July 7, 2025
Seguin recovers after weekend flooding, damage cleanup underway, officials grateful for safety
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin)
— Heavy rains on Saturday drenched Seguin and much of Guadalupe County, dumping more than 8 inches of rain in some areas --- overwhelming local infrastructure. While the region avoided the tragic loss of life seen in other parts of the Texas Hill Country, flooding still caused significant disruptions across the city — stranding drivers, damaging city parks and drainage systems, and prompting an emergency response from local and county leaders.
Guadalupe County
Emergency Management Coordinator and Fire Marshal Patrick Pinder described just how quickly conditions escalated.
He says Saturday, many in Guadalupe County witnessed just how quickly a few hours of heavy rain can impact a community. Pinder says while the county was fortunate compared to our neighbors to the north, some areas in our county still received over 8 inches of rain, resulting in road closures and rising water levels
along the Guadalupe River.
No fatalities were reported in Seguin or Guadalupe County, and most of the local water rescues involved stalled cars or people trapped by fast-rising water.
Several drivers and shoppers were temporarily stranded in parking lots at H-E-B, Tractor Supply, Guadalupe Regional Medical Center (GRMC), Walgreens, and businesses in the Plaza Del Rey area.
Many homes, restaurants, businesses and even churches throughout the area also experienced various levels of flooding.
While emergency responders managed the situation quickly, Pinder said county resources will now shift toward helping other communities still in crisis.
He says as the local flooding begins to subside, thoughts and prayers remain with those still searching for missing loved ones and with the brave first responders continuing rescue efforts across the Texas Hill Country.
Flooding, pg. 2
Photo courtesy Debbie Blair Eckhart
Flooding, continued.
He says Guadalupe County Emergency Management is keeping in contact with their first responder team members in the Hill Country and providing the assistance they need daily.
Seguin Mayor Donna Dodgen via social media praised the city’s staff and emergency partners for their rapid and effective response to the weekend flooding.
“Our emergency operations center that was opened in conjunction with the County is now closed with no one coming in in need,” said Dodgen. “Our water treatment plant personnel did an incredible job keeping everything working. There were a few power outages, but the electrical staff quickly restored them.”
She noted that although the city’s drainage system was initially overwhelmed by the volume of water, it performed well under the circumstances.
“There was some damage to our drainage infrastructure, but all in all it worked really well with quite a lot of water dumped in a short period of time,” Dodgen said. “We are working with some emergency contracts to repair some areas — a sinkhole and manhole covers that were popped.”
Dodgen signed an emergency declaration to help the city access state or federal recovery funds if needed.
“Please keep our individual citizens and businesses in your prayers as well as those in the area of devastation,” she added.
According to the Seguin Parks and Recreation Department, several city facilities sustained damage and will remain closed for cleanup and repair.
The Wave Pool was closed Sunday, July 6. Various pool pumps and motors were submerged, and the pool is filled with muddy water. Damage assessments are ongoing.
Flooding, pg. 3
Flooding, continued.
Max Starcke Park gates will remain locked until Monday morning for debris cleanup.
Walnut Springs Trail remains open to pedestrians, though caution is advised.
River Road in Starcke Park West, including the pedestrian gate from Boenig Street, will remain closed due to flood damage.
Damage to the Hugman walls, retaining walls, and “butter stick” flood blocks is also being evaluated.
Renovations at the Starcke Park Golf Course were impacted, but early assessments suggest the damage may not be as severe as initially feared.
Guadalupe County Emergency Management encourages residents to report flooding or structural damage to help officials assess the scope of impact. The county also hopes to coordinate with the American Red Cross to provide assistance to those affected.
Residents can report damages through the
official Guadalupe County website or by contacting the emergency management office directly.
As recovery continues, officials are urging residents to remain cautious around low-water crossings and flood-damaged areas. Cleanup will take time, but both county and city leaders remain committed to restoring services and supporting those in need.
The weekend flooding also put an end to the city’s 4th of July celebration with the cancellation of KWED’s Freedom Fiesta. By mid-morning, KWED made the decision to cancel the evening celebration in downtown Seguin.
KWED General Manager Darren Dunn stated,
“We were excited for this year’s celebration, but unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans.
While we briefly considered moving the event to Sunday, the tragic events in Kerr County and the anxiety caused by today’s flash flooding in Seguin and Guadalupe County made it clear that this is not the right time for a festival.”
VITAL STATISTICS
LangHelga Johanna Roth Lange, affectionately known as Johanna, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the age of 87.
Johanna was born on July 21, 1937, in Winters, Texas, to Pastor Carl and Elner Roth. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents; her older sister, Carolyn Roth Spillers; her devoted husband of 53 years, Pastor William Frederick Lange Jr.; and her beloved son, Christopher William Stuart Lange. She leaves behind a loving legacy through her daughter, Debbie Tucker, and husband Jeff, and her son, Scott Lange, and his wife Tina and her daughter-inlaw, Nikki Lange. She was a proud and deeply cherished grandmother to ten grandchildren: Kristen Bigott and her husband Pastor Marcus Bigott, Courtney Eldridge, Garrett Eldridge, Kale Lange, Koby Lange and his wife Nicole, Phillip White and his wife Shawna, Isaiah White, Grayson and Cade Lange and Ashlyn Martz. She was also blessed with four precious great-granddaughters: Gracelyn, Emberlyn, Olivia, and Kimber. Sister, Jeanette Mayer and husband Bill and numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and many friends.
Johanna graduated from Seguin High School in 1956 and later earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Lutheran College. She went on to enjoy a fulfilling 22-year career at Seguin High School, where she taught physical science, biology, typing, and bookkeeping, touching the lives of countless students along the way.
A charter member of Faith Lutheran Church, Johanna faithfully stood by her husband’s side in ministry for 45 years as a dedicated pastor’s wife. She was especially beloved for her “Sand Box Stories” during Vacation Bible School and Sunday School—an interactive storytelling method she learned from her mother,
Elner. Many children, long into adulthood, fondly remembered how Johanna brought Bible stories to life using a simple sandbox. She joyfully passed this tradition on to others, ensuring it would be shared with future generations.
Among her proudest accomplishments was the restoration of one of her grandfather’s old country churches, which had been converted into a sheep shed. With the stained-glass windows still intact, Johanna purchased the structure and had it relocated to the Texas Agricultural Education and Heritage Center. Now known as Zion Church, it continues to serve as a sacred space for weddings, baptisms, and worship services.
Johanna was known for many passions, including her famous homemade dill pickles, which she often taught others how to make. She found joy in gardening and in restoring antique trunks, often turning heirloom pieces into beautiful keepsakes. She had a deep love for history and often said she believed she had lived on the Oregon Trail in a past life—so much so that she once displayed an old wagon in her front yard before donating it to The Big Red Barn.
A memorial service celebrating Johanna’s life will be held at Faith Lutheran Church in Seguin, Texas, on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 2:00 PM with the Reverend Marcus Bigott and the Reverend Daniel Cave officiating. A reception will follow in the Life Enrichment Center (LEC).
Her ashes will be lovingly placed in the columbarium at Faith Lutheran Church beside her husband, Bill, and son, Chris, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the William F. Lange Endowed Seminary Scholarship Fund at Faith Lutheran Church, 1326 E. Cedar, Seguin, Texas, 78155 or to The Texas Agricultural Education and Heritage Center, 390 Cordova Rd, Seguin, Texas, 78155, in honor of Johanna’s lifelong love for faith, family, and heritage.
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
Vinyard
Sherman Larry Vinyard, 82, passed away due to complications from Parkinson’s disease on Thursday, June 26, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. He was born July 1, 1942, in Seguin, Texas to Sherman and Cora (Stephens) Vinyard.
He grew up in Seguin, Texas and graduated from Texas Lutheran University with a degree in accounting. He served as a Colonel in the field artillery in the United States Army and the Texas Army National Guard for many decades, with service in the Republic of Vietnam from 1966-1967. He was inducted into the Field Artillery Hall of Fame at Fort Sill, Oklahoma in 2008. He was awarded the Honorable Order of St. Barbara and the Ancient Order of St. Barbara for exceptional service and contributions to the U.S. Army Field Artillery.
He worked for the Texas State Auditors Office as a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, Chartered Global Management Accountant, Certified Government Financial Manager, Certified Fraud Examiner, and Certified Risk Management Assurance. He retired from the State Auditor’s office in 1996, but he was far from done working. He began teaching accounting courses at Austin Community College and doing consultant auditing work for Texas State University in San Marcos. His students consistently reported his classes were exceptionally difficult; however, he had the highest rate of students passing the CPA examination on the first attempt. After his time teaching and
consulting, he went to work for the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2004 in the Office of Business Oversight as a Lead Auditor in the Internal Controls Service division. After four failed attempts, he officially retired from everything in September 2015, for real.
He absolutely LOVED all things baseball. He played in little league and pony league as a kid, then umpired baseball games, played softball with the State Auditor’s Office, and watched any baseball game on TV. If you asked him who he wanted to win he would always say, “I just want to see a good game.” He had a deep love for his country, a strong ethical character with integrity beyond reproach, was unwaveringly determined, and incessantly stubborn.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Sherman and Cora Vinyard, brother-in law Stephen Anthony Alblinger and sister-in-law Lloydine Vinyard. He is survived by his wife of 47 years Naomi Vinyard; daughters Carolyn Brown and her husband Daryl, and Rachel Hayse and her husband Ryan; grandchildren Ellie Brown, Wyatt Hayse, and Duncan Hayse, and brothers Jerry Vinyard and Keith Vinyard and his wife Fran. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends.
A visitation will be held Friday, July 11, 2025 in Georgetown, TX at the Ramsey Funeral Home & Crematorium from 4-6pm with a brief service following. A graveside service with military honors will be held at the Moulton City Cemetery, Saturday July 12th at 10:30 am with lunch to follow at the American Legion in Moulton, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made to The Salvation Army or the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation.
Study Finds Link Between Processed Meat And Disease
(Seattle, WA) -- A new study suggests there’s no safe amount of processed meat. In a report published this week, researchers said they looked at data from over 60 previous studies on the relationship between health and processed meats. The study’s lead author says their research found that “habitual consumption” of even small amounts of processed meat, sugary drinks and trans fatty acids was linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and colorectal cancer. The researchers point out that the study shows an association between eating habits and disease, but does not prove that the eating habits caused the disease.
Multiple States Close Beaches Due To Fecal Bacteria
(Undated) -- Just in time for the July 4th holiday, several beaches across the country are issuing closures and advisories because of excessive levels of harmful bacteria. Fecal waste, which can cause gastrointestinal illness and skin infections, is causing havoc for summer swimmers just ahead of the long Independence Day weekend. At least six states have issued closures or advisories for certain beaches and lakes that have tested positive for above safe levels of fecal bacteria. Those states include Massachusetts, where nearly two dozen beaches are closed, New York, Michigan, Illinois and California.
Europe Feeling Impacts Of Pollen
(England) -- Data shows people who normally don’t suffer allergies are feeling the impacts of extremely high pollen levels this past spring in Europe. The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service just released findings that show a rise in grass and olive pollen release in southern Europe and extreme levels of birch pollen in north-eastern parts. The report says more people are reporting allergy symptoms. Roughly a quarter of adults in Europe have allergies tied to the air and the World Health Organization expects that to number to reach 50 percent by year 2050.
Particle Pollution Linked To Increased Mutations In Lung Caners
(Undated) - A new study shows a link between particle air pollution and increased mutations in lung cancers in non smokers. Scientists at the National Institutes of Health found that pollution from vehicles and industry was strongly associated with increased changes in lung cancer tumors in non smokers. Researchers analyzed lung tumors from hundreds of people who never-smoked in 28 locations worldwide. The study says the results could lead to more prevention strategies for those who have never-smoked.
July
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.
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 830-305-0472 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.
Casino Night to Benefit Guadalupe County Children’s Advocacy Center
The Guadalupe County Children’s Advocacy Center will be hosting Casino Night from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on July 12 at The Big Red Barn, located at 390 Cordova Rd. in Seguin. The evening will feature gaming tables, live and silent auctions, prizes, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and drinks. General admission is $50 in advance, which includes event entry and $1,000 in chips. Sponsorships and additional chip bundles are available. Proceeds will support services for local children. For tickets or sponsorship information, visit www.gccac.net or call 830303-4760.
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.
August
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.
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.
