July 22, 2026
The Queen of Seguin is back to making history
Magnolia Hotel shows up with new iconic balcony
Cindy
(Seguin) -- The facade of one of Seguin’s most popular historic landmarks has returned into its historic glory.
The Magnolia Hotel’s iconic front balcony has been fully restored — offering a look that has not been seen in nearly a century.
The project marks another milestone in the years-long effort to preserve the historic hotel, which once earned the nickname “The Queen of Seguin.”
The balcony overlooked downtown Seguin for decades before it was removed sometime during the 1930s. Over the years, the Magnolia fell into disrepair and sat vacant for nearly 20 years before being placed
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Aguirre-Herrera
Summer fun continues at Seguin Public Library
Activities, events happening for kids, teens, adults
(Seguin) -- Although the Summer Reading Program remains a major focus, folks over at the seguin public library want residents of all ages to check out all the other good stuff they have going on all year long.
Assistant Library Director Hannah Farmer says teens still have time to participate in weekly activities, while adults can take part in programs designed to bring people together.
“I would encourage teens and adults to take a look at our calendar because we have room in our Teen Tuesday activities, which is every Tuesday at 4:30 for the remainder of July,” said Farmer. “We have interesting programs for adults too. Our adult social hour is also this Wednesday at five.”
Farmer says the library’s Adult Social Hour is designed as a relaxed opportunity for people to connect, play games and enjoy some time together.
“It’s kind of similar to our Teen Tuesday, but for adults, and we found that some of our younger adults that have graduated out of Teen Tuesday are looking for things to do. Adult Social Hour is there for them, but all ages of adults are welcome,” said Farmer.
She says activities include a variety of games and activities, with something for everyone.
“We put out activity stations, like puzzles, board games, Mario Kart, and we’ve got some snacks too. That’s from 5 to 7 Wednesday, said Farmer.
On top of that, Farmer says the library also offers programs that bring together all generations, including chess club, children’s programs and technology assistance.
Library, pg. 3
Operation Slowdown now underway
(Seguin) -- If you’re hitting the road today, watch your speed.
Texas’ annual Operation Slowdown Campaign started over the weekend and continues through August 2nd.
The campaign is part of the Texas Department of Transportation’s Statewide “Be Safe. Drive Smart” campaign.
TxDOT says speed was a contributing factor in more than 150-thousand crashes in the state in 2025, resulting in over 12-hundred deaths and 56-hundred serious injuries.
During Operation Slowdown, state and local law enforcement agencies will increase patrols to enforce posted speed limits.
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
continued.
on the Texas Historical Commission’s list of the state’s Ten Most Endangered Historic Places in 2012.
Since then, owners Erin and Jim Wallace have worked to restore the hotel room by room while preserving its historic character.
Erin Wallace says restoring the balcony had been part of the couple’s vision from the first day they purchased the property.
“Because we are preservationists, we like to bring back the history that time had taken away from it. For the hotel to be whole, it needed to have its balcony. It wasn’t really for the beauty, although it did add that. It was mostly for restoring what it had lost. It made the whole Magnolia whole again.”
Wallace says the restored balcony allows visitors to “experience the hotel much as travelers would have during the 1800s, when stagecoaches stopped in front of the building and Governor John Ireland delivered a speech from the balcony.”
To ensure its architectural integrity, the Wallaces relied on the smallest of details.
Library, continued.
“Chess club is Thursday evening for all ages. Kids, teens, adults are welcome at chess club. Next week, we’ve got room in the Tiny Tales Animal Show for kids. And, of course, there’s regular occurring story times for the younger kids,” said Farmer.
She says adults can also take advantage of year-round services, including tech help sessions and creative programs.
“We still have spots left in our tech help sessions for adults that
“We had the old photos, the sanborn maps and the archives. Jim wanted it to be incredibly accurate. The spindles were the toughest part because they had to be custom made, but we wanted everything to match what had originally been there.”
The project also received assistance through the City of Seguin’s Main Street “Fix-It” Façade Grant Program, which supports the preservation of historic downtown buildings.
Wallace says completing the balcony gives the couple a sense of fulfillment, knowing they have helped preserve an important piece of Seguin’s history for future generations.
“We don’t forever own this building. We’re just the next caretaker to this historic building. We feel like we gave back what it had lost. We brought back history, and we feel like we did our job.”
Wallace says she hopes people who pass by the Magnolia Hotel take a moment “to imagine what downtown Seguin looked like more than 170 years ago.” She says as for now, the queen of Seguin “has its crown.”
The Magnolia Hotel also known as the Haunted Magnolia Hotel is located at 203 S. Crockett.
we do year-round and for a Zen calligraphy program for adults,” said Farmer. “All of this is online on our library calendar, so you can see everything in a calendar view.”
Farmer says the library also offers resources many residents may not realize are available, including equipment checkout and community sharing programs.
“We have hotspots available for checkout for library card holders if they need some Internet at home,” said Farmer. “We’ve got a new puzzle swap shelf, just another free thing to keep things interesting. We
have board games for checkout.”
Gamer says the library is also encouraging teens ages 12 through 17 to participate in summer contests featuring art and writing entries.
“We would love to see some more entries for that,” said Farmer. “Any teens, we count teens as ages 12 to 17, and we’re looking for art entries and writing entries.”
Residents can view the library’s full schedule of activities and programs by visiting the Seguin Public Library’s online calendar or by checking out its Facebook page.
Magnolia,
STATISTICS
FRANKLIN
www.SEGUINTODAY.com
Ray Charles Franklin Jr, age 56 of Seguin, passed on July 12, 2026. Ray was born on March 26, 1970, in Seguin, Texas to Ray Franklin Sr and Patricia (Gonzales) Franklin.
Ray is preceded in death by his parents and Ronnie Cleve Franklin Sr.
Survivors include his loving wife of 30 years Tien Franklin; daughter, Trisha Marie Franklin; son, Andrew Martin Franklin and wife Angel; granddaughter; Adelaide Franklin; sisters, Angela Franklin Hernandez and husband
Michael, Kimberly Franklin; brothers, Craig Franklin and wife Sarah, Deon Franklin and wife Valerie, and Shawn Franklin; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving family members and many friends.
Visitation will be held Friday, July 24, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel. Funeral service will be Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 10:00 am at Emanuel’s Lutheran Church. A reception to follow in the Emanuel’s Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall.
Serving as pallbearers will be Andrew Franklin, Deon Franklin, Shawn Franklin, Doug Brannon, John Pena, Austin Black, Brandon Bogisch, Hunter LaFrieda, Steven Fettman, and Theodore Arriola.
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
FDA: Lettuce Sample Returned False Positive Cyclospora Reading
(Salina, CA) -- The FDA says lettuce samples from Taylor Farms that tested positive for cyclospora that’s sickened people was a false positive. The FDA says after further review no samples of the iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico have tested positive for the parasite. More than 16-hundred people have fallen ill according to the CDC, but State health departments say thousands of cases of cyclosporiasis have been confirmed in the U.S. since May. On Friday, Taylor Farms said it was voluntarily removing iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico.
AHA Says Five Cups Of Coffee A Day Is Safe
(Dallas, TX) -- Drinking up to five cups of caffeinated coffee per day is safe for most adults and may be linked to cardiovascular health benefits in some. That’s according to new guidance from the American Heart Association on a health topic that has had much debate over the years. The organization says daily coffee appears to be linked to a lower risk of heart failure, heart disease and stroke in some. However, the organization says higher amounts of caffeine, such as levels found in energy drinks may increase the risk of high blood pressure and irregular heart rhythm.
Weight-Loss Drugs May Improve Life For Women
(Cambridge, MA) -- A new study suggests GLP-1 related weight loss may improve relationships and employment status for some women. Harvard professor Rebecca Diamond independently published research that found a link between weight-loss medication and a change in women’s social and economic outcomes. Diamond used the Understanding America Study to compare women who started GLP-1s for weight loss to those who haven’t. The study found that marriage and cohabitation jumped 29-percent for single women who lost weight on GLP-1s after about 18 months. Among women who were not employed at the start of the study, job opportunities increased by 27-percent after 18 months.
Study: Frequent TV Watching May Harm Long-Term Brain Health
(Los Angeles, CA) -- A study says watching TV frequently can harm brain health. The study was led by researchers from the University of Southern California. It found that people who reported watching TV “very often” showed reduced size in areas of the brain linked to memory and damage in areas of the brain the are tied to aging, stroke risk, cognitive decline and dementia. Men were most vulnerable to the changes.
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Master Naturalist Training Class Accepting Applications
Interested in learning more about Texas’ plants, wildlife and natural areas? The Guadalupe Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists is accepting applications for its 2026 certification training class. The program runs from August 4 through November 14, with classes held every other Tuesday from 5:45 to 9:15 p.m. at the Schertz Senior Center, 608 Schertz Parkway in Schertz. The cost is $175. For applications and class information, visit txmn.org/guadalupe and select the Certification Training tab, or email belindarossiter@gmail.com. The program trains volunteers to educate the public and help conserve Texas’ natural resources.
Candidate Filing Opens for Guadalupe Appraisal District Board
Anyone interested in serving on the Guadalupe Appraisal District Board of Directors can begin filing now. Three at-large positions — Places 1, 2 and 3 — will be on the November 3 General Election ballot. Candidates have until 5 p.m. on Monday, August 17, to file with either the Guadalupe County Clerk or the Guadalupe County Elections Administrator. Filing information and eligibility requirements are available through the Guadalupe Appraisal District’s website guadalupead.org.
Comal Country Music Show
Enjoy an evening of live country music during the Comal Country Music Show
on Tuesday, July 21, at the Columbus Club Hall, located at 111 Landa Street in New Braunfels. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the show from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Featured performers include Denise Steele and Conrad Gonzales. Admission is $10, with proceeds benefiting charity. Sandwiches, coffee, candy and soft drinks will be available for purchase.
New World Screwworm Seminar
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is inviting livestock owners, pet owners and anyone interested in learning more about the New World Screwworm to attend a free seminar and webinar on Wednesday, July 22. The program will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Bexar County Greenies Urban Farm, located at 1615 Sherman Street in San Antonio, with a virtual attendance option also available. The seminar is open to the public, but registration is required for both in-person and online participation. RSVP at NWSBexarcounty.eventbrite.com.
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.
Call for Artists for 2026 Sip ‘n Stroll Mug
Local artists are invited to submit original artwork for the 2026 Sip ‘n Stroll commemorative mug. This year’s theme features Seguin’s Heritage Village properties, and all artistic mediums are welcome. Entries must be submitted by Friday, July 31, to You’re So Crafty, located at 208 South Austin Street in downtown Seguin. The selected artist will receive a $100 stipend, and the winning design will appear on more than 800 commemorative mugs. For more information, call 830-379-0730.
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.
