September 18, 2025
Free film, videotape digitization program comes to Seguin
Texas Film Round-Up scheduled for Oct. 10
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) -- Those old videotapes or reels of film gathering dust in your attic could soon become part of the Lone Star State’s living history.
The Seguin Public Library will soon become a stop on the statewide Texas Film Round-Up, giving residents a chance to preserve and share their moving image history. The program, organized by the Texas Archive of the Moving Image (TAMI) in partnership with the Texas Film Commission, is set for Friday, Oct. 10.
However, two weeks before Oct. 10, individuals, families, and organizations here in Seguin will be encouraged to bring in films or videotapes that TAMI will digitize at no cost. Participants will receive back both their original media and a digital copy, while TAMI retains a digital version for its growing archive of Texas history.
Explaining this effort is TAMI Managing Director Elizabeth Hansen. Hansen says the
effort both preserves private collections and expands the state’s historical record.
“If you have a home movie or a student film or an advertisement for a family business, you can bring them to us and we will digitize them for free and then part of that is we are building this collection of Texas related materials that can be used for research and education. So, we have had more than 3,000 Texans participate in the program and we’ve had hundreds of organizations participate and we have digitized more than 50,000 videos through the project over the years,” said Hansen.
She added that many people don’t realize how fragile old film and videotapes can be compared to paper documents.
“Films and videotapes are actually quite expensive to transfer, and they are way more at risk than paper documents. So, you can have a piece of paperwork say like Film, pg. 3
You’re invited: TLU celebrates Latinx Heritage Month
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) -- Mariachi music, cultural exhibits, and even a Hollywood actor will be part of Texas Lutheran University’s vibrant tribute to Latinx Heritage Month. From now through Oct. 15, the campus and the community are invited to celebrate the month with a series of events highlighting Latinx history, culture, and voices.
Tracy Donley, director of university marketing and communications says the festivities align with the national observance of Latinx Heritage Month, which begins each year on Sept. 15 -- a date tied to the independence celebrations of several Central American countries.
One of the first events includes the Diez y Seis de Septiembre Fiesta Patria exhibit, which will be on display at the Seguin Heritage Museum September 16–18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., commemorating the history of Diez y Seis in Seguin.
Later in the month, TLU will welcome actor Harvey Guillén, best known for his role in the hit series What We Do in the Shadows. Guillén will speak Thursday, September 25, at Jackson Auditorium, sharing stories about confidence, balancing life and work, queer representation, and breaking stereotypes as a plus-size actor in Hollywood. A meet-and-greet will follow in the lobby. The event, sponsored by the Jessie S. and Jack
Harold Upton Brown Cultural Enrichment Endowment fund, is free and open to the public.
The celebration continues with the official opening ceremony of two art exhibits — Tríptico of Light and La Tierra Habla — presented by the Teatro De Artes Cultural Arts Center and the TLU Center for Mexican American Studies. The reception will be held Sept. 30 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Blumberg Memorial Library Gallery. Events continue on Oct. 10 when Dr. Yvonne De la Rosa, executive director of Teatro De Artes De Juan TLU, pg. 3
Calling on all Fair Queens of the past
Fair Queen’s Court to serve as county fair parade marshals
(Seguin) -- The Guadalupe County Fair Parade will have a royal flair this year. Parade Chairman Gail Damerau announced that the parade marshals for 2025 will be none other than former Guadalupe County Fair Queens’ Court winners.
“We are excited to have our parade marshals this year as our Guadalupe County Agriculture Fair Queens Alumni, so we are excited to have them. It’s our 75th year for that contest so we will have the alumni in the front kicking off the fair parade,” said Damerau.
Damerau says the decision brings a touch of nostalgia to the 142nd annual parade as Queens, pg. 3
Film, continued.
a family Bible that can last for hundreds of years but a video tape has a life of only about 50 and most people don’t realize that so right now, your video tapes that are sitting at home are probably almost to the end of their life so this project is all about trying to get people to move those into a new format where they can actually watch them and then from that, try to find things that tells us about the Texas experience. You never know what you are going to find in these collections and home movie collections are great for showing us what a community looks like. Often you will see a parade. Parades tell you a lot about the businesses and the things that a community values so this is really a discovery project to find out what’s out there but also to help people preserve their own contents and to be able to share it with their family and friends,” said Hansen.
On top of submitting their own videos, Hansen says Seguin residents will also get the chance on Oct. 10 to watch some of their own community’s history come to life at the local library.
“We do have some footage of Seguin that we will be sharing including an old news reel from 1942 of a Pacific War hero coming home so it shows Main Street in 1942. We have footage of the (TLU) Moody Science Building groundbreaking – a lot of segments from the Eyes of Texas which was a program that aired across the state in the 70s and 80s that feature Seguin. So, we are going to be bringing some of that with us to show at the library. That will be at the end of the two weeks where you can drop your materials off at the library. So, if you aren’t’ able to come to the screening, you have from Sept. 26 until Oct. 10 to drop off materials
TLU, continued.
Seguin, will be the featured speaker during TLU’s chapel service. The service begins at 10 a.m. inside the Chapel of the Abiding Presence.
Donley says the monthlong celebration is designed to be inclusive and engaging for everyone.
“Every year, September 15 opens Latinx Heritage Month, and Texas Lutheran University is joining in the celebration through various fun and informative events offered to the community,” said Donley.
The public is encouraged to keep up with what Donley says will be additional events added to the calendar. That calendar can be found on the TLU website.
at the library for the program and you can submit up to 50 -- 8mm super 8 small reels of film or 35 feet of film and 10 videotapes,” said Hansen.
No prior registration is required. Forms can be accessed at the library when films and videotapes are dropped off from Sept. 26-Oct. 10. All original materials plus digital copies on a drive will be mailed back within 6 to 12 months. The Seguin Public Library is located at 313 W. Nolte St.
Queens, continued.
the community celebrates generations of young women who once represented the county in crowns, gowns, and parades of their own.
Meanwhile, Damerau is encouraging the community to help spread the word and remind court alumni to register early.
“If you are a fair queen alum, be sure to reach out to us because we will have a place for you to ride on the float and we want to be sure our fair queen alumni are available to come ride with us,” said Damerau.
This year’s parade gets underway at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 10 in downtown Seguin. Entries are also now being accepted at gcfair.org.
Rylee Smith returns as Navarro Lady Panthers down Randolph in five-set marathon
Chris Austin
(Geronimo) -- The Navarro Lady Panthers and Randolph Lady RoHawks battled in a five-set marathon on Tuesday night in Geronimo with the Lady Panthers coming out on top.
The final tally was 25-17, 25-22, 26-28, 22-25, 15-8. The victory was the 13th of the season for the Lady Panthers and their first with returning alldistrict first team senior Rylee Smith. Smith made her first appearance in a match this season for Navarro after dealing with an injury.
Lady Panther head coach Paige Poth talked about having her senior hitter back in the lineup after the match.
“This was her first game back and we pushed a little bit of the boundaries today. The plan going in was to give her three or so rotations,” Poth said. “And she had 13 kills tonight. That was more than what she was getting last year. So, we’ll smooth her back in (to the lineup) because she’s gonna benefit more from this live play than she will from practice play.”
Navarro has one more non-district match before they start District 28-4A play next week. The Lady Panthers will be on the road to take on Schulenburg on Friday. Next Tuesday, Navarro will open their district schedule at San Antonio Memorial.
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.
Poll: One In Six Parents Skip Vaccines For Kids
(Washington, DC) -- One in six parents has avoided or delayed vaccinating their children against diseases other than COVID-19 or the flu. That’s according to a new poll from The Washington Post and healthcare policy group KFF. The poll found that white parents, Republicans, those with deeply held religious beliefs and those who homeschool their children are the most likely to skip vaccinations. In fact, nearly half of religious parents who homeschool skipped inoculating their children.
NY Governor Will Renew COVID Vaccine Access Order
(Albany, NY) -- New York Governor Kathy Hochul says she’ll renew her COVID vaccine executive order in light of a new federal mandate limiting access to adults 65 and up and those with chronic conditions. Governor Hochul got her COVID shot on Tuesday at a pharmacy and is urging New Yorkers to do the same, despite the FDA in August stripping pharmacists of the right to administer the vaccine without a doctor’s prescription. Hochul said, “Here in the state of New York, we actually believe in science; we believe in preventative measures like shots.”
FDA Hims
And
Hers
Misleading Claims Warning
(Silver Spring, MD) -- The FDA is issuing a warning letter to the telehealth firm Hims and Hers Health. According to the FDA, after a review of the Hims’ website it was found that the company was making false or misleading claims about its compounded semaglutide products, which is the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy. The warning comes just months after Novo Nordisk terminated its collaboration with Hims and Hers, citing illegal mass compounding and deceptive marketing practices. The FDA has given the company 15 working days to respond with specific steps taken to address the violations.
Vegan
Mac
And Cheese Recalled Over Undeclared Allergens
(Santa Cruz, CA) -- A popular vegan boxed mac and cheese is being recalled over a milk and nut allergy risk. Santa Cruz, California -based Gooder Foods is recalling multiple lots of its vegan mac and cheese products due to undeclared allergens. The company says Five lots of Goodles Vegan Is Believin’ - Plant-Based White Cheddar with Spirals may contain milk not listed on the label. Three lots of Goodles Here Comes Truffle - Creamy Truffle Flavored Cheddar and Shells may contain undeclared cashews. The recalled products were produced between April 7th and April 15th, 2025, and distributed nationally from April 29th to August 5th.
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.
