SDN: July 15, 2025

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July 15, 2025

Seguin Mayor to be honored with special recognition

(Seguin) -- Seguin Mayor Donna Dodgen is getting another distinguished title.

The Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce is naming Dodgen the 2025 Guadalupe County Woman of Influence Award recipient.

The announcement was recently made during the Seguin City Council meeting by Chamber President

Chester Jenke.

Jenke says Dodgen was chosen for her many contributions to the community over the years.

“Mayor Dodgen currently serves as the chair of the Northeast Partnership for Economic Development and sits on the board of directors for the Alamo Area Council of Governments. Her past leadership includes

service on the Seguin-Schertz Local Government Cooperation Board, the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce Board, Zonta International District ten, and Emmanuel Lutheran Church. As a graduate of multiple community leadership programs, Donna is one of six rare, distinguished citizens,” said Jenke. Mayor, pg. 3

Photo courtesy City of Seguin

GRMC to be recognized nationally for Best Place to Work honor

National award reflects a culture of care benefiting employees, patients
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera

(Seguin) -- Guadalupe Regional Medical Center (GRMC) has once again earned national recognition as one of Modern Healthcare’s 2025 Best Places to Work in Healthcare. This marks the 7th consecutive year GRMC has received the prestigious award – an award that illustrates its commitment to a workplace culture built on engagement, empowerment, and patient-centered care.

“Being recognized as a 2025 Best Place to Work in Healthcare is a powerful testament to how these organizations value their people,” said Modern Healthcare President Dan Peres. “In a time of constant change and challenge, this year’s winners have shown a deep commitment to creating environments where employees feel supported, heard, and inspired to do their best work. That kind of culture doesn’t happen by accident — it’s intentional, and it’s worth celebrating.”

The award, however, is more than just a title. According to Faye Bennett, GRMC vice president of employee services, it reflects a system where employee satisfaction directly translates to better care for patients. High employee engagement, low turnover, and a positive work environment help retain experienced healthcare professionals and ensure consistency and compassion in patient care.

“We are profoundly grateful to receive this prestigious acknowledgment from Modern Healthcare for the seventh consecutive year,” said Bennett. “Year after year, our dedicated team at GRMC shines bright, earning us esteemed recognition as one of the industry’s best places to work. Their talent, compassion, and unwavering commitment to patient care define our exceptional workplace culture.”

According to Bennett, the recognition is not only a source of pride for employees, but a tool used in recruitment.

“I think it helps us when we’re recruiting employees. It is on our website, and applicants do notice that. It’s also a boost for our employees. It’s a sense of pride for them because they walk through here and they know that they are working for an employer that’s nationally recognized… And now, we’re

competing with the big guys… But I think the thing that we can do is we can actually show them that we care about them. And it’s just part of our culture.”

This unique practice and overall culture that sets GRMC apart, according to Bennett are no accident. She says it’s intentionally nurtured through programs like GRMC’s Employer of Choice Team. She says the team includes a group of 12 employees from diverse roles and backgrounds who serve as mentors and connection points for new hires.

“They are kind of a welcoming committee… and they meet with every new hire,” said Bennett. “When that new employee has been here 60 days, they sit down, and they have a one-on-one interview with that employee. And I think that sets us apart.”

Bennett says GRMC boasts a 95 percent engagement score and a low 13 percent turnover rate. She says these numbers are impressive considering that the hospital industry is known for burnout and staffing challenges.

“That says a lot because I think nationally, [turnover] might be around 20 percent or above,” said Bennett.

Bennett credits CEO Robert Haynes for embedding a people-first mindset throughout the hospital.

“He places great importance on relationships and trust. And that goes from the governing board to the volunteers. We strive to make employees feel empowered to make decisions and feel like they’re owners, not renters,” said Bennett. “We start at orientation, and we carry it through when we have employee forums and different meetings and one-on-ones with staff — that each day you have an opportunity to make a difference, no matter how big or how small.”

GRMC’s final ranking on the Modern Healthcare list will be revealed during the Best Places to Work in Healthcare Awards Gala scheduled for October 8 in Nashville, TN.

The full list of winners is already available online at ModernHealthcare.com/bestplaceslist. The recognition will also appear in the October 13, 2025, issue of Modern Healthcare magazine.

Public invited to help shape Seguin’s transportation future

(Seguin)-- The city of Seguin is inviting the community to take the wheel in shaping the future of local roads, sidewalks, and other transportation programs.

The public is invited to attend this week’s public meeting for the Transportation + Mobility Master Plan (TMMP).

The meeting is being hosted this Thursday by the city of Seguin Capital Projects & Engineering Department.

City officials say the meeting will highlight proposed improvements for: Active transportation, including sidewalks, bike lanes, and trails Key intersections throughout the city

Future corridors to support Seguin’s continued growth

Mayor, continued.

Officials say this open-house style meeting allows residents to drop in at their convenience as there will be no formal presentation, no speeches. They say it will just be an opportunity to engage with maps and exhibits. Plus, the city staff will be ready to listen.

City leaders say the meeting will be a chance for citizens to voice their opinions. They say

Jenke says Dodgen’s contributions extend well beyond her official duties as mayor. He says she regularly finds other ways to give back to this community.

“On any given day – yes, even weekends, you’ll find Donna out and about championing local events, emceeing ceremonies, cheering on local sports teams or representing Seguin at regional meetings and conferences. Her bright smile, infectious laugh, boundless energy and trademark hugs have made her a beloved local icon. Donna is affectionately dubbed as the Queen of Seguin, a title she wears with grace, humor and heart,” said Jenke.

Jenke says the chamber’s Women’s Council selected Mayor Dodgen as this year’s award recipient, and she will be formally recognized during an event later this month.

“For these reasons and many more, Mayor Dodgen has been selected by the Seguin Chamber Women’s Council as a Guadalupe County Woman of Influence Award recipient for the 2025 conference which will be held July 31st, 2025. Congratulations, mayor. Thank you. Thank you so very much,” said Jenke.

Tickets for the 2025 Texas Women of Influence Conference are currently available online at seguinchamber.com.

The tickets are $75 each and include a full-day conference, with the theme “Unleashing Your Inner Superhero.” The conference includes special guest speakers and networking opportunities.

community feedback is essential in planning for the future.

As the city experiences rapid growth, they say updating the TMMP ensures Seguin remains connected, safe, and accessible for all.

The city emphasizes that this process is a shared effort and a chance for everyone to be part of the solution.

The meeting will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Utilities Operations Training Room located at 3027 N. Austin St.

Those who can’t attend in person are still encouraged to check out the information and other materials plus provide feedback online at www.SeguinMobility. com.

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

Sabedra

Jacinto Sabedra passed away at 80 years old. Survivors include children: Gabriel, Margarita and Valentina Sabedra. Brother: Juan Sabedra and sister Dominga Maldonado. Funeral services will held Wednesday July 16, 2025 at 10am at Crenshaw Funeral Home Chapel. Burial to follow at San Geronimo Cemetery

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.

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.

Arizona Patient Dies From Plague

(Flagstaff, AZ) -- Health officials in Arizona say a person is dead from the plague. The unidentified patient came into the emergency room at the hospital in Flagstaff and died the same day. Testing results confirmed Friday that the person died from pneumonic plague, caused by the same bacterium as the bubonic plague that devastated Europe in the 14th Century. Pneumonic plague effects the lungs, whereas bubonic plague affects the lymph nodes. It was the first death from pneumonic plague recorded in the region since 2007.

Schumer Demands RFK Jr. Declare Measles Emergency

(Undated) -- Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer is demanding Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declare a nationwide emergency over rising measles cases. In a July 11th letter, Schumer wrote, “You have walked our country into the nation’s largest measles outbreak in 33 years.” According to the CDC, measles cases have spiked this year with over 12-hundred confirmed cases in 39 states that have resulted in three deaths. The majority of cases are in unvaccinated people.

CDC: Tick Bites Sending More People To ER

(Washington, DC) -- New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says this summer is one of the worst tick seasons. The CDC’s Tick Bite Data Tracker says emergency room visits related to tick bites have jumped, reaching their highest point in five years nationally. The CDC reported that by July 6th the number of emergency room visits for tick bites had already exceeded nearly ten years of records for the month. Young children and people over the age of 70 made up most of those ER visits.

Bondi Announces Dismissal Of Charges Against Plastic Surgeon

(Washington, D.C) -- Attorney General Pam Bondi announced today that she is dismissing the criminal charges against a Utah plastic surgeon who was on trial for allegedly issuing fake COVID-19 vaccine cards. Dr. Michael Kirk Moore was indicted by the Justice Department in 2023. Moore, his medical corporation and three co-defendants were accused of destroying over 28-thousand-dollars worth of government-provided COVID-19 vaccines, along with distributing at least 19-hundred falsely marked COVID-19 doses on vaccine cards in exchange for cash or donations to a charitable organization. Moore pleaded not guilty to the charges.

School

Physicals

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.

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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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