July 14, 2025
Welcome to Matador Country
Seguin ISD officially welcomes new district leadership
By Jakob Moreno, KWED/SDN intern and Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) -- The Seguin ISD Board of Trustees has officially named Dr. Jack Lee as the district’s next Superintendent. The announcement comes after the state-mandated 21-day waiting period of naming Dr. Lee as the lone finalist in June. The decision was unanimously approved last week during a special board meeting.
Dr. Lee comes to the Seguin ISD after having served as the superintendent of Bullard ISD.
In a show of Seguin pride and celebration, the Matador Band welcomed Dr. Lee into his new role with a performance of the fight song at Thursday night’s meeting -- a gesture that held special meaning for the former band director.
He says as someone who began his career in the band hall, he was proud to have been welcomed with music.
“I don’t know if it’s possible
to be more excited than I am right now. Talk about a warm welcome from the community, from our school board, from our students, from the band – you know, I’m a little partial to band kids as a former band director. That’s just one of the things that come with the territory. But I’m just super excited more than anything else. I’m just ready to get in here and become part of the Seguin ISD family, part of the Seguin community, be a part of Matador nation and make those things happen,” said Dr. Lee.
He says just like strong academics, he firmly believes in the value of extracurricular activities.
“If students are doing the things that they love and that’s what gets them to school and that’s what energizes them every single day so that we can still teach the English, Science, Math, Social Studies – all those things –Matador, pg. 3
Seguin Police seek public’s help identifying suspect in violent robbery and shooting
(Seguin) -- The Seguin Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect who allegedly was involved in a violent aggravated robbery and shooting that took place last month outside a local bar.
The incident occurred in the early morning hours of Saturday, June 21, at approximately 1:45 a.m. Seguin Police detectives say officers responded to a shooting in the parking lot of Carrigann’s Bar, located at 3535 SH 123 Bypass.
Upon arrival, officers found two victims who had been robbed and assaulted outside the bar. Both individuals reportedly suffered injuries resulting from the assault and shooting.
Investigators have since been working to identify all individuals involved and are now seeking the public’s assistance in identifying one particular suspect. They say that suspect was captured on surveillance footage.
The suspect is described as a black male in his late 20s to early 30s. He stands approximately 6 feet tall and weighs about 230-250 pounds. He was last seen wearing a browncolored shirt and black jeans. It is believed, according to police, that he lives in the San Antonio area.
They say the suspect was accompanied by three other individuals at the time of the incident.
Anyone who recognizes the suspect or has information about the crime is urged to contact the Seguin Police Department at (830) 379-2123. They may also submit a tip anonymously through the Guadalupe County Crime Stoppers by visiting www.gccsTIPS.org or by calling 1-877-
403-TIPS (8477).
Officials say tipsters may remain anonymous. Information provided and that leads to his arrest can also result in a cash reward.
GVEC recaps 2025 annual membership meeting
(Guadalupe County) – GVEC’s 2025 Annual Meeting took place on Thursday, June 26, in Seguin at the City of Seguin Coliseum. In all, 1,359 members participated: 171 in person and 1,188 by proxy.
Registration began at 5:30 p.m., with GVEC Board President Gary E. Birdwell calling the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Board Vice President Henry “Bubba” Schmidt Jr. delivered the invocation.
Before the business meeting began, members registered to vote and for prize drawings, enjoyed the traditional chili dog meal and browsed exhibits featuring GVEC products and services.
This year, two incumbent Directors were elected to a threeyear term on the GVEC Board of
Directors: Robert J. Werner was reelected to serve another term as District 1 Director, and Shawn Martinez was reelected to serve another term as District 4 Director. Two new Director-Candidates, Dale Koehler of Marion and Timothy Boswell of Yoakum, were elected for a three-year term to serve Districts 7 and 10, respectively. The incoming Directors are filling the seats of longtime District 7 Director and past Vice President Melvin Strey and District 10 Director Don Williams. The outgoing Directors Strey and Williams were recognized for their combined 80 years of dedicated service to GVEC and its members.
The Annual Meeting Video, titled “Powering Progress,” highlighted the
Cooperative’s ongoing commitment to strategic planning and responsive service to its members in a growing region. The video reflected on the past year’s achievements while looking ahead to a bright, memberfocused future.
The “Members to be Heard” portion of the meeting provided members with the opportunity to participate in a general Q&A session with President Birdwell and General Manager and CEO Darren Schauer.
A special presentation of GVEC’s Public Service Awards (PSA) also took place during the evening. The tradition began in 1986 to recognize individuals, businesses and organizations for their outstanding community service.
GVEC, pg. 3
Special Shari Johnson, GVEC staff writer
Matador, continued.
that’s what we have to emphasize. That’s what we have to leverage. We need kids to have opportunities to be a part of something larger, to be a part of something that has meaning, that has value for them -- that’s welcoming to them and so that’s what band is, that’s what athletics is, AG, CTE courses – all of that and so we want our kids to participate. I want our kids to participate in those things and it’s just exciting to see them live out part of their passion at this young age as they do some of that. You can tell that from the band kids playing the fight song. They are passionate about what they are doing. It’s an exciting time for them to be in high school to be able to partake in everything so it’s exiting for them,” said Dr. Lee
Dr. Lee’s background includes stints as an assistant principal and band director in Hillsboro ISD, principal and later superintendent of Blooming Grove ISD, and most recently, five years as superintendent at Bullard ISD.
He says the first order of business as he moves into his new role is to make sure the Seguin ISD community is heard.
“Listening and learning more than anything else –it’s just part of leadership especially when you are the new guy coming in. You’ve got to learn as much as you
GVEC, continued.
All members are invited to nominate a deserving individual or organization making a positive difference in the GVEC region.
GVEC’s 2025 Individual PSA went to Wilfred Bartoskewitz of Geronimo. Bartoskewitz and his family have dedicated themselves to their community through various volunteer organizations, most notably by establishing the Texas Agricultural Education and Heritage Center and through significant donations that support youth and community projects. Bartoskewitz’s commitment to service has earned him numerous accolades, including the Texas 4-H Salute to Excellence Award, the Community Champion Award from the San Antonio Livestock Show & Rodeo and the Seguin Chamber Community Service Award.
GVEC’s 2025 Organizational PSA went to the SCUC Education Foundation, serving the SchertzCibolo-Universal City area. The VP of Finance & Governance Angel Shackelford and Secretary Jessica Klinge accepted the award on behalf
can from people – what’s important to our community, what’ important to our school district so that we can make sure that those values are what we are emphasizing the most and so the first phase is listening and learning more than anything else,” said Dr. Lee.
Dr. Lee, who is a native of Whitney, Texas, holds a Bachelor and Master of Music in Music Education from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Doctor of Education from Texas A&M University-Commerce.
Although he was hired Thursday night, Dr. Lee will officially begin his new role today (Monday) with a three-year contract approved by the Seguin ISD Board of Trustees. His annual salary is set at $230,000 a year.
During the meeting, trustees also took time to thank key figures and organizations for their assistance during the superintendent search process, including the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), Seguin city leaders, and the local community for their feedback and support.
Special recognition was also given to Interim Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer Elizabeth Banks for her leadership during the transition.
Also joining the Matador Family will be his wife, Jessica, and their two children, 14-year-old Jackson and 10-year-old Emmy.
of the Foundation. The organization was recognized for its outstanding dedication to enhancing education through classroom grants and student programs. The Foundation was named Non-Profit of the Year by The Chamber (Schertz-Cibolo-
Selma) and recognized by the Texas Education Foundation Network for their scholarship program.
Members can view the Annual Report as well as the video presentation online at www.gvec. org.
Another day, another superintendent. I know once the selection is made, everyone is happy, jumping up and down, slapping each other in the back but, in reality, it sets our students behind two years or more as a new approach, new ideas are slowly “taught” to our educators and then, implemented. Our educators are belittled and our students are confused.
I hope we have learned our lesson when hiring a new superintendent. Don’t, please don’t allow him to hire his family, his little buds, his co-workers from his last district. We’ve been there, done that. Obviously it doesn’t work.
If they had the answers and were so successful in their last district, they would still be there. They would not be looking for a job! Every district is different!
What we need is a leader that will really listen to the educators we have now. Meeting with them, learning from them. Finding out what is working
and what needs to be improved or discarded.
We have so many experienced, dedicated, intelligent educators already employed. Seek their wisdom! Let’s grow our leaders from our ranks. Train them, promote them. They know our students, our families. Every 3 to 5 years we do not need people who don’t know anything about Seguin, our culture, our history coming in to “educate us”! If we are serious about educating our children, our future, then let’s learn to grow from the caring professionals we already have in place. They have been caring for so many years.
Rene S. Ramos Class of 72
Retired Navy Retired SISD educator
VITAL STATISTICS
Arce
Lilia “Lilly” Mireles Arce, a devoted mother, grandmother, and woman of faith, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2025, surrounded by her loving children. She was 89 years old.
Born in San Ygnacio, Texas, on October 18, 1935, Lilia lived a life of strength, love, and quiet determination. After the passing of her husband in 1977, she took on the role of both mother and father, raising her three children — Cindy Arce Shaddix, Alfredo Arce and Rene Arce — with courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication.
Lilia built a strong career as a bank teller, working tirelessly to provide for her family. Her work ethic and resilience were an inspiration to all who knew her.
A devoted Catholic, Lilia lived her faith daily and raised her children with the same values that guided her: kindness, compassion, humility, and strength. Her deep belief in God sustained her through life’s challenges and was evident in the way she loved and cared for others.
Preceding her in death is her husband, Alfredo Arce, her daughter, Diana Arce, her parents, Vivana (Gutierrez) and Francisco Mireles, her brothers, Ricardo Mireles, Francisco Mireles, and Adrian Mireles, and sister, Angelina M. Wise.
She is survived by her three children, Cindy Shaddix and husband, Tom, Alfredo Arce and wife Vickie and Rene Arce; her cherished grandsons: Xan Arce, Quinton Arce, and Gavin Shaddix; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and close friends; and her beloved pets, Chico and Sophie. Her legacy of love, faith, and perseverance lives on in them.
Barnett
James Roy Barnett, age 72 of Selma, passed away on May 29, 2025. Roy was born on February 16, 1953 in Beebe, Arkansas to Virginia (Ferguson) and Forrest Barnett.
Roy grew up in San Antonio and graduated from Roosevelt High School Class of 1971. He has owned and operated the Deer Crossing Saloon in Selma since 1997. Roy was a past member of the Evolution Motorcycle Club in Schertz. Currently he enjoyed “Vintage Cars”.
Her warm smile and infectious laughter brought comfort to friends and family alike, and her home was always a welcoming place filled with care, conversation, and the aroma of homemade meals.
Often found with a cup of coffee in one hand and a cigarette in the other, Lilia continued to nurture those around her with wisdom, encouragement, and unconditional love. The lives she touched will forever be enriched by her kindness and the example she set of faith, generosity, and quiet strength. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit endures in every act of compassion and every echo of laughter shared in her memory.
Lilia will be remembered not only for her gentle spirit and steady presence but also for the sacrifices she made and the lives she shaped with grace and quiet dignity.
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel with remarks at 6 p.m. Visitation will resume on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church at 10 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at St. James Catholic Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers will be Xan Arce, Quinto Arce, Gavin Shaddix, Bobby Wise, Francisco Mireles, and Lark Miller.
A reception will be announced.
The family would like to thank Maria Mancinas, Norma Garza and Advanced Hospice for their loving care.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, https://www.communityfoundation.net.
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.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Steve.
He is survived by his niece Jennifer Long and husband Joshua Hanson; nephew, Joshua Barnett and wife Lacey; five great nieces and nephews; life partner, Janis Hawthorne; business associate and friend, Kristy Reinhard; other loving family members and a host of friends.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the Deer Crossing Saloon, 4810 FM 1518, Selma, Texas, 78154.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.
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.
Study FInds Antidepressant Withdrawal Not Severe
(London) -- A new study finds most people don’t experience severe withdrawal when they quit taking antidepressants. The study out of the UK found that while people quitting antidepressants did experience more withdrawal symptoms than those on placebos, they weren’t found to be that serious. They included issues like dizziness, nausea and nervousness. A relapse of depression was not noted during withdrawal.
West
Baltimore
Sees Over Two Dozen Overdoses
(Baltimore, MD) -- At least 25 people have been hospitalized after a mass overdose event in West Baltimore. Five people are in critical condition. Mayor Brandon Scott says officials have not determined the exact source of the overdoses and the incident remains under investigation. Fire and EMS crews called to the scene Thursday morning found several overdose victims and began to search for others. Mayor Scott says first responders and community partners remain on the ground distributing Narcan, test strips and other harm reduction resources.
Mexico’s President Blasts Decision To Stop Cattle Imports
(Mexico City) -- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum says the U.S. is over-reacting to the threat of a flesh-eating cattle parasite. Sheinbaum on Thursday told reporters that the U.S. decision to close the border again to Mexican cattle imports is overblown. She said that decision was sparked by a single case of the New World screwworm. The screwworm is a parasitic fly that the U.S. declared eliminated here in 1966. New cases in Mexico prompted a shutdown of cattle imports from November to February, and again in May. A port of entry in Arizona was set to open Monday but now that’s been put on hold. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has been working with Mexico to stop the insect.
California
May
Ban Glittery Cosmetics By 2029
(Sacramento, CA) -- California may soon ban plastic glitter in cosmetics and personal care products to reduce environmental microplastics. A new bill would prohibit the sale of items like eyeshadows, nail polishes, and lotions that contain plastic glitter or tiny beads. It would mark an expansion of a 2015 law banning plastic beads in rinse-off products. The proposed ban would also cover household cleaners. Microplastics are linked to health risks including heart disease and cancer.
July
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 830303-6612. Tickets are $15 at the door.
Celebration of Life Rally and Family Fun Day
The Precious Life organization will be hosting the Celebration of Life Rally and Family Fun Day from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on July 26 at the Seguin Elks Lodge, located at 1331 C. H. Matthias Jr. Admission is free, and the event will feature free games, entertainment, and door prizes for the first 100 children. Vendor opportunities are available at no charge. For
more information, call 830-372-5980.
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.
Gabe Galvan Band
The Silver Center will be hosting Gabe Galvan Band at 7:30 p.m. on August 22nd 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.
September
Bimbo
The Silver Center will be hosting Bimbo at 7:30 p.m. on September 12th at the Crystal Chandelier Ballroom. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Presale tickets are $10 by calling 830303-6612. Tickets are $15 at the door.
Gabe Galvan Band – September 26
The Silver Center will be hosting Gabe Galvan
Band at 7:30 p.m. on September 26th 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.
October
The Merles
The Silver Center will be hosting The Merles Band at 7:30 p.m. on October 10th 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.
Gabe Galvan Band
The Silver Center will be hosting the Gabe Galvan Band at 7:30 p.m. on October 24th 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.
Riverside Cemetery Tour
Representatives of the Seguin Women’s Clubs will be hosting the Riverside Cemetery Tour on Saturday, October 26. This year’s tour highlights the stories of women who lived and worked alongside the men who established the Seguin community. Guests will meet historical figures among the shady Live Oaks at their gravesites and hear firsthand accounts of life along the Guadalupe River, from early days to recent history. Ticket proceeds benefit the Delphians, Seguin Study, and Shakespeare clubs, supporting the upkeep of their historic meeting house built in 1903. -------------------
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.
