Biggest Small-Town 4th of July Parade winners announced at Sunday Concert
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) -- The city of Seguin also changed things up a bit to better recognize those winners of the Biggest Small-Town Fourth of July Parade in Texas which rolled through downtown Seguin along Austin Street Saturday morning, July 4th.
However, rather than sticking to tradition and announcing winners immediately following the parade, organizers with the Seguin Main Street Program stated that this year’s results were tallied following the parade.
Winners were then officially announced and honored during Sunday night’s Central Park Summer Concert Series in Seguin. Officials say this change allowed judges more time to carefully review entries and gave organizers an opportunity to recognize participants in a larger public setting.
Winning Most Patriotic was the Seguin Stros Select Baseball Team. Best Community Award went to the Floresville Peanut Festival Children’s Court. The Most Spirited Award went to the Seguin High School Cheerleaders. Named as Best Overall was the Guadalupe County Master Gardeners.
Serving as judges for the parade were Carmen Davila, Katy Rozell, and Susan Caddell.
Entries were evaluated on patriotism, creativity, and overall presentation.
Seguin celebrates full weekend of Independence Day Festivities
(Seguin) -- Seguin successfully marked the nation’s 250th birthday with a multi-day Fourth of July celebration that brought thousands together in patriotic spirit.
This year’s festivities wrapped up Sunday evening with a patriotic concert in Central Park. The concert was also the final concert for the city’s free Summer Concert Series in the Park. The celebration reached its peak Saturday night with the annual KWED Freedom Fiesta, where organizers say turnout was especially strong despite the event falling on the actual Fourth of July this year.
On the main stage, Clint Taft and the Buck Wild Band, along with his son Colton, delivered a great performance. The entertainment was complemented by a second main stage area featuring DJ D-Trayne. Families filled the festival grounds as food vendors lined the event space, offering a wide variety of local favorites and summer treats.
Children enjoyed bounce houses and a new petting
zoo addition, which quickly became a popular stop for local families. Adding to the excitement, DJ Navarro helped surprise the crowd with “roaming entertainment” that included a large dancing lighted robot and a dancing gorilla -- adding a playful, unexpected twist to the celebration.
KWED organizers expressed gratitude to the many sponsors, vendors, city partners and volunteers who helped make the festival possible.
Freedom Fiesta was again part of a full slate of Independence Day events across Seguin. Festivities kicked off Friday evening with fireworks, drawing crowds for a traditional holiday display over the city. The fireworks have been marked as the biggest and best show thus far.
On Saturday morning, the community gathered for the “Biggest Small-Town Fourth of July Parade in Texas,” – welcoming thousands along the parade route.
Organizers say plans are already in place for next year’s 4th of July celebration in Seguin.
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
Patriotic GCRW Kiddie Parade selects winners
(Seguin) -- Some of Seguin’s youngest patriots helped launch this year’s Freedom Fiesta celebration, proudly marching through Central Park during the Guadalupe County Republican Women’s (GCRW) Annual Kiddie Parade.
Families filled the park with decorated wagons, bicycles, scooters and motorized vehicles. Parade organizer Kelly Follis says the annual event is a reminder that Independence Day is an opportunity for the community to come together in appreciation of the freedoms and blessings shared by all Americans.
This year’s winners in the stroller, wagon and walking category were Esmie and Quinn. In the selfpowered division for bicycles, tricycles and scooters, honors went to Phoebe along with Beckett and August. The motorized vehicle category winners were Renesmay,
Wrenly and Whitney.
Adding even more excitement to the festivities, The Law Office of Ruben James Reyes donated a Nintendo Switch Lite, which was awarded through a drawing open to all parade participants.
Leading the parade around Central Park was Uncle Sam, a.k.a Guadalupe County Sheriff Joshua Ray. Serving as judges were District Judge Heather Hines, Guadalupe County Court at Law No. 2 Judge Kirsten Legore and Guadalupe County Clerk Teresa Kiel.
Awards were presented by Seguin Mayor Donna Dodgen and Seguin Police Officer Willie Ybarra, while GCRW members Janel Ray and Kelly Ybarra assisted with photographs and parade organization.
The annual Kiddie Parade again served as the official kickoff to KWED’s Freedom Fiesta celebration.
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
VITAL STATISTICS
REEVES
Janet Reeves, age 55, of Kingsbury, Texas, passed away on June 21, 2026.
Janet was born on April 26, 1971, in Lockhart, Texas, to Linda Sue Hebbe Taft and Lee Roy Woods, Jr. From the very beginning, Janet had a big heart, a bright smile, and a way of making people feel like family the moment they met her.
Janet was known for her kindness, her laughter, and her joyful spirit. She never met a stranger and could turn any room into a place filled with warmth and friendship. She proudly served as Vice President of the KVFD Auxiliary, where she gave her time and energy to serving others— something she truly loved doing.
Above all else, Janet’s greatest joy was being “Mimi” to her grandchildren. She lit up when she talked about them, and nothing made her happier than spending time with them and loving on them in her own special way.
She was also the best dancer in every room she walked into. Whether there was music playing or not, Janet brought life, laughter, and a spark that stayed with everyone long after she left.
ZIPP
Albert Robert Zipp, Jr., age 93 of Seguin, passed away peacefully at his home on June 26, 2026. Albert was born in Guadalupe County on January 21, 1933, to Emilie Sophie (Fischer) and Albert Emil Zipp.
He attended Seguin Independent School District beginning at McQueeney Elementary School and graduating from High School, Class of 1950. He also attended Texas Lutheran College.
On July 26,1959, Albert married the love of his life, Carolyn Reiley Zipp, in Seguin, Texas. Together they built a loving family and shared 67 wonderful years together.
Albert dedicated 39 years of service to Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative (GVEC), where he was known for his strong work ethic and commitment before retiring. He also proudly served his country after being drafted into the United States Army.
Outside of work, Albert had a lifelong love of baseball. He was a threeyear letterman of the Seguin Matador Ball Club and was named Captain in 1950. After high school, he played for the Seguin Raiders. He was scouted by the White Sox and accepted to the team, but due to a football injury his baseball career was cut short.
Albert and Carolyn were previously members of Emanuel’s Lutheran Church where they enjoyed serving as Leaders of the Youth Group. Albert also worked on maintaining the grounds at both Emanuel’s Lutheran and their current Church, Faith Lutheran.
Albert enjoyed trotline fishing, good music, picking pecans, tending his passionflower garden, volleyball and simply visiting with all the friends and acquaintances he made through the R.V. Park.
He was well known in the Seguin community as the owner and manager of Zipp RV Park. He also faithfully helped Carolyn with her business, All Occasions Catering. Above all else, he was a hardworking, family-oriented husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who treasured time spent
Janet was preceded in death by her beloved daughter-in-law, Lyndsay Maclin Woods, and her stepfather, Glen Taft, both of whom she cared for deeply and now carries in her heart always.
She is survived by her children, AJ Woods; Travis Woods and Jessika Parham; and Paige Birdwell and Carl Birdwell Jr.; her precious grandchildren, Josiah and Roland Woods, and Amelia and Eleanor Birdwell; her father, Lee Roy Woods, Jr. and Tawnya Woods; her mother, Linda Sue Taft; her siblings, Becky Carlberg and Kevin Carlberg, and Keith Tausch; along with numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving family members, and a wide circle of friends who felt like family.
Janet’s love was the kind that stayed with you. Though her absence leaves an unimaginable space in the hearts of those who knew her, her laughter, her hugs, and her spirit will continue to live on in every memory shared.
Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever in our hearts.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at the Kingsbury Fire Station in Kingsbury, Texas from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. with remarks by the Reverend Tom Jones and friends and family at 3 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to a fund for her grandchildren.
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.
with those he loved.
Albert was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Emil Zipp and Emilie Sophie Fischer Zipp, his sister Regina Rehfeld and husband Milton, motherin-law and father-in-law, Hedwig and Herbert Reiley, his sister-in-law, Marciel Koepsel and husband George, and his brothers-in-law, Vernon Reiley and Leroy Reiley.
He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Carolyn Reiley Zipp; his daughters, Dina Scales and husband Ed, and Debby Sekula; grandchildren who knew and loved him as “Pops”, Carson Baker and wife Allie, Dalton Baker and wife Desiree, Taylor Sekula and wife Audrey, Brandon Sekula, and Alexis Sekula Strom and husband Jake; great-grandchildren, Eli, Amara, Kaylee, Alex, Cayden, and Jade Baker; brothers-in-law, Orville Reiley and wife Beulah, James Reiley and wife Betty Lee, and Larry Reiley and wife Lucy; sisters-in-law, Betty Jean Reiley, and Rosemary Pfullmann and husband Jimmy; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and a host of friends.
Albert’s kindness, dedication to his family, and quiet strength will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary. Funeral service will be on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Faith Lutheran Church at 11 a.m. with the Reverend Jeremy Pedersen officiating. A reception will follow in the Life Enrichment Center (LEC).
Private burial will be held in San Geronimo Cemetery later.
Serving as pallbearers will be Carson Baker, Dalton Baker, Taylor Sekula, Brandon Sekula, Alexis Sekula Strom, and Jake Strom.
The family would like to thank Dr. James Rider, Pastor Jeremy Pedersen, Guadalupe Regional Hospice Services and all the family and friends for their loving support they have given to Albert.
Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 1326 E. Cedar St., Seguin, Texas, 78155, Guadalupe Regional Hospice Services, 1215 E. Court St., Seguin, Texas, 78155 or to the Christian Cupboard, 516 N. Camp, Seguin, Texas, 78155.
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.
U.S. Death Rate At A Record Low
(Atlanta, GA) -- CDC data shows the U.S. death rate fell to a record low in 2025. The death rate was 689 per 100-thousand people, which is a four-pointsix percent drop from 2024, according to the Vital Statistics Rapid Release report. Heart disease and cancer were the top two underlying causes of death in the U.S. Males, older adults and Black people showed the highest death rates.
10 Cases Of Legionnaires Disease On Manhattan’s Upper East Side
(New York, NY) -- City officials say the number of New Yorkers diagnosed with Legionnaires Disease has risen to ten. The increase comes as city continues to check cooling towers in the affected areas to see if the potentially deadly bacteria has spread. No deaths have been linked to the outbreak. In an X post Saturday, Council Speaker Julie Menin wrote, “the number of confirmed Legionnaires disease cases in parts of the Upper East Side has climbed to 10, per an update I received from the NYC Health Commissioner.” On Friday only two cases of Legionnaires disease had been confirmed.
4th Of July Fireworks Pose Health Risks
(Chicago, IL) -- Health experts say all those 4th of July fireworks come with health risks. The American Lung Association notes that with nearly 300 million pounds of fireworks released into the air, you get smoke filled with tiny particles and gases that are harmful to the lungs. They include sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide and harmful metals are released such as aluminum, manganese and cadmium. The ALA also says some illegal fireworks contain lead which can cause severe lung irriatio, plus long-term coughing and breathing issues.
DEA To Ban Opioid-Like Kratom
(Arlington, VA) -- The DEA plans to place a temporary ban on products containing certain synthetic versions of kratom. Kratom is a tropical tree that’s native to Southeast Asia. The agency looks to classify a psychoactive compound called 7-OH as well as three related substances as Schedule One. This means they have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, the same category as heroin and LSD. The DEA says 7-OH presents severe risks to public health, including tolerance, dependence and addiction.
Advanced care. Active lifestyles.
VITAL STATISTICS
RANFT
www.SEGUINTODAY.com
JD Ranft, age 68 of Seguin, passed away on June 13, 2026. JD was born on February 26, 1958, in Seguin, Texas to Martha Lea (Dietert) and John Lenwood “Floppy” Ranft.
JD was a 1977 graduate of Seguin High School. He worked for Schubert Distributing for many years and several other companies.
JD is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Kenneth Scholl, grandmother, Norma Schievelbein and sister-in-law, Rhonda Ranft.
Survivors include his wife, Terri Lynne
SULLIVAN
Robert “Bobby” Charles Sullivan, Jr., age 85 of Seguin, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on June 14, 2026. Bobby was born on November 16, 1940, in Dallas, Texas to Ethel Mae Robinson Sullivan Coleman and Robert Charles Sullivan, Sr.
Robert is preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Joy Sullivan; grandson, Robert Reich; his parents; his brothers, Frank Sullivan, Sr. and Mike Sullivan; in addition to his brotherin-law, Charles Thompson.
Survivors include his daughter, Debi Reich and husband Jerry; grandsons, who knew and loved him as “Papa”, Philip Strauss and wife Sarah, and Marshall Reich; great-granddaughter, Amelia Joy Strauss; sister, Laura Thompson; sisters-in-law, Juliane Sullivan, and Kathy Brantley; cousins, Eric Vordenbaum and wife Brenda; Dorothy Trower and Connie Taubert; additional family, Molly, Danny, Jennifer B., Ben, Jenifer I., Skylar, Steele, Amanda, Johnathan and Joseph; friends Tommy Jean and Sam, the Willmann family and the morning taco bunch including Marilyn and Doyle. With special appreciation to Frank Sullivan and wife Judy, Pam Gonzalez and husband Joel and Kelle Wilde and husband Mitch whose extra loving care assisted him these last few years. With Debi and her family living in Florida and Georgia, these local family members’ help was instrumental in allowing him to stay at home where he could be comfortable.
As a child, Robert’s family moved numerous times within Texas before permanently settling in Seguin. He never left his adopted hometown of Seguin. Starting at age 12 he worked with his dad and brother, Frank, driving and delivering steel from the local steel mill and erecting buildings with them. For the rest of his work life, he was self-employed often working multiple
Ranft; daughter, Brittany Ann Ranft Gaillard and husband Justin; son, Shane Ranft; grandchildren, Riley Gaillard, Mackenzie Ranft, and Braxton Ranft; siblings, Dennis Ranft, Diane Syamken and husband David, George Ranft and wife Sandy, William Scholl and wife Pat, and Lyndon Scholl; aunt, Gloria Reininger; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving family members and friends.
Graveside services and interment will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at San Geronimo Cemetery with the Reverend Jeremy Roy officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s 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.
jobs and running businesses simultaneously. He installed fences and hauled materials, all the while incorporating time for breaks at the old Kettle Pancake House.
Back in the mid ‘60s, he met his future wife, Joy, at Seguin High School. Many stories from this time period included fast cars and drag racing. When they married, they bought a partially completed river house where they lived for over 50 years. Their home held lively 4th of July and Christmas eve parties. The size of the house never limited the number of guests who attended, often overflowing onto the front porch. Lots of fun was had, such as swimming in the river, floating down to the house from the Parkview boat ramp, and water skiing which was tricky on this narrow part of the Guadalupe.
His skill for all things mechanical, lead to a life-long passion for buying and selling vehicles, tractors, and equipment. He kept the family in a wide variety of cars because he found the perfect deal and could make repairs himself. His thriftiness and ingenuity with his welding machine kept things running long after their normal life span. Robert enjoyed frequent trips to Port A with family and friends, many over Memorial Day weekend. When Joy was a teacher, he would provide fall hayrides for her students while dressed in his farmer overalls.
After he became a grandfather, the family went to Disney World 24 years in a row. Due to his fondness for Disney, he became an unofficial and unpaid Mickey spokesman to anyone who would listen or watch the family videos.
A Celebration of Life for Robert will be held on Sunday, July 12, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at The Wayside, 501 N. Austin Street in Seguin, with remarks given at 5 pm including The Reverend Jeremy Roy.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Seguin Education Foundation, P. O. Box 701, Seguin Texas, 78156.
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.
Kids Summer Art Classes
The Seguin Art League is offering Kids Summer Art Classes featuring “Hippos, Crocodiles and Cobras… Oh My! The Art of Ancient Egypt.” Instructor Jamie Aven will teach students about the art and symbols of ancient Egypt while they learn to draw and paint exotic animals and plants. Classes for ages 5 to 9 are offered July 7-8 or July 9-10 from 10 a.m. to noon. Classes for ages 10 and older are offered July 7-8 or July 9-10 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Participants may choose one two-day session for $60 or attend all four days for $120. All supplies are included. To register, call the Seguin Art League Gallery at 830-305-0472 during gallery hours, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Shark Is Broken Opens at Palace Theatre
Take a behind-the-scenes trip into one of Hollywood’s most legendary films when En Vivo! Theatrical presents The Shark Is Broken July 9 through July 12 at the historic Palace Theatre in downtown Seguin. The internationally acclaimed comedy tells the true story of the making of Jaws, as actors Robert Shaw, Roy Scheider and Richard Dreyfuss find themselves stranded aboard the Orca while a malfunctioning mechanical shark delays filming. Directed by Paul Padilla, the production stars Shawn Hardee, Tyler Askins and Jason Chew. Due to adult language, the play is recommended for mature audiences. Show times and tickets are available at EnvivoTheatrical.com.
Clay Sculpture Class
The Seguin Art League is inviting kids and adults to create their favorite animal during its
Clay Sculpture Animals class with instructor Roger Betschler. Students ages 10 and older will learn sculpture techniques using form and texture while creating an animal of their choice. The class will be held July 7 through July 10 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. The fee is $80, and all supplies are included. To register, visit or call the Seguin Art League Gallery at 830-305-0472 during business hours Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Jury Cancellation Notices
Individuals who were summoned for Guadalupe County Court at Law jury duty on Monday, July 13, no longer need to report. The jury panel scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Monday, July 13 at the Guadalupe County Justice Center has been canceled. Prospective jurors do not need to report for service. For additional information, call the Guadalupe County Court at Law at 830-303-8861. Individuals who were summoned for Guadalupe County Court at Law No. 2 jury duty on Monday, June 22, no longer need to report. The jury panel scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Monday, June 22 at the Guadalupe County Justice Center has been canceled. Prospective jurors do not need to report for service. For additional information, call the Guadalupe County Court at Law at 830-303-8861.
Beginning Cyanotype Class
Learn the art of making photographic sun prints during the Seguin Art League’s Beginning Cyanotype class on Wednesday, July 15, from 1 to 4 p.m. Instructor Cat Bollinger will teach participants how to prepare, layer and finish cyanotype prints using sunlight. The class is open to ages 16 and older, is
limited to six participants, and all supplies are provided. Students are encouraged to wear old clothes or an apron and non-slip shoes. The registration fee is $45. To register, stop by or call the Seguin Art League Gallery at 830-305-0472 during gallery hours, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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.
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.
