Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office rolls out first-ever motorcycle patrol unit
(Guadalupe County)
– Drivers in Guadalupe County may soon want to take a second look in their rearview mirrors. That’s because for the first time in the sheriff’s office’s history, deputies will be patrolling county roads on Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
The sheriff’s office has acquired three fully equipped Harley-Davidson police motorcycles that will soon be deployed throughout Guadalupe County to target all areas of concern including speeding through school zones and along heavily traveled county roads. Unit, pg. 2
Pair of hometown favorites to lead the party at Freedom Fiesta
Great music and dancing fun awaits at this weekend’s event
(Seguin) -- If you’re looking for a Fourth of July party, KWED’s Freedom Fiesta is ready to deliver. That’s at least according to local entertainers Clint Taft of the Buck Wild Band and DJ D-Trayne.
This year’s celebration once again brings together these two hometown favorites to their own stage in Central Park. Seguin’s Freedom Fiesta gets underway at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 4 in downtown Seguin.
Over the years, Freedom Fiesta has welcomed a variety of performers to its stage, but according to Seguin Radio KWED, one act that Seguin has come to count on for a good time is Clint Taft and the Buck Wild Band. Plus, this year, Taft will be joined on stage with his son Colton.
Taft says performing at Freedom Fiesta is about much more than taking the stage. It’s about celebrating alongside the people who have
supported him through the years.
Taft says there’s no place he’d rather spend Independence Day than right here in Seguin.
“It means a lot to me. I mean, just being amongst my friends and family and the community and folks I’ve known, but there’s just nowhere else to be. I mean, between the Field of Honor, the fireworks, the parade, and then Freedom Fiesta, there’s just nothing better,” said Taft.
Party, pg. 3
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
Unit, continued.
Lt. Zachary McBride, public information officer for the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office, says this addition of the motorcycles marks a milestone for the department.
“This is the first. I’ve been here in 22 years and we never had a motorcycle. So, this is definitely something new to us,” said McBride.
McBride says the motorcycles were purchased from the city of San Marcos where they were no longer needed. He says not only were they in excellent condition, but they were already outfitted for law enforcement traffic operations.
More importantly, McBride says the sheriff’s office purchased all three motorcycles using no taxpayer dollars. He says the bikes were approximately $31,000 and purchased using asset forfeiture funds.
“We’re getting 3 traffic units for less than the price of a Tahoe,” said McBride.
A new patrol SUV typically costs between $60,000 and $65,000 before emergency equipment, radios, lighting, cages and graphics are added. In addition to the lower purchase price, he says motorcycles average about 42 miles per gallon compared to roughly 21 miles per gallon for a standard patrol vehicle.
While they can patrol all corners of the county, McBride says the motorcycles will focus on county roads where residents have consistently reported speeding and traffic concerns. Roads such as Gin Road, Youngsford Road and Santa Clara Road have experienced heavier traffic volumes as construction continues along I-10.
The motorcycles will also play a significant role once students return to class in August. He says deputies will be assigned to school zones in communities including Marion, Navarro and the area around the new McQueeney Elementary School.
“We’re going to have those officers dedicated to patrolling the school zones in the mornings and the afternoons, just so that we can make those school zones even more safer than they already are,” said McBride.
The new motorcycles are expected to make their public debut during Seguin’s Biggest Small Town Fourth of July Parade in Texas -- although McBride say residents may begin seeing them on county roads even sooner as training is completed.
Interest among deputies has been strong. About 10 deputies are scheduled to attend specialized law enforcement motorcycle operations training before joining what McBride describes as “a rotating team of motorcycle operators.”
Party, continued.
This year’s Freedom Fiesta is especially significant as America celebrates its 250th birthday. Taft says his goal is simple -- bring everyone together for a night they’ll remember.
“I just want them to come have a good time. We’re gonna celebrate 250 years of America. We’re just gonna have a good time and be ready to dance,” said Taft.
Helping make sure the party never slows down is DJ D-Trayne, who returns for his third Freedom Fiesta appearance. Known for getting crowds going, D-Trayne says he’ll have plenty of music and activities to keep families entertained all evening.
“We’re going to get everything going. We’re going to get line dances going. We’re going to have family and friends going. We’re going to have good vibes out there.
Looking forward to it for the third time. It’s a good celebration here in Seguin, Texas,” said D-Trayne.
Whether it’s country, classic hits, pop, Tejano or dance favorites, D-Trayne says there will be something for everyone.
“We play a little bit of everything. That’s how we do it on the party train. We go all the way around with the jam, so you don’t have to even request anything. We’re going to have a good time,” said D-Trayne.
This year’s Freedom Fiesta is being co-sponsored by the City of Seguin and KWED Radio. In addition to live entertainment, attendees can enjoy dozens of food trucks, vendors, a beer garden hosted by the Knights of Columbus, children’s games, inflatable bounce houses, a petting zoo, animal balloons plus plenty of other familyfriendly activities.
There is no cost to attend Freedom Fiesta. Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged.
VITAL STATISTICS
REEVES
Janet Reeves, age 55, of Kingsbury, Texas, passed away on June 21, 2026.
Janet was born on April 26, 1971, in Lockhart, Texas, to Linda Sue Hebbe Taft and Lee Roy Woods, Jr. From the very beginning, Janet had a big heart, a bright smile, and a way of making people feel like family the moment they met her.
Janet was known for her kindness, her laughter, and her joyful spirit. She never met a stranger and could turn any room into a place filled with warmth and friendship. She proudly served as Vice President of the KVFD Auxiliary, where she gave her time and energy to serving others— something she truly loved doing.
Above all else, Janet’s greatest joy was being “Mimi” to her grandchildren. She lit up when she talked about them, and nothing made her happier than spending time with them and loving on them in her own special way.
She was also the best dancer in every room she walked into. Whether there was music playing or not, Janet brought life, laughter, and a spark that stayed with everyone long after she left.
ZIPP
Albert Robert Zipp, Jr., age 93 of Seguin, passed away peacefully at his home on June 26, 2026. Albert was born in Guadalupe County on January 21, 1933, to Emilie Sophie (Fischer) and Albert Emil Zipp.
He attended Seguin Independent School District beginning at McQueeney Elementary School and graduating from High School, Class of 1950. He also attended Texas Lutheran College.
On July 26,1959, Albert married the love of his life, Carolyn Reiley Zipp, in Seguin, Texas. Together they built a loving family and shared 67 wonderful years together.
Albert dedicated 39 years of service to Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative (GVEC), where he was known for his strong work ethic and commitment before retiring. He also proudly served his country after being drafted into the United States Army.
Outside of work, Albert had a lifelong love of baseball. He was a threeyear letterman of the Seguin Matador Ball Club and was named Captain in 1950. After high school, he played for the Seguin Raiders. He was scouted by the White Sox and accepted to the team, but due to a football injury his baseball career was cut short.
Albert and Carolyn were previously members of Emanuel’s Lutheran Church where they enjoyed serving as Leaders of the Youth Group. Albert also worked on maintaining the grounds at both Emanuel’s Lutheran and their current Church, Faith Lutheran.
Albert enjoyed trotline fishing, good music, picking pecans, tending his passionflower garden, volleyball and simply visiting with all the friends and acquaintances he made through the R.V. Park.
He was well known in the Seguin community as the owner and manager of Zipp RV Park. He also faithfully helped Carolyn with her business, All Occasions Catering. Above all else, he was a hardworking, family-oriented husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who treasured time spent
Janet was preceded in death by her beloved daughter-in-law, Lyndsay Maclin Woods, and her stepfather, Glen Taft, both of whom she cared for deeply and now carries in her heart always.
She is survived by her children, AJ Woods; Travis Woods and Jessika Parham; and Paige Birdwell and Carl Birdwell Jr.; her precious grandchildren, Josiah and Roland Woods, and Amelia and Eleanor Birdwell; her father, Lee Roy Woods, Jr. and Tawnya Woods; her mother, Linda Sue Taft; her siblings, Becky Carlberg and Kevin Carlberg, and Keith Tausch; along with numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving family members, and a wide circle of friends who felt like family.
Janet’s love was the kind that stayed with you. Though her absence leaves an unimaginable space in the hearts of those who knew her, her laughter, her hugs, and her spirit will continue to live on in every memory shared.
Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever in our hearts.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at the Kingsbury Fire Station in Kingsbury, Texas from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. with remarks by the Reverend Tom Jones and friends and family at 3 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to a fund for her grandchildren.
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.
with those he loved.
Albert was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Emil Zipp and Emilie Sophie Fischer Zipp, his sister Regina Rehfeld and husband Milton, motherin-law and father-in-law, Hedwig and Herbert Reiley, his sister-in-law, Marciel Koepsel and husband George, and his brothers-in-law, Vernon Reiley and Leroy Reiley.
He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Carolyn Reiley Zipp; his daughters, Dina Scales and husband Ed, and Debby Sekula; grandchildren who knew and loved him as “Pops”, Carson Baker and wife Allie, Dalton Baker and wife Desiree, Taylor Sekula and wife Audrey, Brandon Sekula, and Alexis Sekula Strom and husband Jake; great-grandchildren, Eli, Amara, Kaylee, Alex, Cayden, and Jade Baker; brothers-in-law, Orville Reiley and wife Beulah, James Reiley and wife Betty Lee, and Larry Reiley and wife Lucy; sisters-in-law, Betty Jean Reiley, and Rosemary Pfullmann and husband Jimmy; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and a host of friends.
Albert’s kindness, dedication to his family, and quiet strength will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary. Funeral service will be on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Faith Lutheran Church at 11 a.m. with the Reverend Jeremy Pedersen officiating. A reception will follow in the Life Enrichment Center (LEC).
Private burial will be held in San Geronimo Cemetery later.
Serving as pallbearers will be Carson Baker, Dalton Baker, Taylor Sekula, Brandon Sekula, Alexis Sekula Strom, and Jake Strom.
The family would like to thank Dr. James Rider, Pastor Jeremy Pedersen, Guadalupe Regional Hospice Services and all the family and friends for their loving support they have given to Albert.
Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 1326 E. Cedar St., Seguin, Texas, 78155, Guadalupe Regional Hospice Services, 1215 E. Court St., Seguin, Texas, 78155 or to the Christian Cupboard, 516 N. Camp, 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.
VITAL STATISTICS
RANFT
www.SEGUINTODAY.com
JD Ranft, age 68 of Seguin, passed away on June 13, 2026. JD was born on February 26, 1958, in Seguin, Texas to Martha Lea (Dietert) and John Lenwood “Floppy” Ranft.
JD was a 1977 graduate of Seguin High School. He worked for Schubert Distributing for many years and several other companies.
JD is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Kenneth Scholl, grandmother, Norma Schievelbein and sister-in-law, Rhonda Ranft.
Survivors include his wife, Terri Lynne
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
Ranft; daughter, Brittany Ann Ranft Gaillard and husband Justin; son, Shane Ranft; grandchildren, Riley Gaillard, Mackenzie Ranft, and Braxton Ranft; siblings, Dennis Ranft, Diane Syamken and husband David, George Ranft and wife Sandy, William Scholl and wife Pat, and Lyndon Scholl; aunt, Gloria Reininger; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving family members and friends.
Graveside services and interment will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at San Geronimo Cemetery with the Reverend Jeremy Roy officiating. 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.
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.
Dangerous Mega Heat Dome To Hit Eastern Half Of U.S.
(Undated) -- A dangerous “mega heat dome” is to hit the eastern half of the U.S. this week and last well into the July 4th weekend. Forecasters say many cities, including Minneapolis, St Louis, Chicago, and Little Rock, are already baking in 90-degree-plus temperatures. But by mid-week, that dome will expand and intensify, hitting the East Coast, including New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey and Washington, DC with triple digits. This comes as many folks plan to celebrate July 4th weekend with backyard barbecues and beach trips. Health experts say to drink extra water. stay out of the sun, if possible, and if not, to reapply sunscreen every two hours.
Nearly 1M Bottles Of Heart And Kidney Medication Recalled
(Silver Spring, MD) -- The Food and Drug Administration says nearly one million bottles of heart and kidney medication have been recalled nationally. California-based Amgen, Inc. voluntarily recalled the bottles of Corlanor and Sensipar tablets after “unexpected foreign matter” was found in a sample of one of the identified lots. The California State Board of Pharmacy said in an alert that hazard assessments have found it doesn’t present a clinical risk to patients and overall patient safety risk is low. The tablets were distributed between October 28th, 2021 and December 30th, 2025.
Brain Implant Developed At UC Davis
(Los Angeles, CA) -- A brain implant developed in California has allowed a man with ALS to continue to communicate with friends and family. Casey Harrell, who suffers from severe paralysis and speech impairment, is now also able browse the internet and work from home. The experimental brain-computer interface or BCI works by translating brain signals into text while also allowing users to control a computer cursor. It was developed by researchers at UC Davis, in conjunction with Brown University and Mass General Brigham Neuroscience Institute. The findings, published in Nature Medicine, suggest the BCI could lead to greater independence for people with paralysis and other severe neurological conditions that limit speech and movement.
Cleveland Clinic Performs Robotic Lung Transplant
(Cleveland, OH) -- The Cleveland Clinic says doctors there recently performed the health system’s first robotic lung transplant. The procedure was the first of its kind in the state. Only a small number of centers worldwide offer the procedure.
Advanced care.
lifestyles.
Summer Reading Experience Underway at Seguin Public Library
The Seguin Public Library is inviting readers of all ages to participate in its 2026 Summer Reading Experience, “Unearth a Story.” The free program features books, activities, special events, and opportunities to win dino-mite prizes throughout the summer. Children, teens, and adults are all encouraged to join. Registration is available in person at the library or online at Seguin Public Library Summer Reading Experience. No library card is required to participate. Participants have until Aug. 6, 2026, to complete their activity boards and be entered into drawings for raffle prizes.
National Reunification Month
SJRC Texas is recognizing June as National Reunification Month, a time to celebrate the safe reunification of children with their families and to raise awareness about the importance of family preservation. Reunification is the primary goal for children in foster care whenever it is safe and appropriate. Learn more about the services and support available through SJRC Texas.
Field of Honor Celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary
The public is invited to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday at the Field of Honor’s Birthday Party on Saturday, June 27, beginning at 10 a.m. The event will feature guest speakers, live music by Clint Taft, free hot dogs, chips and drinks while supplies last, plus family-friendly activities including a fish pond, duck pool, bean bag toss, coloring table and prizes for children. Flag dedications will also
be available. Organizers invite the community to join them as they help kick off the Fourth of July festivities.
Junior Lifeguard Program
The Seguin Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a Junior Lifeguard Class from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, June 25 at the Seguin Wave Pool, located at 1 Wave Pool Drive. The class is open to participants ages 9 to 15 and will teach basic first-aid, CPR, water safety, rescue techniques, communication skills and lifeguard responsibilities. Participants must be able to swim and complete a swim-tread-swim sequence. This is not a learn-to-swim program and does not provide official lifeguard or CPR certification. The cost is $40 per participant. Participants should bring a swimsuit, sunglasses, towel, water, hat and a cold sack lunch. For more information, call Seguin Parks and Recreation at 830-401-2480.
July
Freedom Fiesta on July 4
The community is invited to celebrate Independence Day at Freedom Fiesta on Saturday, July 4, in Central Park in downtown Seguin. Activities begin at 6 p.m. and continue until 11 p.m. The event will feature music from DJ D’Trayne and Clint Taft and the Buck Wild Band. There will also be food vendors, a beer garden, inflatables, family activities, and the annual Kiddie Parade. Admission is free. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of patriotic fun as Seguin celebrates the Fourth of July and America’s 250th birthday. Freedom Fiesta is hosted by KWED Ra-
dio and is open to the public. For more information, call KWED Radio at 830-379-2234.
Kiddie Parade Set for July 4 in Seguin
Children and families are invited to take part in a patriotic Kiddie Parade at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, at the gazebo on Donegan Street in downtown Seguin. Participants can march or ride decorated bicycles, scooters, strollers, and other patriotic “floats” behind Uncle Sam, portrayed by Guadalupe County Sheriff Joshua Ray, as the parade makes its way around Central Park. Prizes will be awarded for the top entries in riding, walking, stroller, and motorized categories. Participation is free and open to the public. The event is organized by the Guadalupe County Republican Women. For more information, contact Kelly at 830-463-7549 or email kdfoll123@yahoo.com.
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.
Independent Bankers Association of Texas Elects Seguin Banker to Leadership Division Board
Shawn Martinez of First Commercial Bank, N.A. in Seguin Tapped to Serve on Leadership Division Board
AUSTIN, Texas—The Leadership Division of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) elected new board members June 26 during the 41st Annual Connecting Leaders Conference in Round Rock, the flagship event of the IBAT Leadership Division. Shawn Martinez, Executive Vice President and Senior Loan Officer at First Commercial Bank, N.A. in Seguin, was elected Region 7 President.
Founded in 1985, the IBAT Leadership Division is dedicated to the development of tomorrow’s leaders in community banking. The 500-plus member group is divided into 13 regions, each of which hosts education and networking events for community bankers in the area throughout the year. Each region has its own president, who also serves as the region’s board member.
Shawn Martinez is Executive Vice President and Senior Loan Officer at First Commercial Bank, N.A. in Seguin, where she has served in a variety of leadership roles for more than 27 years. Active in her community, Martinez serves as a Director for Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative and is a member of the Seguin Rotary Club and the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce. She
is also a past Chairman of the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce and former President and Board Member of the Navarro Education Foundation. Martinez is a graduate of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking. A complete list of IBAT Leadership Division board members is available on the IBAT website.
