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(Seguin) -- A local food bank is severing its ties with another nonprofit group, and that likely means that even more help will be needed from the community. The Christian Cupboard in Seguin says it will no longer be purchasing food from the San Antonio Food Bank.
Christian Cupboard Board Chair Regina Lee says they had a long relationship with the food bank, but it was time for them to go in a different direction.
“It has gotten to the point where it’s not advantageous to us and we decided we need to go in a different direction. While we were with them, it was fine. It’s gotten to the point where it’s not fine anymore. So, because it’s a business decision and not a personal decision…it’s no longer advantageous.,” said Lee.
Cupboard, pg. 2






Cupboard, continued.
The Christian Cupboard collects food donations from the community, but a significant amount of the food that it gives away is purchased. Purchasing Agent Debbie Balderaz says they bought from the food bank for a number of years, but that relationship is coming to an end.
“We considered the San Antonio Food Bank one of our vendors. We did purchase food from them, and they delivered it to our door. At times, it wasn’t always what we needed. It was a struggle. We’ve had to reach out to find other vendors to help us supply what we do currently give out to our families. And over the years, it just continued to deteriorate,” said Balderaz.
Treasurer Jamie Long says they gave this issue a great deal of thought and just felt that it was time for a change.
“We’ve had issues for some time in sourcing what we really needed because we’re trying to provide a very consistent box to people that’s nutritious. And so, we were really in a position where we were seeing a lot of snack items and just not the essentials. We have been working really for the last probably two years on just identifying some other vendors. So, we’ve been working hard on that, and I think we’ve got that pretty much lined up,” said Long.
There was a time when the relationship was more beneficial to the Christian Cupboard, but Lee says that’s been changing over the years.
“The pricing at one point was real favorable and so that was an advantage when we could get certain items, but it’s gotten to where it’s not really that favorable anymore. (There were) just a lot of administrative and compliance requirements and we just decided it just really wasn’t worth it. So, we’re just going to move on with some of these other vendors,” said Long.
Part of the challenge was the type of food that was available from the food bank. Long says they try to have a good balance of items in the boxes that they give to those in need of help in Guadalupe County.
“Right now, our box -- the cost is $40 per box. We provide milk, eggs, meat products like bologna, hot dogs, ground beef, chicken products, and then canned goods and some dried goods that we purchase from other sources,” said Long.
The Christian Cupboard has turned to other vendors in the area to better meet the needs of the community. Balderaz says they are grateful for the relationships they have and are looking for more partnerships in the future.
“We do have relationship with HEB that we purchase food from and they’re very helpful and supportive of us. We also are with Cisco, Laxon Provisions out of New Braunfels and Vistar and we just recently got an account with Tyson Chicken. And you know we order food from them and most of them deliver. HEB I have to pick up, and that’s okay. They’re wonderful and they’re very helpful,” said Balderaz. Cupboard, pg. 3

Cupboard, continued.
The shift away from purchasing food from the San Antonio Food Bank means that more community support is needed. That means more donations are needed to help feed people in Guadalupe County.
“We’re looking for other vendors. It isn’t as easy as you would think to find a supplier that can bring in the amount of food that we need. We currently serve 800 to 900 families per month. And so that means that I need 800 jars of peanut butter, 900 jars of peanut butter, 800 or 900 boxes of cereal, (and) on and on and on, pasta sauce, pasta, milk, eggs, which we have great suppliers for. But as far as dry goods right now, we’re really needing assistance with that,” said Balderaz.
Long says they have made it easy for the community to donate food and money to the organization. She says there’s a drop-off box on the side of its building on North Camp Street, and there’s also a way for people to give to the Christian Cupboard online.
“I guess what we’re really asking is for community support, either monetary donations or food. And food is great if we can get it. We do have a website, christiancupboardofseguin.org. On the donate tab, it’s got where you can make a monetary donation. There’s a link there, but it’s also got a list of all the items that
we need, like our top five. So, if we can focus on those things, that’s going to be a tremendous help,” said Long. Individuals or organizations that would like to drop off food at the shelter are encouraged to come when the shelter is open, especially if it’s a large amount of food. Balderaz says as you are doing your shopping, there are a few items that are in great demand.
“Mixed vegetables, pasta sauce, spaghetti noodles, or macaroni and cheese, cereal -- that’s always a big one, canned fruit, soup, (and) things like that,” said Balderaz.
The Christian Cupboard also accepts personal hygiene items that are given out to its clients as well. Balderaz says there’s a growing need for the services offered by the food pantry. She says the costs of everything are going up, and more people are finding themselves in need of support. She says the volunteers at the Christian Cupboard are there to help this community any way they can.
“And we do also have quite a homeless population. So, we have a specialized shelf with single serve items to help that. They can come and get whatever they need for the week and come back again as often as they need to,” said Balderaz.
The Christian Cupboard has been providing nourishment and uplifting lives in Guadalupe County since 1991. It’s located at 516 N. Camp St.

















Roland Schwanz, age 90 of Seguin, passed away on April 16, 2026. Roland was born on April 21, 1935, in Guadalupe County, Texas to Erna (Gohlke) and Willie Schwanz.
Roland worked as a crane operator at SMI for 34 years.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Louise Schwanz, his daughter, Marilyn Brown, his parents, his siblings, Elton Schwanz, William Schwanz, Fritz Schwanz, Elsie Troell, Hilda Wattts, and Milton Schwanz, and son-in-law, Steve Blades.
Survivors include his daughters, Kathy Brown and husband Danny, Betty

Judy Eileen Saunders, age 81, of Seguin, Texas, passed away on April 3, 2026.
Judy was born on October 12, 1944, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Virginia Taylor Turley and was adopted by James B. Saunders and Mary E. Saunders. She grew up in Central Texas and graduated from MacArthur High School in 1963. She went on to attend Texas Lutheran College in Seguin, where she met Glen Arthur Engeling. The two were married in September of 1966 and began their life together as a Navy family, living in Pensacola, Florida, during training and later in Newport News, Virginia, while Glen was stationed at Langley Air Force Base.
Judy’s life was marked by both deep love and resilience. After the loss of her newborn twins, she later welcomed her daughters, Kimberly EngelingSaunders and Denise Sheldon, and made her home in Central Texas, eventually settling in Seguin. With the support of her parents and sister, Diana, she raised her daughters in a supportive, loving family.
From the age of four through eighteen, Judy studied dance, training in ballet, tap, and jazz. She trained under the renowned “Toots” Johnson, a Hollywood dancer and choreographer, and performed throughout Central Texas for veterans’ groups and community events.
Teaching became Judy’s true calling. She returned to Texas Lutheran College, earned her degree and teaching certificate, and embarked on a dedicated teaching career spanning more than thirty years in Seguin ISD, Gonzales ISD, and Judson ISD, where she became a Math Trainer. She devoted countless hours to developing lessons, leading workshops for teachers, tutoring students, and teaching summer and evening classes. Her students described her as “strict but fair,” and they appreciated her humor, dedication, and unwavering belief in their ability to succeed.
Judy was a woman of strong personality and vibrant spirit. She was feisty, competitive, and known for her sharp wit and unmistakable sarcasm, often delivered with a playful smile. She had a flair for storytelling, sometimes embellishing details for dramatic effect, much to the delight of those around her. She cared deeply about fairness and social justice and was generous with both her time and her resources.
In her earlier years, Judy enjoyed cooking, baking, crafting, and gardening,
O’Neal and husband David and Carol Blades; grandchildren, Megan Brown and husband Ben Sterner, Justin O’Neal, Stephanie Brown and husband Chris Willis, Casey Blades and husband Vincent Leal, and Tiffany Blades Carter and husband Jeremy; great-grandchildren, Arielle, Paisley and Colton; brother, Robert Schwanz and wife Frances; nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel with Megan Brown officiating.
Private interment will follow later in Eden Cemetery.
Memorial contributions to charity of 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.
and she took pride in creating a warm, cozy, and beautifully decorated home— especially during the holidays. In her later years, she relished playing games and keeping up with friends on Facebook. She lived with her daughter Kimberly, where she spent many leisurely hours sitting on the front porch, sharing stories from her life as a teacher, mother, and grandmother, as well as fond memories of growing up in San Antonio and Blanco with family and friends.
She was grateful to reconnect later in life with her biological brothers, Gary and Windle, and cherished the relationship she and Gary built.
Judy was a lifelong Lutheran whose faith sustained her through life’s many challenges, including the loss of her twins and a newborn grandson, a battle with thyroid cancer in her 40s, and ongoing health struggles. She often recited the Serenity Prayer and shared this practice with her grandson Cameron. Her steadfast faith in God gave her strength in hardship, comfort in sorrow, and a deep sense of peace in uncertain times. She trusted that every chapter of her life held purpose, and in the end, she rested in the assurance of God’s grace and the promise of eternal life.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, James B. and Mary E. Saunders; her sisters, Bonnie Blanchard, Diana Saunders, and Mary Lee Alexander; her daughters, Amy Lynne and Angela Lynne Engeling; her grandson, Aidan Crettenden, and many other beloved relatives.
She is survived by her brothers, James “Billy” Saunders II and wife Lisa, Gary Turley, and Windle Turley; her daughters, Kimberly Engeling-Saunders and Denise Crettenden and husband Leigh; her grandchildren, Cameron Saunders-Matthews, Eleanor Crettenden, and Abigail Crettenden; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, including: Linda Randall and husband Lloyd, Marilyn Payne, Jackie Ross, Walter Klaus, extended family members, and dear friends.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 13th from 10:00am to 11:00am with a Celebration of Life at 11:00am at Tres Hewell Mortuary in Seguin.
Memorial contributions for large print books may be made to the Seguin Public Library, 313 W. Nolte Street, Seguin, Texas 78155 (please make checks payable to Seguin Public Library with “large print books” noted in the memo line). FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY.
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.

Charles Julius “Charlie” Willmann, Sr., age 101 of Seguin, passed away on April 25, 2026. Charles was born on March 31, 1925, in Seguin, Texas to Ethelda (Behrendt) and Charles Willmann, and grew up on his family farm in Seguin.
Charlie is preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Patricia “Patty” Willmann, his parents, and his sister, Ethel Willard and her husband D. B.
Survivors include his children, Charles “Chuck” J. Willmann, Jr. and wife Kay, Daniel N. Willmann and wife Carol and Jennie Willmann Moseley and husband Mike; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchild; other loving family members and a host of friends.

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of William Brutus Auten. Brutus was born September 22, 1945, to parents – Drs. Gladys and John Auten in Corpus Christi, Texas and died May 6, 2026, in Seguin, Texas.
It is hard to believe that we are no longer able to see that gentle guy with the easy rolling walk leaning on a counter assigning nicknames to all; sharing sage advice; telling a joke or playing (and always shuffling) cards; cooking a great Thanksgiving meal or listening to and helping a friend in need.
Even his name – Brutus -- has a story. For the first 21 years of his life, he was called Bill, but that changed soon after he joined the Coast Guard and was assigned to a ship based in Hawaii that had so many Bills aboard that he said, “I’ll go by my middle name, Brutus.” This one decision proved over the years to be a wise one. Yes, each time he introduced himself to a stranger, there could be eyerolls and gales of laughter followed by the question – “And how is Popeye?” Well, people from all over world in the oil and gas industry seemed to have no trouble remembering his name, because often when an issue arose at a site someone would suggest -- “Just call Brutus, get him to come help you!”
After his military service he returned to college and graduated from Texas A&I (Texas A&M, Kingsville). Brutus was a worker and greatly respected others committed to jobs and work. From high school on he always had a job and was an entrepreneur at heart mowing lawns, delivering feed, running a golf course, being a certified firefighter and EMT, or working as a schoolteacher substitute on his days off from the fire station. But his career opportunities sky-rocketed when he was recruited to work for Grant Oil and Tool as a salesman. That job morphed into international work in the oil industry that took him all over the world. He lived first in Houston, then Singapore as he covered the East and Middle East with his friend and business partner, Jimmie
A Life Service celebration is being planned at the Texas Agricultural and Heritage Center (Big Red Barn), on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. with remarks made at 2 p.m., 250 Cordova Road, Seguin, Texas, 78155, sometime this summer.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, P. O. Box 870, Seguin, Texas, 78156, the Texas Agricultural Education and Heritage Center (Red Barn), 250 Cordova Road, Seguin, Tx, 78155, Guadalupe Regional Medical Foundation, 1215 East Court St., Seguin, Texas, 78155 or to Guadalupe County Children’s Advocacy Center, 265 Wetz, 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.
Williams, and later based in Los Angeles as he managed service operations in Alaska and the lower 48 while still being called to travel internationally. There came a time when Brutus was willing to continue servicing Alaska, but he wanted to leave LA and return to Texas. He partnered with George Hendricks to purchased peach and pecan land in Seguin, Texas, and it was there that he met and married the love of his life, Kathi, or Peg as he often called her.
Brutus loved both playing and watching sports. He was blessed with a natural golf swing; had a mean serve that helped earn him and his tennis partner a trip to the State Tennis Tournament; treasured his time as both guard and fullback on the Ingleside Football Team that made its way to the State finals. And, while in Singapore he mastered the game of Squash.
Prior to Brutus’ permanent retirement from traveling, he and Kathi purchased Comanche Crossing – a bar/convenience store in Seguin. Just as in all his jobs, he loved interacting with people; enjoyed opening early; greeting customers and having the opportunity to play cards and cribbage with friends.
Brutus is survived by his wife, Kathi; sister Annette Blaschke; nephew Barrett Blaschke; great- niece Madison Jane (MJ) Blaschke; sister-in-law, Janis Thomas and husband Gary; nephew, Ethan Thomas; God Daughter, Kimberly Williams Johnson; and so many more loving family members and friends around the world.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Comanche Crossing Country Store, 2080 FM 477, Seguin, Texas, 78155. Please bring your best “Brutus Stories” as we look forward to having time with all of you!
If you should choose to honor Brutus’ memory, gifts to Ingleside Exes Scholarship Fund, created by Brutus and his sister, PO Box 7, Ingleside, Texas 78362, or the Texas Agricultural Education and Heritage Center (Red Barn), 250 Cordova Road, Seguin, Tx, 78155, would be greatly appreciated.
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.


(Bethesda, MD) -- Newborn internal bleeding deaths are on the rise and they’re being blamed on Vitamin K shot refusal. ProPublica says recent deaths include a Kentucky newborn, a seven-week-old Maryland boy and a baby girl in Alabama. Pediatricians say those deaths were caused by Vitamin K deficiency bleeding which could have been prevented with a single shot. Vitamin K is essential for promoting blood clotting but newborns don’t have much of it. The National Institutes of Health says there’s been a 77-percent increase in parents refusing Vitamin K shots for newborns from 2017 to 2024. The American Academy of Pediatrics has been recommending it for newborns since 1961.
(Undated) -- California public health officials are monitoring residents who were previously aboard a cruise ship dealing with a cluster of hantavirus cases. It joins Arizona and Georgia in monitoring people who were aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship for potential infection, after three passengers aboard the ship died. So far, no one from any of the three states has shown signs of infection. The ship, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, was off the coast of Africa in Cape Verde. It’s now headed to the Canary Islands after three people were medically evacuated, two of whom were in serious condition. More than 100 passengers are still on the ship, and some former passengers who have returned to their home countries are being advised to self-isolate.
(Atlanta, GA) -- The acting director of the CDC says the risk of hantavirus to the American public is “very low.” Dr. Jay Bhattacharya addressed the risk level in a statement on Wednesday as officials handle an outbreak of the disease on a cruise ship headed to Europe. Three people on board the MV Hondius ship have already died from suspected hantavirus infection, and the World Health Organization evacuated three people from the ship Wednesday morning. The CDC also said in a separate statement that the State Department is “leading a coordinated, whole-of-government response including direct contact with passengers, diplomatic coordination, and engagement with domestic and international health authorities.”
(Houston, Texas) -- A North Carolina widower is suing a Texas outpatient clinic after his wife died following ten-hours of plastic surgery. Peter Ginnegar told People Magazine that 48-year-old Joy Barbera had lost a lot of weight taking GLP-1 medication and wanted to get rid of her excess skin. She interviewed multiple plastic surgeons who turned her down when she asked for six procedures to be done in one day, including a butt lift, arm lift and breast augmentation. But a Houston plastic surgeon, who Joy found on social media, said “yes,” so Ginnegar’s wife flew to Houston last August for 53-thousand-dollars worth of plastic surgery. There were complications, including hypothermia and severe blood loss, and the woman died overnight. Ginnegar says he’s suing to raise awareness of the dangers of using an outpatient clinic for such procedures, instead of a hospital.


New Braunfels location provides educational opportunities for residents of Comal & Guadalupe Counties: • Accounting, Biology, Chemistry, Economics, English, Math, Fine Arts, Philosophy, Psychology • Day & evening options • IT - Cyber Defense and Networking • Associate Degree with a Business pre-major
(8 week) format



The wait is almost over. Golf is returning to Seguin. Starcke Park Golf Course will celebrate its grand reopening with a special tournament weekend on Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31. The Sunday event will feature a four-person scramble with lunch served at 11 a.m. and a shotgun start at 12:45 p.m. Entry is free, and concessions and beer will be available for purchase. Cart path only will be in effect. Participation in the Sunday tournament will be determined through a lottery system. Individuals were invited to submit an entry form, with selected participants notified ahead of the event with additional tournament details. Enter here: https://forms.office.com/r/BNumdKWdR9 The reopening also signals the return of regular play at Starcke Park. Online tee times will open May 22—10 days in advance—for rounds beginning in June. Golfers can also make tee time reservations by phone starting May 25 by calling 830-401-2490. City officials say they look forward to welcoming golfers back to the course and encourage the community to be part of the celebration as one of Seguin’s favorite recreational amenities returns to action.
The Seguin Noon Lions Club will host its Spring Fling from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 7 at the Silver Center, 510 East Court Street in Seguin. This drive-thru only event will feature a pork steak dinner catered by Troy Brown’s Next Door Catering, with tickets available in advance or at the door. Raffle tickets will also be available for a chance to win prizes.
The City of Seguin and the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center are teaming up for a community blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, May 7 in the Seguin Coliseum parking lot. The blood drive is open to the entire community. Donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh 120 pounds and present a signed parental consent form, or be 17 or older and weigh at least 110 pounds. Donors should be in good general health and present a valid photo ID. All donors will receive a free tote bag. Appointments can be made online, and for more information, call Jennifer Gauna at 830-401-2471.
May is National Foster Care Month, and SJRC Texas | Belong is recognizing the vital role foster caregivers play in the lives of children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Foster families provide more than just safety and stability — they offer nurturing homes, healthy family dynamics, and support that can leave a lasting impact well into adulthood. The organization says there is a significant need right now for foster families. Learn more at sjrctexas.org.
The Guadalupe County Ministerial Association will host a National Day of Prayer observance at noon Thursday, May 7 in Seguin City Park. The 30-minute gathering is open to the public, and all are invited to attend.
The Guada-Coma Chapter of the Independent Cattlemen’s Association of Tex-
as will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 18 at Seguin Cattle Company, 2424 State Highway 46 in Seguin. All producers are welcome to attend. The meeting will include chapter scholarship awards, state convention delegate designations, a beef meal, and door prizes. RSVP by Friday, May 15.
The Seguin Police Department and Seguin Fire Department will host the annual Badges, Bikes & Tykes event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 16 at Max Starcke Park East. The free, family-friendly event includes lunch, games, prizes, and chances for kids 16 and under to win a bicycle or skateboard, while meeting local first responders. For more information or to donate, call 830-386-2582.
Guadalupe County invites residents to take part in the County’s Bulk Clean-up Event scheduled for Saturday, May 16, from 7:30 to 11:30 AM at the Road & Bridge Department. The event entrance is at 3100 N. Austin St., at the intersection of Austin and North Guadalupe Street in Seguin. This is a free opportunity for residents to dispose of waste and help create a safer, healthier environment. Residents are asked to bring a photo ID or utility bill.
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.











Q:My tomato plants are lovely and blooming. Some of the fruit has set. However, our nights are turning warming and I am getting worried. What is the hottest temperature that the tomatoes can have and still set fruit?
A: I am going to paraphrase an answer from Dr. Jerry Parsons, a retired Extension Horticulturist, in his column PlantAnswers. com. He says that tomato blooms drop off because of a type of pollination problem. The plants are hermaphroditic with the male and female parts in the same flower. If the flower or pistil is inactivated because of hot temperatures or made sticky by cool cloudy conditions, it won’t be pollinated.
Sheryl Williams, Travis County Master Gardener and Horticulture Program Assistant for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension-Austin, adds that though tomatoes need warm temperatures, this does not mean extreme heat. She says the pollen produced on the flower anthers will become sterile if nighttime temperatures exceed 75 degrees. Pollen may also become unviable if prolonged daytime temperatures exceed 90. And, if our humidity is over 70 percent, pollen becomes sticky and won’t fall properly. All of this explains why we plant tomatoes as early as we can in the spring, and also try to get in a fall crop.
In researching this I found several interesting points. The flowers on tomato, peppers and eggplant can be artificially set by use of blossomset hormones sold in local nurseries. However, says Dr. Parsons,

they are effective fruit-setters only during early spring in cool cloudy temperatures. The tomatoes set will have fewer seed. Also, I found a neat article on A&M’s website: How to Grow the Tomato and 115 Ways to Prepare it for the Table by George W. Carver at Tuskegee Institute. The site is https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/vegetable/ additional-resources/carver-tomato/.
Q: What are some of the problem insects for the tomato?
A: Doug Welsh, Extension Horticulturist, list stinkbugs and leaffooted bugs as the primary problem bugs. He suggest hand collection, or the least toxic effective pesticide labeled for vegetables. Dr. Joseph Masabni, in Aggie-Horticulture’s Easy Gardening section on Tomatoes, adds flea beetles, hornworms, psyllid, and white fly. Hornworms can be controlled with bacillus thuringiensis, psyllids with insecticidal soaps, and whiteflies with insecticidal soaps. Remember that you are going to eat this vegetable so read the label of whatever you are using and make sure that it is suitable for vegetables and human consumption.
Q
: When do I plant my heat tolerant plants?
A : Heat tolerant butterfly-attracting plants can be planted now. These include butterfly weed, lantana, Penta, salvia and verbena. In fact, my lantana and salvia are already blooming.

