Seguin Police detectives investigate fatal work accident
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) – A Houston area man is dead following a freak accident at a local manufacturing company.
The Seguin Police Department at approximately 6:41 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23 responded to a report of a major collision at the Niagara Bottling factory, located in the 1700 block of 8th Street.
Upon arrival, officers learned that a 39-year-old Hispanic male, identified as Arlen Vargas, had been crushed between a tractor-trailer and the building.
Once they realized he was trapped, employees and the driver of the truck quickly freed Vargas and initiated life-saving measures (CPR).
Accident, pg. 3
Paityn Lange, a fifth grader from Navarro Intermediate, has been named the district champion of the inaugural Panther Shake competition. See story on page 2.
Navarro ISD announces inaugural PANTHER SHAKE CHAMPION
Students compete for best handshake in the district
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Geronimo) -- In an exciting culmination of months of preparation and practice, Navarro ISD named Paityn Lange, a fifth grader from Navarro Intermediate, as the district champion of the inaugural Panther Shake competition.
Navarro ISD officials say it all “shook” out in the final round, showcasing the impressive communication and social skills of six young finalists from 1st to 5th grades.
Students were evaluated on factors such as greeting, handshake, confidence, voice and volume, conversational skills, and overall success.
The competition saw the finalists present their unique introductions and handshakes to a panel of esteemed judges. Those judges included Seguin Mayor Donna Dodgen, Guadalupe County Judge Kyle Kutscher, Fire Marshal Patrick Pinder, Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office Training Coordinator Sgt. Delane Barnes, Navarro ISD Board President Melissa Sartain, and Navarro ISD Superintendent Mandy Epley.
“The Panther Shake program is more than just learning a proper handshake,” said Superintendent Mandy Epley. “It’s about building confidence, developing essential life skills such as making eye contact, listening, carrying on a conversation, and the importance of building positive relationships within our community. We are incredibly proud of all our young finalists for their bravery and dedication.”
In addition to Paityn Lange, the following students were recognized as finalists and will represent their campus as a Panther Shake Ambassador:
• Addie Van Booven, 5th grade
• Julianna Coppedge, 4th grade
• Wyatt Smith, 2nd grade
• Cooper Clardy, 1st grade
• Nash Foerster, 1st grade
“We were both so impressed at the response of this program which has been a fantastic experience for our students,” said Panther Shake campus leaders Mrs. Wehe from Navarro Elementary and Mrs. Gregerson from Navarro Intermediate. Champion, pg. 3
Seguin ISD decides on instrument for superintendent evaluation
(Seguin) – The Seguin ISD Board of Trustees has finally adopted the instrument it would like to use for the future evaluation of the district’s top administrator.
Although it took a few weeks, trustees on Tuesday say they finally agreed to a tool that they believe will effectively and fairly rate the job performance of Superintendent Dr. Veronica Vijil.
Board President Denise Crettenden says the tool is a combination of different options given to the board to help it navigate through the evaluation process.
“I think we’ve chosen a good instrument. We put it together from a few different places and then I think what is nice about the superintendent evaluation is there’s a lot of places for feedback. Evaluation, pg. 3
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
Accident, continued.
Officials say once the officers arrived, they continued CPR efforts until emergency medical services (EMS) took over. Despite these efforts, EMS pronounced Vargas deceased at the scene.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Vargas was a driver with another company waiting for a shipment. It is currently unclear why he had exited his vehicle and was near the building at the time of the incident.
The truck driver involved in the accident reported that he had been given the green light to back into a loading dock area and await further instructions.
After a Niagara employee noticed the trailer needed to be repositioned slightly, the driver moved the trailer as instructed. He stated that he checked for a green light before proceeding. Tragically, officials say employees opening the loading dock door moments later discovered Vargas pinned behind the trailer and immediately instructed the driver to move the vehicle to free him.
At this time, no criminal charges are expected, but the Seguin Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division is conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.
Seguin Police Department officials say they extend their condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Vargas during this difficult time.
Champion, continued.
“It’s difficult for some adults to have conversations with other adults, let alone children speaking with adults. We are so proud of how these students have shown bravery and have grown in confidence to learn valuable social skills that will benefit them
throughout their lives.”
Navarro ISD officials say they especially thank their campus leaders, judges and parents for their support and enthusiasm during the rollout of this first ever Panther Shake initiative. They say plans are already in place to continue the contest next year.
Evaluation, continued.
So, some things are not exactly in there, but you still want to give feedback on it. There might not be a number value or anything like that, but you can give back feedback on anything during that process,” said Crettenden.
Crettenden says they want to ensure the community that this instrument will allow for all areas of performance to be reviewed. She says it provides for a very thorough process.
“So, what happens is the trustees will get evidence of these things. So, for instance if something says scores, you are going to get a copy of those scores. You get all that evidence. You get those sheets. The trustees at home get to look over all of that and make their evaluations – the scores – make comments and then I as the board president put all of those together before the evaluation. We go over all of that with the superintendent plus any additional comments or board feedback,” said Crettenden.
Although the instrument was approved, there was one lone vote against it. That came from new District 6
Trustee
Lisa Burns.
Burns says she supported a more straight forward instrument that offered a more clear path to arriving at the results.
“I feel like a more narrowed focus would help us reach the conclusion for setting the goals for the superintendent and be a more strong straight forward tool. But I am committed now that the board has approved that evaluation tool to jump into it full-heartedly. I’ll definitely be a part of that process and make that evaluation be as good as it possibly can be,” said Burns.
Much of the challenge in finding the right tool has reportedly been the length of time that Dr. Vijil has been the district’s top administrator. That time period has only been for a little over a year. She was named interim superintendent in October of 2023, following the departure of Dr. Matthew Gutierrez, who left to take a job with another district. Dr. Vijil’s interim tag was then removed in February of 2024.
According to Crettenden, they hope to conduct the evaluation sometime in February.
Lady Matadors blow past Jefferson
(Seguin) -- A smothering Seguin defense suffocated the Jefferson Lady Mustangs in a 67-20 blowout victory for the Lady Matadors at Seguin High School on Friday night.
After a low scoring first quarter that saw the Lady Mats get out to a 5-2 lead, Seguin shut out the Lady Mustangs 25-0 in the second quarter to race out to a 30-2 lead at halftime. Seguin held Jefferson without a field goal until the second half. The Lady Mustangs only points of the first half came on two free throws.
Seguin head coach Veronda Kendall talked about her team’s defensive intensity after the game.
“I felt like we were getting back to who we are defensively,” Said Kendall. “Our press was pretty effective and I felt like who we are and who we want to be on D.”
Offensively, Seguin sophomore Britlyn Walls scored 11 points during the first half run including three 3-pointers in the game’s first 16 minutes. Fellow sophomore Rebeka Wilke had seven in the first half on her way to 15 in the game. Freshman Jazlyn Gil also dropped in 15 for the game and freshman Faith Franklin poured in 14.
The Lady Matadors avenged a 41-27 loss at Jefferson on December 20th in the first round of District 27-5A play. Seguin improved their district mark to 6-8. The Lady Mats trail San Antonio Highlands by two games in the loss column for the fourth and final playoff spot in the district standings. Seguin and Highlands
will play on the last day of the regular season on February 4th in Seguin. The Lady Matadors will be off this coming Tuesday. Seguin will travel to San Antonio Edison for their second last game of the season next Friday.
Chris Austin
VITAL STATISTICS
Gesick
Edward “John” Gesick Jr., a decorated U.S. Army veteran, teacher, historian, and passionate advocate for the preservation of local history, died on January 13, 2025, at the age of 81.
Surrounded by his family, he passed peacefully.
John was born on March 16, 1943, in Washington, D.C., while his father was stationed at the Pentagon during World War II.
After the war, his family lived in Chicago before settling in San Antonio, Texas. He graduated from Alamo Heights High School in 1961, then went on to Texas A&I (now Texas A&M Kingsville), where he earned a degree in History with a minor in Spanish in 1965. Later, he earned a Master of Education from Boston University in 1979.
Immediately after college, John was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army, where he would serve for 14 years, earning numerous accolades for his service. As a member of the U.S. Army Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets, he deployed to Vietnam, where he was seriously injured in combat. After being sent back to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio for surgery and rehabilitation, John spent part of his recovery working on his father’s farm in Seguin. It was during this time that he made a vow to one day settle in Seguin, a promise he would fulfill in his later years.
John’s military career also took him to several other postings, including Panama; Seoul,South Korea; Grafenwoehr, Germany, and Fort Huachuca in Arizona, where he taught at the Army Intelligence School. He earned numerous military honors, including the Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars (one with valor), two Army Commendation Medals with valor, and a
Meritorious Service Medal. He was a proud Green Beret, and his dedication to service remained central to his life.
Following his service in the Army, John returned to Texas in 1979, settling on his family farm in Seguin, building a house, raising cattle, and harvesting pecans. He began his second career as an educator. He taught Texas History, World History, and Psychology at Seguin High School and later at Texas Lutheran College, where he was respected by students for his passion and deep knowledge of the subject matter. He was also an active member of the local community, serving as Chairman of the Guadalupe Historical Commission and Rotary Club president. His commitment to preserving the history of Seguin, Guadalupe County, and Texas led him to write several books, including Under the Live Oak Tree; Seguin and Guadalupe County; Historic Guadalupe County; and The Kickapoo: Keepers of Tradition. He was instrumental in the founding of the Heritage Museum of Seguin, a project that was close to his heart, and he remained a dedicated advocate for local history throughout his retirement.
John was preceded in death by his mother, Polly Pinneo Gesick; his father, Edward John Gesick; and his brother, William Henry Gesick. He is survived by his four children, Kimberly (Jeff) Canfield, Laura (Theron) Gesick, Christine (Allen) Long, and Patrick Gesick; nine grandchildren: Cole Canfield; Cameron and Griffin Carlin; Sophie, Graham, Claire, and Amelia Long; Abigael and Blaise Gesick, as well as his niece and many friends.
A funeral service will be held at 10am on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church in Seguin, Texas. John’s family invites you to a public reception to celebrate his life following the funeral service, which will be held at the Heritage Museum in Seguin. All are welcome to gather and share memories of John.
Private interment will be in San Geronimo Cemetery.
Confirmation Hearings For RFK Jr. Set For Next Week
(Washington, DC) -- Confirmation hearings for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to head the Department of Health and Human Services are set for next week. The Senate Finance Committee will hold a hearing on Wednesday. The Senate Health committee will hold a courtesy hearing the following day. Only the finance committee will vote to advance RFK Jr’s nomination to the full Senate.
Study: Those With ADHD Have Shorter Life Expectancy
(United Kingdom) -- A new study shows those with ADHD have a shorter life expectancy. Research published by Cambridge University Press found that men with ADHD were likely to live seven less years than those without ADHD. For women, it was likely to shorten their lifespan by eight years. The study’s authors wrote that the evidence is “extremely concerning, and highlights unmet support needs that require urgent attention.”
University
of
Virginia Develops New Heart Imaging Technique
(Charlottesville, VA) -- The University of Virginia says it has developed a new imaging technique to detect heart health. UVA scientists say they’ve created a non-invasive way to analyze risks of unseen fat surrounding the heart. The university says researchers used magnetic resonance imaging to analyze the fat or adipose tissue around the heart. They say early testing of the technique showed positive signs the approach could provide potential improvements to care for patients.
Study: Children Of Divorce Have Higher Stroke Risk
(Toronto) -- Children of divorce are more likely to experience depression and low self-esteem. Now a new study shows they may also have up to a 60-percent greater chance of stroke. The study looked at adults 65 and older, so there’s no data about children born later, when many attitudes toward divorce changed and it became more commonplace. The link between stroke and divorce was comparable to risk factors like having diabetes. The researchers speculate the increase could be related to increased blood pressure, sleep problems or chronic stress. The study was published Wednesday in the journal PLOS One.
Analogous Color Theory Workshop
An introduction to analogous color theory using watercolors will be taught at Seguin Art League on January 29 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Students will be painting yellow flowers in a cobalt blue pot in an Impressionism style. 18 and older. Limit of 10 students. $35 with supplies included as needed. For more information call 830-305-0472 or come by the gallery at 104 S. Austin.
February Regional Job Fair
The Winter 2025 Regional Job Fair will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Seguin Coliseum, 950 S. Austin St., Seguin, TX. Open to employers located in New Braunfels, Seguin, Schertz, and Cibolo. Limited to 60 employers (no staffing agencies). Registration includes coffee, a light breakfast, lunch, and an 8ft table. For more details, contact the event organizers. To Register visit: https://info.seguinedc. com/regionaljobfair-reg-02-06-2025
First Friday Feast:
The Geronimo Lions Club will host their first friday feast at 5:30 p.m February 7th.
Seguin Job Shadow Program
The Seguin Job Shadow Program offers high school students real-world experience through hands-on learning with professionals. Open to students from Seguin HS, Marion HS, Navarro HS, and Southwest Preparatory. The program runs on February 5, 11, 19, and 27 from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Contact Jessica Dersen at jdersen@seguintexas.gov to sign up.
Seguin Chamber Membership Luncheon
The Seguin Chamber will host a Membership Luncheon on Wednesday, February 5th. Check in and Networking will be held from 11:30 - 11:45 a.m. the Lunch & Program will follow from 11:45 - 1 p.m. @ the Seguin Coliseum. Cost is $20 for Chamber Members and $25 for future members. All attendees must register.
Pre-Super Bowl Las Vegas Bash
The Seguin Sunrise Rotary will host a Pre-Super Bowl Las Vegas Bash from 6-10 p.m. Saturday, February 8th at The Big Red Barn located at 390 Cordova Rd.
Chamber 2025 Showcase Seguin: Wild West Business Round-Up
The Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce will have its 2025 Showcase Seguin Wild West Business Round-Up from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13 at the Seguin Coliseum, located at 950 S. Austin St. in Seguin. Registration is required for all attendees. Register by Friday, Jan. 31 to avoid a $5 entry fee. For more information, call 830-379-6382.
Texas Farm Bureau Food Connection Day
The Texas Farm Bureau will host “Food Connection Day” from 11:30AM - 1PM on February 14th. @ 325 S. Texas HWY 46. Texas Food Connection Day was established to connect farmers with their consumers and spark conversations about agriculture and food-related issues, including affordability, nutrition, animal welfare, profitability, and productivity. For more information, contact the Guadalupe County Farm Bureau office at 830-37-4456 or stop by the office located at 325 S State HWY 46.
Valentine Cookie Decorating Class
Valentine Cookie Decorating Class will be held February 14 from 5:30 to 6:30 at the Seguin Art League. Want to find something different to do for Valentine’s? How about cookie decorating! This class would be a great start to a date night evening with someone special, a significant other, or even best friend! And, the best part? You’ll have a great time, come away with some delicious cookies decorated by you to enjoy, and decorating skills you can apply for a lifetime! 18 and older; limited to 10 people; $25 single or $40 a couple with supplies included. For more information call 830-305-0472 or come by 104 S. Austin.
Jury Day for the Seguin Art League
Jury Day for the Seguin Art League will be
February 15. Artwork should be presented between 10 a.m. and 12 noon. The prospectus is available on the website seguinartleague.com or may be picked up at the gallery at 104 S. Austin. This jury process enables the accepted artist to display in the gallery and serve as a gallery docent. For more information call 830-305-0472.
Mid-Texas Symphony
The Mid-Texas Symphony, with conductor, Akiko Fujimoto, will present Puttin On the Ritz, at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 23 at the Brauntex Theatre in New Braunfels. To purchase tickets, visit www.mtsymphony.org or call the box office 830-463-5353 For questions, email boxoffice@mtsymphony.org.
Brown Cultural Event Series – Elizabeth Smart
The TLU Jessie S. and Jack Harold Upton Brown Cultural Enrichment Fund will present Elizabeth Smart at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27 at Jackson Auditorium on the campus of Texas Lutheran University. Elizabeth Smart is a victim of one of the most followed child abduction cases of our time and has become a beacon of hope and an advocate for change related to child abduction and recovery programs. Smart, now a bestselling author, will speak about her experience and recovery.
March
Brown Cultural Event Series – The Second City 65th Anniversary
The TLU Jessie S. and Jack Harold Upton Brown Cultural Enrichment Fund will present The Second City 65th Anniversary Show at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26 at Jackson Auditorium on the campus of Texas Lutheran University. There will be handpicked songs, sketches, and characters written by Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Bill Murray, Keegan Michael Key, Eugene Levy, and other star-studded alumni of The Second City. The show celebrates the comedy troupe’s history with favorite material from their stages over the years.
Continued on the next page.
Swing for Seguin
Join the Leadership Seguin Class of 2025 for the “Swing for Seguin” Golf Fundraising Event on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at The Bandit Golf Course. Registration and breakfast begin at 7:30 AM, with a shotgun start at 8:30 AM. A 4-person team is $500, including range balls, cart rental, 18-hole scramble, breakfast taco, box lunch, drinks, swag, and snacks. Sponsorships are available. Proceeds benefit enhancements to Manuel C. Castilla Park. For more information and to register, visit the Seguin Chamber of Commerce website.
Mid-Texas Symphony
The Mid-Texas Symphony, with conductor, Akiko Fujimoto, will present Bond and Beyond, at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 30 at the New Braunfels Civic and Convention Center in New Braunfels. To purchase tickets, visit www.mtsymphony.org or call the box office 830-463-5353 For questions, email boxoffice@mtsymphony.org.
April
Mid-Texas Symphony
The Mid-Texas Symphony, with conductor, Akiko Fujimoto, will present Ode to Joy, at 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 27 at Jackson Auditorium at Texas Lutheran University. To purchase tickets, visit www.mtsymphony.org or call the box office 830-463-5353 For questions, email boxoffice@mtsymphony.org.
Ongoing Community Calendar Items
CCSCT Utility Assistance Application for 2024 Applications are available for the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (C.E.A.P.) provided by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs through the CCSCT. The program will help low-income consumers reduce their utility bills. There is also assistance available through the Low Income Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). For more information visit www. ccsct.org or follow them on the socials at
https://linktr.ee/ccsct_cares.
Heritage Museum Calendars
The Heritage Museum is selling 2024 Then and Now Themed Calendars. There is a limited supply and they are available for purchase at the Heritage Museum, Gift & Gourmet, Pecan Town Books and Brews, Parker’s City Pharmacy, and online at www.heritagemuseum.net. All proceeds benefit Museum projects.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline available 24 hours a day in English and Spanish.
Volunteer Van Drivers Needed
Guadalupe County Veteran Services Office is in great need of volunteer van drivers. Even those who can only commit to one day per month. Volunteers will drive local veterans who have no transportation to their VA medical appointments in San Antonio. To volunteer, call 830-303-4188 ext. 1249.
Precious Life Services
Precious Life Services is accepting new clients who may need help with Anger Management, Parenting Skills, Christian Counseling, Group and Family Therapy, Anxiety and Depression, etc. Appointments are available in-office, by Zoom or Teleconference by calling 830-372-5980.
Free Accredited Adult Homeschool Program
The Life Changing Church is now offering a Free Accredited Homeschool Program for adults wanting to earn their high school diploma. It is a self-paced, no classes to attend program. You work around your schedule and at the end of the program you will receive an accredited diploma that is acceptable for college. Tutors are available at no charge. Free placement testing, no previous records required. For more information call or text Crystal at 325-956-1155.
Salvation Army Office
The Seguin Unit Salvation Army office is lo-
cated at 205 North King Street. The office is open to receive requests for assistance weekly from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Volunteers Needed
The Guadalupe Valley Young Marines need volunteers. They promote a healthy, drugfree program and need males, 19 years and up who would like to see the program grow by contributing time to help future citizens, boys and girls 8 to 18. Positions available include computer input, physical fitness training, planning/logistics, and medical. Contact Dina Dillon at 423-227-9610 or visit www. gvyoungmarines.org.
La Trinidad Blessing Box - Food Pantry
The La Trinidad United Methodist Church invites you to “Take what you need, Bring what you can, and above all be Blessed!” by its Blessing Box Food Pantry located at the corner of the church at 306 E. Gonzales St. in Seguin. The Blessing Box is filled with items to help those in need.
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 830-3036478.
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 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
SDN Classifieds
FOR RENT
FOR RENT: 512 E. Ireland - Newly remodeled, 3 bedroom/2 bath home available now. Require 1 year lease, deposit and references from previous landlord(s). $1500 monthly plus $1500 deposit. No pets. Call 830-401-4797, leave message, if no answer.
