Thousands in stolen equipment recovered; two arrested in theft investigation
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Guadalupe County) – A pair of investigations into stolen property by the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office Auto Theft Unit has resulted in multiple arrests and the recovery of thousands of dollars in equipment.
Officials say the first investigation was launched this past February after several skid steers were reported stolen in the Marion and Cibolo areas. Following months
of investigative work, officials say GCSO Auto Theft investigators identified and arrested Nicholas Beintema, 43, of Cibolo, in connection with the thefts.
The second investigation got underway in June after the sheriff’s office received multiple reports of stolen trailers from various storage facilities across the county.
Investigation, pg. 3
Public hearings on tap for possible County Assistant District election
Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) -- Guadalupe County is one step closer to possibly creating a new County Assistance District (CAD), but it won’t proceed until it hears from the public first.
During its most recent meeting, Guadalupe County Commissioner Pct. 3 Michael Carpenter made a motion to set dates for public hearings to discuss the potential formation of an additional County Assistance District. The motion, seconded by Commissioner Germann, passed unanimously with a 5-0 vote.
The public hearings are scheduled for August 5 and August 12 during regular Commissioners Court meetings.
County officials say these hearings will provide residents an opportunity to weigh in on whether the county should call an election to formally establish the district.
Originally bringing the item to the table was Commissioner Carpenter. He says if approved by voters in a future election, the
County Assistance District would be authorized to collect a local sales tax -- up to a maximum of 2 percent combined with other local taxes. He says these funds would specifically be used to fund improvements such as roads, law enforcement services, libraries, public health initiatives, and economic development.
“It is sales tax based. So, it is a consumption tax rather than a property tax. That means that anybody that is traveling through and by the way, it would be only in the unincorporated areas of the county, within each city, within the county --- 8.25 percent sales tax is already in place. It's only in the unincorporated areas of the county where we are at a 6.75 percent, and therefore there is one and a half cents below the state maximum of 8.25 percent. Anybody passing through and spending dollars in the unincorporated areas of our county would contribute to this particular tax mechanism, as well,
Hearings, pg. 3
Cindy
Seguin first responders seeking school supplies for local students
(Seguin) -- Seguin’s first responders are hoping to get a response from the community as they again step in to help local students prepare for the classroom.
The Seguin Police Department and Seguin Fire Department have joined forces with the Seguin Housing Authority to launch the Back to School Fill the Backpack Drive, a community-wide effort to gather school supplies for students in need.
Seguin PD officials say the initiative aims to provide students served by the Seguin Housing Authority with the tools they need to begin the year on the right foot.
First responders say the drive is not only about collecting supplies, but also about showing support for families who may be facing financial challenges as the school year approaches.
Seguin Police Chief Jason Brady says community
support plays a vital role in the success of the effort.
“We believe every child deserves to start the school year with the tools they need to succeed,” said Brady. “This drive is a great opportunity for our community to come together and make a lasting impact. A small donation can go a long way in helping a student feel prepared and confident on their first day.”
Donations will be accepted by the end of Monday, July 29, at multiple locations throughout the city, including the Seguin Police Department and all three Seguin Fire Department stations.
The collected supplies will be distributed to local students during the Seguin Housing Authority’s upcoming back-to-school event.
Those wishing to donate may also call 830-3862582.
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
Guadalupe County urges continued flood damage reporting
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Guadalupe County) -- Guadalupe County officials are renewing their call for residents and business owners to report damages from the July 5th flooding, as the number of submissions continues to rise. That’s according to Patrick Pinder, Guadalupe County emergency management coordinator and fire marshal. Officials say completing a damage report through the Texas Division of Emergency Management’s self-reporting tools — iSTAT for individuals and businesses, and pSTAT for public infrastructure — is critical for determining eligibility for future disaster assistance.
As of today, he says a total of 100 iSTAT reports have been submitted. He says this includes 82 residential properties and 18 businesses.
Investigation, continued.
They say that probe led investigators to Kendarious Goodlow, 22, of Seguin, who was arrested this past week during a sting operation in neighboring Comal County. They say undercover officers arranged to purchase a suspected stolen trailer, and with the help of the Comal County Sheriff’s Office and the
Hearings, continued.
In addition, 10 pSTAT reports have been filed, estimating $2.582 million in public infrastructure damage.
Among residential reports:
6 homes sustained major damage
41 homes reported minor damage
14 homes were listed as affected, indicating varying degrees of impact
Residents and businesses can access the reporting portals by visiting the Guadalupe County Emergency Management webpage and clicking the iSTAT or pSTAT link.
For help with the process, contact the Guadalupe County Office of Emergency Management at 830-303-8856.
New Braunfels Police Department, Goodlow was apprehended while attempting to sell another stolen trailer.
Goodlow has since been linked him to multiple other trailer thefts in the area and nearby counties. Authorities believe additional trailer thefts may have gone unreported.
The GCSO Auto Theft Unit is urging residents who may have
of course, as, our residents that purchase things in the unincorporated portions of the county,” said Carpenter.
Carpenter says it’s not a mechanism that would raise large amounts of money, but it is a mechanism where they can fund certain areas of county business and not add to the current burden of property taxes.
He says if approved, it could generate an additional $1.5-$1.8 million.
“We have a half cent currently throughout the county. Right? And this would be going up to the maximum to a unit. We have a uniform 8.25 throughout the county, regardless of whether you're in the city limits or not,” said Carpenter.
According to the Texas Comptroller's Office, the creation of a CAD must be approved by voters. Following next month’s public input, commissioners say they will decide at that time whether or not they want to move forward with the election.
To learn more beforehand, visit Comptroller. Texas.Gov.
recently experienced a trailer theft— or who suspect they may have unknowingly purchased a stolen trailer to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Auto Theft Unit at 830-379-1224.
Sheriff’s officials say they are thankful for the collaborative efforts between Guadalupe and Comal County law enforcement agencies in solving these crimes.
VITAL STATISTICS
Urias
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Favian Campos Urias, who departed this life on July 21, 2025, in Seguin, Texas, just weeks before his 60th birthday.
Favian was a devoted husband, father, and stepfather, and a faithful servant of the Lord. He is survived by his beloved wife, Monica Flores Urias; his loving mother, Esmeralda C. Medina; his children and stepchildren: Mary Flores, Lavonne Bateman, Marcus Bateman Jr., Xavier Bateman; and as a loving father to Valerie Leonard (Tristan), Makayla Urias, Andrew Urias (Ronna), Alexander Urias, and Joshua Urias (Cynthia); his sister in law: Leslie Ibarra (Jorge), Maria Felan, Oralia Villanueva (Jaime); his brother in laws, Roy Flores, Raul Hernandez(Anna);his siblings Victor Medina(Iris), Linda Kissinger (Dan), Joe Medina(Tina), Beatrice Vela (Edward), And Sandra Valdez~all of whom brought immense pride and joy
Silvia
to his life.
Born on August 4, 1965, Favian lived a life marked by dedication, humility, and faith. He was a committed member of Strong Tower Church, where he faithfully served as head usher. Always the first to arrive and the last to leave, Favian greeted each person with warmth and sincerity, making everyone feel welcomed and valued.
He will be remembered for his steadfast faith, his servant’s heart, and the quiet strength with which he supported and uplifted those around him. Whether in his church, his home, or his community, Favian’s life was a reflection of grace, integrity, and love.
A memorial service to honor and celebrate Favian’s life will be held at Strong Tower Church in Seguin on August 4, 2025.
Though Favian’s earthly journey has come to a close, he now enters his eternal home with our Lord Jesus Christ. The love he shared will live on in all who knew and cherished him.
Favian is now reunited with his loving parents, Favian and Maria (Mere) Urias, and his sister, Sandra Medina.
Eileen ‘Gigi” Silvia, born Aug. 16, 1935, passed away on July 20, 2025 at her home surrounded by her family. Arrangements for a celebration of life on Aug. 16, 2025 are pending. Visit www.treshewell.com.
U.S. Fertility Rate Drops To Historic Low In 2024
(Atlanta, GA) -- The U.S. fertility rate has dropped to an historic low. That’s according to the CDC which reports that rate has fallen below one-point-six children per woman. Experts note that for America to replace its population a fertility rate of two-point-one children is required. CDC statistics show the number of babies born in the U.S. has been declining for nearly two decades as more women delay motherhood or opt not to have children. The Trump administration has been considering providing better access to in vitro fertilization and offering financial incentives, so-called “baby bonuses,” to encourage child-bearing.
International Study Finds Four-Day Work Week Linked To Better Mental Health
(Undated) -- An international study finds that a four-day work week is linked to better mental health. The report, published in Nature Human Behavior, shows less burnout and better job satisfaction among workers with abbreviated work weeks. Researchers conducted a six-month study involving nearly three-thousand employees at more than 140 businesses in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the UK. The study also showed workers were more effective on the job when given a four-day work week and reported better sleep and less fatigue.
UnitedHealth Group Criminal And Civil DOJ Investigations
(Eden Prairie, MN) -- UnitedHealth Group says it has begun complying with formal criminal and civil requests. It comes as the health care giant confirmed in a securities filing on Thursday that the company is facing both criminal and civil investigations from the Department of Justice related to its Medicare billing practices. UnitedHealth said it “proactively” reached out to the DOJ after reviewing reports, marking the first time the company has acknowledged the existence of any investigations. According to UnitedHealth, it has also launched an initiative to conduct third party reviews.
Study: 7,000 Daily Steps A Good Target
(Undated) -- People don’t necessarily need to rack up ten-thousand steps a day to have a positive impact on health. In fact, that number came from a 1960s marketing campaign in Japan. A new study out Wednesday in The Lancet found walking seven-thousand steps can get the job done, leading to an almost 50-percent reduced risk of premature death from any cause, along with lower rates of heart disease, cancer and dementia.
July
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
No Sew Mini Art Quilt Class at Seguin Art League
The Seguin Art League will be hosting a No Sew Mini Art Quilt class at 1 p.m. on August 2 at the Seguin Art League. The class runs until 4 p.m. and is open to individuals aged 14 and older, with a maximum of five students. The $40 fee includes prepared cloth, background, and a template provided by the instructor. Students will complete and take home a framed Dragonfly Art Quilt. Participants should bring their own sharp scissors; an iron is optional. For more information, visit 104 S. Austin Street in Seguin or call 830305-0472.
Beginning Watercolor Class at Seguin Art League
The Seguin Art League will be hosting a Beginning Watercolor class at 1 p.m. on August 12 at the Seguin Art League. The class runs until 4 p.m. and will focus on mixing colors and color theory. Students will create and take home a watercolor color wheel for future reference and receive instruc-
tion on brush care, gradient washes, and basic watercolor techniques. The class is limited to five students and costs $35, with all supplies included. For more information, call 830-3050472 or visit 104 S. Austin Street in Seguin.
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 830303-6612. 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 830-303-6612. 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.
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.
