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The Voice of Seguin
WEEKEND EDITION
TODAY
Tax exemptions, freeze changes and slowing market fuel local revenue shortfall Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) -- Guadalupe Appraisal District Chief Appraiser Peter Snaddon is shedding more light on why local taxing entities are seeing a significant drop in taxable value this year, saying “the situation is the result of several factors coming together rather than one mistake or one year of lost value.” In fact, Snaddon describes it as a “perfect storm” involving statemandated tax changes, a slower property market and changes to tax freezes for homeowners who are 65 and older or disabled. One of the major changes began with a constitutional amendment approved by Texas voters in November 2023. He says the measure increased the homestead exemption from $40,000 to $100,000 and increased exemptions for homeowners who are 65 and older or disabled.
These changes, however, were complicated even more he says by “the requirement to apply them retroactively.” “The state, the legislature, in 2023, sent to the voters in November of 2023 the opportunity to increase the homestead exemption amount to $100,000 from $40,000, as well as the over-65. They increased that as well for individuals. What was really specific about that aspect was they had the tax assessor-collectors go back as far as 2019, so that way they could use the compression rates to give them the benefit that the legislature wanted them to have,” said Snaddon. This, he says created challenges because “the appraisal district and tax assessor-collector’s offices have different responsibilities — and different computer systems.” Exemptions, pg. 3
County officials headed for Sept. 1 budget showdown Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) -- A September 1 showdown is set over the Guadalupe County budget and tax rate. The Guadalupe County Commissioners Court will hold public hearings and will take action on both issues during its meeting Tuesday, September 1, at the Guadalupe County Courthouse. A difficult budget year has turned into a public disagreement among Guadalupe County elected officials over taxes, spending and how to maintain county services. The problem began with about a $1
billion drop in the county’s taxable value. Part of that decline is due to lower property values, but the biggest change is tied to corrections involving tax freezes (or ceilings) for thousands of over-65 homesteads. Some accounts that should have been included in those calculations in previous years were added this year by the Guadalupe Appraisal District, reducing the amount of property tax revenue available to the county. Budget, pg. 3
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Marion to cut ribbon for newly renovated city park Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Marion) — The City of Marion is inviting residents to come out and celebrate the renovation of its city park. The ribbon cutting marks the completion of the first phase of what city officials hope will become a threephase transformation of the park, adding new recreational opportunities for children, teens, adults and families. Mayor Daniel Loyola says Marion has always had a city park, but until now, it offered little more than a basketball court, a couple of old swing sets and picnic tables. “So we’ve always had a city park. It just was — there was not a lot there,” said Loyola. “So we’re upgrading the park.” The first phase includes new pickleball courts, a renovated basketball court and a small walking trail. Loyola says the project grew from an earlier grant awarded through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department during the administration of former Mayor Victor Contreras. The city received about $100,000 through that grant, and Loyola says the current council decided to expand the original plans rather than simply reseal the existing basketball court. “There’s three or four of us that are really big on parks,” said Loyola. “So then you say, ‘Hey, let’s just go big.’ The kind of new thing right now is pickleball court, you know, pickleball. Go ahead and build a pickleball court and let’s redo the actual basketball court.” Loyola says the work being unveiled today is only the beginning. He says the city has also already submitted a grant request to Texas Parks and Wildlife for the second phase, which would add a large playscape with shade coverings, additional swings and rubber safety matting. The plans also call for extending the walking trail. Phase three would potentially include additional park improvements, including a pavilion where residents could gather and enjoy some shade. Loyola estimates the entire three-phase project could ultimately represent an investment of roughly $500,000 in the city park. “It’s going to be a work in progress for the next couple of years on it, just building off of it,” said Loyola. “So it’ll
be exciting.” Loyola says he has been pushing to get the park improvements moving because his term as mayor ends in May, and he wants to make sure the project is well underway before the next administration takes over. “I wanted to get the ball rolling on this so that the next mayor comes in, they can just kind of run with it, pick it up and go,” said Loyola. “I think you’re going to have three of the five same council members, so they all know the projects as well. So we’re trying to just get something rolled in, get something done so that by the time I leave, they could just pick it up and go and run with it.” The mayor says Marion families deserve a great park and hopes that the entire community comes out to welcome this next chapter for the area community. “There’s a few of us that are real big on parks,” said Loyola. “We kind of wanted to bring that up, was just like, ‘Hey, listen, redo some of these parks. Get them up and running again and add some new stuff and get them going so kids can be out there and enjoying the parks that we have.’” The ribbon cutting of the newly renovated Marion City Park will be held today at 4 p.m. The park is located on North Center Street in Marion.
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Exemptions, continued. “Our position here at this office has never changed. We’ve never assessed, and freeze ceiling calculations are an assessment function. The issue that we were having was the communication between our two systems,”said Snaddon. Snaddon says his office began including warnings with its reports in 2024, advising taxing entities to verify freeze information with their tax assessor-collector before using the figures for budgeting. He says his office could provide the information available in its system, but could not certify the taxceiling figures maintained by the tax assessor-collector. The appraisal district later ran a “freeze/refreeze” process going back to 2023 as a quality-control measure. When preliminary 2026 appraisal totals were sent to taxing entities in April, Snaddon says some of the changes that had been developing over several years appeared all at once. He says this created what he describes as “sticker shock.” “I wish it would have been correct, obviously, in ’23, so that way you would have started as a gradual rather than what everybody’s appealing just, everybody feels like was just an oversight in our office. It wasn’t an oversight,” said Snaddon. Snaddon points to documentation and emails dating
back to 2022 and 2023 showing the offices had been working through the issue. Meanwhile, “the freeze changes were only part of the decline in taxable value.” Snaddon says Guadalupe County lost approximately $752 million in taxable value, or nearly 12 percent — because of state-mandated exemptions and other changes. He says 208 additional homes qualified for the 100 percent disabledveteran exemption, representing about $212 million in lost taxable value. Another “roughly $210 million in taxable value was lost through changes under House Bill 9 involving business personal property.” Those losses he says came as the local property market was also slowing. “It wasn’t just the freeze. The freeze had an impact because the freeze is obviously — the main issue, I think — it impacts their tax rate calculations. But it wasn’t just the
Budget, continued. It’s not just a problem for the county, cities and school districts in the county have also been impacted, but the county’s budget woes have certainly been the most publicly discussed. In addition to the reduction in revenue, the county is also dealing with rising costs for EMS, fire protection, employee health insurance and previously approved projects. The disagreement now is over how to close that gap. Sheriff Joshua Ray, County Attorney Dave Willborn and some other elected officials have pushed for a larger 15-percent tax increase to help fund county operations and personnel. But the Guadalupe County Commissioners Court holds the purse strings for the county, and some members of the court, including County Judge Kyle Kutscher and Commissioner Drew Engelke have publicly resisted going that far,
freeze. They were also being hit with obviously a slow market as well as the new House Bill 9 loss, things of that nature,” said Snaddon. “It all came at once when really it was occurring over the last three years. 2023 would have been the biggest, but then consequently each year after that, because the tax roll changes, we have new people that qualifyPhoto for courtesy the overSISD 65 and disabled persons and things of that nature.” He says the appraisal district and tax assessor-collector’s office are already moving with plans to streamline the process. “Everybody should be QC’ing figures that come through when they’re doing their budgets. I hope that’s what comes out of this at the most — that you just can’t rely on the numbers there in my report.” Snaddon says the “two offices have different statutory responsibilities, but are working together to improve communication and accuracy.”
arguing the county also needs to control spending and limit the impact on taxpayers. The disagreement has spilled into public view, particularly between Ray and Kutscher and Engelke. The proposed maximum tax rate has been set for a tax rate of 35.49 cents per $100 of valuation. That would generate about $4.9 million more in property tax revenue than last year’s budget, while also providing a three-percent cost-of-living adjustment for eligible employees. The rate that had been proposed by the other elected officials would have been a little over 38 cents and it would have generated roughly another $6 million. Ultimately, the debate comes down to how much more taxpayers should pay versus how much county departments should be asked to do without. The Commissioners Court is scheduled to hold public hearings and will take action on both the budget and tax rate during a meeting set for 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 1 at the Guadalupe County Courthouse.
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LET’S GET BACK TO SCHOOL!
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6 SPORTS
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TLU Bulldog Breakdown feat. Head Football Coach Neal LaHue Reily Chestnut
(Seguin) -- The TLU Bulldogs are one Saturday away from the 2026 season opener. After nine team workouts with tons of personnel, Head Coach Neal LaHue has been pleased. “Our kids have worked extremely hard,” LaHue said. “[We] feel [really] good about our progress. We just had a 110-play scrimmage last Friday, so [over 150] guys all got in and got a lot of reps with some young guys and a few reps with the older guys. I thought they all moved around pretty good. We still got a long way to go.” So many puzzle pieces and so little time. However, LaHue understands this is all part of the plan he’s developed over the years he’s been in charge. “We just try to identify good football players in our recruiting. We’re not a portal team. At this level, we’re trying to build everything through the high schools.” Over his long career in Texas, LaHue has developed a long list of contacts that he trusts to help him find the next TLU stars. “We have great relationships with the Texas High School Coaches’ Association and all the Texas high school coaches in our areas that we recruit,” LaHue said. “That’s the first thing we go to is trying to create that relationship with that coach, and they give us good advice.” Clearly the bonds have been built well. One of the new players, wideout Jaiden Riley, came from nearby Marion High School after ending his career as Head Joel Call’s first 1,000-yard pass catcher. In a state where talent runs deeper than the Grand Canyon, staying
sharp on recruiting Texas high schoolers is never a bad strategy. All but four players on TLU’s listed roster are from the Lone Star State. Still, veterans are always valuable to a team with championship pedigree. Lucky for TLU, they have a key veteran with QB Caden Bosanko coming along during fall camp. “We’re bringing [Caden] along [slowly]. He got one series in the scrimmage and led [them] on a 60-yard drive,” LaHue said. “He’s done a great job just running the offense and in all of our situational stuff during practices.” As for the running backs, the vets and newbies have provided great support behind an O-Line focused on strong run blocking. “I know [the running back group] is a big concern for everybody, but Javin Logan is a [returning] senior [who has] done a great job in fall camp. [ Johnathan] Pompey has done [well]. Andrew Christian (listed as DB) is another senior that we’ve moved there [who] has shown some bright spots.” LaHue went on to list a few other guys who have him confident in the team’s ability to keep defenses stressed by TLU’s RPO-style running attack that finished last fall 22nd nationally carrying the pigskin. While time will tell us more down the line, TLU remains right on schedule for their coach’s championship expectations to stay steady. TLU begins the 2026 season on Saturday, Sept. 5th, at #14 Trinity down in San Antonio. Kickoff for the two-time reigning SCAC regular season champs is 7pm with a 6:30 pregame on KWED and streaming worldwide at SeguinToday.com. Reily Chestnut will call the action.
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SCHULTZE
Verna Schultze, age 93 of Seguin, passed away on August 22, 2026. Verna was born on March 5, 1933, in Schumannsville, Texas to Lydia Meta (Stautzenberger) and Harry Gustav Buch. Verna worked for many years as a cafeteria lady in Seguin ISD and was an active member of Cross Church in Seguin. Many good times were had with family and friends 9 pin bowling at Laubach Bowling Club and country western dancing throughout the area. She enjoyed John Wayne western movies, Elvis Presley music, gardening and spending time with her fur baby cats. Verna is preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years, Vernon Schultze, her parents, and her son-in-law, Justin Hayes. Survivors include her children, Vance Schultze and wife Ruth Ann, Val Schultze and wife Judy, Valerie O’Neill and husband Frankie, and Vanice Hayes; grandchildren who knew and loved her as “Oma”, Joshua Schultze,
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Kristen Walla, Morgan Hill and husband Michael, Analyse Hayes, Cordell Hayes, and Keagan Hayes; great-grandchildren, Bowen Walla and Hadley Walla; sister, Sherry Voss and husband Glenn; sisters-in-law, Jane Wade and husband James, and Barbara McCall and husband Floyd; brother-in-law, Clyde Schultze and wife Pat; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and friends. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 12 noon at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel with the Reverend Jim Price officiating. Interment will follow in Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park. Serving as pallbearers will be Cordell Hayes, Michael Hill, Bowen Walla, Mike McCall, Darrell McCall, and Nate Young. Memorial contributions may be made to Cross Church, 814 N. Bauer St. Seguin, Texas 78155 or to Guadalupe County Humane Society, P. O. Box 1593, Seguin, Texas, 78155-1593. 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.
11 VITAL STATISTICS SEMMLER
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Judy Frels Semmler, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and nurse, passed away peacefully on August 8th at the age of seventy-five. She was born in Seguin, Texas on March 27, 1951 to Leo Frels and Estelle Frels Hill. Judy was the oldest daughter but third born of eight children in the Frels family. She was incredibly close to her siblings, perhaps due to the close quarters on Ireland Street, but it didn’t end there. Throughout her life, her brothers and sisters, along with her siblings-in-law, remained among her closest friends. She attended St. James Catholic Church then Seguin High School where she met and eventually married her high school sweetheart and true love John Semmler. Married for more than fifty-five years, they grew closer together, not apart. From the early years as a bowling duo to playing co-ed softball with Judy as the star pitcher, their lives were interwoven from the start. They camped together (seemingly never checking the weather before),they attended concerts together (a table at the Mucky Duck was a regular date spot), they even knew how to be still together — most often on a patio letting an afternoon drift by. Everywhere they went, they built family out of friends, and they spent their retirement in what they lovingly dubbed “Kingsbury East.” They modeled what a committed marriage looks like. Judy and John had four children. Judy poured her life into her daughters. She was there for all of it: soccer, swimming, cheer, dance, cross country, gymnastics. And later, for the things that came after: careers, husbands, children, pets. She was patient. She listened. She wanted a deep and meaningful relationship with each of her girls, and was successful in doing so. As a natural caregiver, she made her career as a labor and delivery nurse at The Woman’s Hospital of Texas. She practiced with compassion and selflessness—from handmaking bereavement boxes for families who lost children during childbirth so no parent would leave the hospital emptyhanded to covering shifts during natural disasters and working nearly every Christmas Day so her colleagues with young families could be home with their children. There was no other person like Judy. Judy had a passion for travel that always brought a spark of joy to her life. Whether it was visiting her favorite places in Texas or traveling around the world, she found delight in the simple things. Walking the coast in Rockport with her beloved dog Monte. Taking a dip in the Guadalupe River in McQueeney. Watching for shooting stars from a riverbank in Wimberley.
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Enjoying a sunset in Kingsbury. These are the moments Judy loved best. That same spirit led her around the world wandering the streets of Prague, taking in the coastline of Portugal, marveling at the glaciers of Alaska and soaking up the sun in Mexico. Wherever she went, she went with curiosity and an open heart, and she went in good company. To know Judy was to feel loved. She was an extraordinary mother and even better Omi to her six grandchildren. She made ordinary moments feel like occasions and built traditions her family will carry forever. With Christmas as her favorite, she hosted an annual Semmler Christmas Eve party along with a cookie decorating party, both not complete without Bing Crosby on repeat and Judy singing along. It is with big shoes to fill that her parties will continue, her spirit living on, her children knowing she is singing and preparing in just another room. Judy is survived by her husband of fifty-five years, John; her children Erin Semmler Lehnert and spouse Cory Don Lehnert, Emily Elizabeth Semmler, Amanda Kate Switalski and spouse Brian Robert Switalski, Kate Semmler Cornelius and spouse Trey Cornelius; and her cherished grandchildren Jack William Lehnert, Sarah Elizabeth Lehnert, William Gready “Gray” Cornelius, John “Cooper” Cornelius, Andrew Frels Cornelius and Benjamin Frels Cornelius; siblings, Jack Frels and partner Katherine Metzger, Stephen Frels, Terry Buck and husband Dee, Mary Briers and husband Lewis, Chris Frels and wife Sharon, and Tony Frels and wife Harriette; brother-in-law, Rob Gordon; sister-in-law, Suzy Wilson; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members, and a host of friends including her beloved Seguin High School Class of 1969. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leo Frels and Estelle Frels Hill, and her sister, Jan Frels Gordon. With a warm smile and a giving heart, Judy touched the world with laughter and kindness. Her legacy of deep love and unwavering integrity will shine through her family and everyone blessed to know her. Visitation will begin Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 9 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Seguin, with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. A reception will follow at the Red Barn at 250 Cordova Rd, Seguin, TX 78155. Memorial contributions may be made to Memorials Processing, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, Tn, 38105-9959 or to Angel Babies Matter Network. Angel Babies Matter Network angelbabiesmatter.com 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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SCHWERDTFEGER
Survivors include her children, Darla Whitman and husband Kris, Gregory Schwerdtfeger and wife Anne, Lori Riebe, Eric Schwerdtfeger and wife Dallas, and Kevin Schwerdtfeger and wife Crystal; grandchildren, Loriann and husband Ryan, Samantha, Ryan and wife Rebecca, Skylar and wife Alexandrea, Victoria, Sydney, Amanda, Logan, Nolan, Katherine and Alexander; great-granddaughter, Mireya, Bentley, Rome and Beau; brother, Wilburn “Sonny” Brown and wife Judy; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving family members, and many friends. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at Tres Hewell Mortuary from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Cross Church at 10 a.m. with the Reverend Jim Price officiating. Interment will follow in Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park. A reception will follow in the Cross Church fellowship hall. Pallbearers will be Gregory Schwerdtfeger, Eric Schwerdtfeger, Kevin Schwerdtfeger, Kris Whitman, Ryan Riebe, Skylar Riebe, Logan Schwerdtfeger, and Nolan Schwerdtfeger. The honorary pallbearer will be Alexander Schwerdtfeger. Memorial contributions may be made to Cross Church, 814 N. Bauer, Seguin, Texas, 78155, or to charity of your 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
HERZOG
Survivors include her children, Herman Hans-Joachim Herzog, Tink Herzog and wife Frances Herzog, Evelyn Lieselotte Lehmann, and Frank Louis Herzog and wife Irene Pacheco Herzog; six grandchildren; ten greatgrandchildren; from Germany, two nieces and four nephews; other loving family members and friends. Visitation will begin on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel followed by funeral service at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Ralph Hernandez and Pastor Rolando Del Toro officiating. Private burial will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. 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.
Mary Ann Schwerdtfeger, age 85 of Seguin, passed away on August 20, 2026. Mary Ann was born on May 29, 1941, in Guadalupe County, Texas to Elizabeth M. (Roemisch) and Alvin Wilburn Brown. Mary Ann was a 1959 graduate of Seguin High School. She and Donald Schwerdtfeger met while both working at Wuest’s Supermarket. On July 15, 1962, they were married. Mary Ann will be remembered as a wonderful seamstress, making seven family wedding dresses, including her own, as well as many bridesmaid dresses. She also made many Barbie Clothes, many of which were shown at the Guadalupe County Fair. Mary Ann and Donald were faithful, active members of Cross Church. She enjoyed assisting with Vacation Bible School and the Christmas programs. Her favorite role in life was that of “Grandma” where she enjoyed keeping each and every one of her grandchildren. Mary Ann is preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years, Donald; her parents, her brother, Joseph “Butch” Brown, and sister Elizabeth Gladys Dotson.
Margot Lieselotte Herzog was called home to be with our Lord and Savior on August 16, 2026. Margot was born on October 13, 1930, in Schönwitz, Silesia, Germany to Emma Anna Elizabeth (Schwarz) and Alfred Max Klehr. Throughout Margot’s life she was known to obtain the title of Domestic Engineer. She loved gardening when in season and enjoyed keeping everything clean. Margot is preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years, Herman Louis Herzog, her parents, her sister, Adelheid Aster Franke, her brother, HansJoachim Alfred Klehr, and her daughter-in-law, Donna Faye Hudson Herzog.
PROCTOR
Funeral Services for Bruce Allen Proctor will be held Saturday the 15th at Heritage Oaks Mortuary corner of Sinclair Rd and WWWHITE RD at
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11AM. Interment will be held Friday, the 21st at Ft.Sam Houston National Cemetery at 10:30 am. He is survived by sisters,Esther Proctor, Ada Proctor, Jo Ann Proctor. Arrangements under the direction of Eunice and Lee Mortuary.
Arrangements are pending at Eunice and Lee Mortuary for Jennifer Jackson who died recently at the age of 51. She is survived by her son, Jacob Jackson.
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ACHTERBERG
Robert Lee Achterberg, age 68 of New Braunfels, formerly of Seguin, passed away on July 27, 2026. Robert was born on July 8, 1958, in Seguin, Texas to Joyce Barbara (Koenig) and Herbert Gus Achterberg. Robert was a 1976 graduate of Seguin High School. He was employed by CMC for many years where he worked as a machinist. He also owned and operated a motorcycle repair shop in Seguin. Helping anyone repairing items was a favorite job and pastime as he had many different tools to work with. He enjoyed gun hobbies and freshwater fishing. Robert is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Allen Arthur Achterberg, and his cousin, Shirley Hacker. Survivors include his children, Elaine Rose Achterberg-Rios and husband Randy, Barbara Lynn Achterberg and partner Carl Verow, and Robert Lee “Robbie” Achterberg, Jr.; grandchildren, Christian Jude Santos, Lesley Verow,
GUNCKEL
Joann “Jodi” Hall Gunckel, age 89 of Seguin, passed away on August 6, 2026. Jodi was born on April 22, 1937, in San Antonio, Texas to Elena (Vargas) and John Hall. Jodi was one of the most positive and caring person anyone could know. This was reflected in the more than 40 comments and three shares on her Facebook page. She graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio, Texas, in 1955 and was attending San Antonio College when she met Charles Butler, who was serving in the U.S. Air Force. They were married for 15 years before he passed away while serving in Spain, where Jodi and their two children had accompanied him. The family traveled extensively during the period as a military family, joining Charles at bases from the East coast to the West coast, and to his final assignment at a base in Spain. While in Spain Jodi and her family became immersed in the Spanish culture. In 1972, Jodi and her children returned to San Antonio and settled in the MacArthur High School area, where she purchased a home. While raising her children, Jodi enrolled at San Antonio College and earned an associate degree in 1974. She continued her education at UTSA, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1978 and a master’s degree in education in 1985. She then began a 20-year career as a history teacher at Judson High School. There, she met band director Bill Skelton, whom she married in 1980. Jodi deeply enjoyed her brief time with Bill, attending band concerts and many outings organized by band directors. He passed away five years later, leaving her a widow again. Larry Gunckel was also teaching in the history department at the time. After they had worked together for five years, Larry’s wife passed away. In time, Larry and Jodi’s friendship grew into a relationship, and they
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Robbie Verow, Lilly Verow, and Daphne Achterberg; brother, David Anton Achterberg; sister, Katherine Ruth “Kathy” Achterberg; cousins, Douglas, Caroline and Kenneth; numerous other loving family members and friends. Visitation will begin on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel at 9:30 a.m. followed by a memorial service celebrating Robert’s life at 10:30 a.m. at with the Reverend Jeremy Roy officiating. Private interment will be held later in the Achterberg Family Cemetery near LaVernia. 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.
married during spring break in 1988. They remained married until Jodi’s passing in 2026. Friends often joked that her full name was Jo Ann Hall Neumann Butler Skelton Gunckel. After retiring, Jodi and Larry purchased an RV and traveled to all 48 contiguous states. They spent much of their time in Tucson, Arizona, where they bought a mobile home in a 50-and-over community. They still maintained residence, first in Bulverde and for the last 20 years in Seguin. They made many friends in these locations, age and difficulty in traveling forced them to stay in Seguin. Jodi was a devoted Catholic who remained active in her church wherever she lived. About four years ago, health issues prevented her from participating, but her faith stayed strong. As her life neared its end, she remained positive. On the last day she could communicate verbally, although she could no longer speak in complete sentences, she repeated, “It’s OK, it’s OK,” and “I did my best, I did my best.” Yes, you did Jodi and your best was fantastic. Jodi is preceded in death by her parents, her son David Butler, and her step-sons, Forrest Gunckel and Gary Gunckel. Survivors include her loving husband of 38 years, Larry Gunckel, daughter Cathi Barnes, stepdaughters Cindy Curnel and husband Avery, Terry Atkinson, sister Helen Reynolds and husband Roy, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other loving family members and friends. Visitation will begin on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 9 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Seguin, with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. with the Reverend Joss Randriamiharimanana officiating. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall. Private interment will be held at a later date at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to St. James Catholic Church, 505 Camp St. Seguin, Texas 78155, or the charity of your 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.
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HHS Rolls Out New Initiative For Responding To Missing Individuals With Autism (Washington, DC) -- The federal government is announcing a new initiative for better preparedness and response when individuals with autism are reported missing. The Health and Human Services department will partner with the DOJ and FEMA to better coordinate with emergency management, law enforcement, first responders and community partners across the nation. HHS says the program, the National Autism Missing and Endangered Person Alert Initiative, reflects a federal commitment to treat these missing cases with the appropriate urgency. FDA: Eye Drops Recalled Over Possible Contamination (Silver Spring, MD) -- The FDA says bottles of Clear Eyes Maximum Itchy Eye Relief are being voluntarily recalled over possible contamination. The recall involves point-five fluid ounce bottles distributed nationally by Medtech Products. The eye drops were sold at major retailers including CVS and Walmart. The recall began July 29th and is ongoing. The FDA cites “lack of assurance of sterility” as the reason for the voluntary recall. FDA Intensifies Frozen Blueberry Recall (Washington, DC) -- A frozen blueberry recall is now at the most severe risk level. The FDA initiated the recall for the product sold at Publix supermarkets in early July. Publix reminds customers not to consume the blueberries, and instead discard or return to the store for a full refund. Now the FDA is issuing a “Class 1” recall - a categorization that includes a reasonable probability that use of or exposure to the product will cause “serious adverse health consequences or death.” Robot Bloodwork (Undated) -- The FDA has authorized a first-of-its-kind robotic device designed to draw blood from patients without manual human intervention. It’s called Aletta and was developed by a company in the Netherlands, called Vitestra. It says the machine uses infrared light and Doppler ultrasound to locate veins. Health officials say the robot achieved success rates matching human phlebotomists and will help combat critical laboratory staffing shortages.
Expert Gastro (GI) Care. Right Here in Seguin. ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
Gabriel Gonzales, DO Board-Certified Gastroenterologist
Watch Dr. Gonzales’ YouTube Video
Expert Care For: • Colon Cancer Screening & Colonoscopy • Heartburn & Acid Reflux • Crohn’s Disease & Ulcerative Colitis • Liver Disease
CALL 830-420-6770 TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT 1339 E. Court St., Suite 230, Seguin, TX 78155
• Abdominal Pain • Digestive Disorders • Preventive GI Care
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United Way Red Barn Bash BBQ The United Way of Comal and Guadalupe Counties will host its Red Barn Bash BBQ from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27 at the Red Barn, 250 Cordova Road in Seguin. The event will feature barbecue from Burnt Bean Co., drinks from Blue Lotus Winery and live music by the Brushy Creek Boys. Tables seat eight and are $2,500. For more information, call 830-620-7760.
are provided. Wear old clothes or an apron and non-slip shoes. Register by calling 830-305-0472.
Seguin Sunrise Lions SINGO The Seguin Sunrise Lions will host its fourth SINGO fundraiser from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at the Silver Center, 510 E. Court St. Tickets are $20 for five rounds of songs and prizes and will be sold at the door beginning at 3:30 p.m. Cards are limited. Proceeds benefit local charities and service projects.
Brotherhood of Cross Church Barbecue Fundraiser The Brotherhood of Cross Church will hold a barbecue meat sale fundraiser benefiting college scholarships. Choices include two barbecue chicken halves for $15, one-and-a-half pounds of Granzin’s barbecue sausage for $15, or one pound of grilled chicken tenders for $10. The deadline to purchase tickets is Sunday, Aug. 23, at the Cross Church office, 814 N. Bauer St., or following Sunday worship. Meat pickup will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30, at the church. Cyanotype Art Class Explore advanced cyanotype techniques during Cyanotype II on Wednesday, Aug. 26, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Seguin Art League. Participants will create mixed-media images using watercolor, cyanotype, stencils, turmeric and salt. The class is open to ages 16 and older, costs $45, and all materials
Vendors Wanted for Kingsbury Farmer & Artisan Market The Pioneer Flight Museum is seeking vendors for the grand opening of the Kingsbury Farmer & Artisan Market on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Pioneer Flight Museum, 190 Pershing Lane in Kingsbury. The market is being hosted as a fundraiser for the nonprofit Pioneer Flight Museum. Vendor booth fees are a $25 donation to support the museum’s mission. Organizers are looking for farmers, artisans, crafters, bakers, makers, vintage vendors, woodworkers, jewelry vendors, specialty food vendors and other local small businesses. Anyone interested in becoming a vendor can register by scanning the QR code on the event flyer or by visiting the Pioneer Flight Museum’s social media pages for additional information. Come shop local, support area vendors and help benefit the Pioneer Flight Museum.
Faith Lutheran Church 60th Anniversary Celebration Faith Lutheran Church, 1326 E. Cedar St, invites members, former members, friends and the community to join them on Sunday, August 30th, 2026 as they celebrate 60 years of faith, fellowship and wonderful memories. The celebration begins with a church service at 9:00 am, followed by a special day filled with celebration activities, games, historical photos and memorabilia displays, a delicious barbecue lunch, and a special anniversary program. Come reconnect with old friends, share cherished memories, and help celebrate this incredible milestone.
Bead and Cord Bracelet Class Create a traditional bead and cord bracelet during a fun make-and-take class at the Seguin Art League. Sessions are offered Friday, Aug. 28, from 6 to 7 p.m., or Saturday, Aug. 29, from 4 to 5 p.m. The class is open to ages 14 and older, costs $15, and includes all materials. Register by calling 830305-0472.
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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