July 15, 2026
Navarro ISD hosting firstever candidate orientation ahead of school board filing
(Geronimo) -- Navarro ISD is taking a new approach to help community members make informed decisions before seeking a seat on the district’s Board of Trustees.
For the first time, the district will host a School Board Candidate Orientation, giving anyone considering a run for the board an opportunity to learn about the responsibilities, expectations and time commitment of serving before the filing period officially opens.
Navarro ISD
Superintendent Dr. Mandy Epley says the orientation is designed to help prospective candidates understand exactly
what the role entails while also allowing those who are eventually elected to receive credit toward their required state training.
Epley says the district wants potential candidates to begin learning about the position before they ever file for office.
“We are having an orientation for candidates who would like to consider being school board members. They’re required 3 hours of local training once they do become board members. And so, we’re offering a two-hour training prior to filing that would count towards those hours to Board, pg. 3
Ranch Hand hiring event set for today
(Seguin) -- Looking for a job? Job seekers will have an opportunity to seek a new career this week as Ranch Hand hosts its first hiring event for its new Seguin facility.
The event is scheduled for today at the Seguin Public Library.
Interviews will be conducted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 4 to 6
p.m., with company officials encouraging applicants to stop by for an on-site interview.
The hiring event comes as Ranch Hand continues preparations for its new manufacturing operation in Seguin, a project expected to bring hundreds of jobs and a major economic investment to the community. Hiring, pg. 3
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
Christmas in July returns for Third Thursday
Special by Lindsay Hajek, assistant director of Main Street and Destination Seguin
(Seguin) -- Who says you have to wait until December to celebrate the holidays?
This month’s Third Thursday is bringing Christmas to the middle of summer on Thursday, July 16, from 4 to 8:00 p.m., as downtown businesses deck the halls with extended hours and holiday-themed promotions.
It may be Christmas in July, but one thing’s for sure, it’ll still feel like Texas in July. Take a break from the heat by stepping inside boutiques and specialty shops while discovering one-ofa-kind gifts, home décor, clothing, art, and more.
Third Thursdays are hosted by the Downtown Business Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting historic downtown Seguin. Each month features a different theme, giving shoppers a chance to explore local businesses, enjoy extended hours, and experience all that downtown has to offer.
Many Downtown Business Alliance member businesses will be participating, with favorites such as You’re So Crafty, Gift & Gourmet, The Mercantile, Southern Good, Southern Traditions, Keepers Interiors, Father Christmas, The Gathering Place, Big Chief Cigar Company, RE/ MAX GO, and many more. Be sure to follow your favorite downtown businesses on social media or join their loyalty programs to stay up to date on special offers, promotions, and upcoming events.
After shopping, grab dinner or a drink at one of
A Trio of RECOGNITIONS!
downtown’s locally owned restaurants or bars. Whether you’re in the mood for American classics, sushi, burgers, sandwiches, pizza, or a craft beer, you’ll find plenty of great options just a short walk from Central Park.
So dust off your Santa hat, throw on your favorite Hawaiian Christmas shirt, and celebrate Christmas in July with an evening of shopping, dining, and holiday fun.
To learn more about upcoming Downtown Business Alliance events, browse the membership directory, or become a member, visit the Downtown Business Alliance of Seguin website downtownseguin.com. You can also follow Downtown Seguin on Facebook for event updates, specials, and announcements.
During the Tuesday, July 7 Seguin City Council meeting, Mayor Donna Dodgen presented Walter Meriwether with the Distinguished Citizen Award.
Meriwether received the award for completing all 3 citizen academies offered by the City of Seguin - including the Citizens Police Academy, the Citizens Fire Academy and the Citizens Univer”City”.
To learn more about the academies and how you can become a Distinguished Citizen, visit:
Citizens Police Academy
Citizens Fire Academy
Citizens Univer City
City of Seguin
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Board, continued.
really understand what it is to be a board member,” said Epley.
The orientation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, in the Navarro Junior High Library, located in the former high school building at 6350 N. State Highway 123.
Epley says while many people may be interested in serving, they often don’t realize the level of commitment required until they’re already in the position.
She says serving on the board requires much more than attending monthly meetings.
“Like any opportunity, no one truly knows what it is until you’re in the role. But it is such a vital volunteer role for a community member that we want them to be very well aware of what being a board member is. What are the responsibilities? What is my role? What is the superintendent’s role? How do we communicate? What is the time that is expected of the role? There’s a lot of research and reading that has to happen before each monthly meeting. Sometimes our board packets are over 1000 pages long and it’s a arduous responsibility, but a very important one in local control,” said Epley.
Although Epley has always welcomed one-onone conversations with interested residents, she says this marks the district’s first organized effort to guide prospective candidates through the process.
Epley says the district wants everyone considering a run to have the information needed to determine
Hiring, continued.
The company is currently hiring for a variety of first and second shift positions, including Fab/Machine Operators, Team Leads, Finishing Technicians, E-Coat Operators, E-Coat Quality Technicians,
whether serving on the board is the right fit.
“In the past, I’ve always been open for anyone to come in and just meet with me one-on-one about what it does look like to be a board member. But this is our first organized opportunity to really take people and walk people through what is that process of being a board member? What’s the responsibility? They have 90 hours as a new board member of required state training on top of the three local hours with the district. So it is a huge responsibility. And As I like to say, they’re doing that all from the goodness of their heart because there is no pay for being a board member. And so, we’re excited about making sure that everyone in the community that’s interested has the facts about being a board member,” said Epley.
Navarro ISD will hold its Board of Trustees election on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Voters will elect four at-large trustees to four-year terms running from November 2026 through November 2030. Board members whose terms are expiring include Donna Gilliam, Dan Reinhard, Dr. Lacey Gosch and Joel Frederick.
The filing period for candidates opens July 20 and closes at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 17. Applications may be submitted in person, by mail, email or fax through the Navarro ISD Central Office. District offices are closed on Fridays during July.
Candidate applications, eligibility requirements and additional election information are available on the Navarro ISD website.
Maintenance Technicians, HR Representatives/Generalists and Fabrication Inspectors. Company officials say On-the-job training will be available for many positions.
Ranch hand will establish a new 400,000-square-foot manufacturing facility near Interstate 10.
Ranch Hand is known nationwide for manufacturing heavy-duty truck accessories, including grill guards and bumpers. Its products have been featured on popular television shows such as Yellowstone and Landman.
The library is located at 313 w. Nolte st.
VITAL STATISTICS
EVANS
Kenneth “Ken” Honore Walter Evans, age 84 of Seguin, Texas passed away on July 13, 2026, surrounded by his family. Ken was born in Terrace, British Columbia, Canada to Rosa Marie (Cote) and Kenneth Merrill Evans. At the age of six, he and his family moved to Montana where he grew up until graduating from Shelby High School.
After many years of Navy service and college at Texas State Technical College, he settled in the Texas hill country where he fell in love with Texas ranching and Texas culture. He spent many years ranching in San Saba and Seguin, Texas until 1980 when Ken married the love of his life, Dora Mae Alexander. Together they built a life of love and full devotion to each other for over 42 years.
Ken was exceptional as an engineer and entrepreneur who invented several items including the “Original Texas Fence Fixer®”. He was not only known in the agricultural industry for his Texas Fence Fixer® tool but also for his grit, humor and kindness. By heart, Ken was a man of God, a kind gentleman and a Texas cowboy who loved people wholeheartedly. He was known for his leadership, generosity and his love for the Lord as he spent his entire life always trying to help whether providing upward mobility opportunities to many, teaching invaluable life lessons, or donating money and time to those less fortunate. His servant heart also included teaching innumerous Bible
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
lessons and fostering several teenagers which led to the adoption of Audie Matheus, his son. In his spare time, he loved watching wildlife, writing poems, fishing and playing card games.
Ken is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dora (Alexander) Evans, his parents Kenneth Merrill Evans and Rosa (Cote) Yager, his sister Antoinette Evans, and his son Kent Evans.
Survivors include his son Audie Matheus and wife Melanie; his daughter Rose Deragon, daughters-in- law Tonya Evans, Dawn Fowler; sisters Leota Evans, Susan Evans, Lora Evans, and brother Thomas Evans; grandchildren, Natasha Silva and husband Oscar, Kyle Evans and wife Marie, Tyler Matheus, Landon Matheus; six great grandchildren; Amylia West, Azalynd Pena, Oscar Silva Jr, George Silva, Jayce Evans, Cassius Evans, his sister-in-law, Mabel Toussaint and husband Tom; his brother-in-law, Marion Alexander; many cherished nieces, nephews, and his dear friends at Kingsbury Baptist Church.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. followed by funeral services at 10:30 a.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel with the Reverend Manuel Casso officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at San Geronimo Cemetery in Seguin, Texas.
Serving as pallbearers will be Kyle Evans, Tyler Matheus, Landon Matheus, Robert McCall, Michael McCall, and Cameron Toussaint.
Memorial contributions can be donated to Kingsbury Baptist Church, P. O. Box 130, Kingsbury, Texas 78638.
You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Drive, Seguin, Texas 78155.
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.
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.
U.S. Measles Cases Outpacing 2025 Case Count
(Undated) -- The spread of measles in the U.S. this year is outpacing the case count for all of 2025. The CDC says it’s received reports of twothousand-231 confirmed cases of measles as of late last week. The U.S. is now less than 60 cases away from reaching last year’s total and it’s only July. The CDC found that 93-percent of cases in this year’s outbreak are linked to people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown. South Carolina is the state reporting the most cases this year with 670. Symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, watery eyes and runny nose, followed by a rash.
Lindsey Graham Dies At Age 71 From Aortic Dissection
(Washington, DC) -- The cause of death has been revealed for South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham. The 71-year-old lawmaker died suddenly on Saturday night. Graham’s communications director posted on “X” that the DC medical examiner said Graham died from aortic dissection. That’s a tear in the inner layer of the aorta, the body’s main artery.
NYC Legionnaires’ Cases Jump To 59
(New York, NY) -- The number of Legionnaires’ cases in New York City has grown to 59 with 15 people currently in the hospital. All of the cases have been confined to Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Mayor Zohran Mamdani is stressing that the tap water is safe to use for drinking, cooking and showering at the 31 buildings where cooling towers have tested positive for legionella bacteria. He also confirms that a building on the Upper West Side that has tested positive is unrelated to the Upper East Side cluster.
Pedigree Recalls Popular Dog Food
(Bethesda, MD) -- The FDA has recalled two lots of Pedigree canned wet food for dog, because it may contain sharp fragments of metal or plastic. The 13-point-two ounce cans of Pedigree High Protein Chopped Chicken and Duck failed quality control by parent company Mars Petcare and were supposed to be destroyed by a third party. Mars says instead, the food was fraudulently funneled back into the marketplace and sold to unknowing customers. The lots recalled are listed on the company’s website.
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.
MOBILE HOME FOR RENT: 2 bedroom/2 bath in Kingsbury, $1000 per month plus $1000 deposit. Call 830-832-2119.
