SDN: April 3, 2023

Family voices concerns of bullying in SISD

(Seguin) -- A Seguin ISD family is frustrated and says it can no longer wait patiently for someone in the district to protect their kids from bullying at a local campus. That frustration led the family to publicly address Seguin ISD Board of Trustees members during its recent meeting.

Speaking before the trustees during the public-to-be-heard portion of the meeting were Jerry and Melissa Belmarez.

Although Melissa attempted to read her statement, she could not fight the tears and frustration, forcing her husband to take over her notes and share what his family has experienced for months.

In his statement to the board, Jerry spoke about the couple’s two boys, who have been the victims of relentless bullying since elementary school, which

has become more prominent now that they are in middle school.

“Our boys are good respectful intelligent young men. It’s getting really hard as a parent to see your son’s spirit for life be broken due to the physical abuse, verbal abuse, and mental abuse. Every day they dread going to school. They are constantly looking over their shoulders wondering if they have to keep defending themselves whether it’s verbal or physical,” said Jerry. Bullying, pg. 2

All Ages Come out to RACE for

Cindy Aguirre-Herrera

Members of the community came out Saturday to support the Seguin Education Foundation during the Race for Education 5K. The event concluded at the Backyard with drinks, awards and a market day on the grounds. See more photos from the race on page 5. Photo by Lizz Daniels.

Bullying, continued.

The seriousness of this bullying is growing to the point where it impacts the two children well beyond the scope of their school life.

“The reason for this is because one of my sons is now in counseling every other week due to bullying and trauma. He has suicidal ideations with one attempt that we are aware of. We will not allow my sons to be a statistic of the 3,600 children that have already committed suicide under the age of 13 due to bullying in this country. Our kids are not fighters and are tired of the thought of having to fight to defend themselves either verbally or physical,” read Jerry. “All they want to do is go to school, get an education, be with their friends, and participate in sports and theater arts or any other school activities.”

Jerry says chaos and pressure continue to build inside their sons when they are left to feel that there is no support from the district.

“One of our boys, he loves theater arts so much. He is afraid that if he gets into a fight, he will lose his chances of being in the upcoming plays he is working so hard for. Sometimes, it affects him mentally and he will shut down,” said Jerry.

Having already gone through many avenues in the district, Jerry stated that he and his wife had no choice but to be before the trustees that night.

“If something happens to our children, we will hold the school district accountable because my son has cried out for help and so have, we. I hope that after hearing my voice, that you will talk it over and make the necessary changes that will help not only our children but other children and their families who have not voiced their concerns,” concluded Jerry.

In their comments, the couple stated they were not looking to speak down on the principal or staff but instead really call public attention to what is going on with their boys and other kids going through the same thing. The couple believes there needs to be a public approach to addressing bullying and a transparent understanding of how things are handled. This is necessary, they say, so that students and their families understand the legal and district wranglings behind it all.

“I see other parents on social media, but they always state, ‘nothing is getting done’ or ‘the school just sweeps it under the rug.’ We are different and will continue to be our children’s voices and will fight for them,” said Jerry.

Meanwhile, bullying affects not just Jerry and Melissa’s family, but also his younger brother Rene’s family. Rene and his wife Gabriela also spoke up and shared the experiences endured by their elementary school-age daughter. Rene tells the Seguin Daily News that the opportunity to speak was not planned. In fact, he and his wife were there because their daughter happened to be one of the students selected to read and share with trustees the learning that is going on in local classrooms.

“We are a Christian family raised to not fight back, but that doesn’t mean that the school board can

let this continue just because we are good people and we were raised right. My daughter is being slapped. She has been kicked. She has been punched. She has been pushed. She has been bruised. She is an excellent student. She doesn’t want to attend school some days because of this, and it is a boy that is continuing to bully over and over. Nothing is being done. Things, like my brother said, are being pushed under the rug. That is not good in my eyes, and I know if this was a school board member’s – and I’m being honest, a school board member’s child or a teacher’s child, things would be handled differently. We need to bring this out. We need to bring this out yesterday and not wait until something happens. When something happens, it is too late,” stated Rene. “We don’t need to be on the news across the nation like other schools are.”

Due to board policy, trustees that evening were unable to respond to the families’ comments. The district cannot also respond specifically about the Belmarez family with the Seguin Daily News. District officials did, however, share their position when it comes to bullying and how it is handled.

“Anytime our campus administrators, teachers, central office administrators become aware of a bullying issue on campus whether it’s an outcry from a student or a student’s family member, we engage and we start a process to address it, to investigate it, look at it at all angles and do the best we can from a school’s standpoint working with those families, working with those students to make the situation go away. Unfortunately, bullying involves students and their choices and making bad choices in the way that they are treating other fellow students,” said Chief Communication Officer Sean Hoffmann.

Bullying, pg. 3

Racers TOUGH as MATADORS

Bullying, continued.

The nature of bullying is no longer limited to the classroom or playground. Hoffmann says. Unfortunately, it has also evolved into a whole new level of threat and scope of inappropriate behavior.

“Bullying has no place in our classrooms. In recent years, cyberbullying has become more apparent, and we have tried to raise awareness with our school community regarding cyberbullying. Often times with students have available technology readily at hand, our parents do not know what their students are engaged with and engaged in online. So, that’s an awareness that we have tried to raise as well in working with parents and working with students on those expectations,” said Hoffmann. “Often times, there are issues outside the classroom, outside the school day where students may engage in behavior that leads to bullying and again, we don’t want it to come into our classrooms. We don’t want it happening at all,” said Hoffmann.

In response to the cases of bullying that are reported, Hoffmann says what the district needs is community support. He says, as the cliché goes, ‘it takes a village to raise a child.” He says that effort falls in line with ensuring that all students know what proper behavior is during the school day.

“It is not something that we can address alone. So, we do rely on our families. We do rely on our parents to instill those expectations, those values within our students to work with us so that those students everyday they go to school, they know what the expectation is and one of those expectations is to treat your fellow student, fellow teacher with respect,” said Hoffmann.

According to Jerry and Melissa that night, the district had already scheduled a meeting to discuss their allegations further. They say while the meeting should have happened a long time ago, they are still thankful for the opportunity to hopefully find some resolutions for their sons. They also stated that by speaking before trustees, they felt it was important to illustrate how parents shouldn’t give up on advocating for their children. Of course, they suggest going through the proper channels at the campus level first and hope that by publicly sharing their story, others will not have to get to the point of having to go before the school board. Instead, they hope their concerns are taken seriously from the very beginning. In addition, they encourage all families, no matter the school system, to follow those proper channels and demand change instead of posting on social media where more times than not, those voices go unheard.

Baseball Blasts St. Thomas, 13-1

WEIMAR, Texas -- Texas Lutheran Baseball blasted St. Thomas 13-1 in eight innings to open the series against the Celts on Friday at Veterans Memorial Park. The Bulldogs (13-12, 4-3 SCAC) were relentless at the plate, hammering out 13 hits, including three home runs, three doubles, and a triple.Blake Cappadona (Mont Belvieu/Barbers Hill) set the table at the top of the Bulldogs order, going 2-for-4 with a triple, a homer, and two runs scored. Tyler Post (San Antonio/Johnson) went 2-for-4 with a homer - his third consecutive game with a home run - and three runs scored. Alec Sanchez (Waxahachie/Waxahachie) went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer. Niko Garcia (Houston/Langham Creek) and Randy Huerta (New Braunfels/New Braunfels) drove in two runs each.

Blade Strzelczyk (San Antonio/East Central) tossed a complete game and allowed just one unearned run on three hits to pick up his first win of the season and his first career win as a starter.

After a leadoff triple from Cappadona to start the game, Aric Vasquez (San Antonio/Brandeis) got the Bulldogs on the board in the first inning with an infield single to the shortstop. St. Thomas would respond with their lone run of the game in the bottom of the inning to tie the game 1-1.

Texas Lutheran came right back in the top of the second, as Cappadona launched a three-run home to give TLU a 4-1 lead.

The Bulldogs offense kept it up in the third, scoring three runs with Tyler Post scoring on a wild pitch before a two-RBI single from Randy Huerta would give the Bulldogs a 7-1 lead.

After coming up empty in the fourth, Niko Garcia got the Bulldogs gong with a one out, two RBI double to extend the Bulldogs lead to 9-1.

Post then blasted his SCAC-leading seventh home run of the season, a solo home run, as TLU approached run-rule territory with a 10-1 lead.

Texas Lutheran scored three more on two hits in the eighth to fully enter run-rule territory. Holden Philippus (San Antonio/San Antonio Christian) scored on a wild pitch before Alec Sanchez would hit his first homer of the season, a two-run blast, to score the game’s final runs.

Texas Lutheran has scored 41 runs over the course of their last three games.

Texas Lutheran is scheduled to close out the series on Saturday, April 1, as the teams will meet for a doubleheader scheduled for 1 & 4 PM. All streaming and live stat links can be found on tlubulldogs.com.

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 Facebook, and @tlu_athletics on Instagram and TikTok).

Chris Austin

Kevin M. Kolb, age 56 of Seguin, passed away on March 28, 2023. Kevin was born on May 25, 1966 in Sacramento, California to Helen Tiemann Kolb and Major Maynard Kolb, U.S.A.F. (Ret.).

Kevin was a 1984 graduate of Seguin High School. He attended the University of Texas at Austin, graduating with a degree in Accounting in 1988. He worked at KPMG Accounting Firm as a Certified Public Accountant. Kevin attended St. Mary’s University School of Law and received his Juris Doctorate Degree in 1993. He met and married Elizabeth Murray while attending Law School. Kevin moved to Denver where he received his LL.M. in 1994 at the University of Denver College of Law.

Upon completion of his studies, Kevin and Elizabeth returned to his hometown of Seguin and practiced law at their firm Kolb and Murray, P. C. He also proudly served as the Municipal Court Judge for the City of Seguin. Kevin and Elizabeth were members of Lifegate Church in Seguin. A jack of all trades, Kevin enjoyed a variety of outdoor activities including scuba diving, hunting, fishing and working around their property. Elizabeth and Kevin enjoyed many travels, especially cruises.

Kevin is preceded in death by his father Maynard Kolb. Survivors include his loving wife of thirty years, Elizabeth Murray Kolb; step-son, Michael Murray and wife Tabitha; grandson who knew and loved him as Opa, Roger Murray; mother, Helen Tiemann Kolb; sisters, Margie Traeger and husband Drew, and Lynne Starcke and husband Hilmar; nephews and nieces, Andrew Traeger and wife Megan, Steven Traeger and wife Kaitlyn, Christopher Lawrence, Michelle Van Overloop and husband John, Michael Lawrence, Nora Compton and husband Chris, and Claire LaGrone and husband John; great nieces and nephews, Ryan, Reagan, Adeline, Ryan, Jack, Aaron and Claire; numerous cousins, other loving family members and many friends.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at 4 p.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel with the Rev. Robert Odom and the Rev. Joshua Jordan officiating. A reception will follow at the family home. Private interment will be held at a later date in San Geronimo Cemetery in Seguin.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lifegate Ministries, 395 Lifegate Lane, 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.

House Committee Holds Hearing On Weaponization Of Government

(Washington, DC) -- A House subcommittee is holding a hearing on the “weaponization” of the federal government. The committee is looking at whether the Biden administration directed social media companies on how to share information during the COVID-19 pandemic. The hearing is focused on the Missouri v. Biden case. The plaintiffs accuse the administration of colluding with social media companies to suppress information related to COVID-19 and censoring Americans.

Pope Francis’ Health Improving After Hospitalization

(Vatican City) -- Pope Francis’ health is improving after being hospitalized for a respiratory infection on Wednesday. According to the Vatican, the Pope is continuing with treatment but slept well and continued working this morning after breakfast. The 86-year-old pontiff experienced “respiratory difficulties” before being admitted to a hospital in Rome. This all comes just ahead of the Vatican’s Holy Week observances leading up to Easter on April 9th.

Texas Judge Says Some Obamacare Mandates Cannot Be Enforced Nationwide

(Dallas, TX) -- A Federal Judge in Texas says insurers no longer need to provide certain preventative care services for free. U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor decided those Affordable Care Act mandates can’t be enforced nationwide. That includes some cancer and heart screenings, STI testing and programs to quit smoking. O’Connor said the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommendations on what should be covered violates a Constitutional clause.

Two Types Of Headaches Linked To Circadian Rhythms

(Houston, TX) -- Two types of severe headaches are being linked to the body’s internal clock. Cluster headaches cause an intense burst of pain around the eye that can last for about 15 minutes and reoccur for up to three hours. A new study published Wednesday says cluster headaches are more common in males than females, unlike migraines which are more common in females, and that cluster headaches usually happen at night while migraines usually come during the day. The scientists at the Will Erwin Headache Research Center in Houston say the body’s circadian rhythm appears to be involved in both headache disorders.

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COMMUNITY COMMUNITY CALENDAR

“Week of the Young Child” Reading Events

The CCSCT Head Start/Early Head Start will have its “Week of the Young Child” Reading Events at 9:30 a.m. Monday, April 3 with Seguin Mayor, Donna Dodgen, 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 4 with Vice Principal of Ball Elementary, Ms. Guerra, 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 5 with Seguin City Manager, Steve Parker, and 2:30 p.m. Thursday, April 6 with Seguin Police Officer Maresh and K9 Officer Cirix. Seguin Head Start is located at 1575 N. Austin St. in Seguin. For more information, call 830-294-0143.

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group

The NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group for adults with mental health conditions meets from 6:308 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month at First Methodist Church. Learn more at www.NAMIGuadalupeCounty.org.

Pickleball 101 Clinic

The City of Seguin Parks and Recreation Department will offer a Pickleball 101 Clinic from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 4 at the Seguin-Saegert Pickleball Complex, located at 418 W. Mountain St. in Seguin. The clinic is for ages 18 and older. Players must wear athletic closed-toe shoes. Equipment will not be provided. Online registration is required at www.bit.ly/SeguinPickleballClinic. For more information, call 830-4012480.

AA Meetings

The Seguin Primary Purpose Group of AA will meet at 7 p.m. Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at 315 S. Crockett St. in Seguin. For more information, call 830-386-0334.

Chamber

Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon

The Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce will have its April Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 5 at the Silver Center, located at 510 E. Court St. in Seguin. The cost per meal is $25.

Seguin Premier Toastmasters

Seguin Premier Toastmasters will meet from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month at GVEC Community Room, located at 927 SH-46 in Seguin. Toastmasters is a place to practice your speech for work or school where friendly people encourage and give tips to help you improve your communication skills. For more information, call Dina at 423-227-9610.

NAMI Family Support Group

The NAMI Family Support Group for adult family members and friends of adults with mental health conditions meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at First Methodist Church Seguin. Learn more at www.NAMIGuadalupeCounty.org.

Geronimo Lions Meeting

The Geronimo Lions meet at 6:30 a.m. on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at the Big Red Barn on Cordova Road. Breakfast is provided. For more

information, call Steven Hughes at 870-949-5003.

Beginning Drawing Class

The Seguin Art League will offer a Beginning Drawing Class from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 6 at 104 S. Austin St. in Seguin. This beginning class will focus on basic drawing techniques. The cost is $30 and supplies included. The class is limited to 10. For more information, call 830-305-0472.

La Trinidad UMC Maunday Thursday Service

The La Trinidad United Methodist Church continues its Bilingual Holy Week Services with a 7 p.m. Maunday Thursday Service on Thursday, April 6 at 306 E. Gonzales St. in Seguin. For more information, call 830-379-1991.

Celebrate Recovery

The Celebrate Recovery ministry at Crossroads Church meets from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday nights at 3455 W. Hwy 90 in Seguin. Celebrate recovery is for anyone dealing with anxiety, alcohol, depression, codependency, unforgiveness, self doubt, addiction, grief, eating disorders, relationships, anger, substance abuse, destructive behavior, spending, stress, and more. For more information call 830-251-2080.

Appraisal District Offices Closure

The Guadalupe Appraisal District offices in Schertz and Seguin will be closed Friday, April 7. The offices will re-open at 8 a.m. Monday, April 10.

Good Friday Fish Fry

The Guadalupanas of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church will have a Fish Fry from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 7 at 409 W. Krezdorn St. in Seguin. Catfish Plates are $13.50 and include fries, coleslaw, and green bean salad. Dine-in and to go plates available. For more information call 830-3794348.

First Friday Feast

The Geronimo Lions will have its First Friday Feast Fish or Steak Dinner from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 7 at the Big Red Barn. Meals are $20 (a child’s hot dog plate is $5). Tickets can be purchased at the door. The beneficiary will be the Shriners Children’s and entertainment will be provided by the Shriner Band.

La Trinidad UMC Good Friday Service

The La Trinidad United Methodist Church continues its Bilingual Holy Week Services with a 7 p.m. Good Friday Service on Friday, April 7 at 306 E. Gonzales St. in Seguin. For more information, call 830-3791991.

La Trinidad UMC Easter Services

The La Trinidad United Methodist Church will have an Easter Sunrise Service at 7 a.m. and an Easter Service at 10 a.m. on Sunday, April 9 at 306 E. Gonzales St. in Seguin. For more information, call 830379-1991.

Crossroads Easter Sunrise Service

The Crossroads Church will have its Easter Sunrise Service from 7 to 8 a.m. Sunday, April 9 at The Gathering Place pavilion, located at 3455 W. US Hwy in Seguin. There will be worship and scripture readings to celebrate the miracle of Easter. For more information, call 830-379-7737.

Crossroads “3 Days” Easter Production

The Crossroads Church will present its original production, “3 Days,” at 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. Sunday, April 9 at 3455 W. US Hwy in Seguin. For more information, call 830-379-7737.

Resurrection 2023 Event

The Miracle harvest Ministries will have its Resurrection 2023 Event from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 9 at the Starcke Park Bowl, located in Starcke Park. There will be free burgers, chips, pastries, and hot dogs. There will also be giveaways, raffles, gifts, and fun games for all ages. For more information, call 830305-4023 or email pastorarevalo@yahoo.com.

Race to Raise 5K Run/Walk

The Guadalupe Regional Medical Foundation will have its 10th Annual Race to Raise 5K Run/Walk at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, April 29 at Pecantown Books & Brews. Register by Monday, April 10 to be guaranteed a t-shirt. The cost is $35 for adults, and the Kids 1 Mile (12 $ under) is $25. For more information and to register, visit: https://www.grmedfoundation. org/race-to-raise-2023.html. All proceeds benefit the LifeSaver Grant Program, with a portion designated to the General Endowment. Funds raised are used to purchase equipment and materials, and provide support for programs that enhance and advance patient care at GRMC.

Adult Pickleball League

There will be an Adult Pickleball League held from 6 to 8 p.m. every Tuesday from April 11 through May 16 at the Seguin-Saegert Pickleball Complex, located at 418 W. Mountain St. in Seguin. The league includes four weeks of games and a final Championship Week, played with those of similar skill. Participants must commit to all five weeks of league play. Inclement weather day is scheduled for Tuesday, May 16. Players must wear athletic closed-toe shoes. Equipment will not be provided. Online registration is required at www.bit.ly/SeguinPickleballLeague. For more information, call 830-401-2480.

Native Plant Society Meeting

The Guadalupe Chapter of the Native Plant Society will have its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 11 at the First Presbyterian Church, located at 1121 E. Walnut St. in Seguin. Parking will be in the rear of the church and you can enter from N. Moss St. The presenter will be Bob Teweles, who will lead an interactive workshop on the advantages of native plants. There will be a plant/seed exchange and social time at 6:30 p.m., followed by the program. For more information visit http://npsot.org/wp/guadalupe/.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Shoot For Scholarship

The Hermann Sons Life Seguin will have its Shoot For Scholarship from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 15 at Moyesway Shooting Sports, located at 12601 FM 20 in Kingsbury. Main Event prices are $100 per youth and $125 per adult. Side Event prices are $50 per youth and $60 per adult. There will also be food trucks on site for breakfast and lunch. Pre-register at www.iclays. com.

Needle Weaving Class

The Seguin Art League will offer a Needle Weaving Class from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 15 at 104 S. Austin St. in Seguin. Learn five easy stitches you can use to make a beautiful wall hanging. This skill can also be used to make handbags, place mats, pillows and more. The cost is $30, supplies included. The class is limited to 10. For more information, call 830-305-0472.

All-In For Agricultural Education Fundraiser

There will be an All-in For Agricultural Education Fundraiser at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 15 at the Texas Agricultural Education & Heritage Center (The Big Red Barn) on Saturday, April 15. There will be complimentary beverages and snacks. Dinner will be served at 5 p.m. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. Registration is $300 up to the day of the event. To register and buy online visit https://texagedu.org, or to buy in person at Westerholm Koehler Insurance, Gift and Gourmet, The Big Red Barn.

Food Distribution Event

There will be a Food Distribution Event from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, April 17 at First Baptist Church Seguin, located at 1314 E. Cedar St. in Seguin. Pre-register at www.Freshtrak.com.

Hispanic Chamber Annual Awards Banquet

The Seguin Guadalupe County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and TAMACC Education Foundation will have its 34th Annual Awards Banquet presentations beginning with a Social Hour at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 19 at the Seguin Coliseum. Tickets are $50 and are available by calling 830-372-3151.

Hermann Sons Life Seguin Meeting

The Hermann Sons Life Seguin meets every third Wednesday of the month. The social time begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by a meal at 7 p.m. Members are asked to bring a side or dessert.

Business in the Park 2023

The Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce will have its Business in the Park 2023 from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 20 in Central Park in Downtown Seguin. There will be food trucks, vendors, and live music.

City of Seguin Spring Clean-up Day

The City of Seguin will have its Spring Clean-up Day from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 22 at the Seguin Events Complex (Coliseum) parking lot, located at 950 S. Austin St. in Seguin. A proof of residency is required. Accepted items include: junk disposal, scrap metal, ap-

pliances (without Freon), a maximum of 10 automobile tires (no larger than 19.5”). Paper shredding will also be available. Items that will not be accepted include: hazardous material or chemicals, brush/limbs, fences, sheds, construction materials or debris, appliances with Freon, tractor-trailer, mower, bike or ATV tires, and no tires from local businesses. For more information, call 830-401-2416 or visit https://bit.ly/SeguinCleanUpDay.

Seguin River 5K Run/Walk

The Seguin Faith Lutheran Church small group, Life Bridge, will have a Seguin River 5k Run/Walk at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, April 22 at the Patricia K. Irvine King Pavilion, located at 104 River Dr. East in Seguin. For event details visit www.athleteguild.com/event/seguintx/2023-seguin-5k-river-runwalk. For questions, contact Cody Goetz at SeguinRiverRun@gmail.com.

Festival For Life

The South Texas Pregnancy Care Center will have its Festival For Life from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 22 at the Columbus Club Hall, located at 1015 S. Austin St. in Seguin. There will be a rock wall, bouncy castles, dunking booth, live music, dessert auction, and more. There will also be burger tickets available pre-sale or at the door.

Rose Painting Class

The Seguin Art League will offer a Rose Painting Class from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 22 at 104 S. Austin St. in Seguin. Learn the steps to complete your own yellow rose of Texas. Once you learn this technique it can be applied to many other forms of art. The class is for adults and the cost is $40 with supplies included. For more information, call 830-305-0472.

Guadalupe Lodge BBQ Fundraiser

The Guadalupe Lodge BBQ Fundraiser will be held from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 22 at 1945 W. Kingsbury St. in Seguin. Plates are $15 and include pulled pork and sausage, sides, dessert and drink. There will be drive through and dine-in available. There will also be a silent auction.

Seguin Art League High School Art Show

The Seguin Art League will have its High School Art Show Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29 for all students in grades 9 through 12. Art will be accepted from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 27 in McKeogh Hall at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. There is no entry fee and a prospectus is available at www.seguinartleague. com. Artwork must be ready for display and cannot exceed 36 inches in any direction. For more information, call 830-305-0472 or visit 104 S. Austin St. in Seguin.

Texans Reaching Out

The St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church will have its “Texans Reaching Out” fundraiser at 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 28 at The Texas Theatre. There will be heavy hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and a live auction. Tickets are $25 per person and are available at the church office, located at 201 E. Nolte St. in Seguin. There will also be 50/50

raffle tickets for which you do not have to be present to win. All proceeds benefit St. Andrew’s community and international outreach efforts. For more information, call Kelly Follis at 830-463-7549.

Kiwanis Club Flapjack Jamboree

The Seguin Kiwanis Club will have its Kiwanis Club Flapjack Jamboree from 6:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 29 in the parking lot adjacent to the First Methodist Church on N. Austin St. in Seguin. Plates of pancakes and sausage are $10 each. This is a drive-thru event and the Navarro Jazz band will be providing live music. Proceeds benefit scholarships, sponsorships, and other community needs.

Earth Day Festival/Spring Trade Day

Seguin’s 16th Annual Earth Day Festival and Spring Trade Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 29 at Central Park in downtown Seguin. Residents can learn how to live a greener lifestyle and how Seguin can become a healthier, more sustainable community. Businesses, schools, organizations, and industries will show how to protect the environment and conserve natural resources. Musical groups will perform in the bandstand and there will be activities for children. There will be over 80 vendors throughout downtown selling crafts, jewelry, food, clothes, toys, and more.

Mid-Texas Symphony The Mid-Texas Symphony will present, “Symphonie Fantastique,” at 4 p.m. Sunday, April. 30 in Jackson Auditorium on the campus of Texas Lutheran University in Seguin. The event features Akiko Fujimoto, conductor, and John Henry Crawford, cello.

MAY

Seguin Area Youth Leadership Academy (SAYLA)

The Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce will have its 18th Annual Seguin Area Youth Leadership Academy from Saturday, June 10 to Friday, June 16. SAYLA is for Guadalupe County students entering their junior or senior year. The application deadline is Thursday, May 1. For more information, call 830-379-6382. Applications are available online at www.seguinchamber.com/ seguin-area-youth-leadership-sayla.

Teacher of the Year Dinner & Awards Presentation

The Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce will have its Teacher of the Year Dinner & Awards Presentation from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 1 at the Seguin Coliseum. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the cost is $25 per person. For more information, call 830-379-6382.

Mental Health Conversations

Emanuel’s Lutheran Church, NAMI Guadalupe County, and the Seguin Public Library will offer, “From Darkness to Light: Stories and Conversations about Mental Health,” from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 7 at the Seguin Public Library, located at 313 W. Nolte St. in Seguin. The event will feature guest speakers who will share their experiences with mental illness and recovery.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Beginning Water Color Class

The Seguin Art League will offer a Beginning Water Color Class from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 13 at 104 S. Austin St. in Seguin. This beginning class will focus on basic watercolor techniques. The cost is $30, supplies included. The class is limited to 10. For more information, call 830-305-0472.

Food Distribution Event

There will be a Food Distribution Event from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, May 15 at First Baptist Church Seguin, located at 1314 E. Cedar St. in Seguin. Pre-register at www.Freshtrak.com.

Leadership Seguin Graduation Dinner

The Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce will have its Leadership Seguin Graduation Dinner from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 23 at the Geronimo Community Center, located at 280 Navarro Dr. in Geronimo.

JUNE

Help Seguin Shine Application Deadline

The Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce will accept Help Seguin Shine Applications until Friday, June 2. For more information, call 830-379-6382.

Food Distribution Event

There will be a Food Distribution Event from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, June 3 at Faith Lutheran Church, located at 1326 E. Cedar St. in Seguin. Pre-register at www.Freshtrak.com.

JULY

Food Distribution Event

There will be a Food Distribution Event from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, July 17 at First Baptist Church Seguin, located at 1314 E. Cedar St. in Seguin. Pre-register at www.Freshtrak.com.

AUGUST

Master Naturalist Training Class

The Guadalupe Master Naturalist Chapter will offer a Master Naturalist Training Classes will be held every other Tuesday from 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 8 to Nov. 18 at the AgriLife Extension Building, located at 210 E. Live Oak St. in Seguin. The Cost is $125. For application and class information, visit http://txmn.org/guadalupe and follow the “Certification Training” dropdown or text John Barrington at 830-237-3544. Master Naturalists are volunteers educating the public and working to enhance and preserve the many natural resources and areas of Texas. Learn more about the program at http://txmn.org.

Food Distribution Event

There will be a Food Distribution Event from 9 to 11 a.m. day, Saturday, Aug. 26 at GRMC Hospital, located at 1215 E. Court St. in Seguin. Pre-register at www.Freshtrak.com.

SEPTEMBER

Food Distribution Event

There will be a Food Distribution Event from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 18 at First Baptist Church Seguin, located at 1314 E. Cedar St. in Seguin. Pre-register at www.Freshtrak.com.

OCTOBER

Food Distribution Event

There will be a Food Distribution Event from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 16 at First Baptist Church Seguin, located at 1314 E. Cedar St. in Seguin. Pre-register at www.Freshtrak.com.

NOVEMBER

Food Distribution Event

There will be a Food Distribution Event from 9 to 11 a.m. day, Saturday, Nov. 18 at GRMC Hospital, located at 1215 E. Court St. in Seguin. Pre-register at www.Freshtrak.com.

ONGOING COMMUNITY CALENDAR ITEMS

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.

CCSCT Releases Utility Assistance Application for 2023

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.

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.

Heritage Museum Calendars

The Heritage Museum is selling 2023 calendars for $10 featuring turn of the century everyday life of kids, social groups, parades, etc. 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. Gift Ornaments of Juan Seguin for only $5 are also available at the Museum. All proceeds benefit Museum projects.

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 New 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 423-2279610 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.

Ask the Master GARDENERS

Q: What is the plant that is all over my yard? When I walk past it, the leaves stick to the legs of my pants. Should I use weed killer on it?

A: T his is a question that comes up every year. Galium aparine, an annual in the Madder family, has many nicknames, including Sticky Weed, Sticky Willy, Velcro Plant, Cleavers, Goosegrass, and Catchweed Bedstraw. It is native throughout North America. Do try to pull it all up because you don’t want the seeds to form. Luckily the plant can be pulled out of the ground quite easily by hand. I already have gathered two large piles of plants. Weed killer does not need to be used.

Another question that comes up this time of year is whether or not to use a weed and feed product on your lawn. Doug Welsh, Extension Horticulturist, assures us that we should not do this because the timing for fertilizers is not the same as the timing for herbicides. He says that pre-emergent herbicides for summer weeds should be applied in late winter (February), and spring lawn fertilizers should be applied in mid-spring after you have mowed the lawn twice and it is actively growing.

Q: When can I move my plumaria and other plants back outside?

A: I have not moved mine yet, but will probably do so quite soon. I normally let my Phalaenopsis orchids spend the summer on the back porch (mainly to save having to use my grow light), but I want to enjoy

their blooms in my house a little longer. I notice that my neighbors already have their potted plants back outside. Make sure that the foliage on your plants doesn’t sunscald. Now is a good time to fertilize your potted outdoor plants.

Q: What vegetable gardening chores should I be doing now?

A: Fertilize your vegetable plants. Check your garden daily for pests and other problems. If your fruit trees have too much fruit, it is best to thin the young fruit to allow the remaining ones to grow bigger. Otherwise, as happened to me last year, all the heavy pears can cause the limb to bend or break.

Q: I’ve been told to buy produce in the store when it is in season in Texas. What produce is harvested in April and is available in local markets?

A: Many local vegetables and fruits are available in April: green beans, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, greens, onions, peaches and strawberries. Grapefruit and oranges are also probably still available. Look forward to May when much more produce comes into season.

FYI: Don’t forget to keep your bird baths full. And remember, don’t mow down your bluebonnets and other wildflowers when they finish blooming. Let them go to seed. Your lawn may look a little ragged but you will have many more plants next year.

Clara Mae Marcotte is a Texas Master Gardener with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. If you have a question to be answered, call the Master Gardeners at 830-379-1972 or leave a message to be answered. The website is guadalupecountymastergardeners.org. The Master Gardener research library is open Wednesdays from 1 to 4, at 210 East Live Oak Street in Seguin.

GENERAL MANAGER

Darren Dunn

NEWS DIRECTOR

Cindy Aguirre-Herrera

SPORTS DIRECTOR

Chris Austin

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Lizz Daniels

MARKETING DIRECTOR

Nick Spence

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS

Laurie Ann Heideke

Linda Duncan

DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCER

Jarred Kindles

OFFICE MANAGER

Priscilda Rodriguez

RADIO PERSONALITY

Linda Duncan

The SEGUIN DAILY NEWS was begun as a single page flier in 1972 by the radio station and was distributed to local restaurants and coffee shops at the request of local businessmen who wanted something to read while they had their morning coffee.

It grew in size over the years, up to 4 pages, until 2002, when it was expanded to a 32 page small tabloid size news magazine.

The SEGUIN DAILY NEWS is now a free digital newspaper published every business day.

The SEGUIN DAILY NEWS offers a wide variety of ad sizes and advertising plans and contact information is available on our website.

TLU