(Seguin) -- One of the nation’s most respected barbecue pitmasters — and one of Seguin’s own — is making his way back tonight on national television.
Ernest Servantes, co-owner and pitmaster at Burnt Bean Co.,
will make his return to the Food Network as one of four judges on the new competition series Pitmasters. The appearance marks Servantes’ first television role in six years after stepping away from the spotlight Pitmasters, pg. 3
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) — Two Guadalupe County detention officers have been arrested and a third is expected to surrender following an investigation into allegations of improper sexual activity with a person in custody at the Guadalupe County Adult Detention Facility.
The Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office says the investigation began on July 7 after allegations surfaced involving a detention officer assigned to the jail. During the investigation, authorities determined that two detention officers and a corporal detention officer violated the civil rights of a person in custody by engaging in improper sexual activity with an inmate or person under supervision.
At the request of the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Rangers are leading the criminal investigation. Arrest warrants were obtained for all three officers.
Authorities identified the officers as detention officers Andrew Kee and Isaiah Charles, along with Corporal Detention Officer Rudy Garcia.
Kee and Charles were arrested without incident and
booked into the Guadalupe County Adult Detention Center on the outstanding warrants.
Authorities say Garcia’s arrest has been arranged. Investigators know his whereabouts and say he is not considered a flight risk. He remains on administrative leave and is expected to be taken into custody at a later time.
The Sheriff’s Office says Kee and Charles have been terminated from their positions, while Garcia remains on administrative leave pending his arrest.
Sheriff Joshua Ray says the alleged conduct will not be tolerated.
Ray says every person housed in the county jail has the right to be treated with dignity and that employees who violate that standard “will be held accountable and fully prosecuted in accordance with Texas law.”
The investigation remains ongoing. The Sheriff’s Office says any additional information regarding the criminal investigation will be released by the Texas Department of Public Safety through its Public Information Office in San Antonio.
Pitmasters, continued.
to focus on building Burnt Bean into one of the most celebrated barbecue restaurants not only in Texas but in the nation.
Servantes confirms to the Seguin Daily News that this wasn’t just another television invitation.
“The opportunity came out around February of this year. They asked me… they always… the Food Network always asks me if I want to be on their shows. And lately, I’ve just been focused at the restaurant. But then, the director and the producer called me… they said, ‘Listen, we have this idea.’ I was like, ‘Listen, if you’re really serious, if that’s how it’s gonna go, count me in.’ It was something that no one’s ever done before. No one’s ever seen it, and having the opportunity to be a judge on something that special… I was really excited. I was like, ‘I’m in,’” said Servantes.
Servantes is no stranger to television, having appeared on shows including Chopped, BBQ Pitmasters and Smoked more than a decade ago. But he says he intentionally put television aside while building Burnt Bean into a destination and Michelin rated barbecue restaurant.
“I haven’t been in TV in 6 years because I’ve been so focused at the restaurant. I kind of put TV… my celebrity status… on hold to focus on the Burnt Bean,” said Servantes.
Meanwhile, that focus seems to have paid off as Burnt Bean has earned recognition as one of Texas’ top barbecue destinations in the country.
Now that the restaurant has reached that level, Servantes says he’s ready to once again represent both his business and his hometown on a national stage.
“It felt good. You sacrifice for what you believe in. And I believed in this restaurant and I wanted to make it special for Seguin. But now I know since we got number one… I can go and market my brand and bring back the celebrity Ernest,” said Servantes.
Unlike many televised cooking competitions, Servantes says Pitmasters focuses on authentic barbecue without unrealistic time limits or gimmicks.
He explains the competitors were given the time needed to properly cook barbecue and were challenged to adapt to real-world conditions rather than television drama.
“The one thing was… they said, ‘We’re making a barbecue show that anything goes. There’s no handcuffs.’
… This one’s like, ‘Look, dude, when it’s done is done.’ You got 13 hours. You got 15 hours,” said Servantes.
He says the production itself pushed competitors to their limits. Filmed in a remote area outside St. George, Utah, contestants dealt with rapidly changing weather, high altitude, snakes and wildlife and primitive cooking conditions.
Pitmasters, pg. 4
Pitmasters, continued.
“There wasn’t… everybody had the same fancy grills. No, you had cinderblocks, grates, and you got to make your own offset. You had to make your own grills. You had to make everything from scratch,” said Servantes.
As a judge, Servantes admits it wasn’t always easy watching others compete.
Laughing about the experience, he says, “You get FOMO (fear of missing out) times 10… I was dying to go in there. I was like, ‘Put me in, coach. I want to play.’ But it was an honor to see the next generation of pitmasters and to see their creativity,” said Servantes.
He says viewers -- even those who don’t consider themselves barbecue experts -- will find something to enjoy when watching the show.
That’s because Servantes says the recipes and techniques featured throughout the series are practical enough for backyard cooks.
“Everything they cook, you can do in your backyard. You’re like, ‘Ha, I can do that.’ It’s nothing complicated… you can get it at H-E-B or Arlan’s. That’s what makes it special. You can relate to everything,” said Servantes.
Alongside Servantes, the show also features an all-star judging panel that includes Andrew Zimmern, Jess Pryles and Moe Cason -- a group he says brings “genuine barbecue knowledge and credibility to the competition.”
While Servantes is one of Seguin’s faces on camera, another local bbq enthusiast will also play an equally important role behind the scenes.
Joey Machado of Seguin serves as the barbecue and fire expert whose work helps make many Food Network barbecue productions possible.
Servantes says Machado, owner of Guadalupe BBQ Co/Texas Original Charcoal Company, deserves recognition for work viewers rarely see.
“Joey is the backbone that no one will see on that show. Joey Machado is the man. A lot of people don’t know this… Barbecue Brawl, all those
behind-the-scenes shows -- Joey Machado from Seguin, Texas, runs all that,” said Servantes.
He says Seguin definitely has plenty to support with the start of tonight’s first episode.
“You got two guys from Seguin there. So you better watch out because we’re coming up in the world,” said Servantes.
Pitmasters premieres tonight at 8 p.m. Central on Food Network. Viewers can also stream the series on HBO Max beginning Tuesday.
LCDR Henry Adelbert “Hank” Hodgkins, Jr., USN (Ret.) age 79 of Seguin, passed away on July 4, 2026, after a long battle with cancer. Hank was born on October 20, 1946, in Bangor, Maine, to Geraldine Margaret (Viera) and Henry Adelbert Hodgkins, Sr.
Hank proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1965 to 1991. He served in submarines, surface ships and aviation units. He retired from the Navy while serving at the Board of Inspection and Survey in Little Creek, Virginia.
After retirement from the Navy, Hank worked in the Norfolk, Virginia area in ship constructions, conversion, and overhaul and maintenance where he earned his certification as a professional logistician (CPL) from The International Society of Logisticians in 1993.
In 1997, Hank and Marcia moved to Seguin, Texas. He continued working in the construction industry until his retirement in 2005. From 2006 to 2008, he taught in Guadalupe, Comal, and Kendall Counties in the Adult Education Program.
Wayne T. Brantley, age 70 of Seguin, passed away on July 6, 2026. Wayne was born in San Antonio, Texas on March 23, 1956, to Ann (Tice) and William Elzy Brantley.
Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, his grandson, Ethan William Brantley, his brother, Bobby Ray Brantley, his mother-inlaw and father-in-law, Barbara and Lenord Coleman, Sr. and his brother-in-law, Lenord “Lennie” Coleman.
He especially loved teaching math to his GED students, teaching at two different sites. Hank was a twenty plus year member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles.
Hank was an active member of the Country Church in Marion where he faithfully served and volunteered in different capacities. He also enjoyed 15 years plus membership in the New Braunfels Area Car Club.
Hank is preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his loving wife of 35 years, Marcia D. Throneburg Hodgkins; son, Stephen A. Hodgkins and wife Glennis; stepdaughter, Dancey E. George; stepson, Bryan J. Erpelding and wife, Jenna; grandchildren, Emily Hodgkins, Coty Bailey and wife Samantha, Conner Mondragon-George and wife Kimberley, Kory Erpelding, Mya Erpelding, and Frankie Powers and wife Ashlyn; great-grandchildren, Peyton, Evalyn, Harold, Maverick, Jaxon, Payton, Beckett and Birch.
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 13, 2024, at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral service with military honors will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel at 2 p.m. with Pastor Butch Ikels officiating.
Private interment will be held in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Country Church, P. O. Box 421, Marion, Texas, 78124.
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.
Survivors include his loving wife of 36 years, Linda Kay Coleman Brantley; son, Allen Brantley and wife Tracie; daughter, Lacy Kay Brantley and partner, Scott Bauer; grandchildren, Emery, Avery, and Everett Brantley, and Jack Bauer; sister-in-law, Donna Guenther; brother-in-law, Allen Coleman and wife Debbie; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and many friends.
A celebration of life is being planned.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hope Hospice, 611 N. Walnut Ave., New Braunfels, Texas, 78130.
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.
Robert “Bobby” Charles Sullivan, Jr., age 85 of Seguin, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on June 14, 2026. Bobby was born on November 16, 1940, in Dallas, Texas to Ethel Mae Robinson Sullivan Coleman and Robert Charles Sullivan, Sr.
Robert is preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Joy Sullivan; grandson, Robert Reich; his parents; his brothers, Frank Sullivan, Sr. and Mike Sullivan; in addition to his brotherin-law, Charles Thompson.
Survivors include his daughter, Debi Reich and husband Jerry; grandsons, who knew and loved him as “Papa”, Philip Strauss and wife Sarah, and Marshall Reich; great-granddaughter, Amelia Joy Strauss; sister, Laura Thompson; sisters-in-law, Juliane Sullivan, and Kathy Brantley; cousins, Eric Vordenbaum and wife Brenda; Dorothy Trower and Connie Taubert; additional family, Molly, Danny, Jennifer B., Ben, Jenifer I., Skylar, Steele, Amanda, Johnathan and Joseph; friends Tommy Jean and Sam, the Willmann family and the morning taco bunch including Marilyn and Doyle. With special appreciation to Frank Sullivan and wife Judy, Pam Gonzalez and husband Joel and Kelle Wilde and husband Mitch whose extra loving care assisted him these last few years. With Debi and her family living in Florida and Georgia, these local family members’ help was instrumental in allowing him to stay at home where he could be comfortable.
As a child, Robert’s family moved numerous times within Texas before permanently settling in Seguin. He never left his adopted hometown of Seguin. Starting at age 12 he worked with his dad and brother, Frank, driving and delivering steel from the local steel mill and erecting buildings with them. For the rest of his work life, he was self-employed often working multiple
jobs and running businesses simultaneously. He installed fences and hauled materials, all the while incorporating time for breaks at the old Kettle Pancake House.
Back in the mid ‘60s, he met his future wife, Joy, at Seguin High School. Many stories from this time period included fast cars and drag racing. When they married, they bought a partially completed river house where they lived for over 50 years. Their home held lively 4th of July and Christmas eve parties. The size of the house never limited the number of guests who attended, often overflowing onto the front porch. Lots of fun was had, such as swimming in the river, floating down to the house from the Parkview boat ramp, and water skiing which was tricky on this narrow part of the Guadalupe.
His skill for all things mechanical, lead to a life-long passion for buying and selling vehicles, tractors, and equipment. He kept the family in a wide variety of cars because he found the perfect deal and could make repairs himself. His thriftiness and ingenuity with his welding machine kept things running long after their normal life span. Robert enjoyed frequent trips to Port A with family and friends, many over Memorial Day weekend. When Joy was a teacher, he would provide fall hayrides for her students while dressed in his farmer overalls.
After he became a grandfather, the family went to Disney World 24 years in a row. Due to his fondness for Disney, he became an unofficial and unpaid Mickey spokesman to anyone who would listen or watch the family videos.
A Celebration of Life for Robert will be held on Sunday, July 12, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at The Wayside, 501 N. Austin Street in Seguin, with remarks given at 5 pm including The Reverend Jeremy Roy.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Seguin Education Foundation, P. O. Box 701, Seguin Texas, 78156.
You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary,165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.
(Boston, MA) -- A new study provides sobering information on the impact of head trauma on NFL players. Researchers at Boston University and Mass General Brigham say professional players are four times more likely to die of a neurodegenerative disease than the general population. Among the nearly 20-thousand former NFL players studied, the length of their career played a role. Those with five-plus seasons doubled the risk of contracting ALS, Parkinson’s disease or dementia.
(New York, NY) -- The New York City Health Department say there are now more than three dozen Legionnaires’ cases in Manhattan. The Legionnaires cluster on Manhattan’s Upper East Side is growing with 60-percent of the people hit with this severe type of pneumonia hospitalized. Health officials say there’ve been no deaths, but seven people died in a Harlem outbreak last year. No specific source of the outbreak has been identified yet, but the focus is on rooftop cooling towers. One-hundred-sixty are being inspected in multiple zip codes with remediation efforts said to be underway. Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration is promising to release the addresses of the impacted buildings, something that hasn’t been done in the past.
(Detroit, MI) -- Taco Bell is pulling fresh ingredients from some locations due to a multi-state outbreak of an intestinal infection. Nearly two-thousand people nationwide have reportedly been sickened by Cyclosporiasis, with Michigan reporting the largest number of cases. It’s a parasitic illness that can cause explosive diarrhea. Taco Bell says it’s pulling lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole and cilantro onion. While Taco Bell is not named as the source, they are taking this precaution due to supplier concerns.
(Undated) -- A survey by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans finds most employers are still saying “no” when it comes to covering the cost of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss. That’s despite Medicare’s decision to do so, and as new GLP-1s continue to enter the market. Thirty-six percent of employers say they cover the cost of the medications for both diabetes and weight loss, and 60 percent, just for diabetes. That’s even though a number of studies which show the drugs, when used for weight loss, can lessen and in some cases alleviate medical conditions, lowering the cost of coverage.
The Seguin Art League is offering Kids Summer Art Classes featuring “Hippos, Crocodiles and Cobras… Oh My! The Art of Ancient Egypt.” Instructor Jamie Aven will teach students about the art and symbols of ancient Egypt while they learn to draw and paint exotic animals and plants. Classes for ages 5 to 9 are offered July 7-8 or July 9-10 from 10 a.m. to noon. Classes for ages 10 and older are offered July 7-8 or July 9-10 from 1 to 3 p.m. Participants may choose one two-day session for $60 or attend all four days for $120. All supplies are included. To register, call the Seguin Art League Gallery at 830-305-0472 during gallery hours, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Shark Is Broken Opens at Palace Theatre
Take a behind-the-scenes trip into one of Hollywood’s most legendary films when En Vivo! Theatrical presents The Shark Is Broken July 9 through July 12 at the historic Palace Theatre in downtown Seguin. The internationally acclaimed comedy tells the true story of the making of Jaws, as actors Robert Shaw, Roy Scheider and Richard Dreyfuss find themselves stranded aboard the Orca while a malfunctioning mechanical shark delays filming. Directed by Paul Padilla, the production stars Shawn Hardee, Tyler Askins and Jason Chew. Due to adult language, the play is recommended for mature audiences. Show times and tickets are available at EnvivoTheatrical.com.
The Seguin Art League is inviting kids and adults to create their favorite animal during its
Clay Sculpture Animals class with instructor Roger Betschler. Students ages 10 and older will learn sculpture techniques using form and texture while creating an animal of their choice. The class will be held July 7 through July 10 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. The fee is $80, and all supplies are included. To register, visit or call the Seguin Art League Gallery at 830-305-0472 during business hours Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Individuals who were summoned for Guadalupe County Court at Law jury duty on Monday, July 13, no longer need to report. The jury panel scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Monday, July 13 at the Guadalupe County Justice Center has been canceled. Prospective jurors do not need to report for service. For additional information, call the Guadalupe County Court at Law at 830-303-8861. Individuals who were summoned for Guadalupe County Court at Law No. 2 jury duty on Monday, June 22, no longer need to report. The jury panel scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Monday, June 22 at the Guadalupe County Justice Center has been canceled. Prospective jurors do not need to report for service. For additional information, call the Guadalupe County Court at Law at 830-303-8861.
Learn the art of making photographic sun prints during the Seguin Art League’s Beginning Cyanotype class on Wednesday, July 15, from 1 to 4 p.m. Instructor Cat Bollinger will teach participants how to prepare, layer and finish cyanotype prints using sunlight. The class is open to ages 16 and older, is
limited to six participants, and all supplies are provided. Students are encouraged to wear old clothes or an apron and non-slip shoes. The registration fee is $45. To register, stop by or call the Seguin Art League Gallery at 830-305-0472 during gallery hours, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Job seekers are invited to meet with multiple local employers during a Job Fair hosted by the New Braunfels Food Bank and Workforce Solutions Alamo on Wednesday, July 22. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon upstairs at the New Braunfels Food Bank, located at 1620 S. Seguin Ave. in New Braunfels. Attendees are encouraged to bring copies of their resume and dress professionally for the opportunity to connect with area employers who are hiring.
CASA of Central Texas will host a free Foster Care Simulation from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, at Gruene United Methodist Church, 2629 E. Common St. in New Braunfels. Participants will experience the challenges and realities of the foster care system through an interactive simulation. Registration is required. For more information, visit casacentex.org.
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.
NOTICE TO
Notice is hereby given that original Letters of Testamentary for the Estate of Katherine Alston-Schintgen, Deceased, were issued on July 9, 2026, in Cause No. 2026-PC-0176, pending in the County Court of Guadalupe County, Texas, to: Michael Schintgen. All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. c/o: Frank B. Suhr - Attorney at Law - 473 S. Seguin Ave, Ste. 100, New Braunfels, Texas 78130 DATED the 9th day of July, 2026.
