July 14, 2026
Navarro ISD Trustees extend superintendent’s contract following strong annual evaluation
(Geronimo) -- Citing strong progress across the district, the Navarro ISD Board of Trustees has unanimously extended Superintendent Dr. Mandy Epley’s contract for an additional three years.
The vote was made during a special board meeting following Dr. Epley’s annual performance evaluation. Five of the district’s seven trustees were present for the meeting,
The board’s evaluation found that the district made significant progress toward goals established by the board, including teacher retention, student achievement, employee satisfaction and long-term planning for the district’s continued growth.
Evaluation, pg. 3
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
Guadalupe County Constables successfully end high-speed pursuit
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Cibolo) -- A high-speed pursuit that began with a traffic stop for speeding Thursday afternoon crossed multiple jurisdictions before ending in Cibolo with the arrest of a San Antonio man.
According to the Guadalupe County Constable’s Office Precinct 3, the incident began at approximately 1:20 p.m. Thursday when a deputy attempted to stop a Lexus sedan for speeding in the 1400 block of Cibolo Valley Drive.
Authorities say the driver failed to pull over and instead fled north on Cibolo Valley Drive before entering Interstate 35 northbound. Constable Darrell Large and two additional Precinct 3 deputies joined the pursuit as it continued into Comal County.
The suspect exited Interstate 35 at Engel Road, turned around, and re-entered the interstate heading south. A deputy with Guadalupe County Constable’s Office Precinct 4 joined the pursuit and successfully deployed a spike strip after the vehicle exited at FM 1518, flattening one of the vehicle’s tires.
Despite the damaged tire, the driver continued along FM 1518 before traveling east on FM 78 into Cibolo. During the pursuit, deputies with the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office and a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper joined the chase.
The pursuit came to an end at the intersection of FM 78 and Main Street in Cibolo.
Authorities identified the driver as Fazion Sykes, who allegedly resisted arrest before being taken into custody. Sykes was transported to Guadalupe Regional Medical Center for evaluation before being booked into the Guadalupe County Jail.
He is charged with evading arrest or detention with a motor vehicle, resisting arrest, search or transportation, reckless driving, and possession of marijuana under two ounces.
Wanted Wednesday fugitive behind bars
(Seguin) -- After being featured on a Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office social media site, a wanted fugitive has found himself behind bars.
Authorities say its “Wanted Wednesday” post featured 24-year-old Amir Delonde, who was wanted on an active warrant for sexual assault. Later that same day, members of the Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Apprehension Unit, with assistance from the Guadalupe County Adult Probation Office, located and arrested Delonde.
The sheriff’s office says Delonde was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Guadalupe County Adult Detention Center.
The Wanted Wednesday campaign helps generate public awareness about fugitives and supports law enforcement efforts to safely locate and apprehend wanted individuals.
The Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to continue following its official social media pages to stay informed about Wanted Wednesday posts and other public safety information.
Authorities also remind the public not to approach wanted individuals and to report information to law enforcement instead.
Evaluation, continued.
Among the highlights, Navarro ISD reported an estimated teacher turnover rate of just 6.4 percent, well below its goal of keeping turnover under 15 percent. The district also maintained a 100 percent graduation rate for the 202526 school year while increasing its College, Career and Military Readiness rate from 71 percent to 95 percent.
Student participation also increased in several programs. Fine Arts enrollment at the secondary level grew by 14 percent, junior high Career and Technical Education participation increased by 45 percent, and high school students earned 186 industry-based certifications compared to 95 the previous year.
Employee surveys also reflected strong support for the district, with 98 percent of staff reporting they are proud to work for Navarro ISD and 94 percent saying they would recommend the district to others.
Board President Melissa Sartain says the board believes Dr. Epley’s leadership has helped move the district forward.
Sartain says the board’s evaluation showed Dr. Epley continues to deliver results while keeping students at the center of every decision. In a written statement to the Seguin Daily News, Sartain says “Dr. Epley has systematically addressed actions that move us toward meeting or exceeding established goals. Where we have room to refine, Dr. Epley already has shared targeted action plans to continually improve. She has fostered a culture of studentfocused outcomes for their whole Navarro experience.”
Dr. Epley says she is grateful for the board’s confidence and remains committed to serving the district.
“I’m very blessed to be able to continue to serve this amazing community. I’m thrilled to continue being the superintendent of an amazing fast growth community that is still very much attracted to the traditional values and historical roots of this community. And to
be able to be a steward of that is just an amazing responsibility and something that I’m very proud of,” said Epley.
Epley says the contract extension reflects the teamwork that exists throughout Navarro ISD.
”It is a confirmation that the listening and collaborating that has been done not only with our staff and our families and the community, but also with the school board to create a very transparent set of visioning statements, commitments, and ultimately this year we started our first board and superintendent goals. And will be continuing to adapt those to continue to excel once we meet a goal, challenge ourselves to the next goal. And that collaborative process, I think, has really given us confidence to know that we’re all rowing in the same direction, you know, as a community, as a staff, as leadership, and I include our board in that,” said Epley.
Epley says part of the success for the district is also embracing the challenges that come with moving
forward.
“It’s a celebration, but it’s also a challenge to take it to the next level. And that’s something I take very seriously. I know our whole team does that we are stewards of the great traditions that are Navarro ISD and how we maintain those, how we expand those for our kids and the future families that will join this great district. That’s a tremendous mission for us. And I think we’re all excited to continue on that journey with a consistent leadership team,” said Epley.
The board also noted that Dr. Epley’s influence is growing beyond the Navarro ISD. She was recently elected by fellow superintendents to serve on the Region 20 Executive Regional Advisory Council, appointed to a two-year term on the Texas Association of School Administrators Professional Learning Committee, and accepted into the prestigious 2026-27 Superintendent Academy.
Epley began her career as the superintendent for the Navarro ISD in April of 2023.
VITAL STATISTICS
HODGKINS
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.
BRANTLEY
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.
CDC: Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Spread To Over Half Of The U.S.
(Atlanta, GA) -- Federal health authorities say an outbreak of an intestinal illness caused by a parasite has spread to 31 states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it had received reports of more than 840 cases of cyclosporiasis [[ seye-kloh-spore-eye-sis ]] as of last Thursday. The CDC says there have been nearly 90 hospitalizations nationally but no deaths. The areas hit the hardest by the outbreak appear to be in the Midwest and Northeast, including Michigan and New York.
July 4th Measles Exposure At Philadelphia International Airport
(Philadelphia, PA) -- Someone infected with measles walked through the Philadelphia International Airport on July 4th. It happened between 7:30 and 11:15 a.m. on our nation’s 50th birthday and that person was in Terminals A, B and C. Philadelphia health officials are urging people who may have been exposed to check their vaccination status and watch for symptoms of this highly contagious airborne disease. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes, followed by a rash.
Legionnaires Bacteria Found At Co-Op On Manhattan Upper West Side
(New York, NY) -- Legionella bacteria has been found at a chic co-op on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. The Ardsley on Central Park West in the nineties decided to test their cooling tower even though the Legionnaires’ outbreak has been confined to the Upper East Side. When they discovered the bacteria that causes the disease, they notified residents, saying they plan to flush out and disinfect the hot water system on Thursday. New York City has ordered 31 East Side buildings that have tested positive to do the same. There are more than 50 confirmed Legionnaires’ cases. No deaths. And no cases reported on the Upper West Side.
CDC: US Citizen In Congo Tests Positive For Ebola
(Atlanta, GA) -- A U.S. citizen working for a humanitarian organization in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has tested positive for the Ebola virus. The CDC announced the test results on Friday. Federal health officials say they are working with the patient’s organization and other agencies in the Congo to help prevent further spread.
Welcome Cardiologist Ronnie Garcia,
VITAL STATISTICS
SULLIVAN
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.
Kids Summer Art Classes
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.
Clay Sculpture Class
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.
Jury Cancellation Notices
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.
Beginning Cyanotype Class
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.
New Braunfels Food Bank Job Fair
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 Foster Care Simulation
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 CREDITORS: Notice is hereby given that original Letters of Testamentary for the Estate of Katherine AlstonSchintgen, 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.
MOBILE HOME FOR RENT: 2 bedroom/2 bath in Kingsbury, $1000 per month plus $1000 deposit. Call 830-832-2119.
