SDN: August 1, 2023

Study suggests Seguin should consider building multi-million dollar hotel, convention center

Darren Dunn

(Seguin) -- A new report shows that Seguin could support a large new hotel and convention/ conference center. The report is based on a study conducted by Convention, Sports & Leisure LLC. The firm was hired by the city of Seguin to conduct a feasibility study on the convention center project.

Kyle Kramm, Main Street and CVB (convention and visitor’s bureau) director for the city of Seguin, says the study was needed, because the city has not been able to attract larger groups to town, because it currently lacks the facilities desired by some of these groups.

“Seguin without a selfcontained hotel conference center, we are kind of behind on being able to recruit and host large meetings and so we wanted to see if it was feasible for us to recruit one and if we could be financially successful in doing that,” said Kramm.

Bill Krueger, senior vice-president with Convention, Sports and Leisure LLC, says they looked at a number of factors when looking at the existing facilities in Seguin and studying what could be done in the future. Krueger says their job is to give a clear view of what could be successfully done here locally. Study, pg. 2

Study, continued.

“We assist communities usually the public sector, governments, so cities, counties helping them evaluate the viability, the feasibility , the market opportunities, cost benefit and all those metrics that make up is this project feasible or not – for anything related to those projects around the country so I pride myself in if there is not a market or if the project is not feasible, I’ll come out and say that. I don’t have an invested interest beyond giving you a quality objective consultation and advice with regard to these projects. We don’t want you to create and invest some of the taxpayers’ hard-earned money in a project that is going to be a white elephant. We want to make sure that there is an opportunity to drive both local usage and quality of life issues but importantly, drive tourism and all the important economic impacts, attached revenues that are generated there from,” said Krueger.

Krueger says there are convention centers in New Braunfels and San Marcos, but their study revealed that there is a need for additional meeting space in this part of the state. He says the existing Seguin Coliseum doesn’t meet the demands for most modern-day conventions, and that’s one of the reasons why they believe a new hotel with convention and conference space would work here in Seguin.

“We looked at all these mid-size convention facilities within 200 miles of Seguin. The closest are the New Braunfels Civic Center, a project that I worked on a number of years ago. I did a couple of different things in New Braunfels. San Marcos, the Embassy Suites, and Conference Center – but beyond that, those are really the only two of a sizable quality nature between Austin and San Antonio and then you’ve got all the other hotel products and other types of convention and conference facilities within those two marketplaces and then elsewhere beyond with the state. It’s important to understand the context that there are not a lot of quality products right now. When you look at the Coliseum as an example, we wanted to make sure we understood that and that’s got its role in this community and has for a long time. It’s a civic center. It’s got some of the sports elements and it’s been serving a lot of local groups very well but it’s more or less a civic center although it’s called a Coliseum. So, it’s not optimized to really attract the hotel room business by the non-local events that can be competed for,” said Krueger.

The study didn’t just look at what could be built in Seguin. It also focused on whether or not a convention facility would get used here locally. Krueger says they conducted a number of surveys with organizations that put on statewide and regional events. He says the results showed that there would be significant interest in this type of facility in Seguin.

“We asked some specific questions about Seguin. If we

had a hotel and convention facility product that fully met the requirements of your groups’ events, how likely would you be for one or more of those events to Seguin? So, you kind of set aside any preconceptions about the facility product, focus only the appeal of the destination and then you get this response from all these meeting planners that can go anywhere in the state and then they give you the response of ‘definitely, likely, possibly, not likely, definitely not and for those who said definitely, likely or possibly, we asked some follow up questions like tell us about your group. When do you meet? What are your hotel requirements? What are your space needs within the facility? That helps us understand what size this particular product needs to be in order to compete for that business that wants to come here,” said Krueger.

Krueger says the response rate wasn’t just good, but it demonstrated that there would be many opportunities for the city to compete for these types of conventions and conferences.

“Forty percent positive response within the state and regional event markets and then 50 percent positive response with the professional meeting planners that we interviewed –so they host lots of different events, but they are not annually reoccurring events like the state, regional group are. But the point is you say 40 percent positive response and then 50 percent positive response – you say what’s the context of that? Well, we’ve got that data in the report and that context is that’s a pretty good response. It’s better than average than we see for other markets and sizes when we do studies like this so that’s a favorable outcome in terms of testing the market asking them specifically about Seguin,” said Krueger. This portion is key to determining if the city should even consider a hotel and convention/conference center. He says the data showed a favorable rating for the city when it comes to this kind of project.

“That’s favorable. That’s good news and it speaks to your accessibility. It speaks to the quality of your downtown and the lack of your appropriate product that you’ve got right now in the community to be honest with you and frankly, for a number of the groups that had the highest of level interest were those that had high bases of membership for their organization in San Antonio and Austin and they would love to have another option than San Marcos half way in between. So, there was some of that and the Embassy is kind of getting up there in age and besides all of the retail outlets that they’ve got out there, they are looking for different places to meet is what a lot of new clients are looking for,” said Krueger. Krueger says they are suggesting that the city consider developing a private-public partner with a hotel chain that could build and operate the facility. Study, pg. 3

This is one of the comparables used during a recent presentation on the feasibility of Seguin getting a new hotel and convetion center. This facility is located in Tinlye Park, IL.

Study, continued.

The city would put up just over $20 million in incentives to help lure the much larger overall investment to be made by the hotel operator. He says this would bring more up-to-date meeting and hotel space to Seguin.

“Something that would be a subdividable 20-foot-high tall ceiling, free carpeted upscale space – 20,000 square feet – subdividable. So, that’s a typical grand ballroom that you would see in a full-service hotel, right? That would be oversized a little bit relative to one of the smallest full-service hotels that you kind of program for this type of product but then you would also have 15,000 square feet of breakout meeting space, lowered ceiling, carpeted, very consistent, very quality building and then importantly though, we are saying that that product would require at least 170 full-service hotel. That’s something that you don’t have in this community right now so that’s why we are going down this public/private partnership route,” said Krueger.

The 20,000 square foot meeting space would be significantly larger than the 12,000 square feet currently available in the Seguin Coliseum. Plus, Krueger says this space would be more flexible than the existing space and it would offer on-site lodging. He says this would be a major upgrade for the community.

“How can we incentivize a private hotel partner to take the heavy lift on the front-end side and create this product that will be a win for the community both for the convention center, the building that it creates where you can be doing non local events that create economic impact but also serve local community events in terms of having a quality facility that they can be doing their receptions, banquets, and meetings and everything they need to do as well and then thirdly and importantly is getting a new class of hotel products that can go beyond the convention activities. You’ve now got a quality nationally branded hotel product that can appeal to corporate travelers than instead of staying at the Embassy in San Marcos or New Braunfels, they can stay here. Here’s another option,” said Krueger.

In all, it would be a big upgrade, but that comes at a cost. Krueger says they are looking at costs above $65 million. The city would be responsible for about $20 million, with the rest being covered by the private hotel partner. Krueger says the city would get a great deal in return for its $20 million investment.

“It’s $56 million at the mid-point to do this and it includes the assumption of a donation of land and property tax abatement. So, you’ve stand-alone those easy incentives but there is still $20.8 million and that’s the calculated feasibility gap that essentially reflects what we believe the incentive that would be required by the public sector to make the project go so what you get for that $20.8 million – if you had to build a stand alone convention center, you would still have to get a hotel but assuming you’ve already gotten the hotel figured out, you would still build a convention center that would be much more expensive than $20 million to get the same quality product. In this case, that’s just the gap or the feasibility gap or the incentive that would be required to allow the private partner to bring $45 million to the table and run this at their own risk. They can run it more officially than you could if you had a city/owned product that was just drop down etc.,” said Krueger.

Krueger says the city would start to see a return on its investment fairly quickly.

“We’ve got the spending at the construction period, you’ve got spending within the building itself by all the attendees, those that are non-local, we consider those people to be new to the community – that economic impact and that new meaning if it weren’t for this building and the event that is being hosted in there, those people from out of town wouldn’t have otherwise been in Seguin. So, therefore the money they spend locally is considered incremental to the community,” said Kruger.

Krueger says the facility would enhance the quality of life of local residents, while also bringing in new dollars into the community. He says the project would generate revenue that directly and indirectly comes from a new hotel and conference/convention center.

“The direct spending number is $19 million that would be net new to Seguin by virtue of this convention center and the hotel if you create it and then you’ve got the economic outlook which is direct spending and then the additional layers of spending that that first dollar recycles through the community in direct to new spending which gives you total output of $32 million per year and then the total taxes that are generated locally too that can do lots of things in terms of sales and hotel taxes, that would be close to $1 million and so it’s a substantial amount of economic impact and this is exactly why communities are willing often times to consider expending money under a public/private partnership to make the return on investment worth for the private partner to execute a project like this,” said Krueger.

The study also looked at proposed locations for the new facility. Krueger says they looked at sites in the downtown area and at property near the Coliseum. He says in the end, property near the existing hotel corridor in Seguin along Interstate 10, appeared to be the best overall option.

“So, when you think of the overall site requirements, you are talking about maybe up to 5 acres total for the parking, for the hotel for the convention center product so it’s not a real massive site but it is still substantial and that’s why there weren’t many sites in downtown that qualified right off the bat but bottom line is, the project looks viable. I mean $20 million is a lift that is not that substantial relative to the investment that a lot of communities your size and larger are investing in convention industry infrastructure,” said Krueger.

The results of the feasibility study were presented during a recent meeting of the Seguin City Council. It was an information-only item, and the council took no official action on the issue. The report can now be used by the city to determine if it wants to proceed with this concept and seek a partner to help develop a new Seguin-based hotel and convention center.

Football Practice Gets Underway for Seguin Matadors

(Seguin) -- Area high school football teams got back to the practice field for the first time in preparation for the 2023 season.

The Seguin Matadors were under the bright sun on Monday morning for their initial practice at Matador Stadium. Seguin is coming off a fourth place finish in District 12-5A in 2022. The Mats will open the season on August 25th on the road against Alamo Heights.

Seguin went 6-5 in 2022 under head coach Craig Dailey, who is coaching at his alma mater. The third-year Matador head coach said he was was happy with how his team’s first practice went Monday morning.

“It was a good first day, we were really excited to get it going to see these kids grow,” Dailey said. “They’ve had a really good off-season in the weight room, on the track and in the summer (they) just carried it over in workouts and 7-on-7. So, it was good to finally put some helmets on and put it all together.”

The Matadors will look to extend a program record and make the UIL playoffs for a 6th straight year in 2023. Starting quarterback and the son of the head coach Corey Dailey is back for his sophomore year and a veteran defense returns that lost only two seniors from last year’s squad.

The Navarro Panthers and Marion Bulldogs also had their first practices Monday morning.

The Panthers will start the season at home with state power Navasota on the 25th. The Bulldogs will hit the road that day to take on Hondo.

KWED will again air all Seguin Matadors football games this season and

a few select Navarro and Marion contests as well. Our first game features the Mats and the Mules on the last Friday in August. You can also hear all the games streaming online at SeguinToday.com.

Chris Austin

Montague

Rodney “Mark” Montague, age 71 of Seguin passed away on July 22, 2023. Mark was born in New Braunfels, Texas on November 8, 1951, to Helen Marie (Schnautz) and C. E. Montague. He worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company (now ATT), beginning in 1972, for 33 years. After he retired from ATT, he worked for Texas Prison System as a telephone tech, where he helped inmates enroll in the phone systems.

He was actively involved in the Guadalupe County Wildlife Management, acting as a director, then serving as President from 2003 to 2005. Mark enjoyed hunting, shooting guns, and riding his Harley.

Mark is preceded in death by his parents, older brother Harry and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Pat and Jim Kersey. Mark and Jim were best friends.

Survivors include his loving wife of 49 years, Brenda Montague; son, Adam Montague; daughter, Leslie Carver; grandchildren, Hailey, Willow, Dean, and L’Nel; sister Sharon Ferrell and husband Bill; brother, John Montague; sister-inlaw, Janie Sedlak, and husband Matt; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and friends.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Seguin Art League, P. O. Box 445, Seguin, Texas, 78156, or the Guadalupe County Wildlife Management Association, 210 E. Liveoak, Seguin, Texas, 78155.

A memorial service celebrating Mark’s life is being planned for later in the fall at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel. Please visit www.treshewell.com for updated times.

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.

VITAL STATISTICS

Mary Jane Cowey, age 69 of Seguin passed away on July 28, 2023. Mary Jane was born on October 18, 1953, to Vivian LaRue (Mendenhall) and Van R. Satterwhite.

Mary Jane is preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband, Alvin Cowey.

Survivors include 3 loving children, Larry, Brady, and Christina Cowey; 6 adored grandchildren; sister, Faye Stansberry, numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and other family members.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 3, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary. Funeral service will be held Friday, August 4, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary with Pastor Billy Bob Moore officiating. Interment to follow at Tabor Cemetery.

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.

Cowey

World Trade Center Health Program Getting Nearly $700M In Federal Funds

(New York, NY) -- The World Trade Center Health Program is getting a major cash infusion from the federal government. The program is set to receive nearly 700-million-dollars to help close a funding shortfall. New York Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand say the Senate has passed their bipartisan amendment to a defense bill. The money will allow Shanksville and Pentagon 9/11 survivors to join the World Trade Center Health Program which monitors the health of 120-thousand Ground Zero first responders and survivors and provides lifetime treatment.

Illinois Targeting ‘Crisis Pregnancy Centers’

(Springfield, IL) -- Illinois is targeting so-called “crisis pregnancy centers.” Governor Pritzker has signed the Deceptive Practices of Limited Services Pregnancy Centers Act. The law bans crisis pregnancy centers from using misinformation, deceptive practices, or misrepresentation in order to interfere with access to abortion services or emergency contraception. The measure allows the Illinois Attorney General to investigate complaints against centers using such tactics and strengthens the AG’s Offices power to prosecute incidences of consumer fraud in such cases.

Extreme Heat Can Take A Toll On Mental Health

(Franklin Lakes, NJ) -- We hear a lot about heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration during heat waves but extreme heat can also take a toll on our mental health. Psychologists say triple digit “feel like” temperatures can trigger aggression, self-harm and a jump in psychiatric emergency room visits because the heat lowers our ability to remain resilient. Dr. Joseph Galasso, a clinical psychologist in New Jersey, says if you’re dealing with substance abuse or pre-existing mental illness you’re especially vulnerable to relapse. That’s due in part, he says, because certain psychotropic medications you may be taking can impair the body’s ability to regulate temperatures.

House Judiciary Subcommittee Holds Hearing On Gender Affirming Care

(Washington, DC) -- Lawmakers are at odds over gender-affirming care for minors. Louisiana Republican Mike Johnson told a House Judiciary hearing that it’s anything but “affirming” and “caring,” arguing that adults are permanently altering the bodies of children who don’t have the capacity to make those decisions on their own. He said there’s an “aggressive attempt” to transition young people in the U.S. Pennsylvania Democrat Mary Scanlon pushed back saying Congress has no business interfering in parents’ decisions to provide medical care for their children.

We love what we do. And it shows.

We are honored that Modern Healthcare Magazine has named us one of the best places to work in the nation — again. Our collective dedication to providing world class healthcare means we are all passionate about taking care of you and your family for many years to come.

COMMUNITY COMMUNITY CALENDAR

August

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.

Sunrise Lions Club Meeting

The Sunrise Lions Club will meet at 6 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2 at IHOP, located at TX Hwy. 123 & IH 10. The guest speaker will be Colonel Nathan T. Colunga, Commander of the Special Warfare Training Wing, Lackland AFB.

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.

Leadership Seguin Application Deadline

Applications are available for the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Seguin program. The deadline to apply is Thursday, Aug 3. For more information, call 830-379-6382 or email cofc@seguinchamber. com.

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.

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.

Rummage Sale

There will be a Rummage Sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4 and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5 at the Cross Church Fellowship Hall, located at 814 N. Bauer St. in Seguin.

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, Aug. 4 at the Big Red Barn. Meals are $20. A child’s hot dog plate (chips, drink and dessert) is also available. Tickets can be purchased at the door. The beneficiary will be Pack the Bus and entertainment will be provided by Charlie and Wyatt.

Youth Co-Ed Volleyball League

The Seguin Parks and Recreation Department will offer a Youth Co-Ed Volleyball League for children in 2nd through 6th grades Friday evenings from Friday, Aug. 4 to Friday, Sept. 8. 2nd and 3rd grades will play from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and players in 4th through 6th grade will play from 6 to 8 p.m. on Fridays at the volleyball complex adjacent to the Seguin Coliseum, located at 950 S. Austin St. in Seguin. No league play will be held on Friday, Sept. 1. The cost is $50 per player. Register online at www.seguintexas.gov/sports. For more information, call 830-401-2480.

Garage/Rummage Sale

The Guadalupe County Humane Society will have its Garage/Rummage Sale at 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 5 behind the businesses located at 2511 N. State Hwy 46. There will be furniture, clothes, kitchen items, adult and children’s books, and décor for your home. All proceeds help sustain GCHS’ daily operations, as well as help finance our low-cost Spay/Neuter program.

Refuge III School Supplies/Back Pack Give Away

The Reguge III Church will have a School Supplies and Back Pack Give Away from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 5 at the church located at 7535 Elm Creek Road in Seguin.

Pack the Bus

The Pack the Bus for school supplies collection will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5 at Plaza Del Rey. To volunteer for the event, call 830-303-5911.

Free Back to School Rummage Sale

The Wings of Wesley Clothes and Food Pantry of Wesley-Harper United Methodist Church will host a Free Back to School Rummage Sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5. There will be free clothes and shoes for children and adults, household and kitchenware items, toys, and a limited amount of free school supplies. Everything is free, however, donations are appreciated.

Seguin PD Back to School Drive-Thru Event

The Seguin Police Department will have its Back to School drive-thru event at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 5 at the Seguin Coliseum. For questions, email CommunityEngagement@seguintexas.gov.

Allan Dreibrodt Memorial Fundraiser

The Allan Dreibrodt Memorial Fundraiser will be held Saturday, Aug. 5 at the Columbus Club Hall of Seguin. Doors open at 5 p.m. with serving of a meal by Next Door Catering at 5:30 p.m., a dance by Gary Glenn and the 20X Band, and auction at 9 p.m. There will also be raffles and a silent auction. Pre-sale tickets are $50 for adults and $25 for kids (7-12) and are available at Gift & Gourmet, by calling Dalena Krueger at 830-8321476, or Brannon Dreibrodt at 830-305-6037. Sponsorships are also available.

Seguin Parrot Head Club Phling

The Seguin Parrot Head Club will have its Annual Phling from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5 at the McQueeney Lions Club, located at 3211 FM 78 in McQueeney. Tickets are $60 per ticket and are available at the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce, Gift and Gourmet, and Alamo Title New Braunfels. Must be over 21 to purchase. Tickets at the door are $70. There will be a meal, beverages, silent auction, ticket raffle and live music by the Jonas Lorence Band. For more informa-

tion visit www.seguinphc.com or call Kathy Seeger at 830-305-4547.

Immanuel Lutheran Church Festival

The Immanuel Lutheran Church will have its 19th Annual Church Festival beginning at 9 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 6 with a Worship Service at C of C Hall in La Vernia.

A Roast Beef Dinner will be available for $12 from 11 a.m. to be determined at event. There will be dine in or drive-thru. There will also be music by The Accordion Cowboy, Chris Rybak, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., a live auction at 1:15 p.m., a silent auction, raffle, cake walk, country store, and games for kids. Dinner and events will take place at the Chamber of Commerce Park, located at 12301 US Hwy. 87 W. in La Vernia.

Kids Back to School Haircut Day

The Seguin Elks Lodge will have a free Kids Back to School Haircut Day from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 6 at 1331 CH Matthies Jr. in Seguin.

Pastor’s 5th Anniversary Celebration

The Greater Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church will have its Pastor’s 5th Anniversary Celebration at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 6. The guests will be Sledge Chapel Baptist Church of Kyle, Rev. Arthur A. Mc Donald Sr., Pastor.

NAMI

Connection Recovery Support Group

The NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group for adults with mental health conditions meets from 6:30-8 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month at First Methodist Church. Learn more at www.NAMIGuadalupeCounty.org.

Blood Drive

The City of Seguin is partnering the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center to host a Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Aug. 8. The bloodmobile will be a the Seguin Coliseum parking lot, located at 950 S. Austin St. in Seguin. Appointments can be made online at https://donor.southtexasblood.org/.../drive_schedule/138229. For more information, call 210-668-5914 or 830-386-2590.

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.

Ballaet Folklórico De La Rosa/Mariachi Juan Seguin

Registration

Registration for the Ballaet Folklórico De La Rosa and Mariachi Juan Seguin will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8 and Wednesday, Aug. 9 at Teatro’s Cultural Arts Center, located at 921 W. New Braunfels St. in Seguin. The registration packet can also be downloaded at www.teatrodeartes.org and filled out, scanned and emailed to teatrodeartes@gmail.com or dropped off during the registration dates/times.

Continued on the next page.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Veterans Outreach Center Opening Ceremony

The Guadalupe County Commissioners Court will have an Opening Ceremony for the Veterans Outreach Center at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9 at 205 E. Weinert St. in Seguin. There will be facility tours and refreshments. Overflow parking for the event will be available at Palmer Mortuary, located at 1116 N. Austin St. and Dr. Thomas Raetzsch Family Practice, located at 1025 N. Austin St. (in the back lot on River St.) For questions, call the Veterans Services Office at 830-303-8870.

Nominations Request

The Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for its Community Hero Award and Clinical Healthcare Worker Award in honor of Margo Trost. The awards are for healthcare workers who have truly made a difference in the community, caused a positive impact in the county, or has been influential in making a change in our area. Nominations should be submitted before Friday, Aug. 11. For more information, call 830-379-6382.

Seguin 185th Birthday Celebration

The Seguin Conservation Society will have a Seguin 185th Birthday Celebration from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 11 at the 1st Church/Campbell-Hoermann Log Cabin Complex. The event features a catered BBQ dinner, Mayor Proclamation, live entertainment, Annual SCS Membership Meeting/Election of New Board Members, and a Homemade Ice Cream Contest. A Golf Tournament will be held at 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 12 at Max Starcke Park Golf Course. Pre-sale Tickets are available for $15 each at Gift and Gourmet, Keepers, the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce, or from any board member.

Adult Beginning Watercolor Class

The Seguin Art League will offer an adult Beginning Watercolor Class from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12 at 104 S. Austin St. in Seguin. Participants,14 and older, will learn how colors interact, how to make washes, learn color theory, and basic page layout. The cost is $30 with supplies included. For more information, call 830-305-0472.

Hermann Sons Life Summerfest

The Hermann Sons Life will have its Summerfest at noon Sunday, Aug. 13 at the Seguin Lodge Hall, located at 2918 W. Kingsbury St. in Seguin. Barbecue brisket will be served at 1 p.m. and you are encouraged to bring sides and desserts to share. For more information and to RSVP contact Tim Kolbe at 830-660-3713.

Elm Creek Community Cemetery Meeting

There will be an Elm Creek Community Cemetery Meeting at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 13 at 1951 Settlers Way in Seguin. Donations for continued maintenance would be greatly appreciated. For more information or questions, call or text 210-414-3308.

Precious Life School Supply Distribution

The Precious Life Suicide Prevention will have its School Supply Distribution, for children Pre-K through 12th grade, from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 19. Advance registration is mandatory and must be com-

pleted by Wednesday, August 16. Register online at https://preciouslifesuicideprevention.org or by phone at 830-372-5980.

Adult Creative Crochet Class

The Seguin Art League will offer an adult Creative Crochet Class from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17 at 104 S. Austin St. in Seguin. Participants,14 and older, can make a piece of fiber art using free form crochet to make original designs. The cost is $30 with supplies included. For more information, call 830-305-0472.

Wildlife Management Association Fall Meeting

The Guadalupe County Wildlife Management Association will have its Fall Meeting beginning with a social hour at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18 at the The Red Barn, located at 390 Cordova Rd. in Seguin. Dinner plates by Next Door Catering are $14. The program will be a discussion of a wide variety of wildlife topics by Wildlife Biologist, Trent Teinert. To RSVP, email guadcountywma@gmail.com or call 830-660-3296.

Benefit Fundraiser

There will be a Benefit Fundraiser for Seguin City Council District 2 Member, Sonia Mendez from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19 at the Seguin Coliseum. BBQ Plates are $15 and are available at Seguin City Hall. There will also be raffles and a silent auction. Monetary donations are accepted at First United Bank or Venmo at Sonia-Mendez-23312. Proceeds will help medical expenses for a debilitating illness.

Youth Co-Ed Golf Clinics

The Starcke Park Golf Course, in partnership with First tee Program Greater San Antonio, is hosting a series of golf clinics for youth this fall. Children ages 7 to 13 will have an opportunity to learn the basics of playing golf. All clinics will be held at Starcke Park. The clinics will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21 and Monday Aug. 28 for ages 7 to 9, Thursday, Sept. 21 and Thursday, Sept. 28 for ages 10 to 11, and Tuesday, Oct. 17 and Tuesday, Oct. 24 for ages 12 to 13. Register online at www.seguintexas.gov/sports. For more information, call 830-401-2480.

Republican Women’s Annual Happy Hour

The Guadalupe County Republican Women’s Annual Happy Hour will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24 at the Seguin Brewing Company, located at 111 W. Gonzales St. in Seguin. The special guest speaker will be pro-life champion and national best-selling author, Abby Johnson and South Texas Pregnancy Care Center (STPCC), Executive Director, Janice Weaver. Diapers will be collected at the event for the STPCC. For more information, visit www.guadalupe-county-rw. com.

Seguin Parks and Recreation Summer Movies in the Park

The Seguin Parks and Recreation Department conclude its free Summer Movies Friday, Aug. 25 in Max Starcke Park East near the Patricia K. Irvine-King Pavilion. Bring your popcorn, drinks, lawn chairs, family and friends. Movies in the Park are made possible by generous support from H-E-B. For more information, call 830-401-2480.

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.

Chamber After Hours Mixer

The Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce will have its After Hours Mixer from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31 at 214 Medical Drive. For more information, call 830379-6382.

September

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, Sept. 1 at the Big Red Barn. Meals are $20. A child’s hot dog plate (chips, drink and dessert) is also available. Tickets can be purchased at the door. The beneficiary will be the Geronimo Volunteer Fire Department and entertainment will be provided by Brushy Creek.

Glue Batik Class

The Seguin Art League will offer a Glue Batik Class from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9 at 104 S. Austin St. in Seguin. Learn a fun and non-messy way to create batik on fabric. The class is for adults. The cost is $30 with supplies included. For more information, call 830305-0472 or visit www.seguinartleague.com.

State of the City Luncheon

The Seguin Are Chamber of Commerce will have its State of the City Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6 at the Silver Center, located at 510 E. Court St. in Seguin. The meal is $20 for members in advance and $25 for non-members and after Friday, Sept. 1. For more information, call 830-3796382.

St. James 5th Annual Classic Car, Truck & Bike Show

The St. James Catholic Church will have its 5th Annual Classic Car, Truck & Bike Show from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 in the St. James Church Parking Lot, located at 510 S. Camp St. in Seguin. The entry fee is $25. Entry time will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., with the awards beginning at 1 p.m. Pre-registration and more information is available at https://saintjamescc.org/car-show. Proceeds benefit St. James Catholic School. For questions, email stjamesclassiccarshow @gmail.com.

St. James Fall Family Festival

The St. James Catholic Church will have its Fall Family Festival from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18 on the church grounds. There will be a $13 pork steak dinner with drive-thru and onsite eating from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. There will be a raffle, games, rides, petting zoo, food booths, DJ and live music, and live and silent auctions. For raffle and dinner tickets, call 830379-1796 or visit 510 S. Camp St. For more information visit https://saintjamescc.org/festival.

Continued on the next page.

COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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.

Eco Print Class

The Seguin Art League will offer an Eco Print Class from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23 at 104 S. Austin St. in Seguin. Let nature and science do the work when you create floral art work without drawing and painting the flower. The class is for adults. The cost is $30 with supplies provided. For more information, call 830-3050472 or visit www.seguinartleague.com.

Chamber Annual Banquet

The Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce will have its 2023 Annual Banquet from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26 at the Seguin Coliseum. For tickets and more information, call 830-379-6382.

Call for Vendors for De Mano A Mano Artisan Market

The Teatro De Artes De Juan Seguin is seeking vendors for its De Mano A Mano Artisan Market that will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the historic Plataforma Hidalgo on the grounds of Teatro’s Cultural Arts Center, located at 921 W. New Braunfels St. in Seguin. Vendor selection is limited to handmade and homegrown items only and the fee is $55 per slot. The deadline to register is Friday, September 29 or until all vendor slots have been filled. To register, visit www.teatrodeartes.org.

October

Downtown Scarecrow & Skeleton Display Contest

The Seguin Main Street Program and the Guadalupe County Fair Association will have its Downtown Scarecrow & Skeleton Display Contest Tuesday, Oct. 3 in downtown Seguin. The window displays go up the week of the fair parade which goes through downtown Seguin and the displays remain up until Pecan Fest at the end of October. Any local business or organization may decorate scarecrows or skeletons. If your business or organization is outside of downtown, the Seguin Main Street Program will assist in finding a location for your entry downtown. All entries need to be up by Monday, Oct. 2 for judging on Tuesday, Oct. 3. Entries forms are available at www.seguintexas.gov or at the Seguin Main Street Office, located at 116 N. Camp St. in Seguin.

Creative Crochet Class

The Seguin Art League will offer a Creative Crochet Class from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 at 104 S. Austin St. in Seguin. Participants will go beyond a pattern and make a piece of fiber art using free form crochet to make an original design. The class is for adults. The cost is $30 with supplies included. For more information, call 830-305-0472 or visit www.seguinartleague. com.

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.

Illustrated Letters Class

The Seguin Art League will offer a Lino Print Workshop from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 18 at 104 S. Austin St. in Seguin. Learn to create stunning illustrated letters to celebrate your unique name and interest of those you care for. Draw, paint, color, collage, and invent. The class is limited to 12 adults. The cost is $30 with supplies included. For more information, call 830-305-0472 or visit www.seguinartleague.com.

December

Lino Print Workshop

The Seguin Art League will offer an Illustrated Letters Class from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18 at 104 S. Austin St. in Seguin. Receive an introduction to linear design through carving a block. Includes drawing the image, composing the design, and transferring it to the block. Students will also receive an introduction to color inks and print presentations. The class is limited to 12 adults (12 years to adult). The cost is $120 with supplies included. For more information, call 830-3050472 or visit www.seguinartleague.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 sup-

ply 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.

FOR RENT

FOR RENT: 3 bedroom/2 bath mobile home, washer/dryer connections, A/C, located at 136 Twink Lane, Seguin. No Smokers/No Pets. $1200-month, $1200 deposit. Call 210-289-3192.

FOR LEASE

FOR LEASE: Warehouse space for rent 979-A West Kingsbury. Warehouse space 1500 sq. ft. approximately $1,400 monthly, call Jim 830-620-8199.

FOR LEASE: 979-B West Kingsbury. Small warehouse/office 600 sq. ft. of air-condition space. Garage door, storage with 2 offices, $975 month. Call Jim 830-620-8199.

NOW HIRING

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH: Is looking to Hire Nursery workers for Sunday morning’s 8:30 am-12noon and or Wednesday evenings 5:45pm8pm. Please call 830-379-4208 and or come by 1314 E. Cedar Street to fill out application.

GENERAL MANAGER

Darren Dunn

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Chris Austin

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Lizz Daniels

MARKETING DIRECTOR

Nick Spence

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Linda Duncan

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Priscilda Rodriguez

RADIO PERSONALITY

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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.

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Chantilly Lace & Seguin’s connection to rock ‘n roll history