking out” and breaking the stigma.
“I think the biggest thing is that call to action to the community to be able to spread awareness that we’re here to support them. And that’s every step of the way. Like maybe, they’re not necessarily ready to come completely forward, but we’re here to help them to, you know, give them information and guide them and educate them in order to help them for their next step whenever they are ready,” said Evans.
Evans says it takes a community-wide effort to create an environment – like Thriving Hearts -- where survivors feel safe, supported, and free from guilt.
“We’re more than just a shelter. We’re able to provide those resources and safety plans and all those kind of things. A lot of times, it’s been this woman’s shelter for
so long, just knowing that it takes the whole community to be able to make them feel supported and comfortable to come forward and know that they’re not at fault. They shouldn’t have guilt and that we’re here to support them in their journey to be able to heal,” said Evans.
Denim Day has become a powerful message in international history. The movement began in Italy in 1992 after a rape conviction was overturned by the Italian Supreme Court, which ruled the act was consensual because the victim had been wearing tight jeans. The decision sparked outrage, leading women in the Italian Parliament to protest by wearing denim. That protest inspired similar demonstrations worldwide, including in California, where the first official Denim Day was held in 1999.
Each year, the event also draws support from a village of law enforcement and city leadership. Guadalupe County Sheriff Joshua Ray, Seguin Police Chief Jason Brady, and Seguin Mayor Donna Dodgen were among the speakers who addressed the crowd. Representatives from Cibolo Police Department were also present, highlighting a unified law enforcement presence on the issue.
Thriving Hearts also services families living in Wilson, Gonzales and Karnes County.
Individuals or families seeking a safe place are asked to visit safeseguin.org. They may also call 1-800-8342033. Calls made to the center can also be anonymous.
Denim, continued.
Area track and field athletes earn Academic All-State honors
(San Marcos) -- Student-athletes from Seguin, Navarro and Marion high schools were recognized this week on the Academic All-State track and field teams by the Texas High School Coaches Association.
Seguin’s Justin Peterson earned second team honors, while Elliot Weaver, Marcus Troy, Cordel Leon and Laya Molina were each named honorable mention.
Navarro placed four athletes on the academic all-state teams. Lilia Flo earned first team honors. Colorado Kenway and Hudson Jenner were named to the second team, and Evan Rodriguez earned honorable mention. Marion led the area contingent with 11 academic all-state honorees.
Travis Randle and Kaitlyn Rackley were first team selections. Eryn Beck, Gavin Moltz, Tanner Otis, Cayden Schultze, Marcelo Morales and Joseph Swatek were named to the second team. Aaron Salinas, Jaiden Riley and Jaylen Reese rounded out the Marion honorees as honorable mentions. All three schools will compete at their respective UIL regional meets this Friday and Saturday. Seguin will take on the Class 5A Region IV field at Heroes Stadium in San Antonio. Navarro will compete in the Region IV-4A meet at Texas A&M-Kingsville. And Marion will compete close to home at the Class 3A Region IV meet, hosted by Seguin High School.
Chris Austin
Networking
Guadalupe
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
HENDERSON
Trevor McGee Henderson, age 35 of Nixon, passed away on April 13, 2026. Trevor was born on May 11, 1990, in San Antonio, Texas to Jo Lyn (Cook) and Sam McGee Henderson.
Trevor was a 2008 graduate of Nixon Smiley High School. Many memorable moments were shared with family and friends, from working with cattle to fishing or hunting together. His three children were his world, enjoying every moment he could with them.
Trevor is preceded in death by his grandparents, Nancy Jo (Patteson) and John Lloyd (Bubba) Cook, John Henderson, step-grandfather, William “Bill” Gary and his uncles, Ernest “Bo” Brzozowski and Robert Earl “Bobby” Harvey, III.
Survivors include his children Ainsley Marie Walker-Henderson, Kahl
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.
Creek Henderson, and Trig Fannin Henderson; parents, Jo Lyn and Sam Henderson; sister, Kelby Jo Henderson; grandmother, Katherine Ann Gary( passed away on April 16, 2026); aunts and uncles, Linda Sue Parks and husband Gary, John Lloyd “Johnny” Cook, Jr. and wife Laura, Connie Brzozowski, Kathy Harvey and Connie Davis; numerous cousins, other loving family members and many friends.
A celebration of life service including a ranch rodeo will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Nixon-Smiley Show Barn. The family will begin receiving friends at 4 p.m. followed by remarks at 5 p.m. including Pastor Paul Jenkins, with dinner to follow. The Ranch Rodeo will begin at 7:30 p.m. Private interment will be held at a later date in the Nixon Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Henderson Children’s Fund, c/o Third Coast Bank, 200 N. Nixon Ave., Nixon, Tx, 78140. 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
SCHLEIER
Judy Ann Schleier of Lake McQueeney, Texas, was welcomed to Heaven on April 20, 2026, surrounded by her beloved family. During her courageous battle with cancer, Judy carried herself with patience, grace, and a dash of her dry and witty humor.
Judy was born in the beautiful Bluegrass Region of Harrodsburg, Kentucky, on February 1, 1956, to Ina (Winchester) and Earl Sherrow. She attended the University of Kentucky and, after graduation, began working in the oil and gas industry in Lexington. There, she formed close friendships with colleagues, including Tommy. Together with friends, they spent their early years traveling throughout Europe, the Bahamas, Mexico, and the Florida Keys, embracing adventure and the freedom of their twenties. After returning from a diving trip to the British Virgin Islands, Tommy asked Judy on a date, and they began their 44-year love story. Judy and Tommy married in 1988 and made homes in Wyoming, Kentucky, and on a farm in Pleasanton, Texas, before planting roots on beautiful Lake McQueeney, where they raised their family. She later moved from land work into teaching before choosing to devote herself to raising her children, Jacy and Eric, who were the center of her world. She carried an adventurous spirit from her earliest days, with a gritty, fearless nature, enjoying hobbies from horseback riding and water skiing to scuba diving and snow skiing. Beneath that strength was a genuinely caring and calm presence, a quiet beauty that made people feel at ease. She embraced experiences, welcomed people, and lived with an energy that made even ordinary moments feel meaningful. Her competitive nature also shined in the moments she shared with friends and family, whether she was challenging girlfriends at Mahjong, playing tennis with her Wednesday group, or enjoying
a lively game of Shanghai Rummy during Christmases in Kentucky. Judy loved Thursday evenings with her book club gals, walking the dog with cherished neighbors, and delighting in the sun by the lake or pool. She held a deep appreciation for Keeneland and the Kentucky Derby.
Above all, Judy devoted her life to her children with unwavering selflessness and was a loving and supportive partner to Tommy through every stage of their life and business together. She filled their home with warmth, delicious meals, and a sense of security. She was a steady and patient presence for Eric, always there to tend to whatever adventure or mishap came his way, and a constant companion and best friend to Jacy, with whom she shared a deep and inseparable bond. Her greatest joy and proudest role was being their mother.
Judy is preceded in death by her parents, Ina and Earl Sherrow.
Left to cherish her memory include her loving husband of 37 years, Thomas Schleier; daughter, Jacy Oechsli and husband Matthew; son, Eric Schleier; sister, Donna Murphy; sisters-in-law, Nancy Polis and husband Nyle, and Ellen Lawler and husband James; brother-in-law, Tim Murphy; nieces, Merideth Pittman and husband Tyler, and April Ellis and husband Myron; Elizabeth and Sarah Lawler; nephews, Austin Lawler and Robert Polis; and numerous other loving family members and many friends. She would not want us to forget her sweet Spaniel companion, Pepper.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 27, 2026, at Oakwood Church in New Braunfels, Texas. A reception will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Lake Breeze Ski Lodge, McQueeney, Texas.
Private graveside services and interment will be held before at Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park.
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
MENCHACA
www.SEGUINTODAY.com
Michelle T. Menchaca, age 54 of Seguin, passed away on April 21, 2026. Michelle was born in Bedford, England on August 22, 1971, to Pauline (Woollcott) Posch and Jim Woods.
Michelle worked for many years as a Certified Nurses Assistant at Windsor Nursing Home (formerly Care Inn) and later became a Licensed Vocational Nurse and was currently working at Advanced Home Health here in Seguin. Many good times were spent watching the San Antonio Spurs with family and friends.
Michelle is preceded in death by her grandparents, Betty and Peter Woollcott, her uncles, Chris Woollcott and Ian Woollcott, aunt, Jean Dicks, father-in-law, Santos Menchaca, Sr., sister-in-law, Jessica Menchaca, and her fur baby, Toby.
Survivors include her loving husband, Santos Menchaca, Jr.; son, Reymond Acosta; daughters, Brittany Acosta and Alisha Acosta; step-son, Santos “Trey” Menchaca III; mother, Pauline Posch and husband John; father, Jim Woods
SCHIEVELBEIN
Margaret Lucille Jung Schievelbein, age 101 of McQueeney, passed away on April 15, 2026. Margaret was born in Sisterdale, Texas, on July 11, 1924, to Bertha (Seay) and William Henry Jung.
She was a very loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother.
She was the light of the family. She enjoyed gardening, reading, painting, and singing with different quartets throughout the years. But most of all, she loved the Lord and her family.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Kurt Schievelbein, parents, brothers Merlin Jung and C.J. Jung, sister Arlene Lenz (Val), and son-in-law, Jerry R. MyCue.
She is survived by her sons, Fernon J. Schievelbein (Julia) and Kurt
WAHL
DeAnna Lyn Marie Wahl, age 56 of Seguin, passed away on April 24, 2026. DeAnna was born on March 17, 1970, in New Braunfels, Texas to Norma Gene (Christy) and Ray Joy Wahl, Sr.
DeAnna was a 1988 graduate of Marion High School. She was an active member of the Marion Bulldog Band where she played the clarinet and proudly served as Drum Major, her senior year. She enjoyed playing all sports in high school.
DeAnna retired from Continental in New Braunfels after 25 years of faithful service. She was a member of Cross Church in Seguin.
DeAnna is preceded in death by her mother, her brother, Ray Joy Wahl, Jr., her nanny, Edna Wahl Bruemmer, and her aunt Verna Mae Bierstedt.
Survivors include her daughters, Tifny Funderburg and wife Andrea, and Emily Hodgkins; her grandchildren, Jaden Witty, Olivia Witty, Peyton Beeman, Evalynn Stevens, and Harold Stevens; her father, Ray Joy Wahl, Sr.; sister, Monica Stevenson and husband Eric; brother, Brad Wahl and wife Bebbi; nieces and nephews, Brytni Krause and husband Bubba, Brian Wahl, Kassidi Wahl, Reagan Herrera, Donnie Wahl, Genesis Greathouse, Regina
and wife Elsie; mother-in-law, Janie Menchaca; sister, Christine Woods; brothers, Alan Posch, and Jon Posch; sisters-in-law, Irene Gil and husband Darius, Sonia Menchaca and husband Johnathan, Jennifer Meloccaro and husband Gary; brother-in-law, Steven Menchaca; fur babies, Cash and Tango; three grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and many friends.
Visitation will be held on Monday, April 27, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6 p.m. Visitation will begin again on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at St. James Catholic Church at 10 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with the Reverend Canon Stanislaw Fiuk officiating. Interment will follow in San Geronimo Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers will be Reymond Acosta, Ray Tovar, Josh Nieto, Alan Posch, Steven Menchaca, Santos “Trey” Menchaca, III, Nathaniel Menchaca, Jonathan Posch and Gabriel Garcia.
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.
Schievelbein (Debbie), and daughter, Carol MyCue; grandchildren, Brent MyCue, Kyle Schievelbein and Erin Schievelbein; great-grandchildren Darren MyCue, Mason MyCue (Kylie), and Jaxon MyCue, great-great-grandchildren Louise Faye MyCue and Lucian Karr MyCue; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and friends.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel with the Reverend Rudy Salazar, Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in San Geronimo Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers will be Randy Lenz, Brent MyCue, Mason MyCue, Kevin Lenz, Wesley Hart, Kyle Schievelbein, and Mark Jung.
Memorial contributions may be made to the 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.
Wahl and Jethro Wahl; uncle, O’Brien Bierstedt; special friend, Roger “Rocky” Ramirez; numerous cousins, other loving family members and many friends.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel. Funeral service will be held on Monday May 4, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Cross Church with the Reverend Jim Price officiating. Interment will follow in San Geronimo Cemetery.
For those who desire, the service can be livestreamed at the Cross Church Facebook page.
Serving as pallbearers will be Carl Steffen, Al Hewell, Brian Wahl, Donnie Wahl, Michael Wilson, and Carol Allen.
A reception will follow at the Gerth Party Barn.
Memorial contributions may be made to Lacuna Autism Services, 17319 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio, Texas, 78232, Suncrest Hospice Services, 911 Central Parkway N., Ste. 100, San Antonio, Texas, 78232, or to the San Geronimo Cemetery Association, P. O. Box 1061, Seguin, Texas, 78156.
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.
CDC Warns Of Possibly Drug-Resistant Salmonella Cases
(Atlanta, GA) -- The CDC is issuing a warning about cases of possibly drug-resistant salmonella. According to an update from the agency, 34 people across 13 states have the same strain of salmonella that may be resistant to the antibiotics, and 13 of those who fell ill required hospitalization. So far, cases have primarily been found in the Midwest, with Michigan reporting the most confirmed cases at six, followed by Ohio and Wisconsin with five cases each. The CDC has linked cases to backyard poultry, but it’s not clear which species in particular is to blame.
OxyContin Maker To Pay $225M Fine, Will Go Out Of Business Friday
(New York, NY) -- Purdue Pharma must pay a nine-figure fine, ending the criminal case against the OxyContin maker and enabling it to go out of business. A federal judge on Tuesday sentenced Purdue to pay a 225-million-dollar fine. This after the company’s guilty plea in 2020 connected to its marketing and distribution of OxyContin -- a key to the opioid epidemic in the U.S. The rest of Purdue’s 7-point-4 billion dollar settlement plan is earmarked for impacted communities, governments, and individuals. The company’s chairman apologized to victims late in the hearing. Purdue will cease to exist as of Friday. Its assets will be transferred to Knoa Pharma which aims to develop treatments to the opioid crisis.
Delaying Hepatitis B Newborn Vaccination Could Cause Hundreds Of Infections
(Chicago, IL) -- Delaying hepatitis B vaccinations for newborns could cause hundreds of infections. That’s according to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics. Researchers say the CDC’s recommendation to stop giving the hepatitis B vaccine at birth and delaying it for at least two months is unwarranted and dangerous. A mother can pass Hepatitis B to her baby at birth and not all pregnant women are screened for it. There is no cure for the disease which can progress to chronic infections, cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Pilot Study Suggests Blood Filtering Could Help Treat Preeclampsia
(Los Angeles, CA) -- A pilot study suggests blood filtering could help with preeclampsia, a condition that can be deadly for pregnant women. Obstetricians say the only way to treat it is by delivering the baby which can result in premature birth and complications. But researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles have high hopes following a small study involving 16 women with preeclampsia. They found that filtering out a protein in the blood that causes blood pressure to skyrocket was safe and helped bring down high blood pressure numbers. But they also said that more research is needed to confirm their findings.
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 catch-and-release fishing at the pond. The community is encouraged to take advantage of this outdoor space for recreation and relaxation.
Student Life “Elevate” Night Coming to Matador Stadium
Students are invited to a night of worship, food, and an encouraging message at “Elevate,” happening April 29 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Matador Stadium. The event will feature guest speaker Isaac Eisner and is open to everyone. Organizers say the evening is designed to bring students together for connection, community, and inspiration. Admission is free, and all students are welcome to attend.
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 314 S. Austin St. in Seguin. Entertainment will be provided by Dottsy Dw-
yer 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 & 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.
