State Rep.-elect Schoolcraft tours
Braunfels campus
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(New Braunfels) – State Rep.-elect Alan Schoolcraft, is getting a jump start on his new position by looking at the benefits of a future TSTC campus in Seguin.
Texas State Technical College’s New Braunfels campus recently hosted Schoolcraft, the Republican from McQueeney, for a tour of the facility located in Northern Guadalupe County just next door to the New Braunfels Airport.
Schoolcraft’s visit comes only days after the city of Seguin announced that a new main campus will be built near State Highway 46 and Cordova Road.
Schoolcraft says he is excited about the expansion. “I trust TSTC to choose programs that are best for the region,” said Schoolcraft.
Kim Johnson, the campus operations senior coordinator for the TSTC New Braunfels campus says she thought Schoolcraft’s walkthrough of the labs went well.
“I think it gave him a good idea of what we are, and who we are,” said Johnson.
Mike Anderson, provost of TSTC’s New Braunfels campus agreed and says he is optimistic about the new relationship with the representative elect. Tour, pg. 3
Special friend, volunteer of the Texas Theatre remembered along Squirrel Trail Program
(Seguin) – What’s a theater without a star? The Stephen & Mary Birch Texas Theatre recently announced the latest star over at the historic downtown building. His name, Steve the Squirrel.
Recently welcoming the city’s latest squirrel project to the historic downtown theatre were members of the Seguin Conservation Society.
Conservation Society Member Marty Keil, says this particular squirrel is very special in that it was created in memory of Steve Tschoepe. Tschoepe unexpectedly died in February. She says Tschoepe was a widely known community volunteer who was synonymous with the local theater and its preservation efforts. She says up to his death, he was also an active member of the Seguin Commission on the Arts – the same group responsible for initiating the community wide Squirrel Trail Program.
“He was on that arts commission when they decided and voted on doing squirrels and then he rotated off of the board and had me take his place, so we were always having these conversations about how is it going? Are they getting any commitments? Are there any sponsorships?” said Keil.
Keil says up until Tschoepe’s death, the theatre had always been hopeful to one day have a squirrel. However, after learning about a conversation he had had with their accountant, Keil says the group immediately realized what it needed to do.
“She told me after Steve passed away – you know, he
met with me and said he wanted to see one at the Texas and he would like to see it painted as the Phantom of the Opera. We were so glad that he had that conversation with Jennifer because we would never have known how to paint it or what to make it look like. But when Steve passed away, we all knew that we needed to make this happen,” said Keil.
Keil says the unveiling of the squirrel was everything they imagined. She says not only does the community get to enjoy this community project, but theatre members also get to hold onto memories of their friend.
“It was everything we dreamed it would be, and we put a little bit of an extra something on the squirrel. We added a little bit of Steve’s mustache and that made it Steve. We kind of call the squirrel Steve now,” laughs Keil.
“It’s not really noticeable at first. You have to kind of look for it because the Phantom’s mask is on one side of the face, but you see half of a mustache on the other side. One of the highlights too is the tail because it actually has some of the scoring from the music, theme, from the Phantom of the Opera going down the tail,” said Keil.
This marks the 18th squirrel for the city-wide trail which promotes art in public spaces. The squirrels are sponsored by community members and organizations who then commission a local artist to paint them. The cost to sponsor a squirrel is $2,500. Those interested in the program are asked to contact the Seguin Main Street Program at 830-401-2448.
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
Don’t forget to redeem those cash back rewards City of Seguin, SEDC provide reminder
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) – If you took advantage of the city’s rewards program over the holiday shopping season, then you will not want to forget to redeem those rewards over this next month. That’s according to Josh Schneuker, of the Seguin Economic Development Corporation.
“Folks participating in that program, they’ll have the ability to redeem their rewards all the way through Jan. 31 of 2025. So, we’ve added some buffer time in for anybody who wants to buy anything – kind of after the Christmas holidays and going into the New Year’s as well,” said Schneuker.
The City of Seguin and the Seguin Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) launched this shop local app, Open Rewards.
Open Rewards is a cash back rewards program designed to encourage community support for local businesses. Through the app, users can enjoy 5 percent in cash rewards on purchases made at participating businesses across Seguin.
Participation in Open Rewards is entirely free for businesses and consumers. Seguin businesses in the restaurant and retail sectors were automatically enrolled in the program, with no action required to give or redeem rewards to shoppers.
The app is available for free to download on the App Store or Google Play. The program has 129 participating restaurant and retail businesses, all of which will earn user’s 5 percent cash back rewards on their purchases.
Although Christmas is now over, Schneuker says he hopes this program further encourages continued shopping at local stores.
“Sometimes, we do see a little bit of a dip in spending especially when you get to the new year. I mean everybody is spending their dollars on Christmas gifts and those
Tour, continued.
“I am thankful Rep.-elect Schoolcraft made the time to visit the campus today,” said Anderson. “I look forward to working with him on strengthening the workforce in this region.”
Schoolcraft will represent House District 44, which encompasses Gonzales and Guadalupe Counties. He will begin his term in January.
Texas State Technical College says it is advancing workforce development along the Texas Highway 46 corridor, with plans to establish a new campus in Seguin while expanding offerings at its New
about Shop Local App
types of things and they want to save a little bit of money so we are hoping that this will encourage folks to shop a little bit going into the new year and obviously, shop local with a lot of our great local establishments here in Seguin but they’ll have through the end of January in 2025 to continue to redeem those rewards at participating stores,” said Schneuker.
Funded by the SEDC, the program offers additional benefits to participating businesses, including access to free promotional materials like flyers, tent cards, and social media graphics. It also provides simple steps for folks to benefit from their purchases.
First, they’ll go to a local business in the program and make a purchase. Second, they’ll pay for their purchase like normal. Third, they’ll upload their receipt to the app, Open Rewards (or link a credit card to utilize. Fourth, they’ll receive 5 percent cash back rewards in their account once the receipt is approved.
Finally, during the fifth step, they’ll go to another business in the program, make a purchase and redeem their rewards towards that purchase in hopes of continuing to save up those rewards.
Those wishing to learn more are encouraged to visit the city of Seguin or SEDC Facebook page.
In Seguin, the announcement is seen as a vital milestone in achieving the city’s long-term vision for economic growth.
TSTC officials say the new campus in Seguin, coupled with
enhanced programs in New Braunfels, will equip students with industry-relevant skills and directly address the demand for a highly trained workforce in industries like advanced manufacturing, building construction, allied health and transportation.
They say this strategic move strengthens the college’s commitment to addressing regional workforce needs and supporting the area’s rapid economic growth.
The TSTC will lean on funding from the state during this next legislative session to help solidify the project expected to be built in the next few years.
Braunfels location currently housed at the Central Texas Technology Center.
Corey Dailey earns District 13-5A Offensive MVP to lead Seguin all-district football selections
(Seguin) – Seguin junior quarterback Corey Dailey was voted the 2024 District 135A Offensive MVP to lead Matador all-district football selections.
Dailey threw for 2529 yards with 35 touchdowns and just seven interceptions this past season. On September 27th, Dailey had a career night going 25 of 33 for 471 yards and seven touchdowns in a 73-66 Matador victory over Boerne Champion.
Earning first team recognition for the Matadors were Dailey along with offensive lineman David Barron and wide receiver Nik Henry. Barron and Henry, both seniors, will represent Seguin at the 2025 San Antonio Sports All-Star Football Game at the Alamodome on January 1th. Henry, also a first teamer in 2023, led Seguin in receiving this season with 59 receptions for 725 yards and 11 touchdowns in nine games.
Second team all-district honorees for Seguin were running back Ian Moreno, offensive lineman Chance Hollub, linebacker Gavin Gil and defensive end Jared Rogers. Matador all-district honorable mentions were Hunter Mica at defensive tackle, Reggie Richardson at
linebacker and Lane Seidenberger at tight end. Named to the Academic All-State team by the Texas High School Coaches Association were:
• Jacob Burns to the ELITE Team
• Joseph Ramirez to the 2nd Team
• Sammy Bode to the 2nd Team
• Lane Seidenberger to the 2nd Team
• Ocean Moreno to the 2nd Team
• Chance Hollub to the 2nd Team
• Elijah Hernandez was named Honorable Mention
• Aedus Tobias was named Honorable Mention
• Team Filmer Mason Chandler was named Honorable Mention
On the Matador Academic All District team were:
• Sammy Bode
• Jacob Burns
• Lane Seidenberger
• Chance Hollub
• Roy Ibarra
• Nik Henry
• Ocean Moreno
• Corey Dailey
• Elliot Weaver
• Joseph Ramirez
• Jackson Kirchner
• Griffen Welfel
• Ian Moreno
• Marcus Troy
• Elijah Hernandez
The annual Seguin football banquet earlier this week, and several players were recognized by head football coach and athletic director Craig Dailey and his staff.
David Barron and Lane Seidenberger earned the Roger Erk Spirit Award.
The Defensive MVP’s were Gavin Gil and Jared Rogers.
The Offensive MVP’s were Nik Henry and Corey Dailey.
Ocean Moreno and Jacob Burns earned the Zach Williams Outstanding Senior Award
And the Mr. Matador Football MVP was shared by the Senior Class of 2025.
The Matadors advanced to the Bi-District round of the UIL playoffs after finishing 4th in District 13-5A-Division-I. Craig Dailey has led Seguin to the playoffs in three of his four years as the head coach of his alma mater.
Chris Austin
Life Expectancy Up in 2023
(Undated) -- Life expectancy in the U.S. is on the rise, reaching the highest level last year since the COVID-19 pandemic. A report out today from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found life expectancy at birth averaged 78-point-four years in 2023, nearly a year longer than in 2022. Experts say some of the boost is a recovery from the big hit life expectancy took when more than a million Americans lost their life to COVID. Overdose deaths also fell slightly. Death rates also fell more among Black and Hispanic populations, which had higher death rates from COVID to begin with.
FDA Issues Oyster, Clam Alert For 17 States And WDC
(Silver Spring, MD) -- The FDA is issuing multiple oyster and Manila clam alerts for 17 states and Washington, DC saying those shellfish could be contaminated with norovirus. The states involved in those advisories are: Arizona, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina and Pennsylvania, Washington, Michigan, Massachusetts. S&M Shellfish in San Francisco issued a recall on December 13th for products sold under the names Fanny Bay, Buckley Bay and Royal Miyagi Oysters after a number of people got sick from norovirus, a serious gastrointestinal illness, after eating the shellfish. An urgent product recall advises consumers not to consume them and to return or label them, “not safe, don’t touch and/or to be destroyed.”
DOJ Sues CVS
(Woonsocket, RI) -- The Department of Justice is accusing pharmacy chain CVS of illegally dispensing massive quantities of opioids in the name of profit over public safety. The lawsuit claims that for more than a decade CVS has filled dubious prescriptions for controlled substances that had no real medical purpose. A company spokesperson denied the claims, calling the suit misguided and a dilemma for pharmacists who are already second-guessing about filling prescriptions for opioids.
Woman WIth Pig Kidney Recovering Well
(New York, NY) -- An Alabama woman who received a pig kidney last month is recovering and doing well. Surgeons at NYU Langone Health last month gave Towana Looney a gene edited pig kidney, making her the third American to undergo the procedure. In a press conference Tuesday, Looney said she feels blessed to have a second chance at life. Looney, who was facing kidney failure and unable to find a human match, was eligible for the experimental transplant. The organ was genetically modified to make it a better fit for the transplant and researchers hope the technology could eventually help ease a shortage of organs.
January
Membership Luncheon
The Seguin Chamber of Commerce will host a Membership Luncheon Sponsored by Rapid Urgent Care on Wednesday, January 8th. Check in and Networking will be held from 11:30AM
�� Welcome 2025: New Year Netw or king Kickoff
Join the Seguin Chamber for a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Networking Event to start the new year!
• January 9, 2025
• 4:45 PM: Ribbon-Cutting
• 5:00–6:30 PM: Networking
• The Caldwell – 3101 Palm Springs, Seguin, TX
• Chamber Membership Card Required for Entry
• Sponsored by: The Caldwell. Don’t miss this chance to connect and celebrate the new year with fellow business leaders!
First Friday Feast
The Geronimo Lions Club will host their First Friday Feast from 5:30 - 7:30 PM or until they run out @ The Red Bar on 390 Cordova Rd. There will be $20 Steak or Fish Dinner with sides and a drink. This event is benefiting local non-profits. Happy New Year from the Geronimo Lions.
February
Chamber 2025 Show case Seg uin: Wild
West Business Round-Up
The Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce will have its 2025 Showcase Seguin Wild West Business Round-Up from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13 at the Seguin Coliseum, located at 950 S. Austin St. in Seguin. Registration is required for all attendees. Register by Friday, Jan. 31 to avoid a $5 entry fee. For more information, call 830-3796382.
Continued on the next page. Mid-Texas
Symphony
The Mid-Texas Symphony, with conductor, Akiko Fujimoto, will present Puttin On the Ritz, at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 23 at the Brauntex Theatre in New Braunfels. To purchase tickets, visit www.mtsymphony.org or call the box office 830-463-5353 For questions, email boxoffice@mtsymphony.org.
Brown Cultural Event Series – Elizabeth Smart
The TLU Jessie S. and Jack Harold Upton Brown Cultural Enrichment Fund will present Elizabeth Smart at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27 at Jackson Auditorium on the campus of Texas Lutheran University. Elizabeth Smart is a victim of one of the most followed child abduction cases of our time and has become a beacon of hope and an advocate for change related to child abduction and recovery programs. Smart, now a bestselling author, will speak about her experience and recovery.
March
Brown Cultural Event Series – The Sec-
ond City 65th Anniver sar y
The TLU Jessie S. and Jack Harold Upton Brown Cultural Enrichment Fund will present The Second City 65th Anniversary Show at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26 at Jackson Auditorium on the campus of Texas Lutheran University. There will be handpicked songs, sketches, and characters written by Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Bill Murray, Keegan Michael Key, Eugene Levy, and other star-studded alumni of The Second City. The show celebrates the comedy troupe’s history with favorite material from their stages over the years.
Mid-Texas Symphony
The Mid-Texas Symphony, with conductor, Akiko Fujimoto, will present Bond and Beyond, at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 30 at the New Braunfels Civic and Convention Center in New Braunfels. To purchase tickets, visit www.mtsymphony.org or call the box office 830-463-5353 For questions, email boxoffice@mtsymphony.org.
April
Mid-Texas Symphony
The Mid-Texas Symphony, with conductor, Akiko Fujimoto, will present Ode to Joy, at 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 27 at Jackson Auditorium at Texas Lutheran University. To purchase tickets, visit www.mtsymphony.org or call the box office 830-463-5353 For questions, email boxoffice@mtsymphony.org.
Continued on the next page.
Ongoing Community Calendar Items
CCSCT Utility Assistance Application for 2024
Applications are available for the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (C.E.A.P.) provided by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs through the CCSCT. The program will help low-income consumers reduce their utility bills. There is also assistance available through the Low Income Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). For more information visit www. ccsct.org or follow them on the socials at https://linktr.ee/ccsct_cares.
Heritage Museum Calendars
The Heritage Museum is selling 2024 Then and Now Themed Calendars. There is a limited supply and they are available for purchase at the Heritage Museum, Gift & Gourmet, Pecan Town Books and Brews, Parker’s City Pharmacy, and online at www.heritagemuseum.net. All proceeds benefit Museum projects.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline available 24 hours a day in English and Spanish.
Volunteer Van Dr iver s Needed
Guadalupe County Veteran Services Office is in great need of volunteer van drivers. Even those who can only commit to one day per month. Volunteers will drive local veterans who have no transportation to their VA medical appointments in San Antonio. To volunteer, call 830-303-4188 ext. 1249.
Precious Life Services
Precious Life Services is accepting new clients who may need help with Anger Management, Parenting Skills, Christian Counseling, Group and Family Therapy, Anxiety and Depression, etc. Appointments are available in-office, by Zoom or Teleconference by calling 830-372-5980.
Free Accredited Adult Homeschool Program
The Life Changing Church is now offering a Free Accredited Homeschool Program for adults wanting to earn their high school diploma. It is a selfpaced, 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 325956-1155.
Salvation Ar my 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.
Volunteer s 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 423227-9610 or visit www.gvyoungmarines.org.
La Trinidad Blessing Box - Food Pantry
The La Trinidad United Methodist Church invites you to “Take what you need, Bring what you can, and above all be Blessed!” by its Blessing Box Food Pantry located at the corner of the church at 306 E. Gonzales St. in Seguin. The Blessing Box is filled with items to help those in need.
The Country Church Attic
The Country Church Attic is now open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Wednesday and Thursday.
Clothing Ministry
The Refuge III Clothing Ministry continues to give away clothing, some furniture, dishes, and other items at 7535 Elm Creek Road in Seguin. For further information call 830-303-6478.
Free Bible Course
The World Bible School is offering free Bible correspondence courses. Answer questions from the Bible and send in for grading. Visit studygod.info for further information.
To ensur e non-pr ofit or g anization’s meetings and events appear in this calendar, send information to: communitycalendar @kw ed1580.com, or dr op off the information at the Seg uin Daily New s/KWED offices located at 609 E. Cour t St. in Seg uin. For best results, submit information at least two weeks prior to the event.
SDN Classifieds
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public Auction Notice: Notice is hereby given that public auctions will be held at the following facilities managed by Devon Self Storage. Property contained in the units will be sold to satisfy the Landlord’s lien for rent and other charges in accordance with Chapter 59
of the Texas Property Code. Contents of the following customers containing household and other goods will be sold to the highest bidder via an online auction at www.storagetreasures.com. Online bidding will begin on 01/06/2025 at 10:00AM and will continue until 01/20/2025 at 10:00AM, at which time a high bidder will be determined. Devon Self
Storage reserves the right to set minimum bids and to refuse bids. Please refer to www. storagetreasures.com for all other terms and conditions governing the bidding and auction process. 2975 FM 725 New Braunfels TX 78130 Megan Schumann – Household items; Floyd Harvey– Household items; Mark Isbell – Household items
