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The Voice of Seguin

WEEKEND EDITION

TODAY

Teen’s Christmas Angel letter honors the woman who is raising him

KWED Radio announces 2025 Christmas Angel Contest winner Cindy Aguirre-Herrera

(Seguin) -- Kenneth Tristan didn’t write his Christmas Angel nomination letter asking for gifts like shoes or clothes.

Instead, the Seguin High School junior wrote from the heart -- hoping only that his grandmother, the woman raising him and his brothers, might have a little less to worry about this Christmas.

His letter reads, “My name is Kenneth Tristan and I am in the 11th grade at Seguin High School. I am the 4th son of 11 boys, and my grandmother is raising us. She has never asked for any help with food or anything and she mows yards to take care of us and we help her.

I really do not know what to ask for because we all have learned to be happy with what we have. My older three brothers have all graduated and I am happy my grandma has taught us so much. I think my grandma is the one that deserves the help from this letter so she has less to worry about with all of us boys. Christmas Angel winner Kenneth Tristan sits in the KWED studio alongside his grandmother, Silvia Renovato, and Marcos Saenz of Seguin Youth Services during the live on-air announcement Thursday morning.

Angel, pg. 3

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Angel, continued.

She gets sick and still mows yards, but we help as much as we can and are starting our own mowing service too. She has good customers but has never asked for help so I am just hoping she can get some help so she does not worry so much about us. We do not care if we get anything for Christmas but maybe with this extra money she will like getting us things we need.”

That letter was one of many submitted to KWED Radio as part of its annual Christmas Angel Contest, a tradition that awards a $500 cash Christmas blessing to a Guadalupe County individual or family facing hardship or who gives tirelessly to others without asking for help.

On Thursday morning, just days before Christmas, KWED announced Kenneth as this year’s Christmas Angel winner and invited him to read his letter live on the air to the person he wrote it for his grandmother, Silvia Renovato.

According to station staff, reaching the family beforehand proved difficult and not because of missed

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calls, but because even in heavy rain and darkness, Kenneth was busy across town helping his grandmother work yard jobs.

During the live broadcast, Marcos Saenz of Seguin Youth Services, who joined the program to help translate for Renovato due to a language barrier, shared her immediate response after hearing her grandson’s words and learning of the $500 blessing.

“Her response was that she said, Kenneth insisted that money is for her, not for him, for her to buy presents for them. It’s for her. She’s saying she’s so grateful for the money, but she wants to give some of that money to the younger little kids that they’ve got. She has some other grandsons there and she says we’re going to give them some money to get them whatever they want and then with the rest of the money we’ll figure out what to do with it,” said Saenz.

After reading the letter, Kenneth took time to explain to listeners the bond he shares with his grandmother and the role she has played in raising him and his brothers.

Angel, pg. 3

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Angel, continued.

“So, the relationship I have with my grandmother – my parents were always at work and they would always bring us to our grandma’s house and she would always take care of us ever since we were like babies, thankfully – always taking care of us because our parents would be at work trying to get us what we need and so like most of our lives – all of our brothers – we all have been with our grandma for our whole lives and we are just thankful for everything she has done for us and we want to have something more in life so we can give to her because she helped us out so much and she has done more than what we can ask for,” said Tristan.

Saenz, who along with his wife Sheryl Sachtleben also nominated Kenneth and his family, said Seguin Youth Services has watched the boys grow up over the years and that Kenneth’s priorities have always been clear.

“There’s a lot of brothers that have come to the youth center. We’ve had the whole family there honestly and still have some there. Kenneth is one that has been with us for a long time ever since third grade, and he’s just always been there. He’s always been supportive, always done what’s asked of him and more. He’s a great student, does

MON. December 22, 2025

great in school, and he’s a very smart young man. But I’ll be the first to tell you, his grandmother comes first and nothing else. Every time I talk to him, he’s going to tell me something and say and ‘I’ve got to go do this for my grandmother,’ ‘I’ve got to make sure my grandmother takes her meds,’ but he’s a great kid. The only thing I can say about this lady sitting next to me is she is one top notch grandmother. She raised all those boys and when I say all, it’s a handful, it’s a bunch of them, and she’s never asked us to help her. She’s never come in there to ask us to help. We know she will never ask, so we do what we can to make sure the family has what they need for any holiday.

But she is a wonderful lady,” said Saenz.

When asked what he wanted his grandmother and the community to know most, Kenneth didn’t hesitate.

“That I love her so much and I wish for her to keep on living forever even though I know she will pass on one day, I will always remember her as my grandma,” said Tristan.

KWED radio thanks everyone who took time to submit nominations this year and encourages those whose letters were not selected to try again. Winners each year are selected by the Christmas Angel and other individuals not affiliated with KWED radio or the Seguin Daily News.

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Seguin Matadors bring home all-district and academic all-state football accolades led by District Co-MVP Corey Dailey Chris Austin

(Seguin) -- Seguin quarterback Corey Dailey was voted the 2025 District 13-5A Division I Co-MVP to lead Matador all-district football selections.

Dailey, who will become a Pitt Panther after graduating from Seguin High School next month, finished his career as a Matador with multiple district MVP honors across multiple sports.

He shared the 2025 district MVP honors with Smithson Valley wide receiver/defensive back Hunter Haug.

Dailey earned his second football MVP award to accompany MVPs in baseball and basketball.

The four-year starter compiled 9,138 passing yards, 100 touchdown passes and just 22 interceptions.

In 10 games during his senior season, he threw for 2,911 yards with 22 touchdowns and four interceptions while also rushing for 658 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Earning first-team recognition for the Matadors were Dailey and wide receiver Elliot

Weaver. Weaver, a senior, led Seguin in receiving this season with 83 receptions for 1,123 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Second-team all-district honorees for Seguin were running back Ian Moreno, defensive tackle Hunter Mica, and linebackers Julius Rivera and Zayon Goldsberry. Matador all-district honorable mentions were Kevin Dominguez and Joaquin Patterson on the offensive line, DJ Luckey at running back, Ayden Avila at wide receiver, Gabe Hernandez at kicker, Marcus Troy at defensive back and Damian Garcia at linebacker.

Named to the Academic All-State team by the Texas High School Coaches Association were Justin Peterson (second team), Ian Moreno (second team), and honorable mentions Corey Dailey, Ryan Lee, Marcus Troy, DJ Luckey and Elliot Weaver.

The Matador Academic All-District team included Jackson Kirchner, Cody Alsobrooks, D’Angelo Aguilar, Kyler Forehand, Michael

Roman, Jeremiah Rios, Kyle Medrano, Justin Peterson, Caden Mocygemba, Diego Rascon, Cordel Leon, Marcus Farris, Caleb Rivera, Ryan Lee, Marcus Troy, DJ Luckey, Abron Acuna, Damian Garcia, Hunter Mica, Elliot Weaver, Ian Moreno and Corey Dailey.

At the annual Seguin football banquet held earlier this month, several players were recognized by head football coach and athletic director Craig Dailey and his staff.

Damian Garcia and Hunter Mica earned the Roger Erk Spirit Award. Julius Rivera was named Defensive MVP, while Elliot Weaver received Offensive MVP honors. Ian Moreno earned the Zach Williams Outstanding Senior Award, and Corey Dailey was awarded Mr. Matador Football MVP. The Matadors finished just outside the playoffs, placing fifth in District 13-5A Division I. Craig Dailey has led Seguin to the playoffs in three of his five years as head coach of his alma mater.

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11 VITAL STATISTICS

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Lewis

Gary Lynn Lewis died December 13, 2025 at the age of 66. Wake services will be held Friday from 6 to 8 pm from Galatians Church of God in Christ and Funeral services will be held Saturday at 10AM from GALATIANS COGIC.

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He is survived by his wife of 45 years Delanie Lewis, 3 children, Gary(Rita), Derrick (Stephanie), and Cedrick(Karen); 5 grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends. Services entrusted to the reverent care of Eunice and Lee Mortuary

Bierstedt

(Trent) Tiffany Bierstedt; Patricia Manning Yahya (Aly); Kenny Manning; and great-grandchildren; Kaeleb, Trinity, Rayan and Ayden. Great great-grandchild Sadie.

Additionally, Jane is survived by a sister Caroline Wernli (Ron) and niece Roxanne Wernli Brown (Tim) and two nephews Barrett and Reeve Brown. Jane is also remembered by many other family members and close friends.

A memorial service will be held at the Kingsbury Baptist Church on January 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with the Reverend Manuel Casso officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Kingsbury Baptist Church, P. O. Box 130, Kingsbury, Texas, 78638 or 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.

Hines

on the family ranch alongside her husband. A Sunday drive to look at the Texas wildflowers would fill her heart with joy and put the biggest smile on her face.

Jennie was preceded in death by her mother, Adeline Scull, her father, Charles Elam Scull, Jr., her father-in-law Robert R. Hines, and her mother-inlaw Rosa Lee Hines.

Survivors include her loving and devoted husband, Robert Hines, their daughter Heather and her husband Jerry, her son Andy Seale, her daughter, Laurie Seale, her grandson, Connor Wright, her brother Elam Scull and wife Kay, her sister, Alice Kirkendall and husband, W.C. “Bud” Kirkendall, her sister DeDe Frets and husband Dr. Robert Frets, and numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and a host of friends.

A memorial visitation will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel. Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel with the Reverend Herman Cramer officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ball Early Childhood Center in Seguin, Texas.

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.

Jane Bierstedt passed away December 15, 2025, at the age of 90 years old.

Jane was born on January 20, 1935, in Farwell, Texas to Hertha Alva Bode McQuatters and Otis Roy McQuatters.

Jane attended Seguin High School and enjoyed a 30 plus year career employed with Southwestern Bell Telephone and AT&T. She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter Sheron Ann Manning and her great grandson Klayton Manning.

She is survived and is lovingly remembered by her husband of 61 years, Alton Bierstedt; son Aaron Bierstedt (Kimberly); grandchildren Brittany Wilkinson

Jennie Lee Hines, 83, of Seguin, Texas, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2025. Jennie was born on November 10, 1942, in San Antonio, Texas to Adeline (Enck) and Charles Elam Scull, Jr. A graduate of Seguin High School, Jennie attended College at the University of Texas in Austin and obtained her Master’s Degree from the University of Texas in San Antonio. Jennie’s life passion was education, and she devoted herself to children in Seguin ISD for 32 years where she served as a principal at Lizzie M. Burgess, Jefferson Elementary, Juan Seguin, and Ball Early Childhood Center.

Her greatest joy was her time spent at Ball Early Childhood Center where she could never be found in her office because she was constantly in the classroom, in the library, reading to children, loving on children in the cafeteria, or working the car line.

Jennie loved reading and you could often find her at the family ranch, tucked in her favorite chair in front of the fireplace, with a good book on her lap.

An adventurer at heart, Jennie also loved the outdoors and hunted and fished

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.

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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.

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

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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COVID Vaccine Tied To Drop In Death Rates (Undated) - A new study is contradicting claims of a link between COVID vaccines and higher death rates. The study was published in JAMA Open Network by researchers in France who found after adjusting for demographic factors and certain underlying health conditions, vaccinated adults had a 74 percent lower risk of death from severe COVID. Data also shows the vaccinated adults studied had a 25 percent lower risk of mortality from any cause. Researchers used information from the French National Health Data System to identify 28 million adults between the ages of 18 to 59, with 22-point-seven million getting at least one dose of the vaccine between May and October 2021, while five-point-nine million were unvaccinated.

HHS Cuts Pediatrics Grants After Vaccine Lawsuit (Washington, DC) -- The Department of Health and Human Services is cutting millions in grants to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The federal grants were for programs aimed at reducing sudden infant deaths, preventing birth defects and the early detection of autism. Wednesday’s announcement came after the group said it was suing Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over his vaccine policy. An HHS spokesperson said the grants were canceled along with a number of other grants “because they no longer align with the Department’s mission or priorities.”

Danish Study Sheds Light On Warning Signs For Alzheimer’s Disease (Norway) -- A Danish study is shedding light on warning signs for Alzheimer’s disease. The study, published in the journal Nature, focused on blood samples taken from participants aged 57 and up. It looked for the buildup of toxic proteins in the brain which are a major indicator for the potential development of Alzheimer’s. Researchers say there were abnormal findings in less than eight-percent of participants aged 65 and 69 but more than sixty-percent in people in their nineties. They also found that about 11-percent of patients over 70 met eligibility requirements for monoclonal antibody treatments, which some scientists believe could slow cognitive decline. The study also contradicted the widely-held believe that Alheimer’s is a female-dominant problem.

Family Of Former Henry Ford St. John Hospital Employee Suing (Detroit, MI) -- The family of a former employee of Henry Ford St. John Hospital is suing the Detroit hospital. It comes after staff lost part of her skull in 2023 during surgery to relieve brain pressure following a stroke. Edna Burton, the employee, had worked at the hospital for twenty years.

Staff told Burton’s family that the piece of her skull that was removed was mixed up with bones from another patient, so they provided a prosthetic skull plate instead. Burton is now bed-bound, needs a feeding tube, and stopped talking after the surgery. The family was given a 25-dollar gas gift card by the hospital for the loss of her skull.

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MON. December 22, 2025

DECEMBER

lic Library to save your spot and start the new year with a bang! This program is free and open to the public. Please call 830-401-2422 or visit library.seguintexas.gov for additional information.

Chess Tournament at the Seguin Public Library The Seguin Public Library will host a small, informal chess tournament open to all ages, on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 10 a.m. The event will feature a Swissstyle format with four rounds and is expected to last about two hours. The tournament is unrated and beginner-friendly, but participants should be familiar with the basic rules and moves of chess.

The library will provide chess boards and clocks, though participants are welcome to bring their own. There will be five-minute breaks between rounds, with snacks provided. Efforts will be made to match players by age group, but some mixing may occur in later rounds depending on attendance. Special prizes will be awarded, including 3-D printed trophies for first and second place in each age group: Kids (6–11), Teens (12–17), and Adults (18 and up). Registration opens January 1, 2026, and this program is free and open to the public. This is a great opportunity for chess enthusiasts of all skill levels to enjoy a fun, friendly competition with family and community members. 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.

Tai Chi Tuesday The Seguin Public Library will host Tai Chi 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.

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 Pub-

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

JANUARY Geronimo Lions Club First Friday Feast The Geronimo Lions Club will not host its First Friday Feast in December. The event will return on January 2, 2026, with NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) as the beneficiary and entertainment provided by the Wyatt & Bill Show.

Navarro ISD High School Dedication Navarro ISD invites the community to the dedication of the new Navarro High School on Monday, January 12 in Geronimo. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., with the student-led ceremony beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium. The event includes performances, remarks, a reception, and guided campus tours.

2026 Beef Cattle Short Course Texas A&M AgriLife will be hosting the 2026 Beef Cattle Short Course at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Palo Alto College’s Ozuna Library. The program includes 2 CEUs (1 General and 1 Laws & Regulations), concurrent educational sessions, a meal, door prizes, and industry updates. To RSVP, email or call Kennedy Green at kennedy.green@ ag.tamu.edu or 210-631-0400.

To ensure non-profit organization’s meetings and events appear in this calendar, send information to: communitycalendar@ kwed1580.com, or drop off the information at the Seguin Daily News/KWED offices located at 609 E. Court St. in Seguin. For best results, submit information at least two weeks prior to the event.

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