July
10, 2025
Guadalupe County reaffirms commitment to public safety
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera (Guadalupe County) --
Following an influx of calls, emails, and social media messages from concerned residents, particularly those living near the Guadalupe River -- the Guadalupe County Office of Emergency Management is reassuring the public today that its emergency siren system is fully functional and remains under continuous oversight.
Patrick Pinder, Guadalupe County emergency management coordinator and fire marshal, says he understands the heightened concern due to recent flooding but wants to assure everyone that the sirens are working as intended and are closely monitored 24/7 by emergency staff.
Guadalupe County operates 23 emergency sirens placed strategically across the county. He says these sirens are activated to warn residents of major weather events or other emergencies requiring immediate action.
“The sirens are not only located along the river. We have one in downtown Marion. So,
triggering the sirens, they are not flood sirens. They are notification sirens. So, they notify you for any major weather event that get you to tune into any preferred media outlet -- those who need to hear anything on the radio, we would send them to the radio station –turn to (KWED) the radio station, and listen for the message because if there is a major issue, we are also going to push everything (through) social media. We are going to push everything off through the radios. We are going to send it to our emergency notifications. We also have IPAWS which is what you get on your phones for the weather service. We will push all the information out to the community when there is an issue that needs to be addressed and the residents need to know,” said Pinder.
Now although IPAWS or the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System is an additional warning system, Pinder says the July 5th flooding would Safety, pg. 3
Seguin ISD is set to officially name Dr. Jack Lee as new superintendent
(Seguin) -- The wait is almost over. After the completion of the statemandated 21-day waiting period, the Seguin ISD Board of Trustees is expected to officially name Dr. Jack Lee as the district’s next superintendent during tonight’s special board meeting.
Dr. Lee was announced as the lone finalist for the position last month. Trustees say he brings a wealth of experience and a track record of success from Bullard ISD, where he has served as superintendent since 2019. There he led the district
to an “A” rating from the Texas Education Agency. He is also recognized for implementing significant curriculum reforms and for introducing a districtwide mental health support system. He was also successful in helping to pass a $103 million bond for new facilities.
The appointment of Dr. Lee concludes a two-month superintendent search led by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Executive Search Services.
The special meeting is set for 6 p.m. today in the Seguin ISD Administration Building located at 1221 E. Kingsbury St.
Heavy rains cause sunken graves at local cemetery Officials assure families that repairs will be made once ground dries
(Seguin) -- The heavy rain that drenched Seguin over the weekend left behind more than high water and stalled vehicles. It has also impacted one of the city’s most historic cemeteries. Officials at San Geronimo Cemetery say approximately 30 graves were affected by flooding that caused some of them to sink.
The cemetery, located at 1620 E. Walnut St., reportedly experienced the aftermath of more than eight inches of rain that fell Saturday morning. Trustees of the cemetery association say the issue primarily affected newer graves and those that do not contain a burial vault which a protective container typically made of concrete or metal that surrounds the casket.
Shirley Hester, one of the cemetery trustees, said the situation is unfortunate but not unexpected given the amount of rainfall received.
“Every time it rains hard like this, the newer graves do sink and when it rains, it’s mud and all the extra ground is mud and wet too. You kind of have to wait until it starts drying off a little bit before you can even work it,” said Hester.
Hester emphasized that while the sight of sunken graves may be unsettling, it does not mean there’s a cause for alarm and she does not want families to worry. The settling does not expose caskets or create immediate danger. Plus, she says the cemetery crew is already assessing the scope of repairs so that they can tackle the work as soon as they can.
Hester says San Geronimo Cemetery is one of Seguin’s oldest burial sites and holds generations of local families. She says preserving its dignity and integrity is a top priority, and the community can expect the grounds to be fully restored in the coming weeks.
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
Residents invited to Cibolo Job Fair
Regional partners, local manufactures to be on hand
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Cibolo) – Sixty plus employers will be looking for employees today.
The first Regional Job Fair of the summer is set for today, Thursday, July 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Byron P. Steele II High School in Cibolo.
The event is a collaboration between the Cibolo Economic Development Corporation, the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, the Seguin Economic Development Corporation, and the Schertz Economic Development Corporation.
“We’re proud to collaborate with our regional partners to connect local talent with growing businesses,” said Isabella Ellis, economic development specialist for the city of Cibolo. “This job fair is a great example of how we can work together to strengthen our workforce and support economic growth across our communities.”
With more than 60 employers participating, residents from across Guadalupe County, including Seguin, will have access to a wide variety of job openings across industries like manufacturing, government, education, non-profit administration, technology, and
Safety, continued.
not have met the criteria for an IPAWS’ activation here in Guadalupe County.
He says IPAWS, a federal tool managed by FEMA, allows emergency managers to issue Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcasts, and NOAA Weather Radio messages.
What was activated, however, was the REAN or the Regional Emergency Alert Notification system.
Pinder says this free service sends real-time alerts by phone, email, or text. During the July 5th flooding event, REAN was activated to issue a Guadalupe River Flow Advisory, which urged residents in flood-prone areas to secure loose items and stay vigilant.
Pinder says the alert reached 2,447 registered
entertainment. Positions will range from entry-level to advanced, with many companies conducting on-site interviews and even extending offers during the event.
“We’re thrilled to partner with our regional colleagues to bring this job fair to life,” said Mike Crowley, vice president of workforce and industry development at the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce.
“This event is all about connecting job seekers with real opportunities right here in our community. With over 60 employers in attendance, it’s a chance for individuals to explore a variety of career paths, gain valuable insights into local industries, and find positions that match their skills and aspirations.”
Job seekers are encouraged to dress in business casual attire and bring multiple copies of their updated resumes to make the best impression.
Organizers say the event is a powerful reflection of the regional spirit of collaboration among Cibolo, New Braunfels, Schertz and Seguin -- coming together to foster a stronger, more connected workforce.
Steele High School is located at 1300 FM 1103.
contacts, with over 1,100 confirming receipt of that notification.
Pinder says not only do they take their emergency response serious, but they take the warning systems just as serious. He says the lessons learned from other historical floods in the area have helped them to develop a stronger approach to keeping even more people safe.
“There are thresholds that the county has when it is at full capacity. We have
a 5,000cfs notification. We have a 10,000cfs notification, a 15cfs, a 20cfs and it goes up and working along with our partner GBRA (the GuadalupeBlanco River Authority), the phone calls are made. When the Lake Dunlap Dam issue happened, immediately GBRA called me and said this is what is going on and we saw 30,000cfs immediately occur so that triggered the sirens and notification at that time so the sirens are
working. They are doing their tests. People have not heard the Saturday test but it does do a functionality test twice a day so people will hear the siren test this Saturday. If it is raining, it will not be activated. We will disarm it, but they are going to start hearing that test because that’s one of the things that we are getting calls on, well, we have not heard it go off.’ Well, it still works. We are just doing test on the backside,” said Pinder.
Pinder says recent weather events have also helped to spread the message about signing up for these alerts and to tune into AM 1580 KWED if those sirens are heard other than on Saturday at noon. Residents are encouraged to sign up for REAN alerts by visiting: https://www.guadalupetx. gov/page/homepage
VITAL STATISTICS
Castellanos
Elizabeth Lozano Castellanos was born on September 17, 1934 and passed away on July 5, 2025.
Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of Goetz Funeral Home, 713 N. Austin Street, Seguin, Texas 78155. 830-379-2313.
Gunter
Marjorie Dell Whitt Gunter, age 90 of Seguin, died peacefully under the care of GRMC Hospice on July 4, 2025. Marjorie was born in Goldthwaite on October 17, 1934 to Edith (Stark) and Austin Whitt. She was raised in Big Valley, Texas.
On December 31, 1955 she married Bill Gunter. Their daughter Martha was born in Bryan, Texas while Bill attended Texas A & M University. Bill’s career was in soil conservation services and as a result they lived in several communities throughout Texas including Dalhart, where son Bob was born, also Wheeler, and Liberty and moved to Seguin in 1977. For twenty years Marjorie worked at Guadalupe Regional Medical Center in Seguin, completing her time there as the Business Office Manager. Marjorie and Bill were members of the New Braunfels Church of Christ.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 48 years, Billy Joe Gunter, her grandson, Randal Kyle Atkinson, her parents, her sister, Eleanor “Ruth” Sides and husband Louvelle, and her brother, William “Bill” F. Whitt.
Vaughan
Jan Vaughan passed away on July 7, 2025, in Seguin, Texas. She was born on April 11, 1945. Arrangements are under the care of Goetz Funeral Home, 713 N. Austin Street, Seguin, Texas 78155. 830-379-2313
Survivors include her daughter, Martha Gunter Atkinson; son, Robert Whitt Gunter and wife Alicia; grandchildren, Darryn Atkinson, Jacob Gunter and wife Sharon, Caleb Gunter and wife Hillary, Rebekah Gunter Mesa and husband Tobey, Joseph Gunter, Rachel Gunter, Daisha Gunter, Sarah Gunter, Michael Gunter and Daniel Gunter; thirteen great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Joy Whitt; nieces, nephews, other loving family members and friends.
A memorial service celebrating Marjorie’s life will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 1 p.m. at the Goldthwaite Church of Christ with Mr. Marvin Whitt officiating. A reception will follow. Private interment will be held in the Goldthwaite Memorial Cemetery.
Marjorie loved her family with all of her heart, and did her best to spoil each and every grandchild and great-grandchild. She was loved and will be missed by many.
Memorial contributions may be made to Cherokee Home for Children, 13355 TX-16, Cherokee, Texas, 76832, or Guadalupe Regional Medical Center Hospice Services, 1215 E. Court St., 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.
LangHelga Johanna Roth Lange, affectionately known as Johanna, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the age of 87.
Johanna was born on July 21, 1937, in Winters, Texas, to Pastor Carl and Elner Roth. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents; her older sister, Carolyn Roth Spillers; her devoted husband of 53 years, Pastor William Frederick Lange Jr.; and her beloved son, Christopher William Stuart Lange.
She leaves behind a loving legacy through her daughter, Debbie Tucker, and husband Jeff, and her son, Scott Lange, and his wife Tina and her daughter-inlaw, Nikki Lange. She was a proud and deeply cherished grandmother to ten grandchildren: Kristen Bigott and her husband Pastor Marcus Bigott, Courtney Eldridge, Garrett Eldridge, Kale Lange, Koby Lange and his wife Nicole, Phillip White and his wife Shawna, Isaiah White, Grayson and Cade Lange and Ashlyn Martz. She was also blessed with four precious great-granddaughters: Gracelyn, Emberlyn, Olivia, and Kimber. Sister, Jeanette Mayer and husband Bill and numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and many friends.
Johanna graduated from Seguin High School in 1956 and later earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Lutheran College. She went on to enjoy a fulfilling 22-year career at Seguin High School, where she taught physical science, biology, typing, and bookkeeping, touching the lives of countless students along the way.
A charter member of Faith Lutheran Church, Johanna faithfully stood by her husband’s side in ministry for 45 years as a dedicated pastor’s wife. She was especially beloved for her “Sand Box Stories” during Vacation Bible School and Sunday School—an interactive storytelling method she learned from her mother,
Elner. Many children, long into adulthood, fondly remembered how Johanna brought Bible stories to life using a simple sandbox. She joyfully passed this tradition on to others, ensuring it would be shared with future generations.
Among her proudest accomplishments was the restoration of one of her grandfather’s old country churches, which had been converted into a sheep shed. With the stained-glass windows still intact, Johanna purchased the structure and had it relocated to the Texas Agricultural Education and Heritage Center. Now known as Zion Church, it continues to serve as a sacred space for weddings, baptisms, and worship services.
Johanna was known for many passions, including her famous homemade dill pickles, which she often taught others how to make. She found joy in gardening and in restoring antique trunks, often turning heirloom pieces into beautiful keepsakes. She had a deep love for history and often said she believed she had lived on the Oregon Trail in a past life—so much so that she once displayed an old wagon in her front yard before donating it to The Big Red Barn.
A memorial service celebrating Johanna’s life will be held at Faith Lutheran Church in Seguin, Texas, on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 2:00 PM with the Reverend Marcus Bigott and the Reverend Daniel Cave officiating. A reception will follow in the Life Enrichment Center (LEC).
Her ashes will be lovingly placed in the columbarium at Faith Lutheran Church beside her husband, Bill, and son, Chris, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the William F. Lange Endowed Seminary Scholarship Fund at Faith Lutheran Church, 1326 E. Cedar, Seguin, Texas, 78155 or to The Texas Agricultural Education and Heritage Center, 390 Cordova Rd, Seguin, Texas, 78155, in honor of Johanna’s lifelong love for faith, family, and heritage.
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
Vinyard
Sherman Larry Vinyard, 82, passed away due to complications from Parkinson’s disease on Thursday, June 26, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. He was born July 1, 1942, in Seguin, Texas to Sherman and Cora (Stephens) Vinyard.
He grew up in Seguin, Texas and graduated from Texas Lutheran University with a degree in accounting. He served as a Colonel in the field artillery in the United States Army and the Texas Army National Guard for many decades, with service in the Republic of Vietnam from 1966-1967. He was inducted into the Field Artillery Hall of Fame at Fort Sill, Oklahoma in 2008. He was awarded the Honorable Order of St. Barbara and the Ancient Order of St. Barbara for exceptional service and contributions to the U.S. Army Field Artillery.
He worked for the Texas State Auditors Office as a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, Chartered Global Management Accountant, Certified Government Financial Manager, Certified Fraud Examiner, and Certified Risk Management Assurance. He retired from the State Auditor’s office in 1996, but he was far from done working. He began teaching accounting courses at Austin Community College and doing consultant auditing work for Texas State University in San Marcos. His students consistently reported his classes were exceptionally difficult; however, he had the highest rate of students passing the CPA examination on the first attempt. After his time teaching and
consulting, he went to work for the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2004 in the Office of Business Oversight as a Lead Auditor in the Internal Controls Service division. After four failed attempts, he officially retired from everything in September 2015, for real.
He absolutely LOVED all things baseball. He played in little league and pony league as a kid, then umpired baseball games, played softball with the State Auditor’s Office, and watched any baseball game on TV. If you asked him who he wanted to win he would always say, “I just want to see a good game.” He had a deep love for his country, a strong ethical character with integrity beyond reproach, was unwaveringly determined, and incessantly stubborn.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Sherman and Cora Vinyard, brother-in law Stephen Anthony Alblinger and sister-in-law Lloydine Vinyard. He is survived by his wife of 47 years Naomi Vinyard; daughters Carolyn Brown and her husband Daryl, and Rachel Hayse and her husband Ryan; grandchildren Ellie Brown, Wyatt Hayse, and Duncan Hayse, and brothers Jerry Vinyard and Keith Vinyard and his wife Fran. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends.
A visitation will be held Friday, July 11, 2025 in Georgetown, TX at the Ramsey Funeral Home & Crematorium from 4-6pm with a brief service following. A graveside service with military honors will be held at the Moulton City Cemetery, Saturday July 12th at 10:30 am with lunch to follow at the American Legion in Moulton, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made to The Salvation Army or the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation.
Medical Groups Sue RFK Jr. Over COVID Shot Recommendations
(Boston, MA) -- A number of medical organizations are suing Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his agency over vaccine recommendations. The suit, filed Monday in federal court, comes after Kennedy fired all members of a vaccine panel and pulled a recommendations that children and pregnant women get a COVID vaccine. The suit wants that recommendation reinstated, arguing that its removal will cost lives. Some of the groups involved in the suit include the American Public Health Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Physicians.
Planned Parenthood Suing Trump Administration
(Undated) -- Planned Parenthood is suing the Trump administration over what it calls a ‘defunding’ provision included in the megabill passed last week. It would strip Medicaid funding from Planned Parenthood health centers because the organization also provides abortions. However, Planned Parenthood said the law unconstitutionally eliminates patients’ ability to use Medicaid as their insurance at any of its health centers nationwide. The organization said 200 clinics in 24 states were at risk of closing under the bill, and of those clinics 90-percent are in states where abortion is protected and legal.
CDC Ending Emergency Response To Bird Flu
(Undated) -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is ending its response to the bird flu. Department of Health and Human Services officials say this is because animal infections with the H5N1 strain are declining and no human cases have been reported since February. There’s been one bird flu related death since the CDC heightened its response in April of last year. The largest cluster of cases has been in California and Washington.
Tick Bites Spiking
(Atlanta, GA) -- Emergency room visits for tick bites are nearing record levels this summer across U.S. The CDC says July has already seen the highest number of tick-related ER visits in eight years. People under ten and over 70-years-old have the highest rates of ER visits. The CDC adds the Northeast is reporting the most cases.
July
Seguin Art League Summer Art Camp – July Session
The Seguin Art League will be hosting a second session of the Wild Beasts: Animals in Folktales, Myth and Art Summer Art Camp from July 8 to July 11 at 104 S. Austin St. The camp runs from 10 a.m. to noon for ages 5 to 9, and 1 to 3 p.m. for ages 10 and older. Students will engage in creating bold and imaginative animal-themed art inspired by myth, folktale, and the wild style of the French “Fauves.” The cost is $125, and supplies are included. Each session is limited to 8 students. For more information, call 830-305-0472.
Unwind Your Drawing Skills
The Seguin Art League will be hosting “Unwind Your Drawing Skills” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on July 11 at the gallery located at 104 S. Austin. This relaxing class is designed for all skill levels and will focus on using value to create strong contrasts in a still-life drawing. Participants ages 18 and older are invited, and the class size is limited to 12 students. Cost is $20. Bring your own sketchbook and pencil. For more information, call 830-305-0472 or visit the gallery.
Bryan Zipp
The Silver Center will be hosting Bryan Zipp at 7:30 p.m. on July 11th at the Crystal Chandelier Ballroom. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Presale tickets are $10 by calling 830-303-6612. Tickets are $15 at the door.
Strong Tower Christian Church BBQ Fundraiser
Strong Tower Christian Church will be hosting a BBQ Plate Sale fundraiser from 10 a.m. until sold out on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 525 W. New Braunfels St. in Seguin. Plates are available for a $12 donation to support the reconstruction of their house of worship. Donations can also be made via CashApp at $STRONGTOWER525. For more information, contact Jeannette at 830-557-8415 or Abby at 830-557-2245.
Indoor Flea Market Hosted by Guadalupana Society
The Guadalupana Society of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church will be hosting an Indoor Flea Market at 9 a.m. on July 12 at the Parish Hall, located at 409 W. Krezdorn St. in Seguin. Small business owners and vendors are invited to participate, with crafts, housewares, clothes, direct sales, and gently used items welcome. Food items require prior board approval. Tables are available for $25 each, with limited availability on a first come, first served basis. For more information or to reserve a table, contact Cindy Pease at 417-389-1837 or Felisa Ramirez at 210-382-1745.
Casino Night to Benefit Guadalupe County Children’s Advocacy Center
The Guadalupe County Children’s Advocacy Center will be hosting Casino Night from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on July 12 at The Big Red Barn, located at 390 Cordova Rd. in Seguin. The evening will feature gaming tables, live and silent auctions, prizes, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and drinks. General admission is $50 in advance, which includes event entry and $1,000 in chips. Sponsorships and additional chip bundles are available. Proceeds will support services for local children. For tickets or sponsorship information, visit www.gccac.net or call 830303-4760.
CMA Summer Strings and Vocal Arts Camps
The TLU Community Music Academy will be hosting its Summer Strings and Vocal Arts Camps on July 14–18 at the TLU Schuech Fine Arts Center. The Strings Camp will run from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and includes instruction in violin, cello, and orchestra (no guitar). The Vocal Arts Camp will take place from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m. Both camps are open to students in grades 2–6 and welcome beginners. Registration is open from April 21 to July 14, and the fee is $125 with discounts available. For more information and to register, visit www.tlucma.org.
Master Naturalist Meet N’ Greet
The Master Naturalist program will be hosting a Meet N’ Greet at 6:00 PM on July 15 at the AgriLife
Extension Building, located at 210 E. Live Oak in Seguin. You are invited to learn about this volunteer organization dedicated to conserving Texas’ natural resources. A new training class will begin on August 5 for those interested in joining. For more details, visit txmn.org/guadalupe and click on “Certification Training,” or email Class@guadmn.org.
Gabe Galvan Band
The Silver Center will be hosting Gabe Galvan Band at 7:30 p.m. on July 25th at the Crystal Chandelier Ballroom. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Presale tickets are $10 by calling 830-303-6612. Tickets are $15 at the door.
Texas Women of Influence Conference Slated for July 31
The Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the 2025 Texas Women of Influence Conference on July 31 at Geronimo Oaks Weddings and Events Venue, located at 1377 Dietert Road in Seguin. Organized by the Chamber’s Women’s Conference Planning Committee, the event aims to celebrate and empower women leaders across Texas. Further details, including registration and programming, will be announced closer to the date.
August
Singo Fundraiser: Music Through the Decades
The Seguin Sunrise Lions Club will be hosting the Singo Fundraiser at 4 p.m. on August 9 at the Silver Center. Themed “Music Through the Decades,” the event will feature five rounds of music bingo highlighting hits from the 1950s through the 2010s. Tickets will be sold in advance for $20.
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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