September 30, 2025
Guadalupe County Elections Office cuts ribbon on new facility ahead of November vote
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) -- Guadalupe County’s new Elections Office isn’t just a new address. It’s being called “a game changer,” giving staff not only the space they’ve long needed but also providing voters with a more accessible, user-friendly place to cast their ballots.
Thursday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new elections office was held just in time for the start of early voting later on this month.
During a guided tour of the 7,800-square-foot building, Elections Administrator Lisa Hayes shared how this new facility brings “long-awaited improvements for her team.”
“The top benefit for the staff is having the room we need to do the job the way that we want to do it. That was one of our challenges before is that there wasn’t enough
space to really do everything as efficiently as we wanted and so this is much more efficient. It’s more comfortable. It’s just a much better working environment,” said Hayes.
Hayes says, of course, the new office is also designed with the voter in mind.
“For the voters, it’s very similar in that they have more space for voting. They have more parking and it’s just a much more user-friendly facility because it was designed specifically for our needs and it’s going to work beautifully for what we need,” said Hayes.
Hayes says one of the most notable changes is that for the first time voters will be able to cast their ballots at the elections office not only during early voting but also on Election Day.
Ribbon, pg. 3
Colleagues, county leaders applaud new Guadalupe County Elections Office
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) – Guadalupe County’s new Elections Office isn’t just drawing praise locally – it’s also catching the attention of colleagues from neighboring counties who see the facility as a much-needed step forward.
Hays County Elections Administrator Jennifer Doinoff, who attended Thursday’s ribbon cutting with members of her team, says Guadalupe County leaders made the right move in prioritizing the project. Office, pg. 3
Applications now open for Fix-It Façade Grant Program
(Seguin) -- The City of Seguin’s Main Street Program is now accepting applications for its Fix-It Façade grant program for the new fiscal year. This initiative, funded with $30,000 from the City’s recently approved budget, is designed to support the restoration, repair, and rehabilitation of historic downtown properties.
The façade grant program is a key tool for the revitalization of downtown Seguin, providing a significant incentive for property and business owners to invest in their buildings. The grant offers a reimbursement of 50 percent of the total project costs up to $10,000, for eligible exterior improvements. These improvements can include painting, window and door repairs, new signage, awnings, and projects to improve ADA compliance.
“This grant is a vital part of our strategy to preserve the unique character of our downtown while encouraging economic growth,” said Blaire Friar, Director of Seguin Main Street. “We’re inviting business and property owners to take advantage of this opportunity to invest in their properties and contribute to the beauty and vitality of our community.”
To ensure a smooth application process, Seguin Main Street encourages applicants to obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Officer and Historic Preservation and Design Commission before submitting their grant application. This step will allow approved projects to begin more quickly once grants are awarded.
To help interested parties navigate the application process, an informational meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 7th, at 8:30 a.m. at the Development Services Center Front Conference Room, located at 108 East Mountain Street. The Main Street Director and Historic Preservation Officer will be available to guide attendees through the updated process and answer questions.
Applications will be available starting October 1 online at https://seguintexas.gov/885/Fix-It-FaadeGrant or in person at the Seguin Main Street Office at 200 South Austin Street.
The deadline to submit applications is December 1, 2025. The applications will be reviewed by the Main Street Advisory Board at its December meeting.
Special by Blaire Friar, Main Street & Destination Seguin director
Ribbon, continued.
“We’ve always had early voting at our main office. What we’ve never had was election day voting at the main office. There weren’t facilities for that. This building has enough room, but we will allow both early voting and election day voting at our office,” said Hayes.
More importantly, Hayes says the new location at 3251 State Highway 123 North in Seguin, just north of Interstate 10, will also be much easier for the public to find.
“It was kind of hard to explain to them sometimes on how to get to our location downtown. It was one
Office, continued.
“I would always answer ‘yes.’ Election workers need this. They need this because of the amount of focus that we have on elections right now and the heightened awareness of election security and accuracy and I think you need to have that efficiency in your building layout. I think it’s very important and we recently got a new building in Hays County and having that efficiency in the process has really helped to make sure that we are secure, accurate and doing all the things that the law provides,” said Doinoff.
She also points out that Guadalupe County’s new office design reflects a trend across Texas.
“I will tell you that seems to be the theme with the newer facilities that are coming out. You will see a lot of open space. You will see a lot of windows into offices and things like that and so I think the focus
block off of Court Street, a couple of blocks from the courthouse. We used the (Sugar and Spice) daycare as a landmark, but I think this will be easier. It’s easier to see us from the road,” said Hayes.
The expanded facility includes open work areas, a ballot board meeting room, a secure tabulation room plus a new 3,200-square-foot temperature-controlled warehouse for election equipment. Secured employee parking was also added.
The Elections Office is open Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Early voting begins Monday, October 20, 2025. For voter information, residents can visit GuadalupeTX.gov
is definitely on transparency,” said Doinoff.
Guadalupe County Judge Kyle Kutscher echoes that praise, calling the new building a “reflection of teamwork and foresight.”
“I think the building has turned out great. It kind of embodies that team effort that is always present in the elections department. Our elections administrator Lisa Hayes has been phenomenal. They have a great team. They’re engaged and care about every part of the elections process but now for them to have a building that is safe, secure and accessible, I think it is really a reflection of the teamwork,” said Kutscher.
Although proposing a new building is never easy, Kutscher says he is grateful that the county has delivered yet another financially responsible project to its taxpayers.
“Some of these projects seem like they take a little while especially from the initial conversations and
identifying the need and then purchasing the property and then we go through the budget discussions and everybody always has that mindset of ‘gosh, this is a little bit expensive.’ We try to be conservative but also proactive but on a project of any scale and size when you can stay on budget or under budget – even if it takes a little bit longer, be mindful of that, it’s a big win and that’s what happened on this project,” said Kutscher.
The county purchased the building and land in 2022 for $2.15 million, with renovation costs bringing the total project investment to $3.5 million. Construction began in October 2024 and wrapped up in August 2025. Koehler Company and Level 5 Architecture led the project, which officials say was completed on time and within budget.
The former elections office at 215 S. Milam Street now serves as the county’s new purchasing office.
High school volleyball: Seguin, Navarro and Marion all winners on Friday
Chris Austin
(Seguin) -- The Seguin Lady Matadors are 9-0 in District 27-5A after a dominating sweep of San Antonio Sam Houston on Friday.
The Lady Mats took the match, 25-7, 25-7, 25-9. Freshman Kassidy Dailey had 11 kills and seven service aces to lead Seguin in the victory.
The first-place Lady Matadors will next play San Antonio Fox Tech on Wednesday night at the Alamo Convocation Center.
(San Antonio) -- The Navarro Lady Panthers improved to 2-0 in District 28-4A on Friday with a four-set win at San Antonio Kennedy.
Navarro won the match, 25-17, 25-17, 18-25, 25-22. The Lady Panthers will next play at Class 4A 11th-ranked La Vernia on Tuesday night.
(Marion) -- The Marion Lady Bulldogs are unbeaten through two District 27-3A matches after they dispatched Great Hearts Monte Vista in straight sets Friday in Marion.
The Lady Bulldogs took the match, 25-15, 25-17, 25-17. Marion will play at Great Hearts Northern Oaks on Tuesday night.
(San Antonio) -- The Lifegate Lady Falcons fell for only the second time this season in a four-set defeat at San Antonio DaVinci on Friday.
Lifegate fell 21-25, 25-19, 25-15, 25-16. Lifegate, now 9-2 on the season, will next host McCauley Christian Academy on Tuesday.
VITAL STATISTICS
Hall
Margaret Lo-Ra “Peggy” Woodburn Hall, a woman of boundless adventure, unwavering faith, and unmistakable joy, passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on September 23, 2025, at the age of 92.
Born on August 16, 1933, in Oswego, New York, she was the youngest of three children to Col. Thomas Bennet Woodburn and Margaret Katherine (Manheim) Woodburn, who affectionately called her “Peg O’ my Heart.” Along with her siblings, Betty Marie (Woodburn) Cheal and infant brother Thomas Woodburn, Peggy grew up in a devoted and loving family.
In 1948, Peggy’s family finally returned to Texas, when her father was transferred to Fort Sam Houston. San Antonio would become her lifelong home base. She attended Saint Mary’s School for Girls and went on to earn her BA in Art from Trinity University, where she met a tall, lanky, handsome young man named Augustus Alonzo “Pete” Hall Jr., and together, they had three daughters.
In the 1960s, Peggy returned to Trinity to earn her teaching certification, launching a 30-year career as a beloved kindergarten teacher in Episcopal schools. Her love for children was the cornerstone of her vocation, and her classrooms were filled with warmth, creativity, and care.
Peggy’s laugh was full and boisterous, and she used it often. Her joy was infectious, and her curiosity led her to explore the world in her youth. Later, as a grandmother, she camped across the United States with her dear friend Anne Sanford Harwood, always chasing the horizon with wonder and delight.
She was a passionate equestrian, learning to ride from her father’s cavalry and polo experiences. Her family were ardent supporters of the Fort Sam Houston’s Boots and Saddle Club, and they raised horses not far from the
military post. She shared her love of riding with her daughters, and continued riding well into retirement.
Following the footsteps of her parents’ artistic careers, Peggy created her own unique styles excelling in faux finishes, murals, and animal portraits. Her vibrant works in acrylic and watercolor reflected the same vitality she brought to every corner of her life.
Peggy’s heart was fullest when surrounded by family. She is lovingly remembered by her three daughters: Margaret Flora Hall, Lo-Ra (Hall) Woodburn Dick (and husband Edward), and Martha “Patty” Jane (Hall) Miner; her seven grandchildren: Katherine Marie Miner, Elizabeth Lo-Ra (Dick) Plake (and husband John), Maj. Gavin Douglas Dick (and wife Sarah), Andrew Leroy Miner, Jessica Anne (Miner) Peñate-Chavez (and husband Fernando), SSgt. James Edward Dick (and wife Nami), and Amanda Marie Dick; and her four great-grandchildren: Alexander James Plake, Juliet Katherine Plake, Justin Alexander Dick, and Ethan James Dick.
A private memorial will be held in honor of Peggy’s life, in keeping with her family’s wishes. She was a devoted member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Seguin, Texas, where her faith and love for community found deep roots. In lieu of a graveside service, her family invites those who knew and loved her to remember Peggy—with laughter, joy, gratitude, and the same warmth she shared so freely.
In memory of Peggy Hall, who loved painting Texas’ native landscapes, we invite you to honor her legacy with a memorial gift. Please consider sending wildflower seeds (Lady Bird Johnson Legacy Mix) sending them to her daughter, Lo-Ra Dick, at 1945 FM 477, Seguin, Texas, 78155. These will be sprinkled at the grave site for her funeral. Alternatively, you can make a direct donation to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin to support their mission of conserving native plants and creating resilient landscapes.
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.
Ready-To-Eat Pasta Meals Possible Listeria Contamination
(Washington, DC) -- The USDA is issuing a public health alert that says some ready-to-eat pasta meals may be contaminated. According to the Department, some packages of Marketside Linguini With Beef Meatballs and Marinara Sauce may be contaminated with listeria, and the affected product was shipped to Walmart locations nationwide. The pre-cooked pasta is packaged in 12-ounce clear plastic trays. The USDA advises customers not to eat the pasta and to either throw it out or return it to the store where they bought it.
Weight Loss Study Shows Gene Can Play A Role In Effectiveness
(Cleveland, OH) -- A new weight loss study shows a certain gene may indicate how well a person does with weight loss using a GLP-1 medication. The Cleveland Clinic research shows everyone has this gene but the variations of it could result in a greater weight loss. Lead researcher, Dr. Daniel Rotroff suggests using the study and other factors to tailor weight loss intervention to make sure the treatment patients receive is most likely to work for them. He says they plan to look into other genes that could also be playing a role with weight loss and GLP-1’s.
Alcohol Consumption Linked To Risk Of Dementia
(Undated) -- A new study links drinking with the risk of getting dementia. Researchers presented findings in the journal BMJ Evidence Based Medicine and say any amount of alcohol consumption will increase the chances of getting dementia. The study shows those who have one to three alcoholic beverages a week have a 15 percent higher chance of getting dementia. Researchers spent years looking over data from more than half a million people in the U.S. and the U.K. to come to their conclusions.
Coffee Drinkers Have Lower Risk Of Liver Disease
(Undated) -- A new review published in Biochemical Pharmacology adds to evidence suggesting that drinking coffee regularly can help protect and restore liver health. Consuming coffee is believed to slow liver disease’s progression to fibrosis, cirrhosis [[suh-ROH-sis ]] and hepatocellular carcinoma because of its mix of bioactive compounds. Coffee also helps balance the gut microbiome. The review also points out that the beneficial effects of coffee are dose-dependent. Consuming over five cups of coffee daily can increase bad cholesterol levels.
September
Toddler Time
The Seguin Public Library will have Toddler Time on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 10 a.m. Join us for songs, rhymes, and stories followed by about 15 minutes of play time. This program is approximately 45 minutes long including play time. Geared towards ages 1-2. Toddler Time meets at 10 a.m. every Tuesday. This program is free and open to the public. Please call 830-401-2422 or visit library.seguintexas.gov for additional information.
Preschool Storytime
The Seguin Public Library will have Preschool Storytime on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 11 a.m. Preschool Storytime includes stories, rhymes, songs, and other fun early literacy activities for children ages 3 to 5. Preschool Storytime meets at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays. This program is free and open to the public. Please call 830-401-2422 or visit library. seguintexas.gov for additional information.
Teen Tuesday
The Seguin Public Library will host Teen Tuesday on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. for Diamond Art. Teens ages 12 – 17 can drop in anytime between 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. to hang out, play games, use makerspace supplies, draw, and more. This event is free and open to teens. Please call 830-4012422 or visit library.seguintexas.gov for
additional information.
Tai Chi Tuesday
The Seguin Public Library will host Tai Chi for free on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 6 p.m. We are partnering with GRMC Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit to bring you Community Tai Chi. Beginners through Experts are invited to join us. Classes are led by Tai Chi instructor Barry A. Jackson, PT, DPT,. All skill levels are welcome. This program is free and open to the public. Please call 830-401-2422 or visit library.seguintexas.gov for additional information.
Guadalupe County Sheriff Joshua Ray to Speak at Republican Women’s Meeting
The Guadalupe County Republican Women will host Guadalupe County Sheriff Joshua Ray as a guest speaker on Thursday, September 25, at 11:30 a.m.. The meeting will be held at the Seguin Silver Center, located at 510 East Court Street. Sheriff Ray will provide updates on the sheriff’s office and discuss his priorities for public safety in the community. The program is free to attend, but there is a $15 fee for lunch with an RSVP, or $20 at the door. To make a reservation, contact Glenda Partain by calling or texting 830-391-3979.
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 830-303-6612. Tick-
ets are $15 at the door.
City of Seguin Fall Clean-Up Day
The City of Seguin is hosting its Fall Clean-Up Day on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Seguin Coliseum, 950 S. Austin Street. This free event is exclusively for residents within the Seguin city limits, and proof of residency is required for entry. All vehicles must enter from Fred Byrd Drive. Residents can dispose of a variety of unwanted items, including furniture, scrap metal, and junk. The event will also accept up to 10 automobile tires per household and sensitive documents or papers for shredding (limit of two boxes or bags). Appliances without Freon are also accepted. Items that will not be accepted include hazardous materials, chemicals, brush, limbs, and construction debris. Tires from tractors, mowers, bicycles, ATVs, or local businesses are not permitted. For more information, you can visit [https://bit.ly/Seguin CleanUpDay](https://bit.ly/Seguin CleanUpDay) or call the Public Works Department at (830) 401-2416.
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.
