Burn barrel causes house fire in McQueeney
Seguin Fire Department invites community to “Push-In” Ceremony
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Guadalupe county) -- Guadalupe County fire crews battled a house fire Wednesday night after flames spread from a burn barrel to a nearby home and garage in McQueeney.
Patrick Pinder, Guadalupe County fire and emergency management coordinator, says the incident was reported at 8:30 p.m. in the 400 block of Woodcreek Circle.
Lake Dunlap, McQueeney and Guadalupe County Fire Rescue units all responded to the blaze.
Pinder says the fire broke out the same day Guadalupe County officials enacted a burn ban for the unincorporated areas of the county. While the order restricts most outdoor burning, Pinder says some limited burning is still permitted.
“The fire began in a burn barrel. We had a resident in the community who was burning in a barrel and the fire got out of control and then spread to adjacent structures which was the house and the garage area,” said Pinder.
Fire, pg. 3
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) – Way before fire trucks had engines, firefighters had muscle. In the late 1800s, when horsedrawn fire wagons couldn’t be backed into their bays, crews would unhitch the horses and push their equipment inside by hand. Now more than a century later, Seguin Fire Chief Dale Skinner says that tradition continues—not out of necessity, but out of respect.
Trucks, pg. 3
Rolling down Main Street: Parade kicks off the fair
Special by Lindsay Hajek, assistant director of main street & destination management
(Seguin) -- Leading up to the second week of October, Seguin gears up for the sights and sounds of the 142nd Guadalupe County Fair and Rodeo, an event that keeps locals and visitors coming back year after year.
While the fairgrounds will be packed with exhibits, a carnival, rodeo, shopping, live music, and delicious food, the Guadalupe County Fair Parade brings the excitement to downtown on Friday, Oct. 10, at 10 a.m.
If there’s a town that loves parades, it’s Seguin, and no community does it better than ours. The parade will feature marching bands, horseback riders, tractors, and community groups, filling Main Street with that unmistakable sense of hometown pride—from College Street down Austin Street and concluding at the Seguin Events Center.
“This parade is really a highlight of the fair,” said Gail Damerau, of the Guadalupe County Fair & Rodeo Association.
Much of the success of the Guadalupe County Fair and Rodeo can be attributed to the hard work and dedication of community volunteers and sponsors. Their commitment is evident in careful planning and devotion
to making each fair a memorable experience for everyone.
“It's teamwork. We are a small team but mighty! Can't do it without the help of the community participation and volunteers,” said Damerau.
Entries are still being accepted, and organizers are hoping for a strong turnout this year. “At the moment, we are pressing hard to find entries to make it successful for the spectators. Our entries are low,” Damerau shared.
Businesses, organizations, schools, and individuals are encouraged to participate, with entries accepted until September 30, 2025. Applications can be submitted online at gcfair.org.
Fun Fact: The first recorded Guadalupe County Fair dates back to 1859 and events included donkey races and even a contest for the ugliest man. While the parade has evolved over the decades, the spirit of community celebration remains the same.
To see the full lineup for the Guadalupe County Fair and Rodeo, visit the official Guadalupe County Fair Association website at gcfair.org or check their Facebook page for details on the parade, live music, and other entertainment.
Fire, continued.
“So, with the burn ban, you are still able to burn your household trash in a barrel covered with a grate. That barrel did not have a grate on top so the contents of the barrel obviously extended past the barrel and caught the adjacent vegetation on fire and then spread to the home so moving in that direction with the dryness that we have had, if you are going to burn in a barrel because you are allowed to, we urge caution. We urge folks to maintain a safe distance from any kind of structures and make sure that they cut the vegetation back and maintain a visual on the burn barrel and always have a water source available. Outside
of that, we are going to have residents that are going to want to reach out to our office and burn other things. We do issue burn permits for special things. Agriculture is another thing that is allowable during the burn ban, so we do a case-by-case basis on that. You have to go online to submit applications for that. But right now, it’s so dry out there that we aren’t really approving too many permits that don’t meet the requirements,” said Pinder.
The Wednesday blaze followed another recent house fire in Guadalupe County. Last week, fire crews responded to a call on Columbia Circle in the Redwood area. Pinder says the fire started on the home’s front porch before
Trucks, continued.
This weekend, Skinner says the Seguin Fire Department hopes to share this continued tradition with the community during Saturday’s ceremonial “Push-In” for its two newest pumper trucks.
“We are very excited and proud to add both pumpers to our fleet, which will serve the eastern and western parts of the city,” said Fire
Chief Dale Skinner. “This ceremony is a great opportunity for our citizens to see the new trucks up close and learn how they will enhance our department’s ability to protect the community.”
The trucks—2023 Spartan Pumpers on a Metro Star Chassis— are each equipped with four riding positions, carry 1,000 gallons of water and 20 gallons of firefighting foam, and feature a pump capacity of
1,500 gallons per minute. They also come with a full range of firefighting and rescue gear.
Following the ceremony, city officials say guests “can tour the station, meet firefighters, enjoy refreshments, and snap photos with the department’s latest equipment.”
The Push-In ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at Central Fire Station. The fire station is located at 110 Elm St.
Friday Night Football Scoreboard
Friday Games
Corpus Christi Miller @Seguin
Antonian Prep @Navarro
Dripping Springs @Wagner
Pieper @San Antonio Johnson
New Braunfels Canyon @New Braunfels
Boerne Champion @Medina Valley
Victoria West @Victoria East
Universal City Randolph @Blanco
Anderson-Shiro @Luling
Nixon-Smiley @Three Rivers
San Antonio Reagan @Cibolo Steele
Converse Judson @Hutto
Saturday Game
San Antonio MacArthur @San Antonio Holmes
Chris Austin
VITAL STATISTICS
Gargis
Thomas Edward Gargis of Seguin, Texas … husband, father, brother and friend … left us on August 25, 2025, at the age of 80. “Tom” or “Tommy,” as he was called by those close to him, lived a beautiful life full of adventure, optimism and, above all things, love.
Tom is survived by his devoted wife, Judy Dykes Gargis, his cherished daughters Jennifer Marie Meyer and son-in-law Doug Meyer of Cedar Park, and Jana Lynn Albright and son-in-law Eric Albright of Seal Beach, California. Tom is also survived by Jennifer’s mother, Debra “Debbie” Burgess Kay and her husband, JL Kay of Crowley and Tom’s grandchildren, who were his pride and joy: Luke Meyer, Eli Meyer, Connor Albright and Kaybree Albright. Tom is the brother of Ronald “Ronnie” Steven Gargis and his wife, Debbie Gargis, of Fort Worth, Texas and Karen Jane Johnson and her husband, Brent Johnson, of Duncan, Oklahoma. Tom is also survived by his sister-in-law, Lindey Stoddard, and her husband, Robin Stoddard, of Corpus Christi, Texas.
Tom is uncle to his nephews, Marc Gargis (and wife Melanie), Brad Gargis, Robbie Stoddard (and wife Christy), niece Erin Alizadeh (and husband Robin) and numerous great nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends across many states.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Olin Thomas Gargis and Mildred Jane Gargis of Fort Worth, Texas and his niece, Melissa Vincent and nephew, Jeff Johnson.
Tom and Judy had a wonderful marriage and were true partners in all they did. They became grandparents together and enjoyed everything from dancing, camping, fishing, gardening, and just sitting on the back porch, appreciating the grandeur of nature and the design of their home. Tom was so proud of Jennifer, as he watched her grow, performing in numerous dance recitals, graduating from Texas Tech University and pursuing a long, successful career in the technology industry. Jana graduated from Texas A&M University, served as a lifelong teacher and enjoyed spending time with Tom on multiple trips, sharing a love of the outdoors and nature. Tom’s grandchildren were truly the light of his life. He always talked about Luke’s congeniality and ‘natural’ fishing ability, Eli’s strength and sturdy character, Connor’s big heart and free spirit, and Kaybree’s undeniable resilience and devotion.
Tom never met a stranger and was always ready to seize any opportunity. He
Lawson
Alice Muehl Lawson, age 100 of Seguin, passed away on September 3, 2025. Alice was born on July 9, 1925 in Guadalupe County, Texas to Lydia (Schumann) and Edgar Muehl.
Alice is preceded in death by her husband, James Malcolm Lawson, her parents, her sisters, Lucille Dyess and Doreen Sylvester, and her brother, Robert Lee Muehl.
graduated from Polytechnic High School in Fort Worth, during which time he worked at the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company (A&P). He went on to serve in the United States Military Reserves, then later as a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force, primarily in Japan and Guam from 1966 to 1970. Tom later worked for the gas company and then became a Master Electrician. He could also be called a Master Fisherman, Master Gardener, Master Designer and Master Cook. Tom never did anything halfway, always deeply researching whatever captured his attention. He was exacting, particular and thorough. From bird dogs and butterflies to birds and blooms, he could tell you all about their origin and how they thrived. If you were lucky enough, he’d do all of this over some Buck Owens and a cold beer … but only Miller Lite. He loved sharing his garden’s harvest and charismatic stories with neighbors and friends. Tom always had a (devilish) twinkle in his eye and a (guilty) grin on his face … just enough to make you feel at home and welcome. He was a friend to everybody.
Although diagnosed with cancer in August of 2024, Tom never lost his positive outlook on life. He was determined to fight and insisted on showing relentless appreciation for the VA and all of his nurses and doctors for their care and attention. He found joy in visits from his family, his friends and of course the companionship of his sweetheart, Judy.
Tom enjoyed his life to the fullest. His personality infected those privileged enough to meet him, and he made everyone feel welcome and valued. He was surrounded by love when he left us. Although there is now a hole in our hearts that nothing will ever ease, we take comfort in knowing that angels guided him to his everlasting garden in heaven, where he can sow love for eternity.
Visitation will begin on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at Tres Hewell Mortuary from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral service will be on Friday, September 12, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Christ Lutheran of Elm Creek Church with the Reverend David Tinker officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in the Christ Lutheran of Elm Creek Cemetery. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall.
Tom’s pallbearers will be his grandchildren Luke, Eli, Connor and Kaybree, his sons-in-law Doug Meyer and Eric Albright, his nephew Marc Gargis and his brother-in-law Robin Stoddard.
Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Lutheran Church of Elm Creek, 3305 Church Road, Seguin, Texas, 78155 or to the Disabled American Veterans organization at the following link: https://www.dav.org/ways-to-give/ You are invited to sign the guestbook at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.
She is survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at Tres Hewell Mortuary. Graveside services and interment will follow at 11 a.m. at San Geronimo Cemetery with the Reverend Jim Price officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Cross Church, 814 N. Bauer, Seguin, Texas, 78155 or to Guadalupe Regional Medical Foundation for Hospice Services, 1215 E. Court St., Seguin, Texas, 78155.
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.
Dreibrodt
Janyce Marie Kanz Dreibrodt, lovingly known as “Meme,” passed away peacefully on September 3, 2025 at the age of 73, surrounded by her beloved family.
Born on December 20, 1951, in Fredericksburg, Texas, Janyce grew up in New Braunfels, where she created a life filled with love, resilience, and quiet strength. Janyce married the love of her life, Allan Dreibrodt, and together they made their home in Seguin, Texas. She lovingly cared for Allan during his battle with ALS, embodying the true meaning of selfless devotion and enduring love until his passing. Her steadfast support and faith during that time were a testament to the vows she held sacred and the strength of her character.
She devoted much of her professional life to serving others with dedication and grace, working for 28 years as Executive Assistant to President and CEO Clyde Selig at CMC, and later as Environmental Services Supervisor at GRMC for 10 years. After retiring, she embraced her favorite role yet—full-time caregiver and proud Meme to her cherished great-grandson, a calling she fulfilled with joy and devotion.
Janyce was a two-time breast cancer survivor whose strength and courage were an inspiration to all who knew her. Janyce could sing every Elvis song created, and asked that no one interrupt any of them as she listened. She loved her a slot machine and a good glass of Chardonnay. She found her greatest joy in spending time with her family, in whom she instilled the values of love, faith, and resilience. She was a nurturing presence, a pillar of strength, and a faithful servant of God. Janyce was the heart of every gathering, and kissed everyone’s cheeks at any chance she had.
Janyce has gone onto greener pastures to meet up with her beloved husband of 50 years, Allan Dreibrodt. She is preceded in death by her father, Alcot Kanz,
Soto
Ben Soto, a beloved husband, brother, and uncle, passed away on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at the age of 87 in Schertz, Texas. He was born on January 30, 1938, in McQueeney, Texas to Carlos T. Soto and Herlinda (Elizondo) Soto.
A proud veteran, he served in the United States Air Force from 1961 to 1965 and then continued his military career in the United States Army, ultimately retiring in 1980. His commitment to service extended beyond the military, as he served his community as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service. Additionally, he also served others by his skilled handiwork at Ben’s Scooter Repair.
Ben is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Mary Jane Soto; brothers, Jose Soto (Alvina) and Carlos Soto Jr. (Vicenta); sister, Alicia Guerrero
brother Dwight Kanz, mother in law and father in law Roy and Juanita Dreibrodt, niece Amanda Klaehn, and great nephew Cash Scott.
She is survived by her daughter, Dalena Krueger, and husband Troy; her son, Brannon Dreibrodt, and wife Julia; grandchildren Cambry Terry and husband Cory, Caide Krueger and fiancée Sara Grace, and Harper Dreibrodt; and greatgrandchildren Carter and Callan Terry; mother, Alyce Kanz; sister, Donna Kiser; brother, David Kanz; sisters-in-law, Susan Kanz, Faye Reinhard and husband Allen, Connie Owen and husband Bill, and Dawn Burnett and husband Kurt; aunt, Joyce Dreibrodt; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving family members and a host of friends. Her legacy of love and faith will live on through each of them.
Her warmth, wit, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate to know her.
A celebration of Janyce’s life will be held at Cross Church on Monday September 8, 2025 at 10AM, with a service led by Pastor Jim Price. A burial will be held at Lone Oak Cemetery after services followed by a gathering at Friedens Church Activity Center. A viewing will be held at Tres Hewell Mortuary on Sunday September 7, 2025 from 3-5PM.
For those whom desire the services may be livestreamed on the Cross Church Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=cross%20 church%20-%20seguin%2C%20tx
The family invites all who knew her to join in honoring her life and the God she so faithfully served.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to The Allan Dreibrodt Memorial Foundation, 1660 Sagebiel Road, Seguin, Texas, 78155, or to Cross Church, 814 N. Bauer, Seguin, Texas, 78155.
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.
(Epifiano), and brother-in-law, Joe Polanco Jr. Ben is survived by his sister, Carolina Polanco, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members and friends.
The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to New Haven Assisted Living and Memory Care of Schertz and Serenity Hospice for their compassionate care and support during Ben’s final days.
Services honoring Ben will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Seguin, Texas, on Saturday, September 6, 2025. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the Holy Rosary recited at 10:00 a.m. and the Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Interment with Military Honors will follow at San Geronimo Cemetery.
Ben will always be lovingly remembered and missed. He leaves behind a legacy that will endure in the hearts of all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made by donations to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association.
Services are under the direction of Goetz Funeral Home, Seguin, Texas.
STATISTICS
Buie
Velma Hilda Bode Hoffmann Buie, age 98 of Seguin, went to be with the Lord on September 1, 2025. Velma was born on August 30, 1927 in Guadalupe County to Malinda (Kuhn) and Edwin Henry Bode.
Lifelong member of Guadalupe County, Velma retired from banking and became actively involved in several organizations, always willing to volunteer. She was an active member of First Methodist Church in Seguin.
When she was not volunteering, she kept herself busy with arts and crafts and cooking. However, dancing the afternoon or night away was her favorite.
Velma is preceded in death by her first husband, Elton Hoffmann, second husband Douglas Buie, her close friend and dancing partner the past few years, Harley Lenardson, her parents, her brothers, Milton Bode and wife Dorothy, and Henry Bode and wife Hulda, her sister, Lorene Schraub and her husband,
Bonds
Theodore Schraub, Jr. and great-nephew, Galen Paul “Sparky” Sczech, Jr. Survivors include her son, Gary Hoffmann and wife Kathy; daughter, Peggy Bulgerin and husband Roy; grandchildren, David Hoffmann, Jamie Hudson and husband Tom, Kelly McFarland, and Staci Mitchell; great-grandchildren, Chaz Mitchell, Shelbie Carwile Caddell and husband Travis, Kara Hudson, and Emily Hudson; great-great grandson, Levi Caddell; nieces, nephews, other loving family members and a host of friends.
Funeral service will be Friday, September 5, 2025 at 10 a.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel with the Reverend Ray Perales officiating. Interment will follow in San Geronimo Cemetery. A reception will follow in Hierholzer Hall at First Methodist Church.
As Lee Ann Womack sang in her song, “I Hope You Dance”, Velma Did!!! Memorial contributions may be made to First Methodist Church, 710 N. Austin St., Seguin, Texas, 78155 or charity of one’s choice.
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.
FUNERAL SERVICES FOR WILLIE CHARLES BONDS WILL BE HELD FRIDAY AT 11AM FROM THE NEW ST JAMES BAPTIST CHURCH WITH INTERMENT IN GUADALUPE VALLEY MEMORIAL PARK. THE BODY WILL LIE IN STATE AT THE CHURCH FROM 10AM TO 10:30AM FRIDAY. HE IS SURVIVED BY HIS WIFE, Mary Matthew’s Bonds and children,Carline Roger’s,Darlene King,WILLIE J Bonds,Mary Ann Missy Durst(Rodney),Jeannette Henderson (Shawn,Sr.), Stevie Robinson and Johnnie Robinson (Michelle);sisters, Rosie Coleman and Lou Bertha Williams,a host of other relatives and friends. Services entrusted to the reverent care of Eunice and Lee Mortuary.
Stahl
Harvey Lee Keoki Stahl, age 62, passed away on August 27, 2025. Harvey was born on October 17, 1962 in Seguin, Texas to Harmony (Cummings) and Lee Roy Stahl. Harvey was baptized, confirmed and a life-long member of Emanuel’s Lutheran Church.
Harvey was a member of the Seguin High School Graduating Class of 1981. A proud member of the Matador Marching Band, he will be remembered playing the tuba. He graduated from TSTI with a Diesel Mechanic Degree and Certification. A forty-three-year employee of SMI(CMC), Harvey most recently served as a tire and welding supervisor. He was involved in the 4 H program where he served as a shotgun instructor.
Harvey loved the outdoors especially deer hunting or playing a round of golf. His favorite times were spent among family and friends, whether it be outdoors or cooking favorite foods for all to enjoy.
Harvey is preceded in death by his father and his uncle Calvin Stahl.
Survivors include his wife Yvette Stahl; son, Andrew Kale Stahl and wife Lacie; daughter, Hannah Leilani McOsker and husband Dalton; step-children, Timothy Criss, Tiffany Criss, Taylor Criss and wife Nikki, Travis Criss and wife Courtney, and Erik Dirst and partner Jasmin Yzaguirre; grandchildren, Kimber
Leilani Stahl, Ruger Lee Stahl, Winter Noelani McOsker and Ruth Mililani McOsker, Addison Criss, and Charlotte Criss; granddaughter-in-law Dakota Arguijo and Estefania Arguojo,; mother, Harmony Stahl; sister, Marvalee Kuuleialoha May and husband Rick; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Shirley and Mitchell Jentsch; nieces and nephews, Dustin Kawika May and husband Ricky May, Brandon Kamaki May and wife Lindsay, Kevin Keoki May and wife Brandi, Angelynn Kauilani Rodriguez and husband Josh, Allison Kehaulani Eladhari and husband Alex; aunt, Ruby Bierstedt; brother-in-law, Clint Jentsch and wife Stephanie; other loving family members and many friends including his CMC Friends.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at Tres Hewell Mortuary from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 10 a.m. at Emanuel’s Lutheran Church with the Reverend Marcus Bigott officiating. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall.
Serving as pallbearers will be Andrew Stahl, Brandon May, Kevin May, Dusty May, Ricky May, Taylor Criss, Travis Criss and Erik Dirst. Honorary pallbearers will be Rick May, Tim Criss, Blake Bierstedt, Ricky Engelke, Daniel Schriewer, Daniel Noriega, Tommy Catoe, Mike Yow, Scott Evans and Tommy Cloud.
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.
Research Shows Nasal Spray Could Prevent COVID
(Saarbrücken, Germany) -- A nasal spray may help in the prevention of COVID infections. Trials carried out by German researchers found that the antihistamine azelastine [[ az-uh-las-teen ]], sold over the counter, significantly lowered the rate of COVID infection. It has to be used three times a day in each nostril. The study was published Tuesday in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Doctor Offers Tips For Fall Allergies
(Undated) -- It’s that time of year that fall allergies start up. Doctor Sandra Hong, an allergist for Cleveland Clinic says now is a good time to dust and vacuum to ease allergy symptoms, especially in the bedroom. She recommends frequently washing bedding and consider using dust mite covers and changing air filters in the furnace before turning on the heat. For people dealing with nasal congestion, she recommends nasal sprays.
September Is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
(Cleveland, OH) -- September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Doctor Gabriel Gavrilescu with the Cleveland Clinic is reminding folks that prostate cancer screenings are recommended for men between the ages of 55 to 69 but some may need it earlier depending on risk factors and family conditions. He says cancer screenings can be done easily through a blood test called PSA. Depending on the results, doctors may recommend a further evaluation that includes a digital rectal exam, more lab work or imaging.
Study Says Soft Music Can Relieve Motion Sickness
(Chongqing, China) -- A new study says motion sickness while driving can be relieved by putting on some soft music. Researchers at Southwest University in China studied 30 volunteers who were prone to motion sickness and monitored their brain activity during a simulated driving task. The volunteers were given several different types of music to listen to, including soft music, “passionate” music, happy music and sad music. They found soft and happy music offered the most relief from motion sickness, while passionate music offered only moderate relief. Sad music, they found, was worse than no music at all.
September
First Friday Feast
The Geronimo Lions will be hosting the First Friday Feast from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on September 5 at 390 Cordova Rd, Seguin. Guests can enjoy a $20 steak or fish dinner, with proceeds benefiting the Geronimo Fire Department. Entertainment will be provided by Madelyn Abrameit. Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card at the door.
Women and Ministry Talk with Virginia Gonzales
The ladies of Forest Hills Baptist Church will be hosting Women and Ministry Talk with Virginia Gonzales at 11 a.m. on September 6 at 8251 FM 1117, south of Seguin. Virginia Gonzales, who has spent over 50 years ministering alongside her husband, Dr. Rudy Gonzales, will share her insight into women and serving in ministry. A light lunch will be provided. For more information, email nancykissiar@gmail. com.
Guada-Coma ICA Chapter Meeting
The Independent Cattlemen’s Association of Texas will be hosting the Guada-Coma ICA Chapter Meeting at 6:30 PM on September 15th at Seguin Cattle Company, 2424 TX-46, Seguin, TX 78155. All producers are welcome. A beef meal will be provided, and the evening program will feature Bobby Nix with Merck Animal Health discussing fall cattle needs. Door prizes will be available.
Financial Peace University Classes at Faith Lutheran Church
The Faith Lutheran Church will be hosting Financial Peace University classes at 4:00 p.m. on September 7 at 1326 E. Cedar, Seguin. The course, developed by financial expert Dave Ramsey, offers tools and strategies for effective money management. Special discounted pricing is available for the first 20 participants who register and pay. Childcare will be provided. For more information, call 830-379-7036.
Finding Perspective in Beginning Watercolors
Class at Seguin Art League
The Seguin Art League will be hosting How to Find Perspective in your Beginning Watercolors at 1 p.m. on September 10 at the Seguin Art League. The class runs until 4 p.m. and will focus on creating a barn landscape while exploring perspective techniques and the use of resist. It is limited to five students, ages 18 and older, and costs $50 with supplies included. For more information, call 830-305-0472 or visit 104 S. Austin Street in Seguin
Unwind Your Drawing Skills: Two-Point Perspective
The Seguin Art League will be hosting Unwind Your Drawing Skills: Two-Point Perspective at 5:30 p.m. on September 12 at 104 S. Austin. This class will guide participants through the fundamentals of two-point linear perspective, concluding with the creation of a cityscape drawing. The session is limited to ten participants aged 18 and older, and the cost is $20 with basic supplies included. For more information, call 830-305-0472 or visit seguinartleague.com.
Bimbo
The Silver Center will be hosting Bimbo at 7:30 p.m. on September 12th 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.
Judah First Volume 3: Community Musical Celebration
The Greater Refuge Choir will be hosting Judah First Volume 3 at 3 p.m. on September 13 at Greater Refuge Church, 410 North Guadalupe Street in Seguin. This free community event will feature an afternoon of fellowship and worship, welcoming participants from Seguin and the surrounding area. Attendees are encouraged to dress casually and represent their church by wearing a church t-shirt. Parking will be available behind the church, across from the Seguin Police Station.
Guada-Coma ICA Chapter Meeting
The Independent Cattlemen’s Association of Texas will be hosting the Guada-Coma ICA Chapter Meeting at 6:30 p.m. on September 15 at Seguin Cattle Company, 2424 TX-46, Seguin. The evening program will feature Bobby Nix with Merck Animal Health discussing fall cattle needs. A beef meal will be provided, and all producers are welcome to attend. Door prizes will also be available. For more information or to RSVP, contact Allan Bode at 830-3051325 or ica.guadacoma@gmail.com.
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 830-3050472 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.
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.
Q: What are the advantages to gardening in the fall? I’ve just moved here and everyone tells me to plant a fall garden.
A: First of all, it is not as hot in the fall, both for the gardener and for the plants. Doug Welsh, Extension Horticulturist, says the cooler days reduce overall plant stress. Plant growth and flowering are induced by cooler weather conditions. We usually get more rain in the fall which helps dilute and flush salts from the soil which built up from irrigation. Shorter fall days entice some plants to bloom such as chrysanthemums and poinsettias. For vegetables, the lower daytime and nighttime temperatures result in higher quality and better tasting produce. Fall is the time to plant container grown trees and shrubs (not the bare root ones).
The best time to plant wildflowers native to Texas is in the fall according to wildflower.org. Welsh suggests late August and September, with wildflower.org warning that bluebonnets should be planted no later than mid-November. If you purchase seed from a reliable source, you can be sure of fresh seed. There are several large places in Texas where you can purchase seed, as well as our local nurseries. I suggest that you plant in an area where you can let the plants go to seed. Many of our HOAs do not care for dead plants in the front yard even though they have next year’s seeds.
Q: Can I plant Gomphrena globosa for the winter? And, is it a native?
A: Gomphrena globosa or Globe Amaranth (common name) is a nice small annual (one to two feet tall) that makes lovely dried flowers. It blooms until it freezes. According to the Missouri Botanical Garden, its native range is Central America and northern South America; however, the University of Florida Extension service says it is native to Africa, Central America, Mexico, North America, Pacific, South America, and temperate and tropical Asia. I suspect that this discrepancy is because there are many different types of gomphrena, a member of the Amaranthaceae family. Neither source considers the plant invasive. Gomphrena tolerates heat, drought, clay soil, and dry soil. It likes full sun, medium water, and is low maintenance. Both sources say the plant has no serious insect or disease problems, although mildew may attack drought stressed plants.
An interesting sidelight is that the magenta globe we see is not the flower. Those are bracts. The flower is a tiny yellow to white trumpet. Butterflies are attracted to the flowers. A Georgia Department of Natural Resources writer says he counted 20 different species nectaring on the flowers.
Q: Why do I have fire ants now?
A: Welsh says the ants are foraging again after laying dormant most of the summer. Treat the mounds with bait insecticides. Your friendly plant nursery consultant will help you choose.
