July 16, 2026
Seguin Fire Chief to retire after 48-year career in fire service
(Seguin) -- After more than 48 years in the fire service, including the last 13 and a half years leading the Seguin Fire Department, Fire Chief Dale Skinner has announced his retirement.
Skinner recently shared the news in a social media post and confirmed his decision with KWED Radio and the Seguin Daily News. He is currently on accrued leave for the remainder of the month and will officially retire on July 31.
Skinner says the decision comes after nearly five decades of public service and a desire to focus on his family.
“It was just time. We all reach a point in our lives where you just realize that it’s time. There’s been a lot of struggles with my family over the last several years, and it’s time to dedicate my life to my family instead of my career,” said Skinner.
Although he is stepping away from the department, Skinner says Seguin will remain home.
“When I got here, I knew then that this is where I wanted to end my career, and the last 13 and a half years has been a blessing to me and my family. I wouldn’t trade a moment of it. We still live in this community. I still want to be a part of this community. I’ll miss the camaraderie of the fire service, but I’m not gone,” said Skinner. Chief, pg. 2
County Clerk wants to help residents obtain birth certificates, warns about online scams
(Seguin) -- Guadalupe County Clerk Teresa Kiel is reminding residents that getting a certified birth certificate should be simple, affordable and secure.
Kiel says her office has seen an increasing number of people unknowingly paying excessive fees to third-party websites that appear legitimate but are not affiliated with
Guadalupe County.
Kiel says residents should avoid unofficial websites when requesting vital records.
“What we’re seeing is multiple online agencies, charging outrageous amounts, and we don’t really know if those agencies are legitimate or not.
Certificates, pg 3.
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
New Braunfels resident becomes Texas’ newest millionaire
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(New Braunfels) -- A New Braunfels resident is $20 million richer after claiming the final top prize in one of the Texas Lottery’s biggest scratch-off games.
According to the Texas Lottery, the anonymous winner recently claimed the last remaining $20 million grand prize in the $20 Million Supreme scratch-off game. The winning ticket was purchased at the H-E-B store located at 2965 Interstate 35 North in New Braunfels.
Chief, continued.
During his years of service, much of Skinner’s contribution to the department was preparing it for the city’s significant growth. He says one of his proudest accomplishments was expanding the department to meet those needs.
“When I got here, each shift had 14 personnel assigned to it. Today, each shift has 23 assigned to each shift,” said Skinner.
He says much of his success was also the addition of key leadership positions, including an assistant fire chief, EMS training battalion chief, EMS lieutenant, deputy fire marshal and two fire inspectors. Skinner says the department has also replaced its aging fleet with new apparatus and equipment.
Among the projects closest to his heart is the future Fire Station No. 4, a goal he says he set out years ago.
“Fire Station Four was a goal of mine a long time ago, and that’s finally coming to fruition. Hopefully, there’ll be fire trucks running out of it in about a year and a half,” said Skinner.
Skinner also took pride in preserving the department’s rich history. He recalled being inspired
by the Seguin Fire Museum when he first visited the city and later worked with Leadership Seguin to make the museum ADA accessible and more available to the public.
Looking ahead, Skinner says he hopes the department continues to respoinsibly grow -- meeting the needs of all residents.
“My hope is the fire department continues growing with the demand of service -- Station Five and then Six later on in life. I believe I laid the groundwork for all of that, and
I hope they just continue with that mission,” said Skinner.
While retirement will include more trips to the Texas coast, Skinner says he will continue calling Seguin home.
The city is expected to formally recognize Skinner’s retirement later this month.
Meanwhile, Assistant Fire Chief Garrick Herbert is currently serving as acting fire chief while city officials determine the department’s permanent leadership.
Certificates, continued.
The only real legitimate way is to either go to the state, Department of State Health Services or our office to get a birth certificate,” said Kiel.
She says Guadalupe County does partner with VitalChek, the county’s only authorized online provider, which charges a $13.95 identity verification fee in addition to the state-mandated birth certificate fee. While residents can also request records by mail, Kiel says the online option is often the fastest.
She says the biggest concern is that many unofficial websites charge customers anywhere from $30 to $150 simply to process an application before residents must still obtain the actual certificate from the county.
“Be careful of any of those online services that are charging the fees, because they’re charging anywhere from $30 to $150 just to take your application, and then you have to print it out and bring it in yourself. So it’s really not a service to the customer,” said Kiel.
The cost of a certified birth certificate through the Guadalupe County Clerk’s Office is $23.
Kiel says another common misconception is that residents must travel back to the county where they were born to obtain a birth certificate. She says that’s not the case.
“I am a local registrar for the State of Texas, which means that I can issue birth certificates from any county in Texas. So if you were born in Gonzales and need your birth certificate in Guadalupe County, you can come by the office and we can issue. If it’s registered with the state...
I can get birth certificates anywhere in the state of Texas. But it’s best to come into the office,” said Kiel.
She also warns residents not to provide sensitive personal information before knowing exactly who they are dealing with or what they will be charged.
“A lot of the places are requiring you to put your personal information in the system before they tell you what the fees are. Don’t ever do that. Be careful of doing that,” said Kiel.
Residents have three official options for obtaining a certified Texas birth certificate through the Guadalupe County Clerk’s Office. Applications can be submitted in person at the Seguin office, located at 211 W. Court Street, or the Schertz office at 1101 Elbel Road. Requests may also be submitted by mail using forms available on the Guadalupe County Clerk’s website, or online through VitalChek, the county’s only authorized online service provider.
Birth records prior to 1950 are not available through the online system.
Applicants must present a valid government-issued photo ID and may request their own birth certificate or that of an immediate family member. Certified birth certificates are commonly needed for passports, driver’s licenses, school enrollment and other legal purposes.
Kiel says residents with questions should contact the County Clerk’s Office before using an unfamiliar website.
“Just give us a call. That’s the easiest way. We can answer all kinds of questions over the phone.”
For more information, contact the Guadalupe County Clerk’s Office at 830-303-8863.
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
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.
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.
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.
Lettuce, Salad Greens May Be Source Of Michigan’s Diarrhea Outbreak
(Detroit, MI) -- Lettuce or salad greens may be the source of Michigan’s Cyclosporiasis [[ seye-kloh-spore-eye-sis ]] outbreak. It’s a parasitic illness that can cause intense diarrhea. Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the state’s chief medical executive, says that early information has shown “lettuce as a common product that regularly comes up during the investigation.” The finding applies only to Michigan, which has had over two-thousand cases so far. Michigan health officials are telling consumers to avoid prepackaged salads and instead get and thoroughly rinse individual heads of lettuce.
Trial Shows Reduction In Agitation In Dementia Patients in Hospice
(New York, NY) -- A medical trial shows a new cannabis-related treatment helps reduce agitation in people in hospice. The Alzheimer’s Association says a combination of CBD and THC rapidly and significantly reduce agitation in patients with dementia who are receiving hospice care. Agitation is a common symptom characterized by emotional distress, excessive motor activity and verbal or physical tension. The lead investigator for the trial, Dr. Jacobo Mintzer calls it a major step forward in treatment for a population that has been historically overlooked in clinical research.
Private Lawsuits Linking Tylenol To Autism Revived By US Appeals Court
(New York, NY) -- A federal appeals court in New York is reviving more than 500 private lawsuits against Tylenol maker Kenvue over alleged autism links. It’s ruled that a district judge improperly rejected expert evidence connecting Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism and ADHD in children. Though there is no firm scientific evidence, President Trump and top U.S. health officials drew attention to the subject in September when they suggested a link to autism. Doctors view acetaminophen [[ a-see-tuh-min-oh-fen ]], the active ingredient in Tylenol, as the preferred treatment for pain or fever during pregnancy.
Social Media Companies Might Be Billed For Student Mental Health
(Los Angeles, CA) -- A lawsuit by school districts is demanding that social media companies help pay for student mental health services. More than onethousand school districts nationwide argue that social media platforms harm students’ mental health and force schools to spend more on counseling and support. Districts say they’ve also had to increase training to address rising student anxiety and depression linked to social media use.
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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.
