November 6, 2025
Ranch Hand to build $400 Million facility in Seguin, Bringing 300
Darren Dunn
(Seguin) -- A new economic development project is bringing more jobs and more opportunities to Seguin.
The Seguin City Council approved a deal on Tuesday that allows Ranch Hand, a division of Lippert Components, to break ground on a new 400,000 square foot state-of-the-art manufacturing facility along Interstate 10 in Seguin. The deal represents a multimillion dollar investment in the Seguin economy and it will results in hundreds of new jobs.
Economic Development Director Josh Schneuker, who will soon be leaving for another economic development post in San Antonio, is leaving Seguin with a bang. Schneuker says Ranch Hand is an industry Jobs, pg. 3
Community invited to tree planting at local park
Park West to host Golden Shovel Tree planting ceremony
(Seguin) -- What started as a dream to bring more shade and nature to Seguin is about to take root -- literally.
The Guadalupe Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists, alongside H-E-B and Texan by Nature, will host a “Golden Shovel” Tree Planting Ceremony this morning at Seguin’s Park West.
Nancy Masterson, resource management project leader for the Guadalupe Master Naturalists chapter, says the celebration marks the beginning of a larger effort made possible thanks to a $5,000 H-E-B Trees for Texans grant, awarded to the group this fall. The funds will support the purchase, planting and care of 132 native trees.
Masterson says she’s excited that this new life will be added to the true forest that currently exist along
the east side of the park –bordering Walnut Branch.
Masterson says the first phase of the project will be to provide “instant shade for recreation as well as long-term canopy for wildlife and park visitors.”
“We will plant seven large trees like 15 gallon 6-7 foot trees to provide shade for Seguin Youth Soccer along the sidewalks between soccer field 1 and soccer field 2 and if you have ever been out there on a weekend when Seguin Youth Soccer is having their practice games or their competitive games, you have seen all the families just huddled under shade shelters there in the boiling sun. So, these big trees along the sidewalk will provide shade and we will use that as a teaching tool to teach others how important trees are for energy conservation,” said
Masterson.
Masterson says all remaining trees will help create a more diverse and sustainable forest.
“The remaining 125 little trees. I mean we are talking tublings. We are talking about four-inch high little, tiny baby trees that were raised by the Texas Forest Service at their experimental nursery in College Station and they are specifically chosen to do well in Seguin. They are all native trees. They are nut trees like walnuts and pecans. They are flowering trees that grow small and two types of oaks that are resistant to oak wilt – bur oak and white oak and they will all be added in one section of the forest,” said Masterson.
The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m., Thursday (Nov.6) Park West is located at 601 N. Vaughan Avenue.
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
Jobs, continued.
leader in grill guards and bumpers, and many of its products are prominently featured on popular television shows, like Yellowstone and Land Man.
Schneuker says the announce of this deal is a good day for Seguin.
“Today we’re having in front of you a Chapter 380 agreement between the city of Seguin and Curt Manufacturing LLC. So, Curt Manufacturing is a subsidiary of Lippert Components and that is the parent company of Ranch Hand and that is the company that will ultimately be occupying the 400,000 plus square foot facility that will be built at the Tri-Point Logistics Center development there immediately adjacent to Caterpillar,” said Schneuker.
Ranch Hand’s new Seguin facility will nearly double its current manufacturing capacity. The facility will also feature a state-of-the-art E-Coat line, which has a zirconium pre-treatment process that will greatly increase the corrosion resistance of its products.
“This is going to represent a pretty substantial manufacturing and industrial development. In terms of capital investment and job creation, it’s one of the higher end projects that we’ve seen in recent history,” said Schneuker.
There are many layers to the deal. Schneuker says the bottom-line is that Lippert’s Ranch Hand will set up operation in Seguin and bring more than 300 new jobs with them.
“This is being developed by Ackerman, a developer based out of Atlanta, Georgia. They will be constructing a 400,000 plus square foot facility that Ranch Hand will occupy. We anticipate that the investment on this project – the total investment from the developer and the company themselves, will reach at least $80 million and help create over 320 new jobs here in Seguin,” said Schneuker.
The city is offering the company a tax break in exchange for its investments and job creation in Seguin.
“The incentive structure, per the Chapter 380
Agreement, is over a 10-year period. It is a deteriorating rebate schedule to the company. So, years one and two will rebate 80% of real and personal property to the company. Year three and four will be 75%. Year five-50%, year six-40%, year seven-30%, year eight-20%, and then nine and 10 will have 10% rebates there as well,” said Schneuker.
There are benchmarks included in the deal, which help to protect the city’s partnership with the company.
“This is a performance-based incentive. So, in order for the company to realize the incentives, they do have certain performance obligations, that they will have to meet. Specifically, a certificate of occupancy being issued on or before December 31 of 2026, and meeting those capital investment benchmarks of at least $20 million. That’ll be over a two-year ramp-up period. And then meeting job and payroll targets over a three-year period and then maintaining certain levels through the term of the agreement. Ultimately, 320 jobs at $20 million in payroll there as well,” said Schneuker.
The Seguin deal will allow Lippert and Ranch Hand to consolidate two of their facilities, with some team members from the Shiner and Beeville operations beomg allowed to be part of that transition.
Brian Schudiske, senior vice president of operations for Lippert, was present for Tuesday night’s announcement. He says they are thrilled to be in Seguin.
“We’re super excited to really make the move to Seguin. We’re looking forward to this being the home of Ranch Hand and very, very proud of it. Working with Josh has been tremendous and he made this decision a very easy decision for us. So, (we are) very much looking forward to it and thank everybody for your support and really looking forward to being here,” said Schudiske.
In a statement released after the vote, Mayor Donna Dodgen said that the city was thrilled to welcome Ranch Hand and Lippert’s latest expansion to the Seguin. She says the project represents another significant investment in the community’s growing manufacturing base and demonstrates the confidence companies have in Seguin as a place to do business.
Marion, Seguin and Navarro fall in area round volleyball playoffs
Bryce Hayes - TLU Sports Information
(Gonzales) -- An undefeated district championship season came to an end for the Marion volleyball team in Gonzales Tuesday night as the Lady Bulldogs fell to Class 3A Division I fourth-ranked Columbus in the area round of the UIL playoffs.
The Lady Cardinals took the match 25-19, 25-18, 25-13 to move on to the regional semifinals. Five Lady Bulldog seniors played their last match. Lailah Hernandez, Emily Sampson, Ellie Parker, Madi Love, and Charlotte Swoboda ended their Marion careers on Tuesday night.
First-year Marion head coach Bree Holz-Gonzales talked about her senior players following the match.
“I was incredibly grateful to them. This season could have been successful or it could’ve gone another way,” Holz-Gonzales said. “So, I thank them for being open-minded and having a new coach come in and getting out of their comfort zones a little bit and being willing to work on things that maybe they weren’t used to.
“Just incredible leadership out of that group of seniors, (they are) stud players with big hearts and a lot of leadership.”
Marion ends its season after finishing 10-0 in District 27-3A. The Lady Bulldogs won 31 matches in 2025, including a victory over Randolph that ended a 59-match district winning streak for the Lady Ro-Hawks in September.
(Schertz) -- The Seguin Lady Matadors, a 16-0 team in District 27-5A this year, also saw their season come to an end in the playoffs on Tuesday night.
The Lady Matadors fell to Smithson Valley in the Class 5A Division I area round, 25-16, 25-15, 25-15, at Schertz Clemens High School. Seguin seniors Gisele Morales, Mia Hernandez, and Lilah Bird played in their final match as Lady Matadors.
Seguin was a relatively young team in 2025. Major contributors included underclassmen Elli Anderson, Rebecca Wilke, Annyn Houston, Kassidy Dailey, Savannah Oaks, Danica Rushlow and Britlyn Walls, who all helped the Lady Mats win 32 matches overall in their district championship season.
(Spring Branch) -- The Navarro Lady Panthers fell to defending state champion Wimberley in the Class 4A Division II area round at Smithson Valley High School on Tuesday night.
Wimberley won the match, 25-13, 25-14, 25-7. Navarro ended its season in second place in District 28-4A with an 8-2 record.
The Lady Panthers were led by seniors Rylee Smith, Emi Harris, Brooklyn Fox, and Avery Sisak. Navarro finished the 2025 season as the runner-up in the district to La Vernia. The Lady Bears, still alive in the playoffs, are the thirdranked team in the state in Class 4A Division I.
VITAL STATISTICS
Krueger
Doris Anne Krueger passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at the age of 76. She was born to Alfred and Mary Reimer on July 21, 1949, in Seguin, Texas.
Doris will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and dear friend. She loved working in her yard and had a passion for handmade crafts. She will be deeply missed.
She is preceded in death by her parents Alfred and Mary Reimer; sister Delrose Elley and brothers Alfred “Sonny” Reimer, Elroy Reimer, and Richard
Gomez
Mary V. Gomez, who was born October 12, 1941, in Edinburgh Tx, went home to be with our lord and savior on Monday, November 3, 2025, at the age of 84 years old, surround by family, peace, love and prayer.
Mary is proceeded in death by her beloved husband Oliver R. Gomez Jr, her son Carlos E. Gomez, Grandson Joshua I. Salazar, her parents George and Juana Velasquez, her brothers Jacinto Velasquez, Simona Zambrano Anita Flores, Dominga Mendez, and Angelita Martinez.
Mary was a beloved Mother, to her surviving children George O. Gomez, Lisa A. Gomez, Irwin R. Gomez, (Patricia), Norma C. Gomez (Jason E. Villarreal), Pauline N. Gomez (Maria C. Mora) and Linda M. Gomez.
Mary was a loving grandmother to her Grandchildren Ray, Amber, Irene, Eric, Irwin, Matthew, Christopher, Oliver, Carlos G, Zachery, Brandon, Carlos V, Crystal, Jessica, Stephanie, Amanda, Vanessa, George, Nick, Noe, Joey, Jacob, Jadyn. Mary was blessed to call herself a great grandma “GIGI,” to many great grandchildren.
Reimer.
Left to honor and cherish her memory is her husband of 56 years, Vernon Krueger; son Bryan Krueger; grandchildren Renae Krueger and Isabel Krueger. She is further survived by her sister Irene Abrameit, and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at Goetz Funeral Home in Seguin, Texas from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Goetz Funeral Home at 10:00 am, with interment following at Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Services are under the direction of Goetz Funeral Home, Seguin, Texas.
Mary was known for her warm smile, her deep faith, and her ability to make everyone feel at home. She loved cooking for her family, praying her rosary, gardening, and spending time surrounded by loved ones. Mary was a woman who made sure you knew how important you were to her, and she never met a stranger. Mary was our hero and always leant a helping hand every chance she had. She made sure you felt her love and grace, and she let her light shine everywhere she went. Her spirit and grace will be missed greatly. She had a heart of gold and when you look to the stars, she will always be the brightest one shining. The loss and pain of losing this amazing woman will leave a void in our hearts forever, but her everlasting love and spirit will be with us always.
Visitation will be held Thursday, November 6th, 2025, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at Palmer Mortuary in Seguin, Texas, with a Rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Catholic Burial will take place Friday, November 7th, at 10:30 a.m. at Saint James Catholic Church, followed by a procession to Holy Cross Cemetery at 17501 Nacogdoches Rd, San Antonio Tx 78266. A family reception will follow.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Palmer Mortuary and Cremations located at 1116 N. Austin Street, Seguin, Texas 78155; 830.379.9430. Please log on to www.palmermortuary.com to sign and view the guest book.
VITAL STATISTICS
Oestreich
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dr. Charles H. Oestreich, age 93, President Emeritus of Texas Lutheran University (TLU). As we remember him, we honor a life well lived, as a teacher, scholar, and leader whose work helped shape Texas Lutheran University and whose legacy endures in the lives of those he influenced.
Born in Columbus, Ohio, June 8, 1932, Dr. Oestreich earned a Bachelor of Science from Capital University, followed by an M.S. and Ph.D. from Ohio University. He joined the TLU faculty and administration in 1969 as the Academic Dean, later serving as the university’s President from 1976 to 1994.
During his leadership, Dr. Oestreich oversaw significant growth in the university’s academic programs, faculty development, campus infrastructure, and institutional mission. His stewardship strengthened TLU’s reputation as a thoughtful, values-based liberal-arts institution rooted in the Evangelical Lutheran tradition and provided a foundation for its continued success.
Beyond the institution, he was known among colleagues and students for his integrity, scholarly curiosity, and genuine devotion to the educational and personal growth of those around him. A document from 1971 shows his early advocacy for developing the Mexican American Studies Program at TLU, reflecting his attention to diverse student needs and inclusive academic planning.
Dr. Oestreich served on and chaired numerous boards, including the Council of Independent Colleges, Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas, VP of St. Luke’s Lutheran Health Ministry, the Mid-Texas Symphony, and EdenHill Communities. He was a member of the New Braunfels Conservation Society and a Rotarian. He participated in numerous international Rotary trips, including efforts to secure books for schools in Africa.
Dr. Oestreich enjoyed traveling with his wife, Rhoda, to various domestic
and international destinations, playing bridge, and researching genealogy. He authored two volumes on family history titled Our Heritage. Above all, he cherished attending his grandchildren’s events and welcoming his greatgrandchildren into the family.
Charles H. Oestreich married Rhoda J. Haseley in 1957. Charles and Rhoda were married for almost 65 years before her passing on August 1, 2022. He is also preceded in death by his parents, the Reverend Henry F. Oestreich and Martha E. (Schwartz) Oestreich, and his sister, Ruth M. Harsch. Charles is survived by his daughters Martha Oestreich, Mary Cooper (Jill), and son, David C. Oestreich (Jo Beth), grandchildren Jennifer M. Shira (Mark), Matthew R. Shira (Jennifer), Robert D. Oestreich (Courtney), Dr. Andrew W. Oestreich (Jordan), and greatgrandchildren, Elizabeth M. Shira, Heinrich R. Oestreich, Ivy Grace Oestreich, and Josephine Marie Oestreich, step-grandchildren Amanda N. Stephens (Eric) and Lindsey D. Yazbek (Ryan), step-great grandchildren Theodore I. Stephens and Lillian E. Stephens, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Dr. Oestreich will be remembered not only for his exemplary leadership but also as a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, mentor, educator, and friend. His legacy was defined by faith, family, institutional strength, educational opportunities, and dedication to community service.
A memorial service for Dr. Oestreich will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at 1 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in New Braunfels with the Reverend Paul Owens officiating. A reception will follow. A private family graveside service will be held at Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Dr. Charles H. Oestreich Scholarship, c/o Texas Lutheran University, Development Office, 1000 West Court Street, Seguin, Texas 78155, or to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 777 W. San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX 78130.
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.
Recall Issued For America’s Top-Selling Cholesterol-Lowering Drug
(Bethesda, MD) -- The FDA is issuing a recall for America’s top-selling cholesterol-lowering drug. The recall involves more than 140-thousand bottles of Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets. That action was initiated by Ascend Laboratories, based in New Jersey, which sold the pills imported from India, under its label. There were problems with the way the tablets dissolve. Multiple strengths of Atorvastatin are affected including, 10, 20, 40 and 80 milligram bottles.
Study Shows Increasing Steps Could Slow Alzheimer’s Progression
(Cambridge, MA) -- A new study shows that increasing the number of steps you take each day may help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease among those at heightened risk. Researchers at Mass General Brigham found that cognitive decline was delayed by an average of three years for people who walked just 3-thousand to 5-thousand steps a day. In older adults who walked five to seven-thousand steps a day, the onset of Alzheimer’s was delayed by seven years. The study is published in Nature Medicine.
VCU Researchers Identify Increase in Alpha-Gal Syndrome
(Richmond, VA) -- Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) say there’s an explosive rise in a rare meat allergy brought on by a tick-borne illness. They say the rise in alpha-gal syndrome is seeing a 100-fold increase over the past ten years. And they say the increase is driven by a spike in cases between 2021-22 and 2023-24. Alpha-gal syndrome is linked to the bite of the lone star tick, present throughout Virginia. State health officials say the tick is an aggressive biter that can be identified by a white dot on its back.
Vaccinations Sink For Oregon Health Care Workers
(Portland, OR) -- Slightly more than half of Oregon health care workers were vaccinated against the flu last year. That’s a decline of 11 percent from 2023 and down 36 percent from the 2019 flu season. Hospitals and surgical centers had the highest vaccination rates while nursing facilities and inpatient psychiatric care centers had the lowest rates at 30 percent. The Oregon Health Authority is very concerned, saying that vaccination rates can be increased by providing free vaccinations, mass vaccination fairs and incentive programs.
NOVEMBER
November’s First Friday Feast
Join Geronimo Lions November 7, 2025 at the Red Barn at 250 Cordova road for a steak or fish dinner! Serving starts at 5:30. Come out and enjoy the evening. The beneficiary is the Christian Cupboard, and entertainment is provided by the Brushy Creek Boys. A first responder from the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Department will be honored with special recognition.
Motorcycle Escort for AVTT Wall
The Guadalupe County Veterans Council will be hosting a motorcycle mission to escort the AVTT Traveling Vietnam Wall into Seguin on November 10 at Rattler Stadium. Riders will meet at 9:30 a.m. and depart at 10:15 a.m. for the escort to the stadium parking lot.
Veterans Day Parade and Events
The City of Seguin, Guadalupe County, and the Guadalupe County Veterans Council will be hosting Veterans Day events beginning with a parade at 9 a.m. on November 11 in Seguin, with line-up at 8 a.m. Following the parade, an assembly will be held at the Convention Center along with the grand opening of the AVTT Traveling Vietnam Wall and other memorials.
Wrangler Country
The Silver Center will be hosting Wrangler Country at 7:30 p.m. on November 14th 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.
GRMC
helps community fight against diabetes
In honor of World Diabetes Day, Guadalupe Regional Medical Center is hosting a FREE community event on Friday, November 14th, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the GRMC East Campus. Attendees can enjoy healthy cooking demonstrations, check out the latest insulin pump technology, and get diabetes education from Endocrinologist Dr. Jonven Attia. The event welcomes everyone interested in learning more!
Más Amor Fest: A Día de Los Veteranos Celebration
The Center for Mexican American Studies and the Mexican American Student Association at Texas Lutheran University are hosting the third annual Más Amor Fest on Saturday, November 22, from noon to 10 p.m. This free, all-ages event honors veterans and is open to the entire community. The festival will feature a lowrider, classic car, truck, and bike show from 12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Blumberg Memorial Library parking lot. Visitors can also see the 1969 Chevy Impala from the movie Selena. There will be a vendor market, a food court, live graffiti murals, and a live music showcase. Additionally, there will be a free turkey raffle giveaway every hour from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The celebration will conclude with a concert featuring Frankie J, DJ Kane, and Amanda Solis from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. For more information, visit masamorfest.com.
Redeemer United Church’s Handmade-Only Craft Fair
The Women’s Fellowship group of Redeemer United Church, 7415 Gin Rd., Marion, will host a Handmade-Only Craft Fair on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.. The fair will feature local artisans and offer concessions and a bake sale. Proceeds from the bake sale will support the church’s Sunday school program.
No Dance at Silver Center Thanksgiving week
The Silver Center will not be hosting a dance on November 28th due to the holiday.
Glue Printing on Fabric Class
The Seguin Art League will be hosting Glue Printing on Fabric Class at 1 p.m. on November 22 at 104 S. Austin, Seguin. Participants will learn a simple batik process using gel glue and acrylic paint to create dynamic designs and will take home their own unique fabric piece. Open to ages 10 and up, limited to 10 participants. Cost is $35 with supplies included. For more information call 830-305-0472 or visit seguinartleague.com.
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.
