SDN January 6, 2021 by Seguin Today

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The Voice of Seguin Today

Volume 56 • Number 3 830 • 379 • 2234

County officials get first COVID-19 update of 2021 Vaccinations big topic during commissioners court meeting

By Darren Dunn (Seguin) -- The Guadalupe County Commissioners Court on Tuesday got an update on COVID-19 numbers as part of its first meeting of 2021. Bryce Houlton, Guadalupe County Assistant Emergency Management Coordinator, provided a snapshot of the latest available data from the Texas Department of State Health Services. Houlton’s report looked at the latest data on case counts, hospitilizations and deaths here in Guadalupe County. “We are still seven to nine days, on average, behind data-wise from the Department of

State Health Services,” said Houlton. “Currently in the city of New Braunfels, we have four active cases, two in Cibolo, 12 in Seguin, zero in Schertz, zero in Marion, one in Selma and 18 in the unincorporated areas -- for a total of 37. I did just get the hospital numbers as I was sitting here. So currently at GRMC, they have 37 patients in the hospital. We are still sitting at reported deaths of Guadalupe County residents at GRMC of 42. Total deaths from the state of 48. As you can see that number 106 is the unconfirmed death toll (for Guadalupe County) from DSHS. That’s the number they are showing on their website, but they have not given us that data yet.” See COVID-19, Page 3

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WEDNESDAY JANUARY 6, 2021

Commissioners agree to additional sick hours for people impacted by virus By Darren Dunn

(Seguin) -- Guadalupe County employees, that are impacted by the COVID-19 virus, are getting a little extra help thanks to a new policy. The commissioners court on Tuesday updated the county’s Employee Personnel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Policy. The updated policy really was more like an extension of a policy that was adopted by the court last spring when the COVID-19 pandemic first started to spread. The county’s policy was put into place last year, and fell right in line with the federal government’s Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which clearly spelled out how to handle employee pay when the worker was off due to COVID-19 complications. FFCRA came to an end last month, and that meant the county needed to find a way to see if it could again offer up to 80 hours for those impacted by COVID-19. County Judge Kyle Kutscher says the county is not alone in trying to figure out how to help employees during these extraordinary times. “We are all in the same boat. We didn’t expect COVID to go on for months, and months and months or a year long. So our policy has kind of outlived itself. Now we’ve run into a situation where we’ve got employees in Janary of 2021 who have already used their allocated hours that were directly related to COVID leave, where they still got compensated. And now they are running into those situations a second or third time, whether it be themselves individually or themselves just taking care of family members

of the pool to be able to use the sick pool for hospitalization due to COVID. Because employees that donate to the pool, will still be able to use that pool for other illnesses that are not COVID related that qualifies under the FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act). The new policy was originally written to expire at the end of March, but Judge Kutscher says it wasn’t likely that the county would be done dealing with COVID by that time.

and/or kids,” said Kutscher. Kutscher says the policy was put together by County Treasurer Linda Douglass and County Auditor Kristin Klein, and it allows people to get the additional allotment of time for COVID related reasons. He says it offers the additional salary protections, but it also tries to make sure that the policy cannot be abused. “Look, we are going to give this one time, 80 hour security blanket if you or a family member are directly affected (by COVID), based on this policy. But know that if there’s going to be somebody that wants to quarentine nine times because they might have come into contact with somebody -- you’re going to end up using your own time at some point, or go without pay,” said Kutscher. “Now if this goes on for many, many months and we are in 2022 -- God forbid -talking about COVID, we’ll have to have this discussion again.

But I think this is a good place to start. It’s really a continuation of what we already had in place in 2020 and it seemed to work well. We had our bumps and bruises, but it really did provide a benefit for the employees, and still hold everybody accountable, because we are using taxpayer money.” Douglass agreed that the policy worked well last year, and she thinks this new policy will also work well for this new year. There was some talk about whether or not the county’s sickleave pool should have been expanded to include basic time off for COVID related illnesses, but Douglass says they took a different approach. She says the sick pool, which includes donated sick time from county employees who voluntarily offer hours for the pool, would only be used under this policy for people who are hospitalized because of COVID-19. “You don’t have to be a member

“I don’t want to be a downer, but we are going to be talking about COVID months after March 31. It’s just a reality. I think it’s going to become more positive. I’m not talking about the cases. (I think) things are going to get better as we move and progress each month. As I think more vaccines come out, more people become aware that this is still around, (and) as immunities build up -- (with) all those things, things are going to progress in a positive and a better direction. But I think it’s going to continue to go on,” said Kutscher. “I don’t have a problem with the effective date, but I don’t want county employees to read this and think that they’re to get 80 hours from Janaury 5 to March 31, and if we extend it (further), that there would be additional hours given.” The court, in adopting the new policy, removed by March 31 deadline and made it clear that 80 hours would be for a period that would end on December 31 of this year. The court asked for quarterly updates from staff so that it could monitor the effectiveness of the new policy.

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WEDNESDAY JANUARY 6, 2021

County preaches patience for those waiting for vaccines

COVID-19 continued from Page 1 Guadalupe County doesn’t have its own health department so it relies heavily on the data from the DSHS. Over the course of the pandemic, how data is released or what data is released has been changed a number of times by the state. Houlton says that’s going to happen once again when it comes to the data that’s shared with the county. He says they will no longer be emailing the raw data to the county. “Right now they send us an email in a spread sheet, with all the information that can identify which city it is and where the case lies. They are supposed to start putting everything on their website, and we don’t know if that’s going to be just a generic dashboard that shows Guadalupe County with these types of cases, or if there is actually going to be log-in where we can still go and log-in and actually be able to view and break this down by city, by jurisdiction like we have before. So we are waiting on that. Of course, DSHS doesn’t tell us exactly where it’s going to be. They just sent us an email saying ‘starting tomorrow this is what’s going to happen.’ The information may be a little bit different to the public and to the court. So just be aware,” said Houlton. Houlton also gave the court an update on the COVID-19 vaccine distribution efforts here in Guadalupe County. As we reported earlier this week, there were doses provided to GRMC and to the HEB store here in Seguin. Houlton says additional doses were also delivered to the Schertz area, and the second doses required to complete the inoculation should be arriving soon. “Guadalupe County was in allocation week two and allocation week four. We are currently in week four right now. So some of these providers, like Schertz EMS are supposed to

get their allocation this week. GRMC received 800 (doses). Schertz EMS is receiving 500. The Schertz HEB and the Seguin HEB received 200 each. Both Walgreens, in Schertz and Seguin, both received 100. And then, local medical providers and clinics received 1,400 total,” said Houlton. The vaccinations are generally not going to be made available to the public. Houlton says they don’t how these entities went about giving out their shots, but there is a tier system created by the state, and most -- if not all -of the local shots were giving to health care workers and first responders. He says there are still some first repsonders that need to be vaccinated, so they hope that as more vaccine shipments come in, they’ll be able to take care of those folks who are most vunerable to the disease. “Each entity listed on that list had to submit a plan to the Department of State Health Services of how they would give out these vaccines. The county has no jurisdiction over how they give them out. We did offer recommendations. We’ve given them lists of first responders, (saying) this is how many volunteer firemen we have, this is how many constables and sheriff’s deputies and other staff, like jailers and things like that. A majority of the first responders are going to be vaccinated by Schertz EMS when the proper number of vaccines come out. GRMC did offer us some vaccines to first responders when they had theirs in week two. So we did take advantage of that and got some of our critical first responders taken care of during that time. But right now, it’s a wait and see game with the state. Usually the entities are given 48-hour notice before the vaccine arrives, and then they quickly have to figure out how they are going to get it out as quick as possible,” said Houlton.

The public keeps hearing this talk about vaccine distribution and it has led to a number of people inquiring about getting vaccinated. Houlton again stressed that shots for the general public are not yet available and people are going to need to be patient and wait until additional vaccines become available. County Judge Kyle Kutscher was a little bit critical of the way the vaccines were being rolled out by the state. Kutscher says there has been little input sought from local officials when it comes to the vaccine rollout. “The state has decided those specific allocations to those individual providers. They have not asked the cities or the counties to participate in developing that plan. They gave us an update on the plan after they decided on it. It’s a bit frustrating from our standpoint, but it’s been consistent with the way the entire pandemic has worked. I know we felt some of that frustration on the mayors’ (from Guadalupe County conference) call this morning. I think we just continue to communicate with the public to let them know that we are getting vaccines in the community. They are going directly to those healthcare providers, like primary care physicians, hospitals (and pharmacies) -- the same type of places that typically would give out flu shots,” said Kutscher. Commissioners say that they know people want the shots, but it’s going to take a while longer for the supply to catch up with the demand. Meanwhile, officials say it’s important that people start talking to their doctors now to make sure that the COVID-19 vaccination would be right for them once the shots become available for the general public.

County Judge encourages community to support Youth Show By Darren Dunn

or 12 months. So go out and support them any way you can,” said Kutscher.

(Seguin) -- The Guadalupe County Commissioners Court is also giving a bit of a shout out to the upcoming Guadalupe County Youth Livestock and Homemakers Show. County Judge Kyle Kutscher mentioned the youth show during the close of the court’s meeting on Tuesday. Kutscher says he’s thrilled to hear the the youth show will not be a COVID-19 casualty, and he says it’s good news for the kids that will be presenting their projects this year.

The youth show was essentially in limbo after the city of Seguin halted all use of city facilities for large gatherings. The Guadalupe County Fairgrounds is the normal venue for the youth show, but it’s also a facility owned by the city of Seguin.

“Still go out and support those youth exhibitors. It’s one organization that really supports families from all over the county. There’s definitely a lot of benefit there. Some of these kids have been working on projects for 10, 11,

Youth show board members met last week, and devised a plan that will allow the show to go on. Most of the projects will be shown at The Country Church in Marion. Swine projects will be moved to the La Vernia Chamber of Commerce grounds. And the popular youth show auction will be held at Rio Cibolo Ranch. The youth show will run January 19-23. A full schedule can be found online at gcys.org.

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WEDNESDAY JANUARY 6, 2021

Texas Lutheran 2020-21 Volleyball Schedule

Date Opponent Time Feb. 12 (Fri.) Feb. 12 (Fri.)

@ St. Thomas (Houston, Tex.) @ St. Thomas (Houston, Tex.)

2:00 6:00

Feb. 20 (Sat.) Feb. 20 (Sat.)

vs. Schreiner vs. Schreiner

11:00 3:00

Feb. 26 (Fri.) Feb. 27 (Sat.)

@ Austin College (Sherman, Tex.) @ Austin College (Sherman, Tex.)

7:00 11:00

Mar. 6 (Sat.) Mar. 6 (Sat.)

vs. Centenary vs. Centenary

Noon 4:00

Mar. 19 (Fri.) Mar. 20 (Sat.)

@ Colorado College (Colorado Springs. Colo.) 7:00 @ Colorado College (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Noon

Mar. 26 (Fri.) Mar. 26 (Fri.)

@ Southwestern (Georgetown, Tex.) @ Southwestern (Georgetown, Tex.)

3:00 7:00

Apr. 2 (Fri.) Apr. 2 (Fri.)

vs. Trinity vs. Trinity

11:00 3:00

Apr. 10 (Sat.) Apr. 10 (Sat.)

vs. U. of Dallas vs. U. of Dallas

10:00 2:00

Apr. 16 (Fri.) Apr. 17 (Sat.) Apr. 17 (Sat.)

SCAC Quarterfinal @ Trinity (San Antonio) SCAC Semifinal @ Trinity (San Antonio) SCAC Championship @ Trinity (San Antonio)

TBA 12:30 5:30

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 6, 2021

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Texas Lutheran 2020-21 Men’s Soccer Schedule

Date Opponent Time Feb. 20 (Sat.)

@ University of Dallas (Irving, Tex.)

TBA

Feb. 27 (Sat.)

@ Southwestern (Georgetown, Tex.)

TBA

Mar. 6 (Sat.)

vs. St. Thomas

2:30

Mar. 20 (Sat.)

vs. Austin College

2:30

Mar. 27 (Sat.)

@ Schreiner (Kerrville, Tex.)

2:30

Apr. 3 (Sat.)

@ Trinity (San Antonio, Tex.)

TBA

Apr. 10 (Sat.)

vs. Colorado College

Noon

Apr. 17 (Sat.)

vs. Centenary

2:30

Apr. 23 (Fri.)

SCAC Semifinal (Shreveport, La.)

TBA

Apr. 25 (Sunt.)

SCAC Championship (Shreveport, La.)

TBA

Thursday Schedule -Seguin girls basketball vs. Alamo Heights @ Harlan High School, 6:30 p.m.

Friday Schedule

-Seguin boys basketball vs. S.A.Veterans Memorial, 6:45 (6:30 pre-game) on KWED 1580-AM

Texas Lutheran 2020-21 Women’s Soccer Schedule

Time

and Seguintoday.com. -Seguin girls basketball @ S.A.Veterans Memorial, 6:30 p.m. -Navarro boys basketball vs. S.A.-

Date

Opponent

Feb. 27 (Sat.)

@ Southwestern (Georgetown, Tex.)

1:00

Mar. 6 (Sat.)

@ U. of Dallas (Irving, Tex.)

1:00

Mar. 13 (Sat.)

vs. St. Thomas

2:00

Mar. 20 (Sat.)

vs. Austin College

Noon

Mar. 27 (Sat.)

vs. Centenary

Noon

Apr. 3 (Sat.)

@ Trinity (San Antonio, Tex.)

TBA

Apr. 10 (Sat.)

@ Schreiner (Kerrville, Tex.)

1:00

-Marion boys basketball @

Apr. 17 (Sat.)

SCAC Quarterfinals (Location TBA)

TBA

Nixon-Smiley, 7:30 p.m.

Fox Tech, 6:30 p.m. -Marion girls basketball vs. Nixon-Smiley, 6:15 p.m.

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Stafford

1986-87.

He was also elected to serve on the Seguin ISD school Stafford, Jackie Paul Naval board. In addition, being involved in both of his son’s Chief Petty Officer, retired school activities was very important to him. age 69 passed away at home Hunt and Ann shared a love of camping and RVing. in the care of his wife on They first made the rounds in a popup camper and in December 20, 2020. retirement moved up to bigger trailers and RVs to tour the country, taking the family to football games and He was born on July25, baseball stadiums. They conquered all of the Big 12 1951 in Lubbock, Texas and stadiums and 26 of 30 MLB stadiums. He rarely missed Graduated from Estacado a Houston Astros game on TV. High School May 30, 1969. He Enlisted in the US Navy Hunt and Ann both enjoyed taking their children, following graduation in daughters-in-law and grandchildren to Disney World Lubbock Texas. He served and numerous other memorable family trips. He also aboard the USS Constellation, loved family dinners, get togethers, and outings with his growing family. There would be an occasional stop the USS Kitty Hawk and the USS Belleau Wood until at a casino for Hunt to play some cards. Hunt enjoyed his Retirement in 1999. reading and was always in the middle of a thriller novel.

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 6, 2021

Jones

Stephen Allen Jones, age 76 of Seguin, passed away on Friday, January 1, 2021. Stephen was born on March 21, 1944 in Seattle, WA to Phillip and Norma (Larson) Jones.

He was in the United States Air Force from 1961-1965, working as Base Police and with the K-9 unit.

Stephen is preceded in death by his parents, Phillip Jones, Norma and William Kingshott Jr., Irene and Lee Alves, his brother Dennis and wife Diane Jones, grandparents Helen and Alvin He is preceded in death by his Father Billy F. Stafford Hunt loved the game of golf and played throughout his Larson, and William and Mary Kingshott Sr. and Stella JO (Blair) Stafford of Lubbock, Texas.

life. Whether as a member of the SHS golf team, weekly golf with buddies, attending the Masters, watching it He leaves behind his Loving wife Georgia Gay on TV, or teaching his sons to play, Hunt thoroughly Survivors include his loving wife of 57 years, Gloria Lee (Alves) Jones; children Denise Stafford of Seguin, Texas, Daughter Jennifer Runnels enjoyed the sport. Whatley, husband Ronnie, and grandson Jason, of New Braunfels, Texas, Step-daughter Crystal Gean Whisnant, step-son Richard V. Davis, 7 grandchildren Hunt is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Allen Jones and his wife Shawn; sister Kathy Meg Gingrich McGrew and husband, Paul Gingrich and 3 great grandchildren. and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Everett and Alene Scheel and her husband Doug, brother Tom Kingshott and his wife Nancy, brother Edward Degenhardt. Memorial Services For Jack Stafford will be held at Kingshott and his wife Pat. As well as numerous a later date; Arrangements are by Eunice and Lee Survivors include his loving wife of 48 years, Ann nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving family Mortuary! He died December 20,2020 at the age of Degenhardt Terry; his sons, Thomas Hunt Terry IV and members and many friends. 69 and is survived by his wife, Georgia Stafford. wife Brooke, and Ross Everett Terry and wife Jennifer; grandsons, Logan Terry, Cameron Terry and Ryan Terry; sister, Molly Kelley; brother, Tim Terry and wife Mary; Visitation will be held at Cross Church on brother-in-law, Duane Degenhardt and wife Sherry; Thursday, January 7, 2021 at 12:00pm, followed Thomas Hunt Terry, III, age nephews, Jack Gingrich, David Gingrich and wife Amy, by a funeral service at 1:00pm with Rev. Jim 69 of Seguin, passed away on Brian Gingrich and wife Mariel, and Mark Degenhardt Price officiating. Interment with military honors and wife Karyn; niece, Merideth Waltman and husband will follow at Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park. December 25, 2020. Andy; numerous great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, for those who wish services may be livestreamed Hunt was born on May 31, other loving family members and many, many friends. from the Cross Church - Seguin, TX Facebook 1951 in Seguin, Texas, to page. All CDC protocols must be followed Private family graveside services will be held at Mildred (Traeger) and Thomas Hunt “T. H.” Terry, Jr. Hunt San Geronimo Cemetery with the Rev. Cathe Evins including social distancing, limited seating and Terry graduated from Seguin officiating. A Celebration of Life Service will be planned face coverings worn. High School in 1969 and then at a later date. attended The University of In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may Texas at Austin, graduating Memorial contributions may be made to the Starcke Park Golf Course, 650 River Dr. West, Seguin, Texas, be made to Cross Church, 814 N. Bauer Seguin, with a BBA from the McCombs School of Business. 78155 or the Seguin High School Golf program, 1315 Texas 78155 or one’s charity of choice. He met his wife, Ann Degenhardt, at UT and they E. Cedar St., Seguin, Texas, 78155 or the charity of your married on August 19, 1972. They later moved to Seguin choice. You are invited to sign the guest book at www. You are invited to sign the guestbook at www. in 1980 when Hunt joined the family business, C.W. treshewell.com. treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the Traeger Wholesale Grocery. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., He was involved in the community, as a longtime Mortuary, 165 tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549- Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912. See More OBITS page 9 member and president of the Seguin Rotary Club from 5912.

Terry, III

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 6, 2021

Reneau Donald Wayne Reneau, age 80, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away on December 21, 2020, with his wife and children by his side. He was born on December 18, 1940 in Guadalupe County, Texas, to Elmer Moore Reneau and Lucille Phillips Reneau. Don grew up on farms south of Seguin, where he developed a strong work ethic and attended 2 and 3-room schools. After graduating from La Vernia High School at age 17, he moved to San Antonio to attend bookkeeping school. Later while working as a shipping clerk and serving in the U.S. Army Reserves, Donald enrolled in night classes at San Antonio College. On a rare evening out, he met the love of his life, Carolyn, on the dance floor of Gruene Hall. They married, bought a house, and had two children. Donald ultimately graduated from St. Mary’s University with a degree in accounting at age 27, eight years after starting night school. Don worked in public accounting, serving as Comptroller for real estate developer Quincy Lee and then as President and part owner of RC Management, Inc., A position he held until retiring at age 79. He was active in several trade associations, serving twice as President of the San Antonio Apartment Association, as an officer of the Texas Apartment Association, a board member of the National Apartment Association, and President of the Institute for Real Estate Management.

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coffee thermos in hand, an activity he continued right up until the day of his stroke.

and great-grandchildren that will lead them all of their lives.

Most important to Don was his family, who loved and admired his wit, patience, and kindness. He possessed a wry sense of humor and could instantly deliver funny comments with a twinkle in his eye.

Although she was humble, she was also a powerful prayer warrior and Heaven knows what a wonderful and eternal impact all her many years of faithful praying have had on her family, friends, and the world.

Papa Don’s grandkids, ages 7 to 25, appreciated his generosity with time. Whether participating in school sessions, supporting the Down Syndrome Association of South Texas, attending sporting events, or teaching them to feed the deer who inhabited their backyard, his grandkids knew Don as a truly good man who always put others before himself. Donald is survived by his loving wife of almost 56 years, Carolyn Kutil Reneau; daughter Ginger Reneau Lambert (James); son Jason Reneau (Holly); grandchildren Rachel Lambert, John Lambert, Avery Lambert, Luke Reneau, and Chloe Reneau; brother Elmer Ray Reneau; sisters Bessie Martin, Vera Clemings, and Sharon Tanneberger; as well as numerous brother- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving family members and friends. Donald is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Pat Stolinski. Private graveside services will be held with a memorial service to follow at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice. You are invited to sign the guest book at Tres Hewell Mortuary www.treshewell. com.

Guerrero

Santos Rios Guerrero, age 78 of Seguin, was a beautiful, compassionate, servant of our Lord Jesus Christ went home to Heaven on Friday, January 1, 2021.

Don was a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan, enjoyed Spurs games, and found himself a sudden fan of Texas A&M when his kids became Aggies. He loved shopping at Sam’s Club, was annoyingly good at Trivial Pursuit, and thought Die Hard was the best action movie of all time.

Santos was born in Seguin, Texas on April 1, 1942 to the late Rudolfo Rios, Sr. and Andrea Perez Rios.

He jogged every morning until a fall from a ladder forced him to take up walking instead. Don was a staple in his neighborhood, known for rising each morning at 4am to walk seven miles with a large

Santos was a God-fearing woman who loved her Savior, the Lord Jesus, loved God’s Word and she adored her family with all of her heart. She set an example for her children, grandchildren

She is preceded in death by her husband of 52 years and her forever love, Armando Guerrero, Sr., son, Danny Guerrero, sister, Luisa Serrato and her brothers, Augustine Rios and Juan Rios. She is survived by her sisters, Eva Rivera and Sylvia Rios; brothers, Rudolfo “Rudy” Rios and Domingo Rios; children, Gloria Galvan, Armando Guerrero Jr., Sandra Martin, Johnny Guerrero and Annette Guerrero; grandchildren, Daniel Ybarra, Jennifer Rosemark, Stephanie Guerrero, Nic Guerrero, Tanya Hernandez, Armando Guerrero III, Andre Guerrero, Augustine Guerrero, David Cardenas, Jeremy Cardenas, Junell Avalos, Kayla Nazario, Amanda Torrez, Xristian Flota and Aa’ Ralyn Valdez; 16 great-grandchildren; as well and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving family members and many friends. Although the world seems a little darker without her here, we can rejoice in the fact that Santos is now in her Heavenly home with her Savior and her one true love. The family would like to say a special thanks to her daughter-in-law, Flora Guerrero and Cindy with Guadalupe Reginal Medical Center Hospice for all of their loving and attentive care for Santos. Visitation will begin on Thursday, January 7, 2021 from 5-7 p.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 8, 2021 at 10 a.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary with Pastor Tim Zapata and Pastor Rob Wisdom officiating. Interment will follow at Santo Tomas Cemetery. All CDC protocols must be followed including social distancing and face coverings worn at all locations. 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.

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Health and Medical Page presented by

CDC: Arizona Has Highest Rate Of COVID Cases In Nation (Phoenix, AZ) -- Arizona is now dealing with the highest rate of new coronavirus cases in the nation, again. Infections have skyrocketed over the past seven days with 57-thousand positive tests. That’s a 32-percent jump from the week before. No relief at hospitals either as ICU beds have been just about full since November 29th. The CDC puts California second for its rate of new cases, followed by Tennessee, South Carolina and Kansas. COVID Hospitalizations Break Another Record (Undated) -- Coronavirus hospitalizations are soaring as cases surge after the holidays. The COVID Tracking Project reports that a record 128-thousand people are fighting the virus from hospital beds. Over 23-thousand of those are in the ICU. On Monday, another 15-hundred Americans died from the respiratory illness. That brings the U.S. death toll to over 353-thousand since the pandemic began. Pelosi Chides House Members Over COVID Restrictions (Washington, DC) -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi is chiding members of the House over coronavirus restrictions. Pelosi wrote a note to members and reminded them that they must wear facemasks at all times while on the floor of the House. She said social distancing requirements must be respected and advised members to avoid clustering in the House

chamber. There were apparently some violations of coronavirus restrictions during votes in the House on Sunday. National Lockdown In England To Fight New COVID Strain (London) -- England will enter a national lockdown to fight the new coronavirus strain. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said leaving home is only acceptable for things like shopping for essential goods. Remote learning for primary and secondary schools begins today. The same applies to colleges. Johnson admitted the move on schools will be hard for many, but he said he worries about the virus spreading in them. Congressman Raskin Says Son Battled Depression, Death Was Suicide (Takoma Park, MD) -- Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin is revealing more information on last Thursday’s death of their 25-year-old son Tommy. In a statement the Raskins say their son suffered from depression and despite very fine doctors and a loving family and friendship network of hundreds who adored him and whom he adored, the pain became overwhelming and unyielding and unbearable. Raskin says his son left the family a farewell note on New Year’s Eve day that read in part “Please forgive me. My illness won today.” The family has established the Tommy Raskin Memorial Fund for People and Animals in his memory.

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Mega Food Distribution

GRMC is partnering with The City of Seguin and the New Braunfels Food Bank to provide a Mega Food Distribution from 9:30 a.m.to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 7 at the Seguin Coliseum parking lot, located at 950 S. Austin St. Anyone in the community who needs food can register for the distribution at https://nbfoodbank.org/ cvrosponse/getfood/ or call 830-327-6000. To volunteer call 830-327-6000, or register online at https://www.signupgenius.com/ go/10C0F4FAEA62EAAFC1-food6.

Christmas Tree Collection in City of Seguin

Residents wanting to dispose of their live Christmas trees in the City of Seguin can simply place them at the curb with their garbage or on their designated Monday morning as part of the City’s brush collection rotation. Stands, lights, ornaments, and other decorations must be removed, and the tree must be cut in half before it will be collected. Brush collection dates in your zone can be found at www.seguintexas.gov by clicking on the Public Works page - Brush link. For more information call 830-401-2416.

United Way Applications

The Guadalupe County United Way will begin accepting new applications for organizations seeking funding for years 2022-2023 beginning January 2021. For more information on the funding application process, contact Executive Director, Mary Hargrave at 830-372-9009 or info@guadalupeunitedway.org.

Seguin Chamber Centennial Celebration

The Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce will

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WEDNESDAY JANUARY 6, 2021

have its Centennial Celebration, “History Has Its Eyes On You,” from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 12 via Zoom. The virtual Annual Meeting and Chamber Centennial will feature Chet Garner, the host of the PBS Texas travel show, The Day Tripper. To register for the Zoom webinar link call 830-379-6382 or email morgan@seguinchamber.com.

Heritage Museum Calendars

Seguin Field of Honor 2021 BBQ Fundraiser

RAPPS Individual Sessions

There will be a Seguin Field of Honor 2021 BBQ Fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16 at the American Legion Post 245, located at 618 E. Kingsbury St. in Seguin. Tickets are $10 and include 1/2 chicken, cowboy potatoes, beans, and trimmings. Proceeds benefit the SS American Memorial. For tickets and more information call 830-243-2872.

League of Women Voters The League of Women Voters of the Comal Area (LWVCA) will have an online meeting to discuss how legislative districts are drawn in our state and steps we can take to ensure that the public is part of the process at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20. For more information, visit lwvcomal.org.

City Event and Reservation Cancellations

As a result of rising COVID-19 cases in Seguin and Guadalupe County, the City of Seguin has cancelled all events held on City property, through Feb. 1, 2021. This includes bookings at the Seguin Events Complex and the Fairground facilities. Customers will receive full refunds for all facility bookings impacted by this public health emergency.

The Heritage Museum is selling 2021 calendars for $10 featuring historical buildings and information about Seguin. There is a limited supply and they are available for purchase at the Heritage Museum, Gift & Gourmet, the Aumont, the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce and Parker’s City Pharmacy.

The Rural Area Parenting Program Services (RAPPS) will be providing Anger Management, Protective Parenting, Basic Parenting, Co-Parenting (Divorce), and Tobacco Awareness classes online through ZOOM. RAPPS classes are accepted by the Judicial System. To register or for or more information call 830-303-9225, email Seguinrapps@gmail.com, or visit seguinrappsorg.org.

Free Hazardous Waste Pick-Up

The City of Seguin was awarded an Alamo Area Council of Governments Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program grant and is offering residents who live in the city limits an opportunity to participate in the At Your Door Special Collection Program. Items accepted include pesticides, household chemicals, sharps, electronic waste, including televisions, batteries, fluorescent lights, automotive waste products (including oil), paints, thinners, and dozens of other items that don’t belong with your recyclables or regular curbside waste pickup. For a complete list of accepted items, or to arrange a collection, call 1-800-449-7587, or visit wmatyourdoor.com/residential. Collection times may vary.

To ensure non-profit organization’s meetings and events appear in this calendar, send information to: communitycalendar@kwed1580.com, fax 379-2238, 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.

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 6, 2021

RELIGION

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The Country Church Attic

The Country Church Attic is now open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Wednesday and Thursday.

Clothing Ministry

The Refuge III Clothing Ministry continues to give away clothing, some furniture, dishes, and other items at 7535 Elm Creek Road in Seguin. For further information call 830-303-6478.

Free Bible Course

The World Bible School is offering free Bible correspondence courses. Answer questions from the Bible and send in for grading. Visit studygod.info for further information.

To be sure your religious organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meetings and events appear in this calendar, send information to: communitycalendar@kwed1580. com, fax (830) 379-2238, or drop off the information at the Seguin Daily News/KWED office located at 609 E. Court St., Seguin. For best results, submit information at least two weeks prior to the event.

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WEDNESDAY JANUARY 6, 2021

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Spend first light Wisely.

Living a life of love and impact is a journey of small steps. And First United Bank is here to inspire and empower you along the way. We invite you to call or stop by today to learn more. Seguin-East • 1539 E. Court St. • 830-401-1170 Seguin-Main • 200 N. Austin St. • 830-401-1100 Seguin-West • 901 N. State Hwy 46 • 830-401-1175 Member FDIC.

Equal Housing Lender. NMLS# 400025.

FirstUnitedBank.com