June 15, 2026
Seguin fan drive now underway
(Seguin)
–With climbing temperatures and high humidity, something as simple as a box fan can provide some much-needed relief for local families struggling to stay cool.
That’s according to Seguin Fire Chief Dale Skinner. Skinner says the Seguin Fire Department is once again collecting donations and distributing fans through its annual Fan Drive.
“Fans are critical to keeping those without air conditioning or who are on a fixed income comfortable and safe during the hot Texas summers,” said Skinner.
The department is currently accepting donations of box fans as well as cash contributions. Skinner says every donation goes directly toward helping local residents beat the heat.
“We will accept box fans, we will accept cash, and then we will go and purchase whichever is easiest. This program is purely voluntary. We don’t use any city funds for this to keep it going,” said Skinner.
Skinner says most folks don’t realize how difficult it can be to get through the summer without air conditioning.
“We take for granted our air conditioning and with this temperature and humidity that we’re having today, it makes it just very uncomfortable, especially for the elderly and medically compromised folks. And a fan makes a big difference when you don’t have any air conditioning at all. And we want to try to prevent or reduce the chances of any heat-related emergencies to those families that are less fortunate. Of course, to qualify for the program, you need to live within the city of Seguin and not have air conditioning,” said Skinner.
Fans are available to qualifying households located within the Seguin city limits. Residents may pick up a fan between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the Fire Administration Office. Drive, pg. 3
Seguin Today is back with a brand new issue all for you, Seguin. Freedom Fiesta returns and we’ve got your guide to this year’s festivities. So read your copy online today here, or grab a print copy around town. You can also pick up your commemorative copy of Seguin Today from our KWED offices located at 609 E. Court St.
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
New SEDC assistant director introduced to local team
(Seguin) -- A woman who has helped steer economic development projects across Texas is now bringing that expertise to Seguin.
Stephanie MazurkiewiczMuehlstein, a former senior industry recruitment specialist with the Texas Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism, has been named Assistant Director of Economic Development for the Seguin Economic Development Corporation (SEDC).
During her time with the state, city officials say she helped to manage incoming business project leads and assisted with projects representing more than $50 billion in new investment and more than 40,000 jobs across Texas.
SEDC Executive Director
Wachholz says her experience at the state level will bring a unique advantage to Seguin’s economic development efforts.
“She has a level of professionalism and a breadth of experience that’s unique, having come from the governor’s office.
Coming from that state level, there really are only a handful of people in Texas with that kind of experience. And so, for her to bring that to Seguin really is next level,” said Wachholz.
Wachholz says economic development often requires maintaining a constant pipeline of opportunities, and says Stephanie’s background gives Seguin direct access to valuable knowledge about where new projects originate.
“A big part of what we do in economic development is that we seek out leads and new projects. And the truth of the matter is that we work a lot on promoting ourselves to companies as a great place to do business.
SEDC, pg. 3
Alora
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
Members of the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy Class of 2026 celebrate their graduation after completing a 13week program designed to provide residents with an inside look at sheriff’s office operations, law enforcement procedures, and community service in Guadalupe County. The academy is part of Sheriff Joshua Ray’s effort to promote transparency and strengthen community engagement. Photos courtesy GCSO Facebook page.
Drive, continued.
A photo ID and proof of residency are required, and households are limited to one fan.
Skinner says the program ensures that the fans are given to those who need one.
SEDC, continued.
And 9 times out of 10, those projects end up going nowhere, not coming to fruition or taking a long time. So, it’s really important that we have a constant stream of new projects and leads coming in. And anyone who’s worked at the Office of the Governor has specific experience in promoting not just one community or region but promoting the entire state, promoting the entire economy, and they know where leads are coming from. They know not just within the US, not just within Texas, but they know internationally where the hotspots are for new project development. And so, what I really hope, with this position, is that we are able to fine tune and really engage in our recruitment and lead generation activities, not just domestically, but internationally as well. And make sure that our messaging is clear that we are here and open for business in a way that will continue to bring in leads and promote the city in the future,” said Wachholz.
While recruitment will be a key focus, Wachholz says Mazurkiewicz-
“To let our supplies extend, we ask that if you’ve received one in the last year, you do not qualify as well,” said Skinner.
Donations may also be dropped off at the Fire Administration Office. The office is located at 660 South Highway 46.
Muehlstein will also play an active role in supporting existing businesses throughout the community.
“I would add that we’re a very small but mighty team. Our entire economic development team is only four. And so because of that, we wear a lot of hats. And so I think people will also start to see Stephanie out in the community. She’s definitely going to have a lot of engagement with our existing businesses as well. She won’t just be on recruitment. She’ll also be on retention.
And so, you know, people will see her happy smiling face out there. And she’s really going to be an advocate for the community. And so, I hope that people engage with her and we just continue to make Seguin the best place it is to do business,” said Wachholz.
Also excited about the newest member of the SEDC team is Seguin City Manager Steve Parker. Parker says the city attracted an impressive pool of applicants, but MazurkiewiczMuehlstein quickly distinguished herself during the selection process.
“We were so excited about the level of talent that applied for this position. We knew it would be a competitive position, but to see the level of
candidates that we had apply for this position was incredible. But Stephanie stood out in her interview and I just can’t tell you, I think she’s a next level type hire. She’s going to do great things,” said Parker.
Parker says her reputation and connections throughout Texas economic development circles make her addition a significant asset for Seguin.
“When she was with the state of Texas, she was very well known throughout the entire state of Texas. She was a site selector for the governor’s office. She facilitated site selection in the state of Texas. So every economic development person in the region knows who Stephanie is. And so to be able to get her on our team is going to just be a game changer in so many ways. And so with the momentum that Alora’s created, adding her, adding Stephanie to the team with her, it’s going to be really, really great to land something with this caliber of talent in Seguin, Texas. It really says a lot about where our city’s come,” said Parker. Mazurkiewicz-Muehlstein officially joined the SEDC team last month.
VITAL STATISTICS
BAENZIGER
David Lee Baenziger, age 78, of Seguin, Tx., passed away May 27, 2026, in the surgical wing of Guadalupe Regional Medical Center. David was born on May 20, 1948, in Seguin Tx. to Harold and Ethel Baenziger.
After attending Seguin Public Schools, he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in math from Southwest Texas State University (Summa cum laude) where he met his future wife, Linda. At his death they were married just days shy of 55 years.
After attending Officers Training in Newport, Rhode Island, David and Linda married and were stationed in Yokosuka, Japan. David’s naval career as an officer was aboard the USS Oklahoma City (which was the admiral’s flagship in the far east). After his Vietnam service he and Linda lived in El Paso, Tx. where he became a pharmaceutical representative for Hoffman-LaRoche in the Southwest area including Texas and New Mexico. Later he switched gears to pursue several positions with Loomis International in the oilfields of east Texas, offshore Louisiana, and South Texas.
David was called back to Seguin to join his father and brother as part of the Baenziger’s Model Market. He also converted an old family property to become The Short Stop Convenience Store.
David believed in the betterment of community, state, and nation. His community activities included the Kiwanis service organization, a lifetime membership in the American Legion, and VFW. He became a president of the Chamber of Commerce and a perpetual judge of local and state chili cookoffs. Other local judging efforts included the high schools’ DECA and robotic
BAKER
The world became a little dimmer on May 13, 2026, when Patricia Ann “Patty” Faucher Baker left us. She was the heart of our family, steady, loving, and endlessly giving. Born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin on March 14, 1937, she grew into a woman who lived with purpose and grace.
Patty is preceded in death by her parents, Francis Joseph “Frank” Faucher and Virginia “Ginny” Evylan Smithers-Faucher, her brother James “Jim” Francis Faucher and daughter, Barbara Baker.
Survivors include her loving husband of 68 years, Claborn “Bud” Baker, Jr.; sons, Alan Baker and wife Danette, Kevin Baker and wife Missy Baker; daughter, Lisa Baker Reaves and husband John; grandchildren, Carson Baker and wife Allie, Dalton Baker and wife Desiree, Andrea Fowner and husband Carl, Michael Woehler and wife Brookelynn, Cory Knight and Amber White, Joshua Baker, Jeremiah Baker, Derek Baker, Kody Baker, Logan Baker, Kayla Klabunde, and Kyle Klabunde; numerous great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other loving family members and a host of friends.
programs.
For two weeks each year, David spent his vacation volunteering for the Souvenir Committee of the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo and became an Outstanding Volunteer, David helped represent the National Grocers’ Association-Pac in Washington D.C. for several years.
He also became an AKC-certified dog handler for emotional support with his dog partner, Candy. These two were a regular pair on San Antonio College campuses, especially during finals week.
He and Linda continue to sponsor several family scholarships at Texas Lutheran University. David spear-headed the family donation of the old opera-house which is now the Heritage Museum. He also believed in showing his support for his many friends on the police force and city government.
David is survived by his wife, Linda Baenziger, his brother Roger Baenziger, and his two sisters, Ruth Bates and Joan Russell, his brothers-in-law include Dan Bates, Tom Russell, Billie Wayne Heiser and Dannye Heiser. His surviving sisters-in-law include Merry Louise Topperwein and Gale Heiser, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also will mourn his loss.
He is preceded in death by his parents Harold and Ethel Baenziger and by his father and mother-in-law, Bill and Estelle Heiser.
David died a Christian.
Visitation will begin on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel at 10 a.m. followed by memorial service at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Brahm French officiating. Military honors will be rendered. The celebration of David’s life will continue with a reception in the Yellow Rose Room at the Silver Center, formerly Baenziger’s Model Market.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Life Changing Church Building Fund, 3170 Settlers Way, 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.
She had a gift for making people feel seen. Whether through a warm meal, a thoughtful phone call, or her ability to listen without judgment, she made life better for everyone around her. She loved travelling, camping/glamping, dancing, boating, fishing, swimming, theatre and a good movie. She was a lover of animals, cherished spending time with family especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, and believed deeply in family and our Lord and Savior.
Her greatest joy was her family. She poured her whole heart into raising her children and supporting her loved ones, and her legacy lives on in the people she shaped with her love.
We will gather to celebrate her life on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 2:00 p.m.-5:00p.m. at the American Legion H U Wood Post 245, 618 East Kingsbury Street, Seguin, TX, 78155.
We will miss her every day, but we are grateful for every moment we had. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion H U Wood Post 245, P. O. Box 503, Seguin, Texas, 78155 or 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.
VITAL STATISTICS
DASHER
Francis Wagner Dasher III, “Randy” age 78 of Seguin, Texas passed away peacefully on June 10, 2026. Born on May 19, 1948, in Savannah, Georgia. He was the child of Francis Wagner Dasher Jr and Barbara Jones.
As a child, Randy spent his summers in Cherokee, North Carolina at Camp Sequoyah. He also spent time going on hunts with his granddaddy and enjoyed water skiing at various lakes in Savannah. Randy graduated from Savannah High School and then enlisted in the United States Air Force. Through friends Randy was set up on a “blind date” with Elisa in August of 1969. At that time, Randy told Elisa he knew they would be married someday. In April of 1970 they married and just celebrated their 56th anniversary together. Randy then left the Air Force and settled down in Seguin, where he worked at SMI (CMC) for 39 years. There he and Elisa had two children, Robert and Jennifer. Though they only had two children, they now have eight grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. During their time together, Randy loved to travel with Elisa on cruises and go to Coushatta.
Randy is survived by his spouse of 56 years, Elisa; their children Robert Dasher (Monica) and Jennifer Vasquez (Pete); grandchildren Amanda (Jeremy), Alexis (Kayla), Kaitlyn, Kallie, Emily, Madison, Brandon, MaKenzie; and great grandchildren Bentlee, Ashton, Remi, and Lena; brother Walter Dasher (Alice).
Randy is preceded in death by his parents and his beloved dogs Cookie and Lucy.
Visitation will begin on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel followed by funeral service at 11 a.m. with the Reverend Patricia Riggins officiating. A reception will be announced.
Graveside services and interment with military honors will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with the Reverend Christopher Robinson officiating.
Serving as pallbearers will be Brandon Vasquez, Jeremy Torres, Bentlee Dasher, Joe Paez, Angel Estrada, and Alexis Galindo.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Randy Dasher to Hope Hospice, 611 N. Walnut, New Braunfels. A special thank you to Mayrn, his hospice nurse for all the care she showed Randy and the family.
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.
One Fatality In Listeria Outbreak Tied To Cheese
(Mechanicsville, MD) -- One person is dead and multiple others have been hospitalized in connection with recalled cheese. Federal health officials linked Clover Hill Dairy’s requesón/soft ricotta cheese products to a Listeria outbreak. The recalled products were distributed to retailers in North Carolina, New York, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey and Washington, DC, but according to the FDA, the cheese may be sold under different brand names. The Maryland Department of Health has suspended Clover Hill Dairy’s operating license, and the FDA’s investigation is ongoing.
Measles Cases Continue To Rise In U.S.
(Atlanta, GA) -- The number of measles cases continues to climb with latest figures showing there’s now more than two-thousand known cases in the U.S. In all of last year there were a little more than 22-hundred cases. About six percent of the cases this year have resulted in hospitalization but no deaths. The CDC says there are 30 new outbreaks with the U.S. on track to have its worst year for measles in decades.
CA Man Who Bred Rats Contracts Leptospirosis And Dies
(Berkeley, CA) -- A California man who trapped, fed and bred rats has died of leptospirosis. Berkeley health officials announced the death, saying the victim lived with his wife in a severely rat-infested RV. Both got sick and put off getting medical help, possibly for months. The victim’s wife recovered after a long time in the hospital but he didn’t make it. Leptospirosis is spread by contact with the droppings of infected rodents. These are the first leptospirosis cases in the city in a decade.
Pet Screwworm Treatment Gets Emergency Clearance
(Baltimore, MD) -- Pet owners have a new emergency treatment option as flesh-eating screwworm cases rise. The FDA is allowing nitenpyram [[ nye-TENpie-ram ]] tablets to treat infestations in dogs and cats. It marks the first generic animal drug cleared for that use. Screwworm larvae attack living tissue and can threaten all animals and only rarely, people. The pills are over the counter, but they do not stop reinfestation. Serious wounds may still need veterinary care. The cases have mostly been limited to Texas so far.
“Tea at Five” at Texas Theatre
The Stephen & Mary Birch Texas Theatre, in collaboration with En Vivo! Theatrical, presents Tea at Five, a one-woman play about legendary actress Katharine Hepburn starring Sherri Small and directed by Paul Padilla. Performances are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 5; 7:30 p.m. June 6, 12 and 13; and 2:30 p.m. June 7 and 14 at the Texas Theatre, 425 N. Austin St. in downtown Seguin. For tickets or more information, call 830-372-6168.
Worship in the Park
New Hope Baptist Church invites the community to Worship in the Park at 10 a.m. Sunday, June 7, at Park West in Seguin. The outdoor worship service will include music, fellowship, God’s Word, food and family-friendly activities. Everyone is welcome to attend. Pastor Darnel Ward and the New Hope Baptist Church family invite the community to join them for this special First Sunday in June celebration.
Summer Reading Experience Underway at Seguin Public Library
The Seguin Public Library is inviting readers of all ages to participate in its 2026 Summer Reading Experience, “Unearth a Story.” The free program features books, activities, special events, and opportunities to win dino-mite prizes throughout the summer. Children, teens, and adults are all encouraged to join. Registration is available in person at the library or online at Seguin Public Library Summer Reading Experience. No library card is required to participate. Participants have until Aug. 6, 2026, to complete their activity boards and be entered into drawings for raffle prizes.
Golden Ticket Raffle
The Rotary Club of Seguin is hosting its Golden Ticket Raffle drawing on Thursday, June 4, 2026, with proceeds benefiting local high school scholarships and community grant programs. Only 150 tickets will be sold at $100 each, and the winner will choose between a trip for two to the 2027 Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, or the 2026 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico. Tickets are available online through the Rotary Club of Seguin.
Geronimo Lions Club First Friday Feast
The Geronimo Lions Club will host its First Friday Feast from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 5. Guests can enjoy a hand-cut ribeye steak or fried battered cod dinner while supporting a great cause. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Department Santa Sheriff program. The evening will also feature live music by the Brushy Creek Boys and recognition of two First Responder Honorees from the York Creek Volunteer Fire Department and the Guada-
lupe County Sheriff’s Department. The Geronimo Lions Club says all proceeds are reinvested into the community through support for local nonprofit organizations and student scholarships.
Democratic Candidates Meet & Greet
The Guadalupe County Democratic Club invites the public to a meet-and-greet with Democratic candidates at 6 p.m. Friday, June 5, at Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church, 416 Dolle Ave. in Seguin. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet Johnny Garcia, candidate for U.S. Representative District 35;, and Eric Norman, candidate for State Representative District 44.
Following the candidate meet-and-greet, guests are invited to stay for a watch party for Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. Admission is free and all are welcome.
Hoffmann Reunion
Descendants of Christopf Bennard (Heinrich) Hoffmann and Friedricke H.P. Procknow are invited to attend the Hoffmann Reunion from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 7, at Conservation Plaza at Forke Store, 1300 Church Hill Drive in New Braunfels. The reunion is a covered-dish gathering. Attendees are asked to bring lunch and dessert for their family, plus a baked item for the bake sale. A guest speaker will discuss European immigration to Texas. Plates, utensils, tea and coffee will be provided. A $10 donation per adult is appreciated. For more information, contact Jane Jahns Rice.
National Reunification Month
SJRC Texas is recognizing June as National Reunification Month, a time to celebrate the safe reunification of children with their families and to raise awareness about the importance of family preservation. Reunification is the primary goal for children in foster care whenever it is safe and appropriate. Learn more about the services and support available through SJRC Texas.
Texas A&M Chemistry Roadshow Coming to
Marion
GVEC and Marion ISD will host the Texas A&M Chemistry Roadshow at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 9, in the Marion Primary Campus Cafeteria. The free educational presentation is designed for students in grades 3 through 12, as well as adult learners, and features engaging chemistry demonstrations that make science fun and interactive. Families looking for a unique summer learning opportunity are encouraged to attend. For more information about the program, visit the Texas A&M Chemistry Roadshow website or contact Kasie Tankersley at ktankersley@gvec. org.
The Seguin Art League will accept entries for its Red, White and Blue Honoring Veterans Art Show from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 13, at the Seguin Art League Gallery, 104 S. Austin St. The exhibit is open to league members and free for non-member veterans. The show will be on display through July 11. A Veterans Art Talk reception is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, at the gallery. A prospectus can be downloaded at seguinartleague.com, or picked up at the gallery. For more information, call 830491-0778.
Crayton Cemetery Historical Marker Dedication
The Guadalupe County Historical Commission will dedicate a Guadalupe County Historical Marker at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 13, at the Crayton Cemetery. The cemetery is located on Lehmann Road between Hermann Road and Offermann Hill Road in Guadalupe County. The public is invited to attend the ceremony recognizing the historical significance of the cemetery and its place in the county’s history.
Father Daughter Dance
The Seguin Police Department is hosting its annual Father Daughter Dance from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, June 13 at the Seguin Event Complex, located at 950 South Austin Street. This year’s coastal and beach-themed event invites fathers or father figures and their daughters to enjoy an evening of dancing, fun and lasting memories. The annual community tradition offers families a special night designed to celebrate those important relationships. Tickets go on sale soon for this popular Seguin event.
Junior Lifeguard Program
The Seguin Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a Junior Lifeguard Class from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, June 25 at the Seguin Wave Pool, located at 1 Wave Pool Drive. The class is open to participants ages 9 to 15 and will teach basic first-aid, CPR, water safety, rescue techniques, communication skills and lifeguard responsibilities. Participants must be able to swim and complete a swim-tread-swim sequence. This is not a learn-to-swim program and does not provide official lifeguard or CPR certification. The cost is $40 per participant. Participants should bring a swimsuit, sunglasses, towel, water, hat and a cold sack lunch. For more information, call Seguin Parks and Recreation at 830-401-2480.
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.
