July 8, 2025
Flood cleanup at Crossroads
Church turns into powerful examples of faith and community in action
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) -- When floodwater swept through Seguin on Saturday, Crossroads Church was among the many places hit hard by the heavy rains. But just one day later, the church became a symbol of resilience, teamwork, and the power of community.
That’s according to Natalie Avalos associate pastor of Crossroads Church.
Avalos says the church couldn’t help but be forced to put out an urgent call for help late Saturday afternoon. In a social media post, church leaders wrote:
“URGENT FLOOD RESPONSE TEAM NEEDED Crossroads Family & Friends – We Need You! Due to the heavy rains, our church building experienced significant flooding. We’re rallying today at 4 p.m. to clean up and get Crossroads ready for Sunday... Let’s be the church—together we’ll clean, dry, and prepare our space for worship. If you can make it, come ready to serve, sweat, and stand in
the gap for our house.”
She says what happened next was just incredible. That’s because she says dozens answered the call.
Volunteers arrived with wet vacs, mops, fans, and willing hearts—some traveling from as far as New Braunfels and Kyle to help. They worked quickly to dry out the building in time for Sunday’s worship services, which would be especially meaningful, as Crossroads planned to honor veterans in a big way with Seguin’s own Veterans Color Guard team.
Avalos says the moment was a moving reminder of what it truly means to be the church.
“To every person who showed up with wet vacs, fans, buckets, towels— and big hearts—THANK YOU,” she wrote. “Because of your quick response, servant spirit, and teamwork, our building is drying out and WILL be Sunday-ready to worship and serve our community. You lived out the words of Galatians 6:2 —
Crossroads, pg. 3
Guadalupe County preparing to assist, direct those reporting flood damage
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) -- Guadalupe County Emergency Management encourages residents to report flooding or structural damage to help officials assess the scope of impact. Patrick Pinder, Guadalupe County emergency management coordinator and fire marshal says he expects more reports of flooding now that people have returned home from their Fourth of July vacations. He says all weekend long, the city and county have done what they could to assist those affected.
“The city early on opened up a temporary shelter. We knew there was going to be areas impacted. So, the city of Seguin opened up the temporary shelter at the Coliseum and staffed it. We didn't start seeing anybody coming in, so we did shut that shelter down. I have received a few calls from the American Red Cross about residents in Seguin who needed some housing assistance. We did have some residents here that were affected with low-lying areas that had some water inside their homes. And so, we will have to manage and go through that process, and there will be some
state resources that may become available. But we're going to start putting (that information) out in the next couple of days through the social media outlets. It’s just ways to report your damage. So the state has a program called iSTATS an individual state assistance. And so, what you have to do is these residents who are affected, who are uninsured have to fill out those forms and make sure that they're getting their information recorded. It's similar to what we had up in the Redwood area back in in May,” said Pinder.
Again, residents are encouraged to check SeguinToday.com daily for more directions. Information will also be made available on the county’s website or on the Guadalupe County Emergency Management Office Facebook page.
As recovery continues, officials are urging residents to still remain cautious around low-water crossings and flood-damaged areas. Cleanup will take time, but both county and city leaders say they remain committed to restoring services and supporting those in need.
Photo courtesy Amanda Phillips
Guadalupe County provides suggestions for those looking to volunteer, donate to flood victims
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) -- In the wake of the devastating flooding in Kerrville, Guadalupe County residents are stepping up and looking for ways to help. But local emergency officials are urging the public to take a moment and make sure they’re helping the right way.
Patrick Pinder, Guadalupe County Emergency Management Coordinator, says donations and volunteers are pouring in—but without coordination, good intentions can cause more harm than help.
“So right now, the main issue is the inundation of donations that are coming into the Kerrville Hill Country area. So, it’s not being advised at this time to just throw things in a car and go to the Hill Country because managing the donations is a key part of the recovery. Now that the disaster is kind of moving out, search and rescue teams are working their way through the recovery part. That’s going to be the long part. And right now, they’re finding a donation location in the Hill Country that is credible. There are so many different things that are going to start coming out for folks to, you know, donate here or donate there. If you don’t know, double check. There’s some churches in the Hill Country that are taking monetary donations. Right now, everybody’s pushing the monetary donations. The American Red Cross is always a guarantee. You can contact the national number and just see what you can
Crossroads, continued.
‘Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.’ This is what the Church looks like—shoulder to shoulder, hands in the mess, hearts full of hope.”
After it was all said and done, Avalos later informed the Seguin Daily News that even more generosity poured in.
“Get this—someone also informed us that the bill was taken care of for all the heavy equipment needed to keep us mold-free,” said Avalos. “I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. In the midst of all the tragedy and pain around us, God still blesses the church so we can keep on ministering to others.”
She also asked for continued prayers for the Kerrville community, where flash flooding resulted in heartbreaking loss.
“Please continue to pray for our neighbors in Kerrville, where the damage goes far beyond water. Some
do. They’ll have the information. We’ve already put on our social media page two locations, one for volunteers to go to -- there’s a volunteer number that was put out on our social media page, and also for, monetary donations or the community churches or organizations up there is accepting those donations through through the county, and then they’ll get those resources where they need,” said Pinder.
Guadalupe County officials have shared important information on its Facebook page to guide residents eager to support flood recovery in Kerrville. Officials say the key is coordination.
County officials say there is now A Volunteer Reception Center is open in Kerrville to manage all volunteers. The volunteer hotline is 830-465-4797
Officials stress the importance of calling ahead. They say unannounced volunteers can unintentionally divert critical resources and create safety issues.
Again, as Pinder mentioned, financial donations are currently the most effective way to help. They can be made through the Hill Country Community Foundation, which is overseeing relief funds.
To donate visit www.communityfoundation.net.
For the latest updates or to share verified resources, visit the Guadalupe County Facebook page or other trusted emergency management sources online.
families have lost children, friends, and loved ones. We’re currently developing a plan to serve their community directly in the days ahead. We’ll keep you posted.”
Avalos says luckily, Sunday’s services at Crossroads Church went forward as planned, with full hearts and a renewed sense of purpose.
“That’s why we were frantically cleaning up water and getting the main room dried up—ready to go for tomorrow!!! 8:45, 10:00 and 11:15 services!” Avalos said. “Thank God for our church family and community members. I love Texas folks who love God and Country!”
Crossroads Church was among the many homes, businesses and locations that dealt with various levels of flooding on Saturday. Nearly eight inches of rain poured quickly into the community Saturday morning.
Meanwhile, as the church community awaits word on how they can help in the Hill Country, they say they are ready to assist anyone who sustained home damage here in Seguin if possible. Those needing assistance with cleanup are encouraged to call 830-379-7737.
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.
Planned C-Sections Could Elevate Cancer Risk
(Stockholm) -- Planned C-section births can raise the risk of some childhood cancers. That’s according to a study out of Sweden, which found that children from caesarean births before labor begins have a 21 percent higher risk of developing acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a blood and bone marrow cancer. Children born in an emergency C-section didn’t show the same risk. Researchers think it’s because emergency deliveries expose the child to stress hormones and bacteria that affect immune system development.
Number Of Abortions Down Across SC
(Columbia, SC) -- The number of abortions performed across South Carolina are dropping dramatically. That’s according to newly released data from the Department of Public Health, which says since the state’s six-week ban went into effect, the numbers of abortions dropped from more than 81-hundred in 2023 to just over three-thousand in 2024. Prior to the six-week ban, South Carolina had a 20-week ban on abortions.
SNHD Investigating Several Cases of Legionnaires’ Disease
(Laughlin, NV) -- The Southern Nevada Health District is investigating several cases of Legionnaires’ Disease. The SNHD reports at least three people who stayed at Harrah’s Laughlin in May were hospitalized after getting infected. Two of the three people have since recovered. People who stayed at Harrah’s Laughlin on or after May 1st are being asked to fill out an illness survey on the SNHD website. Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease usually start within ten days of exposure.
Study: Egg Consumption Leads To Overall Health
(Undated) -- A study published in the health journal Food & Function found that eating eggs may be beneficial to your health . The study followed close to 19-thousand adults and discovered that those who ate one-point-five eggs a day had stronger bones than those who did not eat eggs. Participants who regularly ate eggs showed a 72-percent higher bone density at the femur and 83-percent higher bone density at the spine.
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.
