September 16, 2025
Hope for Sterling: Teen battles for life
Donor needed for liver transplant
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) -- A Seguin family is asking for prayers, strength, and community support as 16-year-old Sterling Carpenter faces a fight for her life.
Sterling, the only child of Kayla Scott and the daughter of Matthew Carpenter, is in urgent need of a liver transplant after years of battling a rare, life-threatening illness.
In fact, one day after being interviewed by Seguin Daily News, Kayla provided an update sharing how a recent CT scan has given them even more reason for concern. She says her daughter is not only at higher risk but is now
showing signs of possible internal bleeding.
Kayla says what started as a simple fever and UTI turned into a life-changing discovery and diagnosis of cirrhosis of the liver and portal hypertension.
Since the age of 7, she says Sterling has endured countless procedures, hospital stays, and complications. Over the summer, her health took a frightening turn when rising ammonia levels left her unresponsive and fighting for her life.
“June was actually the roughest time. She suffered from Hepatic Encephalopathy.
Sterling, pg. 3
Sixteen-year-old Sterling Carpenter, of Seguin, is fighting for her life as she awaits a liver transplant. Her family is asking for prayers and community support as they prepare for upcoming fundraisers to help with medical and living expenses. Courtesy photo
Entries now being accepted for Guadalupe County Fair Parade
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Guadalupe County) -- “Who are we missing?” That’s the question parade organizers are asking as they seek more entries for the Guadalupe County Fair Parade scheduled for Friday, October 10.
Parade Chairman Gail Damerau says although entries have been coming in slowly, she is anticipating another great parade.
“We are way behind. I’m not sure what the holdup is or if everybody is holding up for last minute, but we are trying to get our entries in and get everybody registered online at gcfair.org. We’ve got probably about 20-25 right now so that’s where you go to put in your entry and there is a two-step process and then, it will kick your entry in and you will be ready to go,” said Damerau.
Parade, pg. 3.
Time to plan your Scarecrows and Skeletons
Special by Myra Salinas, Seguin Main Street and Destination Management tourism coordinator
(Seguin) -- It may still be summer with temps over 100, but we here at Seguin Main Street are dreaming of fall with its cooler weather, seasonal flavors, and family friendly festivals. We are in full swing getting prepared for all those fall festivals that are held in downtown Seguin.
One of those fun fall activities is the Downtown Scarecrow & Skeleton Display Contest. The competition began in 2000 as a partnership between Seguin Main Street and the Guadalupe County Fair Association to tie downtown to the annual fair. Window displays go up the week of the fair parade which goes through downtown Seguin and the displays remain up until Pecan Fest at the end of the month.
“We always love seeing the creativity that comes out with the Scarecrow and Skeleton Contest,” said Blaire Friar, director of main street and destination management. “The displays add a fun element to our historic district for the fall season.”
Any local business or organization is welcome to decorate a scarecrow or skeleton. If your business or organization is outside of downtown, the Seguin Main Street Program will assist in finding a location for your scarecrow or skeleton downtown.
It is a friendly competition, and all entries will be judged by our celebrity judges on Thursday,
October 2, so all entries need to be up by October 1. Entries will be judged on their creativity and uniqueness. Businesses are encouraged to make their display reflect their business, the fall season or be fair themed. Entries should remain in place until October 31.
To participate in the contest, you must complete a free entry form that can be found at the Main Street Program office at 200 South Austin Street or online at www.seguintexas.gov. All applications must be received by September 26.
Sterling, continued.
Her ammonia levels got so high that she started getting confused and wasn’t’ able to respond to any questions or walk on her own and then she became completely unresponsive. She had to be airlifted to University Hospital from Seguin and was on a ventilator for a couple of days while they tried to get her back to normal,” said her mom.
After pulling herself out of that battle, Sterling is back in the hospital facing yet another critical moment.
Kayla says her only chance for survival, according to doctors, is a liver transplant.
“We are still looking for a donor. I have some posts on my page that have that link where people can even sign up to be tested to see if they are capable and even if it is not just for Sterling, this hospital does an amazing thing where if somebody signs up to match with Sterling but they are not (a match) -they match (them) with somebody else who needs a liver and we can start a chain where multiple people are getting the liver that they need. What they do is they take a portion of your liver and whoever it is going to, they put it in them and the liver regenerates and over time, you will have your liver back to its full size and working just as well,” said Kayla.
Ever since COVID, Sterling, who had always been a Seguin ISD student had no choice but to be homeschooled.
Kayla says this medical crisis has also caused a financial hardship for the family.
“I actually lost my job back in June because I had to spend time with her in the hospital and I didn’t have any more vacation or sick days available, so I was not able to keep my job. So, we’ve been really relying on our support system to make sure we have a roof over our heads at this time,” shared Kayla.
Kayla says she hopes people will consider not only helping Sterling but will also set out to learn more about living liver donation.
“Unfortunately, she is not the only kid going through something like this. Just consider the option of being a living donor – if it’s not just for Sterling but the possibility of saving someone else’s life,” said Kayla.
Those interested in becoming a living donor
Parade, continued.
The good news according to Damerau is that anyone can patriciate in the 142-year-old tradition.
“The fair parade consists of anything that wants to be in the parade. We will take it all. There is a cost for businesses or politicians, political entries and that’s $40 -- So, pretty cheap for advertising for one of
can learn more at UTCLivingDonor.com or UniversityHealth.com/LivingLiverDonation Donations to help Sterling and her mother with living expenses may be made through GoFundMe, or directly via CashApp at $mommakayla09 or Venmo @mommakayla.
The community is also encouraged to support the family by donating silent auction items or purchasing a meal during a BBQ fundraiser being scheduled for Sterling on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the American Legion Hall. Those wishing to donate a silent auction item or who would like to contribute to the meal itself can contact Dianne De La Garza at 830-556-7405.
the busiest days in downtown Seguin,” said Damearau.
Although there are plenty of spots still available, Damerau encourages folks to register now.
“We’ve got (the deadline) for the end of September – the end of the month just because we’ve got to get everything kind of wrapped up, but we do take late ones. They just need to understand that if you are in after the
deadline, we don’t actually officially judge (their entry),” said Damerau. Again, the parade will be traveling south along Austin Street beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 10. The route will end at the Guadalupe County Fairgrounds. The parade is part of this year’s Guadalupe County Fair and PRCA Rodeo scheduled for Oct. 9-11.
Sign-up is available at gcfair.org .
Area high school volleyball roundup: Seguin wins battle for first place in District 27-5A
Chris Austin
(San Antonio) -- The Seguin Lady Matadors won a battle for first place in District 27-5A with a sweep at San Antonio Edison on Friday.
The Lady Mats took the match, 25-20, 2512, 29-27. Kassidy Dailey and Elli Anderson each had 16 kills to lead Seguin. Britlyn Walls served up three aces and setter Gisele Morales assisted on 46 kills for her teammates.
The Lady Matadors moved to 5-0 in district play while handing Edison their first district loss. Seguin will look to go to 6-0 in district Tuesday when they host San Antonio Highlands
at Goldie Harris Gym. First serve is set for 6:30 p.m.
(Geronimo) -- The Navarro Lady Panthers fell to Class 4A 11th-ranked Davenport on Friday at Navarro High School.
The Lady Panthers took the first set 25-21 before falling in the next three, 25-19, 25-16, 2521. Navarro will next host the Randolph Lady RoHawks on Tuesday night. The match starts at 6 p.m.
(Marion) -- The Marion Lady Bulldogs
earned a sweep of New Braunfels Long Creek on Friday.
Marion took down the Lady Dragons, 2511, 25-20, 25-16. Marion will travel to Luling for their next match on Tuesday night. First serve takes place at 6 p.m.
(Seguin) -- The Lifegate Lady Falcons are in action tonight.
The Lady Falcons will host Victoria Cobra HomeSchool. First serve is set for 6 p.m. this evening at Lifegate Christian School.
VITAL STATISTICS
Bouquet
Our beloved Marilyn McKinzie Bouquet went to be with Jesus, her Savior, on September 12, 2025 at the age of 80. Marilyn was born to Theron Elmo and Ruby Williams McKinzie on October 27, 1944 in Eastland, Texas.
Marilyn attended Comanche High School where she met the love of her life, Tommey Elton Bouquet. They were married on May 28, 1960 in Comanche, Texas and spent 65 memorable years together. As a military wife of 28 years, she was the glue that held life together for her three children through all of Tommey’s deployments as her family traveled the world. She put her whole heart into everything she did and her love for her family and friends was selfless and unending. She was a literal fairy godmother to her grandchildren, making wishes come true and helping bring dreams into reality. She volunteered her time and creative cosmetology talents, supporting some of her grandchildren and their friends by doing make up and costuming for theater productions at Seguin High School and the Palace Theater. She became known as the “Drama Granmama.” All those whose lives she touched wish they had more time to spend with her, but are glad that the extreme pain she was enduring has come to an end.
Marilyn was reunited in heaven with her parents, Theron and Ruby McKinzie, her brother, James Elton McKinzie, and her son, Theron “Rocky”
Talley
Michelle Talley, 53, of New Orleans, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2025. Born on October 20, 1971, in Seguin, Texas, Michelle was the beloved daughter of Jesse and Peggy Talley.
A proud graduate of Seguin High School, Class of 1990, Michelle went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in chemistry, graduating cum laude from Doane College in 1994. She continued her academic journey at Louisiana State University (LSU), where she received her master’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology in 1996.
Michelle’s professional path reflected her intellect, precision, and dedication. She worked with major pharmaceutical companies such as Abbott Laboratories and Solvay Pharmaceuticals, specializing in FDA compliance and software implementation. In 2006, she founded her own company, TalServ, Inc., providing these services to clients around the world.
Her career and love of travel took her far and wide across Puerto Rico, Japan, China, and throughout Europe. She had an adventurous spirit and a deep appreciation for other cultures, which also led her to explore much of Southeast
Elton Bouquet.
She left behind her soul mate, Tommey Elton Bouquet, her daughter and son in law, Terry and Sheila Bouquet Backen, her son and daughter-inlaw, Randal Alan and Kimberley Bouquet, and her daughter-in-law, Melanie Warfield Bouquet. Her passing left a huge hole in the lives of her nine grandchildren, Sarah Backen Retzloff, Ryan Backen, Lindsey Backen, Kayla Bouquet McLemore, Lauren Bouquet, Amy Bouquet Williams, Tyler Bouquet, Ashley Bouquet Swithers, and Hannah Bouquet. She leaves a legacy of love with her four great-grandchildren, Trace, Brettyn, Emerick, and Faryn Retzloff, plus a host of other relatives and dear friends. Their worlds are a little less bright without her presence.
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 19th at 10 am at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel at 165 Tor Drive in Seguin, Texas. Funeral services will be held immediately following at 11 am in the Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel. Interment will take place at San Geronimo Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Tyler Bouquet, Amy Bouquet, Christian Styles, Josh McLemore, Clint Retzloff and Steve Dueboay, Sr.
For those who desire the service may be livestreamed at https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/mf-fwp/hewell/hewell_20250919. html
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.
Asia, including Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and South Korea.
Michelle was known for her kindness, quiet strength, and unwavering loyalty to those she loved. She treasured her close circle of friends, whom she considered her chosen family, and she held their children close to her heart as if they were her own. She greatly enjoyed cooking for this close circle of friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Jesse G. Talley; and her grandparents, Ottmar and Vera Reiley, and Jesse J. and Pearl Talley. She is survived by her loving mother, Peggy Talley; her sister, Lisa (David) Alcorn; and her nephews, Austin and Tyler Alcorn, who were a constant source of pride and joy.
Michelle’s warmth, generosity, and bright spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her memory will live on in the countless lives she touched.
A memorial service will be held Friday, September 19, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. at The Red Barn, 250 Cordova Rd., Seguin, Texas, 78155 with the Reverend Gerry Metzger officiating.
Private interment will be held prior at Boecker Cemetery, Seguin, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Doane University (www.doane. edu/giving/how-to-give). Doane University, Advancement Office, 1014 Boswell Avenue, Cete, NE 68333 or to a charity of your choice in Michelle’s honor.
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
Smith
MSGT James Junior “Smitty” Smith, USAF (Ret.), age 94 of Seguin, passed away on September 10, 2025. He was born on May 6, 1931 in Paradise, Texas part of Wise County.
He proudly served his country, retiring from the United States Air Force after twenty-two years of dedicated service. After retiring from the United States Air Force, he began working for the Guadalupe Blanco River Authority (GBRA) as a Control Operator for many years. His retirement years were spent farming and ranching and spending quality time with his family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Alice Fay Luersen Smith, daughter, Jacqueline “Jackie” Smith, grandson, Matthew James Vincent, son-in-law, Kevin Mathis, his mother, Mary Katherine Smith, and his siblings, Claudia Lawson, William Slagle and Opal Sweet.
Survivors include his daughters, Donna Vincent Beck, and Fonda Mathis; grandchildren, Michelle Smith, John Vincent and wife Robin, Jenna Marie Vincent, and Kyle Mathis and wife, Persia; great grandchildren, Paige Smith
Guadarrama
Ester Hernandez Guadarrama passed away peacefully on September 6, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 92.
Ester was born in Houston, Texas on August 30, 1933, and married the love of her life, Cesario Guadarrama Jr on June 8, 1957.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Lucinda Hernandez, and stepfather Joe Aguilder.
Survivors include her daughters, Cynthia Guadarrama, Linda Guadarrama, Sonja Valadez and her husband Danny
Zimmermann and partner Brady Edmiston, Kylie Fay MyCue and husband Mason, Ethan Smith Zimmermann, Kaden James and Kamryn Vincent, Hazzel Vincent, and Peyton, Lyndon and Carter Smith Velasquez; great-great grandchildren, Louise Fay MyCue, Lucian MyCue, and Lucius Edmiston; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and many friends.
Visitation will begin on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel at 5 p.m. followed by funeral service at 6 p. m. with the Reverend Jeremy Roy officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Kaden James Vincent, John Vincent, Kyle Mathis, Ethan Smith Zimmermann, Mason MyCue, Brady Edmiston, Roger Jubela, and Howard Zimmermann.
Private graveside services with military honors will be held at a later date at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Pecan Museum of Texas, c/o Red Barn, 390 Cordova Road, Seguin, Texas, 78155. Floral tributes are welcome and may be ordered through Colonial Green Florals, Smitty’s greatgranddaughter Paige – 830-609-9101.
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, 830-5912.
Valadez and Alicia Guadarrama. Her grandsons Corey Calderon and Colin Calderon and their father Bobby Calderon.
Ester graduated from Jefferson Davis High School in Houston Texas in 1951.
She attended Rice University and graduated in 1955. She started her teaching career at Weinert Elementary School. She then taught Spanish at Seguin High School.
Ester was a lifelong active member of La Trinidad Methodist Church. She enjoyed traveling, dancing, and spending time with her family.
Her generous spirit will be remembered forever, and she will be missed by many.
A private memorial will be held at a later date.
Bayer Releases Results Of Hot Flash Drug Clinical Study
(Undated) -- The pharmaceutical company Bayer is awaiting approval of a new hot flash drug. It just published results of a clinical trial in JAMA Internal Medicine that found that the new drug met expectations for being effective in relieving vasomotor symptoms, or VMS, such as hot flashes and sleep disruptions. The Food and Drug Administration is now looking over the drug. This would be for women who want another option to estrogen replacement therapy.
Target Burritos Recalled For Undeclared Shrimp
(Minneapolis, MN) -- More than 57-thousand frozen burrito meals sold at Target are being recalled. The burritos could contain undeclared shrimp, a serious risk for people with shellfish allergies. The Good & Gather Southwest-Style Burrito Bowl Blend was sold at Target stores nationwide starting in April.
Appeals Court Allows Administration To Cut Medicaid Funds To Planned Parenthood (Boston, MA) -- An appeals court is allowing the federal government to cut off Medicaid funds to Planned Parenthood. The ruling by the First Circuit Court of Appeals overturns a lower court order that blocked a one-year ban on state Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood, which was part of President Trump’s massive spending and tax cut bill. The appeal court’s order overturning the ban did not give the judges’ views on the case.
Australia Approves Koala Chlamydia Vaccine (Queensland, Australia) -- Australia is rolling out a vaccine to treat chlamydia in koalas. The single-dose vaccine has been in development for a decade. Its widespread use will mark a “world first,” according to experts. The sexually transmitted infection is responsible for half of Australia’s koala deaths, but this vaccine is expected to reduce mortality rates by at least 65-percent.
September
Beginning Crochet Class
The Seguin Art League will be hosting Beginning Crochet Class at 1 p.m. on September 20 at 104 S. Austin, Seguin. The class will cover the basics of crochet including making a chain, joining, and other fundamental stitches, giving participants the skills to create their own crochet projects. 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.
Abstract Floral in Beginning Watercolor Class at Seguin Art League
The Seguin Art League will be hosting an Abstract Floral in Beginning Watercolor class at 1 p.m. on September 24 at the Seguin Art League. The class runs until 4 p.m. and will guide students in creating an abstract floral using fine watercolor and sable brushes. Techniques covered include high saturation painting, bleeding, hard and soft edge control, and the use of salt, alcohol, and bleed-proof white. Open to all ages, the class is limited to five students and costs $50 with supplies included. For more information, call 830-305-0472 or visit 104 S. Austin Street in Seguin.
Gabe Galvan Band
The Silver Center will be hosting Gabe Galvan Band at 7:30 p.m. on September 26th at the Crystal Chandelier Ballroom. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Presale tickets are $10 by calling 830-3036612. Tickets are $15 at the door.
October
Free Form Crochet Class
The Seguin Art League will be hosting Free Form Crochet Class at 1 p.m. on October 4 at 104 S. Austin, Seguin. This class teaches how to crochet without a pattern while exploring texture and color to create unique garments and art pieces. 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.
Texas Well Owner Network Water Well Screening in San Antonio
The Texas Water Resources Institute will be hosting the “Well Informed” Texas Well Owner Network (TWON) water well screening at 8:30 a.m. on October 7 at the San Antonio River Authority Office, 100 E. Guenther Street, San Antonio. Participants should collect water samples using a new, unused 12–20 ounce water bottle and drop them off between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. A follow-up Result Interpretation Meeting will be held at 9:00 a.m. on October 9 at the same location. For more information, contact John Smith at 979-2040573 or john.smith@ag.tamu.edu.
The Merles
The Silver Center will be hosting The Merles Band at 7:30 p.m. on October 10th 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.
Gabe Galvan Band
The Silver Center will be hosting the Gabe Galvan Band at 7:30 p.m. on October 24th at the Crystal Chandelier Ballroom. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Presale tickets are $10 by calling 830303-6612. Tickets are $15 at the door.
Riverside Cemetery Tour
Representatives of the Seguin Women’s Clubs will be hosting the Riverside Cemetery Tour on Saturday, October 26. This year’s tour highlights the stories of women who lived and worked alongside the men who established the Seguin community. Guests will meet historical figures among the shady Live Oaks at their gravesites and hear firsthand accounts of life along the Guadalupe River, from early days to recent history. Ticket proceeds benefit the Delphians, Seguin Study, and Shakespeare clubs, supporting the upkeep of their historic meeting house built in 1903. To ensure non-profit organization’s meetings and events a ppear 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.
