September 17, 2025
Fire destroys local home Monday night
SHS athletic department rallies to collect donations
(Guadalupe County) -- A family of four is left without a home following a fire Monday night in Guadalupe County.
Patrick Pinder, Guadalupe County fire marshal and emergency management coordinator, says the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office received the call at 7 p.m. for a home in the 3400 block of Old Seguin Luling Road.
“There were two occupants there at the time when the fire crews arrived. The family’s (home) is occupied by four people, two where there and the teenage son was not there at the time. There were also three pets that did not make it out of the house. So, three pets that were deceased. The house was a total loss,” said Pinder.
Fire, pg. 3
Hope Rises
in
Seguin:
Community Day of Prayer and Peace set for today
Local church works to restore peace among community members
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) -- A local church today is inviting the community to gather in downtown Seguin for a time of prayer, peace, and unity.
Crossroads Church is hosting Hope Rises in Seguin: A Community Day of Prayer and Peace from 12 to 1 p.m. in Central Park. Organizers say the event will include worship, prayer for the city and nation, and a special moment of reflection at 12:23 p.m.
Natalie Avalos of Crossroads Church says the goal is to bring people together in faith during a time when many feel
divided.
“What it is about is bringing back a community to a day of prayer and to a day of peace,” said Avalos. “There is so much turmoil in the world right now and we really do more for our world when we are unified and not diversified and the cross had a thief next to Jesus who had possibly broken the law -- we don’t know because it’s hard to judge from our side and that’s exactly (the point) – this will not be a place where we will be judging. This will not be a place where we are raising up any particular person because Hope, pg. 3
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
Flames destroyed this home in the 3400 block of Old Seguin Luling Road Monday night. The fire left a local family displaced – injuring one of them and claiming the lives of three pets. Photo by Fire Marshal’s Office
TLU alumni earns a Hollywood Emmy
Darren Dunn
(Seguin) -- A Texas Lutheran University graduate is now an Emmy Award winner. Jeff Hiller, who studied at TLU, captured his first Emmy this week, taking home the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series at the 2025 Emmy Awards. Hiller stars in the critically acclaimed HBO comedy series “Somebody Somewhere,” which has drawn widespread praise from both audiences and reviewers. An excited Hiller delivered his acceptance speech before a huge cheering crowd.
“I feel like I’m going to cry because for the past 25 years, I’ve been like ‘world I want to be an actor’ and the world is like ‘maybe computers.’ And I just want to say thank you to HBO for putting a show about sweaty middle-aged people on the same network as the sexy teens of Euphoria,” laughs Hiller.
He also later spoke backstage about his win.
“Thank you so much to my team – my agents and my manager and all the incredible guest stars and wonderful actors and my sweet sister Melissa Callaway and my mom – I wish you could see this and my dad too,” said Hiller.
TLU shared the news on its Facebook page, posting: “Congratulations, Jeff Hiller!! Our very own Texas Lutheran alum has won his first Emmy — taking home
The university went on to say that it couldn’t be more excited to see one of its own achieve success on one of television’s biggest stages.
Hiller, who is from San Antonio graduated from TLU in 1998.
Taking a temporary break
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series at the 2025 Emmys! We are so proud of you, Jeff!”
The play features at Bauer Park will be closed Wednesday, Sept. 17, and Thursday, Sept. 18, for maintenance and upgrades, including work on the playground surfacing. City officials say the park’s play area is scheduled to reopen Friday, Sept. 19, just in time for weekend fun.
Fire, continued.
Pinder says a male occupant of the home also sustained minor burns to his hand. He also adds that the exact cause of the fire is still unknown.
“The actual cause of the fire is still under investigation. But the origin – the fire began on the porch area when the resident opened the door and noticed that there was a fire on the porch. The porch fire then spread into and throughout the house,” said Pinder.
Those responding to the scene included the Seguin Fire Department, Guadalupe County Fire Rescue, the Guadalupe County Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office.
Following the fire, Seguin High School officials were notified that the home belonged to the family of a student. Since then, the SHS athletic office has stepped in to collect donations for the family. Items being requested include women’s 5XL tops, size 28/30 pants, and size 11 shoes; men’s 3XL shirts, size 42 pants, and size 12.5 shoes; men’s 2XL shirts, large shorts, and size 13/14 shoes. Toiletries,
basic necessities plus Walmart, H-E-B, and Amazon gift cards are also being collected.
Donations can be dropped off at the SHS athletic office, located behind Matador Legends Baseball Field. Items will be accepted through 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18.
Hope, continued.
there is only one person that we at Crossroads Church serve and that’s Jesus Christ and the Gospel of Jesus which Jesus’s Gospel – what it says is that we should have love. They will know you by your love. They will know you by your light and so what we are trying to bring back in our hearts is light.”
Avalos explains that the gathering will include a moment of prayer for the family of national figure Charlie Kirk, though the event itself is not political.
“This is going to happen downtown – Central Park between 12 and 1 p.m.,” Avalos said. “We are going to have a slight pause at 12:23 p.m. to honor and pray for the wife and daughters of Charlie Kirk but it is not a political place. It’s not going to be political. What it’s about -- is telling people that when darkness tries to still hope and Jesus calls us to stand together – what we need to do is pray for our city. What we need to do is pray for our nation. What we need to do is bring back worship into our homes and declare that we are not those who shrink back from
being positioned for peace and unity because that is what the world really needs right now. There’s no room or there shouldn’t be any room for division regardless of what side of the political party you stand on. This is not about that. This is not about whether you are Catholic or Protestant or Judeo Christian or Muslim or any of that. This is just simply bringing light to the world when we find ourselves in dark places.”
Organizers say the event is open to residents of all religious backgrounds. Lawn chairs and blankets encouraged.
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.
WHO Launches Ebola Vaccine Campaign For Congo
(Undated) -- The World Health Organizations is starting an Ebola vaccine campaign in the Democratic Republic of Congo. There’s been an outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus there and hundreds of frontline workers have started getting the vaccine with more doses coming. Health officials say there’s been at least 16 Ebola related deaths tied to the outbreak. Tens of thousands of Ebola vaccine doses are being sent to Congo. Disease surveillance experts are being deployed as well.
New Study Shows 44 Percent Who Have Diabetes Don’t Know They Have It
(Undated) -- A new study shows many people don’t realize they have diabetes. Data published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology shows 44 percent of people 15 years and older who have diabetes are undiagnosed. Researchers looked over data from more than 200 countries from year 2000 to year 2023 for their study. More than 10 percent of people worldwide have diabetes. Officials say many times there are no symptoms in early stages. The symptoms include hunger, frequent urination and fatigue.
Study Shows Certain Veggies Can Fight Off Cancer
(Undated) -- New research shows certain vegetables may help fight off cancer. The study published in Cell Reports Medicine highlights an ingredient called zeaxanthin [[ zee-uh-zan-thn ]] which is found in some greens and corn. It shows the ingredient helped strengthen certain immune cells kill tumors. This is after it was tested on mice. Trials are still needed on humans to see if the same results apply.
Study: Women Who Experience Stalking Have Higher Heart Disease Risk
(Boston, MA) -- A newly released study says women who experience stalking have a higher chance of heart disease and associated risks. The Harvard study analyzed the data of over 66-thousand American nurses, ages 36 to 56, who were surveyed on their own health for 20 years. The survey found that nearly 12-percent reported experience with stalking and almost six-percent noted obtaining a restraining order. The risk for cardiovascular disease was 41-percent higher in women who experienced stalking and 70-percent higher for women who had obtained a restraining order. A 2016 - 2017 survey from the CDC says nearly one in three women have experienced stalking at some point in their lives.
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.
