Guadalupe County closes books on record-breaking year

(Seguin) – Guadalupe County Youth Livestock and Homemakers Show participants are again the big winners following what is being recorded as the largest show ever. Announcing the record-breaking year is Megan Reiley, co-secretary of the youth show committee.

“Every year, our goal is to be better than the last year and last year, we came in right at about $1.5 million and so we said all year, ‘we want to be better than that. We want to raise more money.’ As of (Sunday night), we were sitting at about $1.7. We are actually a lot closer to $1.8 million every day. I’m not sure if we are going to hit $1.8 but $1.7 is incredible. We would have been happy with $1.6. We even would have happy with $1.5 but we had a ton of new buyers come out and participate --a lot of our continuous supporters for the past 50 years have come out and continued to support us,” said Reiley.

Reiley says the support being thrown their way by the buyers is what is most impressive.

“Sometimes finding these buyers is difficult and part of that sales committee is trying to find those people who want to support these kids. You know there is sometimes that we might feel a little defeated like we are not going to get there and then every year, we just surprise ourselves and we give all the credit to the incredible buyers. We couldn’t do any of this without them,” said Reiley.

Reiley says support for these kids actually begins before each youth show in January. She says various events throughout the year help make it possible for all kids to benefit. Youth Show, pg. 3

Youth show, continued.

“A lot of these buyers, they have these big events that when people purchase tickets to these events, when they do the raffle prizes, the dinners – all these things. That money generated from those events goes straight to these kids. I think that’s really important for people to know when they buy tickets to Wade Busby or Ann, Bethany Bertling (And Tristan Gonzalez Foundation) – we have so many buying groups that when you support those groups, not only are you supporting that event, but those events come back and spend that money directly on our kids,” said Reiley.

Reiley says she extends kudos to all buyers including those mom-and-pop businesses who spend anywhere from $50 to $1000.

She is also just thankful for all those who acknowledge the hard work of these kids. She says it allows them to continue to raise more animals and allows the seniors to put those funds toward their college tuition.

At the end of the day, Reiley says it’s making sure that they are raising the most for the kids and providing them with the best shot at their futures. the public to come and make their wishes known and so far as the kind of leadership that they would like to see at the school district and just doing the best I can to help the staff get the job done that they need to do and be able to focus their attention on taking care of the kids in the best way," said Carter.

Carter, continued.

I've got lots to do in retirement but when I was contacted by Mrs. (Renee) Rehfeld (board president) to ask if she might place my name before the board for consideration, I guess my heart skipped a beat because my heart has always been here at Navarro for a long, long time. So, I spoke with my husband, and I spoke with my family, and everyone agreed that they could figure out how to make it work if indeed I came back here for a few months. So, here I am, and I'm just delighted to be here," said Carter.

Carter, who already admits to hitting the ground running, says coming back to a home where she served 14 years as superintendent has been a welcoming experience.

“It’s so interesting. I think I said in the letter that I wrote Friday afternoon, it’s like a time warp. So much is the same and so much is different. I’ve really enjoyed seeing both staff members and some of the older kids that I knew. Some of our community members have stopped by already. I appreciate that so much and I love to see people and chat with you and so you can share with me what your wants and desires are and come by. Say hi!” said Carter.

“The great thing about Guadalupe County is we like to sell 75 percent of our exhibitors so in a class of goats or a class of lambs, 75 percent of that class is going to sell which is incredible. We try and get that number as high as possible so actual sell lots that went through the sale – we were at 406 lots. So, exhibitors that actually went across the auction block was 406,” said Reiley. “Another great thing about Guadalupe County for our exhibitors who may have come and shown a pen of rabbits or a goat and unfortunately didn’t make the auction, we still give them the opportunity to raise money and receive addons from some of these buyers. So, they were still able to receive money and get some funds and those non-placing exhibitors really did have a lot of those buyers put money on them,” said Reiley.

This year’s youth show welcomed a total of 518 exhibitors. Many of those youth entered multiple projects. The youth show was held Jan. 17-21 at the Guadalupe County Fairgrounds.

Although she is enjoying her homecoming, Carter says she arrives at one of the busiest times of the year and is committed to supporting the district as much as possible.

"Well, it's an extraordinarily busy time for kids and staff and for our families. We've got testing to look forward to. We've got very very busy calendars in all extra-curricular areas during the spring, so the kids are extraordinarily busy and of course getting ready for graduation is a big deal and making that transition to a new superintendent is also a very important process for the community. My goal is to work with Mr. Morales. He and I are in partnership. He continues as deputy superintendent and we are going to work together to help the district have a smooth and great and exciting spring and I will be helping to support the board in the search for superintendent just arranging for town hall meetings and inviting

Carter says it’s especially important that she ensure the district’s financial obligations and that she help make this transition as smooth as possible for the teachers and employees.

“We’ve got a budget to develop. That’s always also a very big deal in the spring. There are so many new state requirements and guidance in terms of safety and security. We want to be sure we can continue to progress with that – just lots to do. So, my job is to help the staff do that as easily as they can – try to kick the obstacles out of their way so they can get their work done,” said Carter.

Following Carter’s footsteps in the spring of 2020 was former Superintendent Wendi Russell who only after two years retired from the position. Since then, the district has been led by Morales. Morales has since returned to his role as deputy superintendent and will now be assisting Carter this spring.

Johnson) went 2-for-5 with a double and two RBI and Holden Philippus (San Antonio/San Antonio in the top of the fifth, before TLU would pour on four runs in the bottom of the inning to take a

7-2 lead. A two RBI double from Tyler Post, who finished the opening weekend with seven RBI, and RBI from Aric Vasquez (San Antonio/Brandeis) and Niko Garcia (Houston/Langham Creek) were

Pacific responded with a run in the sixth, two runs in the eighth, and a towering solo home run in the top of the ninth to close the gap to 7-6. Strzelczyk would settle down after allowing the leadoff home run in the ninth, striking out two of the final three batters he faced to close the door

Texas Lutheran will travel to Austin, Texas, next week to participate in the Concordia Classic hosted by Concordia University. Texas Lutheran will face Pacific Lutheran and George Fox in a Saturday doubleheader with first pitch scheduled for 12:30 and 4 PM on Saturday, Feb. 11. All streaming and stat links can be found on

For more information on Texas Lutheran baseball and all TLU athletics, you can find updates on tlubulldogs.com and all official TLU social media channels (@tluathletics and @TLU_ Baseball on Twitter, @tlubulldogs on Instagram and Facebook, and @tlu_athletics on TikTok).

Dorcas Ann Orens, age 84 of Seguin, passed away peacefully at home with her husband, step-daughter Lori and friend Suzie by her side on Sunday, January 29, 2023. Dorcas was born on February 7, 1938 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Elizabeth (Hokamp) and Robert David McKeag. She later moved to Youngstown, OH. She gave generously of her love, her joy for life and her heart. She brightened the lives of many people.

Dorcas had many interests. As a young girl she loved to camp and fish. In 1976, she moved her family to San Antonio while towing a camper. She loved gardening, growing both flowers and vegetables. One of her other favorite hobbies was sewing. This hobby landed her a job at Stretch and Sew. She made all of her siblings special Christmas stockings when they were little. She also made quilts and sold her many items at craft shows. She often times made thoughtful and useful Christmas gifts for family and friends. She also loved to bake and started a family tradition of making nut rolls and pizzelles every Christmas.

Dorcas and Benny had a golden marriage. She worked with him at the Broadway Technical Institute, a job Dorcas and Benny owned and she held dear. She was a mentor and she loved all the students that she and Benny taught. Dorcas mentored those students with love. Eventually she became interested in genealogy which led her and Benny to serve in the family history center for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She was a devoted member of her church where she held many callings.

Dorcas is preceded in death by her parents and her granddaughter Mary Lynn.

Survivors include her loving husband of 41 years, Benjamin J. Orens; children, daughter Marie; sons Larry (Andrea), Steven (Tiffany); step-daughters, Lori Korus, Donna Park, Cheri Bishop and husband; grandchildren, Jeremy, Travis, William, Benjamin, Charles, Austin Eaton (Teddy), Ashley Rose, Chelsea and Tyler Bain; great-grandchildren, Parker and Oliver Eaton, Camden and Camille Rose; siblings, Alma Baker (John), Robert McKeag (Donna), Susan Koch (Richard), William McKeag (Sharon); numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and friends.

Visitation will begin on Monday, February 6, 2023 at 1 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints in Seguin, followed by services at 2 p.m. with Bishop Tim Bird conducting. Private interment will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at a later date. Serving as pallbearers will be Bill McKeag, Bob McKeag, Brad Drollinger, Bob Krambeck, Ron McLane, Rudy Hernandez.

For those who desire the services may be livestreamed at Services may be livestreamed on Feb 6, 2023 2:00 PM Central Time. Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/6189466016?pwd=RkEwL2hIdUdobFJT eU4rL213YVJaZz09

Meeting ID: 618 946 6016

Passcode: 444444

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.

William Clark

“Bill” Dreier, age 88 of Seguin, formerly of Titusville, Florida, and Marinette Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2023.

Bill was the oldest child born to Elmer and Jean Spoor Dreier on May 19, 1934 in Marinette WI. He was a graduate of Marinette High School class of 1952.

In 1954 Bill was united in marriage to Joan Marie Hansen. They recently celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary.

Bill lived in Marinette all his life working at Ansul Chemical Company for 34 years.

He was a proud member of the Marinette Rescue Squad and an active member of Pioneer Presbyterian Church. He was involved in many Masonic organizations and was a member of the Marinette Masonic Lodge for 59 years and played in the Shriners Band. Bill had moved to Titusville Florida and recently to Seguin Texas to be close to his family.

Bill is survived by his loving wife Joan; daughter, Susan “Sue” (Keith) Thompson; grandchildren, Joshua (Grace), Hannah and Daniel Thompson of Texas, and Michael Thompson of Florida; greatgrandchildren, Isabella and Evelyn of Texas; sister Betty Messenger of Peshtigo WI; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son David and brother Robert “Bob” (Joy) Dreier of Port Washington WI.

A memorial service celebrating Bill’s life will be held at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Robert K. Odom officiating. Reception to follow at Eden Place Club House, 1220 Jefferson Ave., Seguin, Texas.

Graveside services and interment will be held at a later date in the St. Luke’s Presbyterian Memorial Garden (which his wife helped establish) in Titusville, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask for donations to Guadalupe Regional Hospice, 1346 E Walnut St., Seguin, Texas 78155. The family would like to thank the wonderful nursing care of the hospice team that allowed Bill to remain at home with his family by his side.

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.

De La Garza

James Eugene “Jimmy” De La Garza Sr., age 79 of Seguin, passed away on February 5, 2023. Jimmy was born on March 4, 1943 in Seguin, Texas to Elizabeth (Morales) and Uvaldo De La Garza.

Jimmy began his career in law enforcement in 1977 with the Seguin Police Department, retiring in 2013. He then worked part time in the Juvenile Detention Center at the Guadalupe County Sherriff’s office. He took great pride in his work as he loved and cared for his community here in Seguin and Guadalupe County.

Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Robert De La Garza and David De La Garza, and half-sister, Linda Morin.

Survivors include his children, Toni Gonzales and partner, Leonard Medina, James De La Garza, Jr. and partner, Rosalinda M. Gonzales, and Joel De La Garza; former wife and friend, Tonie R. De La Garza; grandchildren, Juan Menchaca and fiancé Yessie Avila, Mark Menchaca and partner Rosemary Sanchez, Amy Boudreau and husband Ed, Toni Medina and partner Jeremiah Wisher, and Carissa Medina and partner Fabian Fonseca, James De La Garza, III, Joshua De La Garza, and Jacob P. De La Garza and partner Daina Juarez; ten great-grandchildren; brothers, Frank De La Garza and wife Mary, Valdo De La Garza, Jr. and wife Judy, and Carlos De La Garza and wife Annie; halfbrother, Troy Morin and wife Dina; step-sister, Josephina Galvan; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and many friends.

Jimmy will lie in repose at Tres Hewell Mortuary, Thursday, February 9, 2023 from 2 to 4 p.m. Visitation will begin at St. James Catholic Church at 5 p.m. followed by the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:30 p.m. with Deacon Nick Carrillo officiating. Visitation will begin again on Friday, February 10, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Canon Stanislaw Fiuk officiating. Interment will follow in San Geronimo Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Juan Menchaca, Mark Menchaca, James De La Garza, III, Joshua De La Garza, Jacob De La Garza and Mark Anthony Menchaca. Honorary pallbearers will be Veronica and Johnny San Miguel, Stacy and Tom Ballard, and Janice Weinman and husband Kevin Seider.

You are invited to sign the guestbook at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.

Turner

Charles Turner, age 81, passed away on February 2, 2023 in Seguin, TX.

Chuck is survived by his wife Pam and two children, Cori and Michael. He is also survived by his two sisters, Betty Strobridge (LeRoy) and Nelda Phelps, and brother, Donnie Coleman (Cathi) along with his grandchildren, Nick, Chase and Evan, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving family members and many friends. Chuck was preceded