American Fitness Announces Expansion to Seguin with New State-of-the-Art Facility
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) -- A business in the New Braunfels fitness community is expanding its energy and expertise to Seguin. American Fitness has officially announced plans to open a second location at the corner of North Highway 123 Bypass and Grayson Lane.
The new facility is slated to open in 2026 and will span nearly 19,000 square feet, offering a
wide variety of fitness equipment and amenities. According to Owner Jay Patel, American Fitness has consistently been rated as one of the best fitness centers in the area.
“With over two and a half decades of service to the community, we are thrilled to announce our expansion to Seguin,” said Patel. “This longawaited project will be conveniently located…
making it easily accessible to residents of both Seguin and New Braunfels.”
The upcoming American Fitness location will feature a fully equipped cardio area with treadmills, stairmills, rowers, climbers, and more. Strength training areas will include free weights, selectorized machines, and a large Facility, pg. 3
Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office seeks public’s help in locating wanted fugitive
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Guadalupe County) -- The Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office is actively searching for Thomas Clayton Wentworth Jr. Wentworth, 23, is currently wanted on two counts of manslaughter in Guadalupe County. Authorities are urging anyone who may have information on Wentworth’s whereabouts to come forward.
The sheriff’s office is encouraging the public to report any tips by contacting either their office directly at 830-379-1224 or by reaching out to Guadalupe County Crime Stoppers at 1-877-403-TIPS (8477).
Those hesitant about sharing information are encouraged to contact the Guadalupe County Crime Stoppers program. The program allows the public to report anonymous tips—either by phone or online at www.guadalupecountycrimestoppers.org.
According to the organization, anonymous reporting through Crime Stoppers offers no caller ID, no records, and no face-to-face contact with law
enforcement. Tipsters remain entirely anonymous, removing fear of retaliation or involvement in legal proceedings.
Plus, they say in most cases, cash rewards are offered for information leading to arrests or charges.
Seguin ISD looks into possible salary raises for upcoming fiscal year
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) -- Despite its budget deficit, Seguin ISD’s Chief Financial Officer Liz Banks says she is planning to bring a salary increase recommendation to the board next month.
Banks during a recent meeting provided trustees with an update on teacher raises and support staff allotments. The presentation outlined how the district’s plan would be aligned with state legislation while also working toward more equitable compensation across the district.
Banks first shared how any proposed increase would be tied to the Teacher Retention Allotment
(TRA), as required by Senate Bill 30.
“This is House Bill 2 information. We are working on a compensation plan. It’s a little bit more work than it has been in years past. But this is like the basic teacher retention allotment, so I structured it -- by years of experience – so when a teacher comes in, they are on step zero their first year. So, it’s kind of weird if you’re not in public schools, but this is the amount of money that we will be receiving that we will turn around and give to teachers that are on Steps 3, 4, 5 and over. So, a teacher that’s on Step 3, according to House Bill two has to get what they got last year, plus $2,500. And
then Step 5 and up is going to have $5,000 added to their salary. That is how we’re structuring the salary table that we will bring to you in August. Most school districts haven’t seen anyone that hasn’t yet pulled counselors, librarians, and nurses off because we’re not going to receive this funding for those positions. So that’s what we’re working on. And we currently have them on the same salary table, but we’re pulling them off,” said Banks.
Support staff not eligible for TRA include counselors, librarians, school nurses, aides, custodians, bus drivers, and administrative assistants. Raises, pg. 3
Seguin ISD to host special meeting
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) – The Seguin ISD Board of Trustees will be getting a lesson on the state’s A-F Accountability System during tonight’s special board meeting. The statewide rating system evaluates academic performance of each campus and district – assigning them each respective letter grades from A-F. According to the state, the overall rating takes into account student achievement on the state mandated STAAR Test, school progress and closing the gaps.
Raises, continued.
With that being said, Banks next presented more on the Support Staff Retention Allotment. She says the district’s support staff allotment currently stands at $262,962. That total amount is calculated at $45 per student in Average Daily Attendance (ADA).
“The other piece of the funding that we’re receiving for staff is called a Staff Retention Allotment. This is the money that they said we’re supposed to use to give everyone else raises --
Facility, continued.
The overview comes a few weeks before the state is slated to release the 2025 preliminary accountability ratings to districts on Aug. 13 followed by the A-F accountability ratings on Aug. 15. Tonight’s overview will discuss the calculation plus scaling or grading methods that are used to determine each letter.
The special meeting gets underway at 6 p.m. today in the Seguin ISD Administration Building located at 1221 E. Kingsbury St.
not administrators -- not myself or not like an administrator in a campus, but everybody else. So, teachers that aren’t eligible for the salary increase, under the TRA, counselors, librarians, nurses, paras, custodians, cafeteria, bus drivers, admin assistants and all support staff == and we are receiving about $262,000 for all those people. That’s not very much money to give the rest of our staff a raise. So, we are required to pull that into our compensation plan. That will be very easy to do because it’s not a lot of money, but we are planning on
functional training space outfitted with airbikes, curved treadmills, kettlebells, racks, and bumper plates.
In addition to workout equipment, the new gym will house a one-stop shop for smoothies, nutritional supplements, and fitness apparel, creating a comprehensive experience for members.
Patel says the expansion has been years in the making and is the result of careful planning and community connection.
“For a while, members asked me if I had a plan to expand American Fitness. I said that when the time is right and God is gracious, I want to open another location in Seguin,” said Patel. “Fortunately, I was able to secure the contract with Paden King and H&K Construction, who went to school with me right here in Navarro. We are incredibly fortunate to be building the gym very close to our school.”
The original American Fitness is located at 1323 Industrial Drive in New Braunfels.
bringing you a recommendation for a raise,” said Banks.
The board did not take action on the compensation plan during the meeting. Again, that information will come back to trustees for approval in August. In addition to salaries, the board next month will also receive a proposal for fine arts stipends. Stipend proposals are also being worked on in hopes of offering more competitive and equitable pay for those who spend additional time with students outside the normal school bell hours.
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.
FDA Approves First HIV Drug That Offers 100-Percent Protection
(Foster City, CA) -- The FDA has approved what’s being hailed as the first HIV drug that offers 100-percent protection. It’s a twice-yearly injectable called lenacapavir and is marketed under the brand name Yeztugo. It was developed by California-based Gilead Sciences which says it’ll save millions of lives around the world. Gilead also says it’ll provide affordable access to Yeztugo in the U.S. and beyond. The biotechnology company has signed royalty-free licensing agreements with six generic drug makers.
Growing Threat Of Rabies In The U.S.
(Undated) - The threat of rabies is growing in the U.S. Officials declared a public health threat after 25 cases were confirmed on Long Island, New York. The main method of transmission includes bites and scratches from wild animals, with raccoons and bats being the two most common animals to spread rabies. Health experts are warning people to stay safe and protect themselves and their pets from the deadly disease.
Brain-Eating Amoeba Kills 12-Year-Old SC Boy
(Columbia, SC) -- New details are being released about the identity of a South Carolina boy who died this week from a brain-eating amoeba. Officials say 12-year-old Jaysen Carr died after being exposed to the amoeba at Lake Murray. Jaysen was a student at Hand Middle School in Richland. The South Carolina Department of Public Health says that despite the tragedy, human infection from the amoeba are still considered to be very rare.
Rich’s
Ice Cream May Contain Listeria
(Toms River, NJ) -- The FDA says Rich’s Ice Cream may contain listeria. Over one-hundred thousand cases are being recalled in twenty-three states, including New Jersey where the company is based. Symptoms of the foodborne bacteria are fever, muscle aches and diarrhea. Authorities are urging customers to return the ice cream or throw it away. For more details go to fda.gov.
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.
“Our Town Seguin” Exhibit Opening at Seguin ISD Administration Building Teatro De Artes De Juan Seguin will be hosting a ribbon cutting for the “Our Town Seguin” exhibit at noon on July 30 at the Seguin ISD Administration Building. This exhibit, made possible through a National Endowment for the Arts grant, highlights Seguin’s past through the perspectives of its communities of color. It features three installations by artists Debora Kuetzpal Vasquez, Howard Crunk, and Ruben Esquivel, representing Mexican American/Tejano, African American, and Native American/Indigenous experiences. The public is invited to view the exhibit in the Administration Building’s main corridor from July 30 to November 30, 2025.
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. Partici-
pants 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 instruction 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 830-305-0472 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 830-303-6612. Tickets are $15 at the door.
September
Finding Perspective in Beginning Watercolors Class at Seguin Art League
The Seguin Art League will be hosting How to Find Perspective in your Beginning Watercolors at 1 p.m. on September 10 at the Seguin Art League. The class runs until 4 p.m. and will focus on creating a barn landscape
while exploring perspective techniques and the use of resist. It is limited to five students, ages 18 and older, and costs $50 with supplies included. For more information, call 830-305-0472 or visit 104 S. Austin Street in Seguin.
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 830303-6612. Tickets are $15 at the door.
Abstract Floral in Beginning Watercolor Class at Seguin Art League
The Seguin Art League will be hosting an Abstract Floral in Beginning Watercolor class at 1 p.m. on September 24 at the Seguin Art League. The class runs until 4 p.m. and will guide students in creating an abstract floral using fine watercolor and sable brushes. Techniques covered include high saturation painting, bleeding, hard and soft edge control, and the use of salt, alcohol, and bleedproof white. Open to all ages, the class is limited to five students and costs $50 with supplies included. For more information, call 830-305-0472 or visit 104 S. Austin Street in Seguin.
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.
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.
