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The Voice of Seguin

WEEKEND EDITION

TODAY

Multiple suspects arrested following narcotics, gang enforcement operation Cindy Aguirre-Herrera

(Guadalupe County) -The Guadalupe County Sheriff ’s Office has announced multiple arrests following a coordinated, multiunit enforcement operation targeting narcotics distribution, gang activity, and illegal weapons trafficking.

According to the sheriff ’s office, the operation began on December 9 and involved the GCSO Special Investigations Bureau Narcotics Unit, Fugitive Apprehension Unit, and Gang Unit. The targeted effort resulted in five arrests connected to multiple criminal offenses, with 13 felony charges and six misdemeanor charges filed.

Operation, pg. 3

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Newly transformed Seguin ISD bus barn on the move Cindy Aguirre-Herrera

(Seguin) -- Seguin ISD has officially rolled out its newly expanded Transportation Facility. The school district recently recognized the completion of the Bond 2022 project.

A ribbon cutting ceremony took place at the facility located on East Seidemann Street.

Seguin ISD Transportation Coordinator Phia Rigney said the expansion is a turning point for a department that has long outgrown its previous workspace.

“What we had, the offices in the area for the drivers is the same size as the new breakroom/meeting room so we were all crammed into that small space so with that being added, they have a place to come in the morning and relax before they go out and they relax when they come back in,” said Rigney.

Officials say it’s been 20 years since the department has had any upgrades.

They say the project adds much-needed space for housing, cleaning, and servicing the district’s fleet of 89 buses. It also includes a new repair bay, a larger employee break room, and expanded workspace for transportation dispatch.

Rigney says staff members are already seeing a difference, calling the upgraded facility a major improvement over what the department had been

working with for years.

“Of course, the parking. There is room to grow which Seguin is growing. So, someday, there will be more routes. There will be more buses. The parking, of course, we added to our work base. That’s helpful too,” said Rigney.

The transportation facility upgrade is one of several major projects funded under the 2022 bond package.

Barnes Middle School also recently celebrated its newly renovated and expanded campus and construction continues on the Agricultural Science facility and the new McQueeney Elementary School -- both scheduled to open in 2026.

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Park West to be in full bloom this winter HEB Trees for Texans grant plants Seguin’s future Cindy Aguirre-Herrera

(Seguin) -- Although we are days away from winter, know that Seguin’s Park West will be in full bloom with some new trees.

The city of Seguin and its park department recently celebrated the start of what is being called “an ambitious reforestation and shade-building project” -- being made possible thanks to a $5,000 H-E-B Trees for Texans grant awarded to the Guadalupe Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists.

They say the project will support the purchase, planting, and long-term care of 132 native trees within the park - a blend of seven large shade trees and more than a hundred young seedlings raised by the Texas Forest Service.

During a recent ceremony, project partners emphasized both the environmental and community benefits of the expansion.

Anahi Villarruel, Project Manager at H-E-B Environmental Affairs, explained the purpose behind H-E-B’s statewide investment in native trees and why programs like the one here in Seguin matter.

“When we started our Trees for Texans Program, obisvouly, three years ago, we were thinking about what is the best way to leave back a little bit of what we love for future generations to enjoy? And that simple answer is trees, and it might seem so simple but it’s so complex.

These trees, they purify our air. They clean our water and they provide beautiful, shaded areas for our children to play in. You see this playground and you see how many trees are back there. Trees beautify spaces and I think even if you are conservation minded or not, once you are out in nature, and you see a tree, it automatically makes you happy without you even having to think about it and it puts a smile on your face,” said Villarruel.

Operation, continued.

During the operation, investigators seized a significant amount of illegal drugs and weapons, including approximately 62.87 grams of methamphetamine, 14.2 grams of suspected fentanyl — equivalent to about 120 M30 pills, 14.2 grams of oxycodone, 10.3 grams of alprazolam, and marijuana. Deputies also recovered three firearms, one of which had been modified with a socalled “Glock switch,” converting it into a fully automatic weapon.

In addition to drugs and firearms, authorities seized a stolen Yamaha motorcycle and an additional motor vehicle. Officials confirmed that four of the suspects are

Villarruel says the strength of this year’s applicant pool is why Seguin should celebrate not only the new trees but also people like Nancy Masterson who moved forward with the grant on behalf of the local Master Naturalists.

“We are really thankful that Nancy took the initiative and leadership to apply for our HEB Trees for Texans Grant because it is not easy. While, we like to say that HEB has donated 26 of $5,000 grants to communities across the state and Seguin was one of them and with that, we hope that our communities continue to participate,” said Villarruel.

The first phase of the planting includes seven 6- to 7-foot shade trees positioned between soccer fields 1 and 2. The planting of these specific trees especially comes as a relief for John Ruiz of the Seguin Youth Soccer Program.

He says the new trees will provide some much-needed shade for families in the years to come.

“I think for at least in between games, it will be a huge deal. Most of the fields are out in the middle so you won’t get a lot (of shade) during the games.

Bloom, pg. 4 active criminal gang members.

Sheriff Joshua Ray says the operation underscores the department’s commitment to combating organized crime in the county.

“We are aggressively and strategically pursuing organized criminal street gangs in Guadalupe County that have operated with little accountability,” said Ray. “This operation makes it clear: criminal street gangs will not operate with impunity in Guadalupe County. Those who traffic drugs, commit violence, or arm themselves illegally will be identified, arrested, and held accountable.”

Sheriff ’s officials emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and that additional charges may be filed as the case develops.

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Bloom, continued.

But we do have a lot of parents who have multiple kids playing and sometimes, they are on different sides of the field and it’s a nice spot for parents to sit under the shade and watch both of their kids play,” said Ruiz.

Following the planting of the larger trees, the remaining 125 native “tubling” seedlings - including pecans, walnuts, flowering species, and oak wilt-resistant oaks will be planted along the eastern forested edge of the park bordering Walnut Branch.

Trees for Texans will be awarding the next round of community grants in the spring of 2026. Local non-profits, municipalities, and civic organizations are encouraged to apply at texanbynature.org.

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Letters to the

NORTH POLE This month’s Seguin Today Magazine features letters to Santa written by area students. Here’s a sneak peak of a few, and to see more, check out the December issue of Seguin Today available in print and online here.

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12 VITAL STATISTICS

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Habermann

nature tending to her cattle.

Linnette is preceded in death by her parents and her brother Sonny Habermann. Survivors include cousins and friends.

Private graveside services will be held in San Geronimo Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cross Church, 814 N. Bauer, Seguin, Texas, 78155 or to the Guadalupe County Humane Society, P. O. Box 1593, Seguin, Texas, 78155 or 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.

Svatek

A more complete obituary will follow when all arrangements are completed.

In lieu of flowers the family humbly asks for memorial contributions to be made to the Guadalupe County Humane Society, P. O. Box 1593, Seguin, Texas, 78155.

You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.

Bothe

always done right.

Despite a life full of hard work, Wayne’s greatest joy came from the people and companions he loved most - his family and the four-legged friends who followed him everywhere. The garage is quieter now, and the house a little too still, but we take comfort knowing he is finally at peace. His voice, his humor, and his generous heart will live on in our memories. We loved him deeply, and we will miss him beyond measure.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Martha Ann Bothe.

He is survived by the people he cherished most in this world: his wife, Lynn Bothe; his daughter, Alexandrea Bothe, and her husband, Scott Brown; his sons, Colton Bothe and his fiancée, Megan Younker; and Matthew Bothe.

Wayne’s family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to Hope Hospice, and especially to his primary nurse, Karra, whose compassion, humor, and ability to match his quick wit brought him comfort and reassurance during his final weeks. The family is also deeply grateful for the support and kindness shown by friends and neighbors during this time. Every thoughtful gesture has meant more than words can express.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Hospice of New Braunfels.

Donations can be made at: https://www.hopehospice.net/donate You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.

Linnette Habermann, age 88 of Seguin, passed away on December 6, 2025. Linnette was born on December 10, 1936, in Seguin Texas to Linda Emma (Dietert) and Gilbert Robert Habermann.

She was a lifelong member of Cross Church.

Linnette worked for the City of Seguin for over 34 years serving as City Secretary. Upon retirement Linnette loved nothing more than being out in

Margarett Svatek, age 79 of Seguin, passed away on November 23, 2025.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 2 to 5 p.m. with remarks at 3 p.m.

Wayne Bothe, age 75 of Seguin, Texas, passed away on November 23, 2025, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born and raised in Seguin and was a proud 1968 graduate of Seguin High School.

He lived his life with grit, humor, and stubborn determination. Those who knew him will forever remember his ever-ready smart-ass comments, sharp wit, and the sound of his laughter echoing through the house - and the garage.

Though officially retired, Wayne could never sit still - unless he received the text, “Football and ‘seegars’ at Skip’s,” or it was time for the Thursday night “Holy Smokes” group. He greatly enjoyed sharing a cigar, swapping stories, catching up on neighborhood news, and talking sports with his tight-knit circle of friends.

He worked hard his entire life and took pride in his career as a truck driver.

He spent more than 30 years driving everyday to Miller Brewing Company in Fort Worth. At home, he was a talented mechanic, always working on his own projects or helping friends with cars and tractors. Whether on the road or in the garage, his work reflected the same determination, and pride that defined him. No matter how long it took him to complete a project, he made sure it was

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Post-Thanksgiving Spike In Flu Cases (Undated) - Flu cases are on the rise as several states move up the CDC’s tiers for flu activity levels. According to data released on Friday, there was an eight-percent spike in people testing positive for the virus last week. The latest available national data showed Colorado, New Jersey, New York, and Louisiana are experiencing “high” transmission of the virus while the number of cases in Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, Massachusetts, Michigan, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas and Puerto Rico landed them in the “moderate” tier. So far an estimated twopoint-nine million people have gotten sick this season and about one-thousand-200 people have died.

Chicken Recalled Over Potential Health Concerns (Suwanee, GA) -- More than 60-thousand pounds of chicken products were recalled nationwide over a misbranding and undeclared allergen issue. Georgia-based company Suzanna’s Kitchen notified the USDA’s Food and Safety Inspection Service that it hadn’t identified a chicken product containing soy, which had been mislabeled with a non-allergen containing product code. The recall includes eight-piece cut, bonein breaded chicken portions produced on October 16th, 2025. FSIS said it hadn’t received any confirmed reports of adverse reactions to consumers of the products, but advised individuals with concerns to contact their healthcare provider.

CDC Alerts Travelers To Global Spread Of Chikungunya (Atlanta, GA) -- The CDC is alerting travelers to the global spread of a mosquito-borne illness. It’s called chikungunya [[chick-un-GUN-yuh]] and can cause sudden fever, headache, rash, and severe muscle and joint pain. Federal health officials warn there are confirmed outbreaks in Cuba, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Guangdong Province in China. There’s no medication to cure chikungunya but there is a vaccine you can get if you’re planning to visit an affection region.

Study: Babies Who Are Breast Fed Have Fewer Food Allergies (Rochester, NY) -- A new study is suggesting that breast fed children may have fewer food allergies than those who have not been breast fed. Researchers presented findings in Science Translational Medicine based on their study of mother-children pairs in New York’s rural Finger Lake’s region compared to mother child pairs in urban Rochester. Results show that babies who grew up in farm communities have immune systems with higher levels of protective antibodies. Farm baby moms had higher levels of antibodies in the human milk samples compared to urban moms. However, the study suggests breastfeeding is not consistently linked to a lower risk of food allergies because it depends on the mom’s diet.

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DECEMBER

call 830-401-2422 or visit library.seguintexas. gov for additional information.

is for adults only, and registration is required.

This program is free and open to the public.

Please call 830-401-2422 or visit library.seguintexas.gov for additional information.

Baby Time The Seguin Public Library will have Baby Time on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 10 a.m. Learn rhymes and bounces to do with babies, sing songs, and listen to 1 baby storybook. Song and rhyme time will last approximately 25 minutes, followed by baby playtime with scarves, egg shakers, and more.

Baby Time is geared towards ages 0 to 18 months. Baby Time meets at 10 a.m. every Wednesday. This program is free and open to the public. Please call 830-401-2422 or visit library.seguintexas.gov for additional information.

Family Storytime The Seguin Public Library offers Family Storytime on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 11 a.m. Family Storytime includes stories, rhymes, songs, and other fun early literacy activities for families with children ages 0 to 5. Family Storytime meets at 11 a.m. on Wednesdays. This program is free and open to the public. Please call 830-401-2422 or visit library.seguintexas.gov for additional information.

Kids Create: Gingerbread Man Decorating Let the gingerbread festivities begin! The Seguin Public Library will host Kids Create on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 4 p.m.

Unleash the holiday cheer with gingerbread man decorating escapades for kids! It’s a sugary wonderland where frosting, candy, and all things edible transform plain gingerbread into festive masterpieces. Little hands get creative, building fine motor skills and imagination as each gingerbread man becomes a unique, sweetly decorated canvas. Registration is required. Attendees MUST be between the listed ages of 6 to 11. Kids Create will meet on the third Wednesday of each month. This program is free and open to the public. Please

Ready, Set, Hired! – Resume Writing & Social Media Networking Ready to make your resume shine? Bring your current resume and learn how to make it stand out and get past online application filters! Workforce Solutions Alamo, the Seguin Economic Development Corporation, and the Seguin Public Library are partnering to present Ready, Set, Hired!, on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 4 p.m. This month’s session features a résumé workshop and social media networking seminar led by a Talent Acquisition Manager from Caterpillar, Inc. Participants are encouraged to bring their current résumé for a personalized consultation. This workshop is ideal for anyone seeking employment or looking to boost their chances of getting hired. Join us for Ready, Set, Hired!, a free monthly program held every third Wednesday designed to help job seekers sharpen their skills and stand out in today’s job market. The program is held every third Wednesday at the Seguin Public Library. Registration is required to attend. This program is free and open to the public. Please call 830-401-2422 or visit library.seguintexas.gov for additional information.

Adult Craft Night: Paint the Night Away at the Seguin Public Library The Seguin Public Library will host an Adult Craft Night on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. This month’s project invites participants to “paint the night away” as they create unique wooden ornaments inspired by the night sky. All materials will be provided, and attendees will have the opportunity to craft a personalized keepsake perfect for the holiday season. The event is designed for adults and encourages creativity, relaxation, and community connection. Register to attend, all supplies will be provided. This event

Fiber Arts Club Kick off your fall crafting season at the Seguin Public Library! Join us for the Fiber Arts Club on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. Bring your current projects and enjoy an afternoon of needle crafting. Beginners are welcome; however, please note that this is not an instructional class. Participants must bring their own supplies. This program is free, open to the public, and intended for adults only. For more information, please call 830401-2422 or visit library.seguintexas.gov Sound Bowl Session Unwind with a soothing sound bowl session that will leave you feeling refreshed. Join us at the Seguin Public Library for a calming Sound Bowl Session with Jennifer Baker on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 6 p.m. This relaxing experience uses the gentle vibrations of sound bowls to help you unwind, de-stress, and rejuvenate. Open to ages 16 and up, the session promotes relaxation and mental clarity. Please bring a mat or blanket for comfort.

Registration is required, and space is limited, so reserve your spot today. This program is free and open to the public. Please call 830401-2422 or visit library.seguintexas.gov for additional information.

Third Thursday in Downtown Seguin The Downtown Business Alliance (DBA) of Seguin invites the community to it for Third Thursday. Enjoy food, music, and shopping during the event, which runs Thursday evening, December 18 in downtown Seguin.

Businesses will be open late until 8 p.m. and offering great deals and fun. There will also be several shopping and dining options available that night.

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Bilingual Storytime The Seguin Public Library will host Bilingual Storytime on Friday, December 19, 2025, from 10am to 11am. Join us for fun stories and cheerful songs and rhymes in English and Spanish. Little ones will develop early language skills in both languages while enjoying a fun and engaging environment.

Bilingual Storytime is for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. This program is free and open to the public. Please call 830401-2422 or visit library.seguintexas.gov for additional information.

the beloved holiday classic Home Alone.

This interactive experience encourages audience participation, making it a fun and engaging way for families and friends to enjoy the movie together. To add to the festive spirit, attendees are encouraged to wear Christmas attire, from holiday sweaters to Santa hats. Pizza and ice cream will be provided to make the event even more enjoyable. Space is limited, so registration is required to secure your spot. This program is free and open to the public. Please call 830-401-2422 or visit library.seguintexas.gov for additional information.

Holiday Break for Kids’ Programs at Seguin Public Library The Seguin Public Library will take a short holiday break for its children’s programs from December 21, 2025, through January 5, 2026. During this time, programs will pause so staff and families can enjoy the holiday season. All programs will resume in the new year with fun, educational, and engaging activities for children of all ages. For more information on upcoming programs, please call 830-401-2422 or visit library.seguintexas.gov for additional information.

for free on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 6 p.m. We are partnering with GRMC Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit to bring you Community Tai Chi. Beginners through Experts are invited to join us. Classes are led by Tai Chi instructor Barry A. Jackson, PT, DPT,. All skill levels are welcome. This program is free and open to the public. Please call 830-401-2422 or visit library.seguintexas.gov for additional information.

Library Holiday Closures The Seguin Public Library will close early on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 5 p.m. and will remain closed through Thursday, December 25, 2025, for the Christmas Holiday. Normal Business hours will resume on Friday, December 26, 2025, at 9 a.m. Items may be renewed online, or returned using outdoor book return. Please call 830-401-2422 or visit library.seguintexas.gov for additional information.

No Dance at Silver Center Christmas week The Silver Center will not be hosting a dance on December 26th due to the holiday.

Holiday Gift Wrapping at the Library Ease Your Holiday Stress, by gift wrapping at the library. Join us on Friday, December 19, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to wrap your holiday gifts. We’ll provide free wrapping paper, bows, and tags. You just bring your gifts and creativity. Stop by, unwind, and get your holiday wrapping done with ease. This event is made possible through community donations. This program is open to all ages and is available while supplies last. Please call 830-4012422 or visit library.seguintexas.gov for additional information.

Drive Through Living Nativity The Faith Lutheran Church will be hosting a Drive Through Living Nativity at 5:30 p.m. on December 20 at 1326 E. Cedar St. The event will feature live music, live animals, and actors portraying scenes depicting the events leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ. This is a free community event open to all.

Interactive Holiday Movie at the Seguin Public Library The Seguin Public Library invites the community to celebrate the holiday season with an Interactive Holiday Movie on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.

Join us for a lively, all-ages screening of

Tai Chi Tuesday The Seguin Public Library will host Tai Chi

Noon Year’s Eve Party at the Seguin Public Library Ring in the new year a little early at the Seguin Public Library’s Noon Year’s Eve Party on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Join us for a fun-filled morning with crafts, tasty snacks, and an exciting countdown to high noon. The celebration will end with a spectacular balloon finale that’s sure to bring smiles and laughter to kids of all ages. Space is limited, so registration is required. Contact the Seguin Public Library to save your spot and start the new year with a bang! This program is free and open to the public. Please call 830-4012422 or visit library.seguintexas.gov for additional information.

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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