SDN: January 28, 2025

(Santa Clara) – If Seguin Radio KWED listeners missed a conversation over the weekend about the fight that is now brewing over in the city of Santa Clara, they can now listen to it at seguintoday.com.

There’s currently a movement by some Santa Clara residents to disincorporate the city, and have it stop being a municipality.

Santa Clara, pg. 2

its annual

sale. See story on page 2.

(Seguin) – A member of the Seguin ISD Board of Trustees is helping parents better navigate their way to ensuring that their concerns and/or questions are being addressed by the local district. In a statement

read publicly during Thursday’s board meeting, District 7 Trustee Josh Bright personally reassured the community that when issues arise, they are being taken seriously.

SISD, pg. 3

Cindy Aguirre-Herrera

Darren Dunn

Seguin just got SWEETER

Girl Scout Cookies helping local girls “unbox” their futures

Cindy Aguirre-Herrera

(Seguin) – Get that sweet tooth ready because cookie season has officially arrived in Seguin. Local Girl Scouts will be spending the next month making sure that box of Thin Mints or Lemon-Ups lands into your hands.

Local Troop Leader Denise Crettenden says boxes upon boxes of cookies arrived in Seguin late last week.

“The cookies have arrived in Seguin. Girls will start making their deliveries. There will be a handful of independent booths at local businesses and different places and then next weekend and throughout the month of February, we will have booths at places like HEB and Walmart and a lot of the regular places that you usually see Girl Scouts,” said Crettenden.

Crettenden says those needing their cookies now can also go online to find the quickest and most convenient location to grab their favorite box.

“So, we have a Girl Scout Cookie Finder on the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas website. They can type in their zip code, and it will tell you all the booths that are available that day,” said Crettenden.

Crettenden says proceeds from the cookies go to help support local troops and their year-round camps and programs. She says this year, however, will be the last season that the girls will be selling a longtime favorite.

“They are $5 a box and the varieties are all the same as the past couple of years, but this is the last year for S’mores. So, if you are a lover of S’mores cookies, this is

Santa Clara, continued.

Instead, they would like it to go back to being a part of the unincorporated areas of Guadalupe County and fall under the rules and regulations of the county.

Brian Desormeaux is leading a petition drive to disincorporate the city of Santa Clara. He was a guest, over the weekend, on KWED’s Saturday Topic program. Desormeaux says the petition is the first step in taking this issue to voters in the city of Santa Clara. If he collects enough signatures, then the disincorporation item would be placed on the ballot in May. Voters would then decide if the

your last chance to get those because they are retiring them at the end of this cookie season,” said Crettenden. The nine flavors available locally include Samoas, Tagalongs, Do-si-dos, Trefoils, S’mores, Adventurefuls, Lemon-Ups, Thin Mints and the gluten free recipe Toffee-tastic.

The cookie finder can be found at girlscouts-swtx. org. Those wishing to grab a box today can also call and leave a message at 830-372-1928.

city should continue to operate or not.

“The petition is not the vote to disincorporate. The petition is to tell (Santa Clara Mayor) Jeff Hunt and our city that we want this on the ballot in May. It requires 400 minimum (signatures). We’re shooting for more than that. But if you’re dissatisfied with not receiving the services that you feel we are entitled to, please, please reach out and find me. I’m one of the easiest people to find in Santa Clara. I’m somewhat opinionated sometimes and folks know who I am. Just ask or reach out — we have a Facebook page for the info regarding the petition to abolish Santa Clara,

(or) ask your neighbors. I’m sure somebody that you know is well aware of what’s going on and I’m happy to answer any questions that you have,” said Desormeaux. Desormeaux says residents are paying taxes, but they are receiving very little in the way of services. He says there are also well documented problems with the city marshal’s office. He says those are some of the reasons why he thinks the residents of Santa Clara would be better off without a city government. Again, the full conversation with Desormeaux can be heard by visiting KWED and the Seguin Daily New’s website, seguintoday.com.

Sand Hills VFD to the rescue

Area residents evacuate following leak in southeast Guadalupe County

Cindy Aguirre-Herrera

(Guadalupe County) -- Several homes were forced to evacuate Sunday morning following a report of a propane tank explosion at a home located in the southeast portion of Guadalupe County. Captain KB Hallmark of the Sand Hills Volunteer Fire Department says crews responded around 10:30 a.m. at a home located in the 100 block of Pin Oak Road.

Upon arriving on scene, he says crews found an above ground residential propane tank that appeared to be leaking.

The crew pulled a fire hose from the engine, and Hallmark opened the service lid to find that the tank was leaking from its pressure relief valve. He says the tank appeared to be intact, and the level indicator gauge appeared to be beyond 100 percent. full.

“I’ve had training on these tanks before,” Hallmark said. “Sometimes they can be filled and a change in the ambient temperature will cause the amount

SISD, continued.

to expand and over pressurize. The relief valve was doing its job, so it was up to us to manage the vapors as we waited for technical assistance from the company.”

He says the fire crew ordered an evacuation of nearby homes until the owner’s propane company could respond. While waiting Sand Hills fire units used a fire hose to disperse vapors and keep them from building up in the area. When the Mid-Tex propane rep arrived on scene, Hallmark says it was decided that the tank was too full, and the excess would need to be released and burned in

He says with the desire to maintain transparency, it’s also important to remember, however, that they must also respect the privacy of all individuals involved.

That’s why he believes that folks looking for quick responses and better results should refrain from first addressing them on social media if at all possible.

Bright stated, “Additionally, we recognize that members of our community may choose to discuss and share their perspectives on social media platforms. While we understand that these platforms can serve as a space for open dialogue, we want to emphasize that the school district cannot respond to or address specific issues through social media. We kindly ask that you continue to use the designated reporting methods provided by the district to ensure that your concerns are properly documented and addressed. This approach allows us to maintain the privacy and well-being of our students and staff while promoting open communication and fostering a collaborative environment.”

Bright tells the Seguin Daily News that the district

an operation known as flaring off.

During this time, the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office dispatch initiated a reverse 911 call to homes in the area – asking that they evacuate.

Hallmark says he thanks all those who assisted during the incident including the Belmont VFD who remained on standby with a water truck.

“This was a complex scene requiring coordination and support from multiple entities to ensure the safety of the community before we began the flaring off,” said Hallmark. “I would like to thank the sheriff’s department, Belmont Fire, and Mid Tex for the assistance as well as the community for your patience while we ensured the safe and best resolution for this release of gas.”

Hallmark says the flare stack burned without incident for almost an hour. An all clear was then declared allowing evacuation orders to be lifted.

is not only working harder to address issues, but they are constantly working on providing even more resources toward finding solutions.

“What I am asking them to do is use the resources that we already have in place. Our website is a plethora of information. You can spend days upon days on the website. We just released the new website. It’s been about a year. We’ve still been doing some improvements on it, and we are still working for improvements. We get that feedback from the community of ‘hey, we’d like to see this’ but I think it’s really easy to navigate. You just have to spend some time on it and if there is something not on our webpage, we have fantastic staff at Central Office. Just call them. All the phone numbers for the different departments are listed on the website. Email addresses for all the board members are on the website. There’s so much information on our website. It just doesn’t get utilized as much as it should be.”

Bright, who personally addressed the public at the end of the meeting, added that trust and cooperation were essential in maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment for all students throughout the district.

Holub Sets 3000m Record at FasTrak

HOUSTON, Texas -- The Texas Lutheran men’s track and field team competed in the FasTrak Athletix Indoor Collegiate Challenge Saturday at Yeoman Fieldhouse at the University of Houston in a field primarily filled by Division-I competition.

For the second time in two seasons, Wesley Holub (Wallis/Brazos) broke the program record for the 3000m run at the FasTrak Collegiate Challenge, finishing tenth overall and second amongst NCAA Division-III runners with a time of 8:56.69. The time surpasses his own TLU record of 9:02.79 he set at this event in 2024.

Gabriel Ceballos (San Antonio/Smithson Valley) finished 18th overall and fourth amongst Division-III runners in the 800m run with a time of 2:01.89.

Parker Cabra (Schertz/Randolph) finished tied for third overall and second amongst Division-III jumpers in the high jump with a final mark of 1.95m (6’4.75”).

Ezra Acero (San Antonio/Harlan) finished sixth overall and first amongst

Division-III competitors in the pole vault with a mark of 4.60m (15’ 1”).

Garrett Haass (La Vernia/La Vernia) finished 12th overall and first amongst Division-III competitors in the 60m hurdles with a time of 8.47 seconds.

Eden Perez finished 25th overall and fourth amongst Division-III sprinters in the 200m dash with a time of 22.86 seconds.

The 4x400m relay team comprised of Perez, Braylen Brown, Terry Barnes (Cleveland, OH/San Marcos), and Gavin Godinez (Argyle/Byron Nelson) finished seventh overall and first amongst Division-III relay squads with a time of 3:26.34.

Full Results: https://www.tfrrs.org/results/88291/m/FasTrak_Athletix_ Collegiate_Challenge

Texas Lutheran returns to Houston on Feb. 8 for the FasTrak Athletix Collegiate Last Chance Qualifier which will also take place in the Yeoman Fieldhouse. For all updates on Texas Lutheran Track and Field, follow @ tluthrows and @tluxctf on Instagram as well as as all official TLU Athletics accounts. All schedule updates can be found on tlubulldogs.com.

Bryce Hayes - TLU Sports Marketing & Sports Information

Hagemann

Willa Vivian Bell Hagemann, age 74 of Seguin, passed away on January 26, 2025. Willa was born on July 29, 1950 in Sheridan Wyoming to Francesca (DeCeglie) and William Robert Bell.

Willa is preceded in death by her loving husband of 44 years, Tom Wagner Hagemann and her parents.

Survivors include her daughter, Kelly Hagemann-Reinhard and husband Chantry; son, Tom C. Hagemann and wife Ida; grandchildren, Jacob Ryan Castro and fiancé Mckayla Schmoekel, Kaelyn Rae Taylor, Brooklyn Nicole Hagemann, Kiloe

Lane Reinhard, Roman M. Carrillo, and Isabel L. Carrillo; greatgranddaughter, Presley C. Castro; sisters, Mary Eikenberry and Yvonne Johnson; numerous other loving family members and friends.

Graveside services and interment will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 2 p.m. at San Geronimo Cemetery with the Reverend Tom Jones officiating. Serving as pallbearers will be Tom C. Hagemann, Jacob Castro, Chantry Reinhard, Kiloe Lane Reinhard, Danny Bornemann, J. D. Quintanilla, and Eli Heiden.

Memorial contributions may be made to Friends of the Library, c/o Seguin-Guadalupe County Public Library, 313 West Nolte, 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.

Brown

Deborah Lynne Freeman Brown

Parents: James P. Freeman and Opaldean Young Freeman

Born August 8, 1956, Passed January 22, 2025

Survived by husband Steve Brown, Son-Taylor Brown and wife Kaitlyn; SonAlex Brown and wife Zoe; DaughterLaura Peyton Brown; Sister-Sandy Freeman Rice-Paul; Sister Patsy Freeman Nolte-Ken.

Debbie graduated from Seguin High School in 1974, Southwest Texas State in 1978 with a degree in Fashion Merchandising and

became a buyer for Swatch and Dillards.

Married Steve Brown in 1984 where they moved from Austin to Lake McQueeney in 1994. She worked at Navarro Schools and later Seguin High School. After the kids all graduated from high school she later became a real estate agent.

Debbie was a devoted mother and wife, who was known for her kindness, sense of humor, and charisma that made her so easy to talk to. She made sure to attend all of her children’s events from the boy’s fooball/baseball and karate, to Laura’s dance recitals and cheerleading, her family always came first. She loved spending time with her family on vacations to the Grand Canyon, trips to Disney World in Florida, F1 races, touring California beaches and family ski trips.

Services will be held on February 4, 2025 at Friedens United Church of Christ, 2555 Friedens Church Rd. Seguin, Texas at 11:00 AM, lunch to follow.

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.

Study: Smartphones Lead To Aggression, Hallucination In Teens

(Arlington, VA) -- A new study finds smartphones could be making teenagers more aggressive and causing hallucinations. The study, from nonprofit Sapien Labs, found that the younger a person is when they start using a smartphone, the more likely they are to develop psychological problems. A majority of teens, polled in the U.S. and India, said they had feelings of hopelessness, guilt, anxiety, and unwanted strange thoughts. The study also found that the problems are more common with girls.

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.

UnitedHealthcare Selects New CEO

(Minnetonka, MN) -- UnitedHealthcare Group has a new CEO. The company announced that Tim Noel will head the company following the shooting death of former CEO Brian Thompson. Thompson was killed in December while attending a conference in New York City. The alleged shooter was later arrested in Pennsylvania and is now facing murder charges. Noel has been with the company since 2007 and has served as CEO of its Medicare and Retirement unit.

Hawaii Residents Receive Dengue Fever Warnings

(Honolulu, HI) -- The state Department of Health confirms dengue fever warnings sent to some residents in Hawaii are real. Residents received notices, warning them of a travel-related dengue case in Honolulu. The dengue case is the first confirmed by the DOH in 2025. It’s spread by infected mosquitoes. In most cases, travelers come back from another country infected.

Nominations for 2024 Annual Seguin Arts Awards

The Seguin Commission on the Arts is accepting nominations for the 2024 Annual Seguin Arts Awards, honoring those who contribute to the arts in Seguin. Awards include Outstanding Contributor to the Arts, Youth Artist of the Year, and Art Organization of the Year. Nominations are due by March 7, 2025, and forms can be submitted via mail to P.O. Box 591, Seguin, TX 78156, or email to mainstreet@seguintexas.gov. For details, visit www.seguintexas.gov/art.

Seguin

Pony League Baseball and Softball Registration

The Seguin Pony League Baseball & Softball season runs from March 18 to May 25, 2025, at the Seguin Softball 4 Plex, 833 Nelda St. Registration is $50 for ages 3-14, with a deadline of January 25. For more information or to register, text Gabe at 830556-4271 or email allyouthsports@yahoo.com.

The Seguin Parks & Recreation Youth Co-Ed Volleyball Friday Night League Registration Register now for the Seguin Parks & Recreation Youth Co-Ed Volleyball Friday Night League starting February 28, 2025. The six-week league costs $55 and is open to Grades 2-3 (6:00-7:15 PM) and Grades 4-6 (6:30-8:00 PM), with practices and games held at the Seguin Volleyball Complex. The first session focuses on fundamentals, and teams will be announced afterward. Registration closes February 19, and a virtual family meeting will be held on February 20 at 5:30 PM. For details or to register, visit seguintexas.gov or call 830-401-2480.

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

Food Distribution Event

Join the San Antonio Food Bank distribution event hosted by Navarro ISD and supported by Guadalupe County on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Navarro Intermediate School, 588 Link Road, Seguin, TX. Volunteers are needed from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Register to volunteer or receive food by scanning the QR codes on the flyer. For more information, contact Guadalupe County Emergency Management at 830-303-8856.

Guadalupe County Humane Society Rummage Sale

The Guadalupe County Humane Society’s Garage/ Rummage Sale will be held on Saturday, February

1, starting at 8:00 AM at Handi-Stop Storage, 2511 N. State Hwy 46 (behind the liquor store). You’ll find everything from household items and home décor to tools, furniture, and yard supplies. All proceeds support GCHS’s daily operations and low-cost Spay/ Neuter program. Come shop for a great cause

The Winter Regional Job Fair

The Seguin Economic Development Corporation, Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, Cibolo Economic Development Corporation, and Schertz Economic Development Corporation present the Winter Regional Job Fair on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Seguin Coliseum, 950 S. Austin St., Seguin, TX. This event offers opportunities across various industries, featuring over 60 employers from Cibolo, New Braunfels, Schertz, and Seguin. Job seekers should dress in business casual attire and bring updated resumes. For more information, contact jdersen@ seguintexas.gov or visit the event info page.

Teatro de Artes Open House

Join Teatro de Artes for an Open House at Teatro De Artes De Juan Seguin on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM at 921 W. New Braunfels St., Seguin, TX. Celebrate the unveiling of the upgraded space with performances, tours, arts and crafts, and a special appearance by the Spurs Hype Squad. Family-friendly fun awaits!

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 and 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.

Art Unveiling

The National Endowment for the Arts, City of Seguin, and Teatro De Artes De Juan Seguin present Our Town Seguin: Roots of Resilience, an art unveiling event celebrating the African American experience in Seguin. Join us on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 5:30 PM at Texas Lutheran University’s Annetta Kraushaar Gallery in the Schuech Fine Arts Building, 517 Prexy Drive, Seguin, TX. This event features art installations by renowned artist Howard Crunk, created in collaboration with the Seguin community.

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.

Continued on the next page.

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

40th Annual Noche De Gala Competencia de Vocalistas

The Teatro De Artes De Juan Seguin presents the 40th Annual Noche De Gala Competencia de Vocalistas on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the TLU Jackson Auditorium, Seguin, TX. Performing and accompanying vocalists are the renowned all-female mariachi group, Mariachi Las Alteñas. Reserved and general admission tickets go on sale Saturday, January 11, 2025. Don’t miss this incredible celebration of music and culture!

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.

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 830303-4188 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 located 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, drug-free 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 830-303-6478.

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 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.

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.