July 2, 2025
From Classrooms to the Great Outdoors
Seguin ISD Approves Second Pre-K Campus in Bold
Nature-Based Pilot Program
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) -- Seguin ISD this fall will be stepping off the beaten path and into nature with the approval of a new pilot program aimed at expanding pre-kindergarten opportunities for local families. During Monday’s special meeting, the school board voted to launch a second early childhood campus for 3-and 4-year-olds in partnership with the Will Smith Zoo School (WSZS), a nationally recognized outdoor learning program affiliated with the San Antonio Zoo.
Set to open this fall at the district’s Irma Lewis Outdoor Learning Center (ILOLC), Pete Silvius, Seguin ISD’s director of whole child initiatives says the nature-based pre-K campus will mark a major step in offering non-traditional, research-backed learning environments that promote both cognitive and emotional growth during a child’s most formative years.
“We will be a pilot program that
I believe is going to take recognition from all over the state and probably in the nation. It’s going to be a unique model. And so, I see this as being something that we can build upon. I anticipate that we’re going to be able to increase enrollment, increase capacity of the nature school that is at the Irma Lewis Outdoor Learning Center. And again, all in the name of trying to provide an education that is meeting the needs of some of our students that might not have their needs met otherwise. So not everyone has found their way into public education yet. And I’m really intrigued by the opportunity that this could pose to look at public education in a different way to meet those unique needs, said Silvius.
Zachary Stingl, director of the Will Smith Zoo School (WSZS/San Antonio Zoo) says the program will operate on a half-day Outdoors, pg. 4
Seguin’s longtime tradition of hosting a 4th of July party downtown is again being made possible thanks to these local business partners who all know the importance of community and giving back. Seguin Radio KWED is recognizing these businesses for stepping up and helping to bring the party to families this Saturday night from 6 to 11 p.m. The celebration kicks off with the annual Kiddie Parade around Central Park at 6 p.m. Clint Taft and the Buck Wild Band plus son Colton will take the Republic Plastics Main stage. Also providing music at the same time that night will be D.J. DTrayne. Kids games, bouncy houses, food vendors and arts and crafts will all be available. The community is also invited out for a Glow Up Dance Party beginning at 9 p.m. Don’t forget to wear your glow décor. The event is free.
Framing the Future: Local employees spend the day on the job helping others
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) -- Central States Manufacturing was among those local companies who stepped away from their usual production lines this past Saturday to come together and help build something a bit more meaningful.
As part of Habitat for Humanity’s Build for Better Bash, the team of employees volunteered their time to construct walls for the organization’s milestone 50th and 51st homes in Guadalupe County.
Volunteer work crews spent the morning hammering and wall-building across a parking lot at Texas Lutheran University.
Andrea Ruiz, the human resources manager for the Seguin plant, says employees are encouraged to be of service to the community year-round. She says this is something that Central States strongly values.
“Our company has a giving back (program). We allot eight hours for all of our employees to come out during the year to give back to the community. And then, we have six people who are here today that are doing that. We did it last year. It was the first time that we actually did it, and we had probably about 20 last year. And everyone really enjoyed it. And it’s a great way to give back to the community,” said Ruiz.
For newly named Plant Manager Luis Hernandez, Saturday’s event was his first exposure to the communitydriven side of the company. He says it was his chance to witness how the company empowers its employees to serve the community.
“I thought it was great. I thought that the whole culture of this company (was great).We are a faithbased company overall, and just the simple fact that we participate actively in these types of promotions, I think is great. Just listening to the testimony of the people that are going to receive these houses, it tells you everything about what we’re doing and why we do it. I’m happy to be out here with my coworkers and doing everything we can to support that,” said Hernandez.
It was also incredibly rewarding for Hernandez to work side-by-side with his Central States team. He says the work was all about making a difference outside of their regular day-to-day work.
“Seeing the community come together this week is a large testament to what this city stands for. I think the comments that were made at the beginning kind of set the center stage for, you know, why we’re out of here. But, you know, as a company, me being out here with my coworkers, them, working alongside with me, not as, in a capacity of -- I’m a manager and you’re giving assignments and stuff. It’s just me and them elbow to elbow and, you know, hammering nails down. So, it’s all for the same cause, and I’m happy to do it,” said Hernandez.
Central States Manufacturing says it looks forward to continuing its partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Other business partners serving as sponsors or assisting with the build this past weekend included Bertling Equipment, Niagara, Schertz Bank & Trust, Barnard Donegan Insurance, Ameritex, TLU, GRMC, Seguin Economic Development Corporation, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Schwab for Texas, The Meservey Group; Knights of Columbus #412 and Seguin Radio KWED.
Other supporting sponsors included Marion State Bank, Tres Hewell Mortuary, Seguin Chevrolet, LoneStar Homes Solutions; Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union, CMC, Beyond Coffee, Paul Gaytan Law Firm, First United BankSeguin Main, Prosperity Bank, Joe Cools AC and Heating, Kirchner Women’s Clinic, ME Plumbing, 5J Plumbing, Healing Hands Chiropractic, GVEC and Master Electrical Services.
The annual effort is just one way the non-profit organization works to support working families with no-interest loan home buying.
Outdoors, continued.
(or even possibly a full day) schedule with an anticipated enrollment of 30 students: 15 in the morning and 15 in the afternoon. Seguin ISD will handle student registration and reporting, while WSZS will staff and run the instructional programming. He says the model is designed not only to expand access to pre-K education, but to alleviate existing waitlists and introduce families to an alternative, experience-rich educational path.
“We cycle in and out of the classroom. We follow pre-k guidelines, but we take all of those learnings and we make them nature based. So they are still learning their reading, their letters, their phonics – all the number sense that they need but all of those experiences in nature work collaboratively – changes their experiences such as they are asking more questions independently or doing their own (PBL) project based learning activities so we are going above and beyond pre-k guidelines so when they are going to kindergarten they are more than ready,” said Stingl.
Stingl adds it’s immersive outdoor learning at its best.
“We right now spend 70 percent of our time outside so when we do our math lessons – when we do our phonics work or whatever science items we are working on, we do that outside. What we do is we start outside. We do a morning routine, some carpet work, but then we transition outside for the lessons. We do this when it’s breezy, when it’s raining, we make it work. We acclimate it to life outside and enjoying what it provides. When it comes to math manipulatives because a lot of families are always asking what are you providing for math, we actually have collections. We will go out and collect different things – objects, textures – we will classify them and then we will use them for counting (or phonics). We will group them. So, for pre-k it just lends itself so smoothly to life outside,” said Stingl.
District officials note that this public-private partnership is made possible under state rules that allow early childhood collaborations between school districts and private providers. Through a shared Average Daily Attendance (ADA) funding model, Seguin ISD will receive state reimbursement for eligible students while WSZS supports instruction with its curriculum, teachers, and classroom materials.
Under the pilot plan for the Seguin site, Seguin ISD will receive 15 percent of ADA funding while the Zoo School retains 85 percent to support operational costs.
Interim Superintendent Liz Banks says while they are covering their costs, the goal here is an educational opportunity, not profit.
“There is going to be a lift for Seguin ISD. I just don’t want you to think that the kids are going to show up and there’s not going to be any responsibilities added to staff. I just want to make sure that that is clear. We are not doing this to make money, obviously. You can tell we are doing this in such a way that we don’t lose any money for this one-year pilot. I just want to be transparent about that,” said Banks.
Amanda McMickle, vice president of education at the San Antonio Zoo, says pilot studies from similar programs have shown remarkable benefits. She says young learners are displaying improved problem-solving abilities, increased confidence, and stronger friendships. This she says are all key indicators of kindergarten readiness.
“The message that we’re sending to the students is that we’re all in this together for them. I think when you see public/private come together, that’s the message. It’s like we’re not just throwing our hands up and saying, ‘we’ll see how this goes.’ We’re sending the message that we’re working for you or fighting for you. And I think what the nature-based kind of offers, it combines academics and then the opportunity for children to develop an emotional relationship with the natural world that is kind of a miss. You know, right now our kids are feeling like -- adults too -- our heads are in the clouds. There’s a lot happening. And so, when they can connect to their place and understand
where they’re coming from, then they’re happier, they’re healthier, they grow to be smarter. And we don’t know what the future looks like, right? But we do know we’re going to need thinkers and really confident thinkers. And that’s what nature-based learning is,” said McMickle.
Among those helping to facilitate this partnership as a contractor is Michelle Hartmann, deputy superintendent for Fort Davis ISD. Hartmann says she is excited about this new opportunity here in Seguin and hopes families take advantage of the opportunity.
“I want everyone to know that you are kind of leading the way in the state of Texas and with a focus on also making sure that we reach all students of Seguin ISD, meaning students that might be of, financial challenges – disabilities – really, there’s no limitation on the students that will have this opportunity,” said Hartmann.
Silvius says he is thrilled to finally see this plan come to fruition. In fact, he says it was almost one year ago when he first heard of this type of public/ partnership on public radio while in West Texas. He says during that program, he heard Hartmann sharing her success with a similar program in her district.
“When we took on the Outdoor Learning Center, the commitment that I made to the board and the commitment that I made to the community, was that I’m going to seek as many ways as possible to get more kids out there and to make that place sustainable for generations to come. And I think that this is one of those steps in the right direction to really be innovative, to leverage some of the rules that exist within our state funding system, to really provide a program that’s going to be unique and lives up to the expectations of our community,” said Silvius. “So, there’s no question that it’s a bold venture that we’re going to do. But you know what? That’s what we do in Seguin. We’ve always done bold things that meet the needs of our kids. And so, this is one more step in the right direction. This is how we do school in Seguin. We’re constantly looking for what is the best way to provide for our kids. You never hit that milestone of completion. We always have to be looking for what’s next, what’s next, what’s next? And I believe that this is the what’s next?”
The new pre-k-based program will cap off at 20 full-day or 40 half-day students. Online registration is set to open in August.
Priority enrollment will go to eligible students under the state’s pre-K criteria. Following Monday’s approval, district officials took the first steps by hiring staff and planning for facility preparation.
Interest forms and flyers will soon be available on the district’s website and social media pages. Specific details, including whether or not transportation will be provided, are now being determined and will also be released as soon as possible.
Springs Named to WGCA All-American Scholar Team
CORAL SPRINGS, FL -- Texas Lutheran women’s golfer Jacqueline Springs (Seguin/Navarro) has been named to the WGCA All-American Scholar Team, the organization announced Monday.
An athlete must maintain an overall cumulative GPA of 3.5-or-higher and played in at least 50% of the team’s competitions during the 2024-25 campaign in order to qualify for the honor. Springs was also named to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) All-District Team in June.
This is the third career WGCA honor for Springs in her career.
Springs maintained a 3.96 GPA as a Biology major while serving as a senior leader for the 2025 women’s golf team, finishing in the top 25 four times this season.
You can find all updates on TLU Golf on tlubulldogs.com, @tlugolf on Instagram, as well as all official Texas Lutheran Athletics social media accounts.
Bryce Hayes - TLU Sports Marketing & Sports Information
VITAL STATISTICS
Garcia
Jose “Joe” Martin Garcia, age 77 of Seguin, passed away on June 24, 2025. Joe was born on November 12,1947 in Seguin, Texas, to Henrietta (Sanchez) and Encarnecion Garcia.
Joe will be remembered as a devoted 29-year employee of CMC (SMI), where he served with pride as a Maintenance General Foreman before retiring from the Shredding Department. His strong work ethic and dedication left a lasting impression on those who worked alongside him.
Outside of his career, Joe found joy in the simple and meaningful parts of life. He had a deep love for the outdoors—spending countless hours hunting, fishing, and tinkering in his backyard. Weekends were often reserved for one of
Reiley
Vernon H. Reiley, age 93 of Seguin, went home to God on June 21, 2025. Vernon was born in 1932 in Marion, Texas to Hedwig and Herbert Reiley. A lifelong resident of Guadalupe County, Texas, Vernon was part of a large farming family.
Survivors include his loving wife of 75 years, Betty Jean Reiley; four siblings and their spouses, three children; seven grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren.
Vernon was blessed to have known and enjoyed good times with a host of
his favorite pastimes: visiting flea markets, where he found treasures and shared stories with anyone who crossed his path.
He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Mary Menchaca.
Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Esther Garcia; children, Gracie Garcia, Annette Rosas and husband Thomas, Martin Garcia and wife Rhonda, and Angel Garcia; grandchildren, Amber Blake and husband Curtis, Martin Zuniga, Jr., Kaleb Zuniga, Lauren Rosas, Cameron Rosas, and Tristan Garcia; six greatgrandchildren; siblings, Conrad Garcia, Philip Garcia, Jimmy Garcia and wife, Angie, and Estella Tijerina; brother-in-law, Juan Menchaca; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and many friends.
A memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel from 5 to 7 p.m.
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,
extended family, friends and neighbors.
Funeral service will be held at Emanuel’s Lutheran Church on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 10 a.m. with the Reverend Marcus Bigott officiating. Private family interment will be held in Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park.
Serving as pallbearers will be: James Reiley, Larry Reiley, Dale Reiley, Collin Reiley, Bob Baker, and Paul Allen Volkmann.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Emanuel’s Lutheran Church or the charity of your 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.
US Hits Over 12K Measles Cases
(Undated) -- A second measles outbreak has been reported in Michigan. Utah has seven measles cases and health workers in New Mexico are trying to quickly contain an outbreak in a county jail. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports over 12-thousand confirmed measles cases this year. Other states with active outbreaks include Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, North Dakota and Oklahoma. This year, two elementary school-aged kids in west Texas and an adult in New Mexico have died of measles and all were unvaccinated.
Flu Shot In Pregnancy Linked To Fewer Infections In Infants
(Oakland, CA) -- A study by researchers at Kaiser Permanente Northern California in Oakland found that getting the flu shot while pregnant may reduce the risk of flu infection during a baby’s first six months. Flu vaccination during pregnancy was linked to a 44-percent reduced risk of infant influenza infection. Risk reduction was only significant when the vaccination happened during the second or third trimesters of pregnancy. The study ‘s lead researcher said mothers who get vaccinated in pregnancy not only help themselves, but protect their infants at a crucial time.
Bologna Recalled Nationwide Due To Misbranding
(Undated) -- Nearly 150-thousand pounds of bologna is being recalled nationwide. Gaiser’s European Style Provisions Inc. issued the recall due to misbranding, and the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service said the recalled products contain undeclared “meat or poultry source materials.” According to a recall alert, “FSIS does not expect any adverse health effects” and “there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these product.” The ready-to-eat bologna items were produced between March 20th and June 20th of this year, and consumers who have purchased the products are advised not to eat them.
France Bans Smoking In Public Locations
(Undated) -- France has begun banning smoking on beaches, parks, public gardens and shelters. The announcement was published in the official government gazette on Saturday. The ban also includes no smoking outside of libraries, swimming pools and schools, hoping to protect children from the effects of secondhand smoke. It did not mention e-cigarettes. Violators of the ban will be hit with a fine of 135 euros or nearly 160-dollars.
July
Baby Time
The Seguin Public Library will have Baby Time on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 10 a.m. Learn rhymes and bounces to do with babies, sing songs, and listen to 1 baby storybook. Song and rhyme time will last approximately 25 minutes, followed by baby playtime with scarves, egg shakers, and more. Baby Time is geared towards ages 0 to 18 months. Baby Time meets at 10 a.m. every Wednesday. This program is free and open to the public. Please call 830-401-2422 or visit library.seguintexas.gov for additional information.
Family Storytime
The Seguin Public Library offers Family Storytime on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 11 a.m. Family Storytime includes stories, rhymes, songs, and other fun early literacy activities for families with children ages 0 to 5. Family Storytime meets at 11 a.m. on Wednesdays. This program is free and open to the public. Please call 830-401-2422 or visit library.seguintexas.gov for additional information.
Seguin High School Class of 1980 Reunion
The Seguin High School Class of 1980 will be hosting its 45th Reunion from 2 to 5 p.m. on July 4th at The 1908 Bar, located at 100 E.
Court St. in Seguin. For more information, contact Stacy Shanafelt Johnson at 817-999-7398. Hope to see you there!
Freedom Fiesta Seeking Food, Craft, Game, and Non-Profit Vendors
Seguin Daily News / KWED will be hosting Freedom Fiesta at 6 p.m. on July 5 in downtown Seguin. Vendor applications are now open for food trucks, for-profit food and drink vendors, arts and crafts, games, and non-profit organizations. The fee is $250 for food trucks and food vendors, and $100 for drink vendors. All fees are non-refundable and must be paid to KWED upon signing the application. A $25 food permit is also required for all food and drink vendors and must be obtained separately from the City of Seguin by noon on June 20, 2025. Non-profit organizations are encouraged to participate and should contact KWED for additional setup details. Space is limited, and forms should be submitted as soon as possible. For more information, call 830-3792234.
Join GCRW’s Kiddie Parade:
Kids are invited to participate in the Guadalupe County Republican Women Kiddie Parade, which kicks off KWED’s Freedom Fiesta on Saturday, July 5th at 6 PM on Donegan Street next to Seguin’s Central Park gazebo. Kids can ride in their strollers, on their bikes or scooters, in their motorized
vehicles, or just march around Central Park following Uncle Sam (aka, Sheriff Joshua Ray) around the square. Prizes will be given to the top two in each category (walking, self-propelled, motorized). No pre-registration is necessary. Contact Kelly with questions at 830.463.7549 or kdfoll123@yahoo. com.
Continued on the next page. City of Seguin Holiday Closure
The City of Seguin will be observing Independence Day on Friday, July 4. Non-emergency city offices and the Seguin Public Library will be closed. Offices will reopen on Monday, July 7. Garbage and recycling collection schedules will remain unchanged.
Seguin Art League Summer Art Camp – July Session
The Seguin Art League will be hosting a second session of the Wild Beasts: Animals in Folktales, Myth and Art Summer Art Camp from July 8 to July 11 at 104 S. Austin St. The camp runs from 10 a.m. to noon for ages 5 to 9, and 1 to 3 p.m. for ages 10 and older. Students will engage in creating bold and imaginative animal-themed art inspired by myth, folktale, and the wild style of the French “Fauves.” The cost is $125, and supplies are included. Each session is limited to 8 students. For more information, call 830-305-0472.
Continued on the next page.
Unwind Your Drawing Skills
The Seguin Art League will be hosting “Unwind Your Drawing Skills” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on July 11 at the gallery located at 104 S. Austin. This relaxing class is designed for all skill levels and will focus on using value to create strong contrasts in a still-life drawing. Participants ages 18 and older are invited, and the class size is limited to 12 students. Cost is $20. Bring your own sketchbook and pencil. For more information, call 830305-0472 or visit the gallery.
Bryan Zipp
The Silver Center will be hosting Bryan Zipp at 7:30 p.m. on July 11th 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.
Strong
Tower Christian Church BBQ Fundraiser
Strong Tower Christian Church will be hosting a BBQ Plate Sale fundraiser from 10 a.m. until sold out on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 525 W. New Braunfels St. in Seguin. Plates are available for a $12 donation to support the reconstruction of their house of worship. Donations can also be made via CashApp at $STRONGTOWER525. For more information, contact Jeannette at 830-557-8415 or Abby at 830-557-2245.
Indoor Flea Market Hosted by Guadalupana Society
The Guadalupana Society of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church will be hosting an Indoor Flea Market at 9 a.m. on July 12 at the Parish Hall, located at 409 W. Krezdorn St. in Seguin. Small business owners and vendors are invited to participate, with crafts, housewares, clothes, direct sales, and gently used items welcome. Food items require prior board approval. Tables are available for $25 each, with limited availability on a first come, first served basis. For more information or to reserve a table, contact Cindy Pease at 417-389-1837 or Felisa Ramirez at 210-382-1745.
CMA Summer Strings and Vocal Arts Camps
The TLU Community Music Academy will be hosting its Summer Strings and Vocal Arts Camps on July 14–18 at the TLU Schuech Fine Arts Center. The Strings Camp will run from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and includes instruction in violin, cello, and orchestra (no guitar). The Vocal Arts Camp will take place from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m. Both camps are open to students in grades 2–6 and welcome beginners. Registration is open from April 21 to July 14, and the fee is $125 with discounts available. For more information and to register, visit www.tlucma.org.
Master Naturalist Meet N’ Greet
The Master Naturalist program will be hosting a Meet N’ Greet at 6:00 PM on July 15 at the AgriLife Extension Building, located at 210 E. Live Oak in Seguin. You are invited to learn about
this volunteer organization dedicated to conserving Texas’ natural resources. A new training class will begin on August 5 for those interested in joining. For more details, visit txmn.org/guadalupe and click on “Certification Training,” or email Class@guadmn.org.
Gabe Galvan Band
The Silver Center will be hosting Gabe Galvan Band at 7:30 p.m. on July 25th 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.
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.
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.
