Darren Dunn
Smart watches can help with your health, but can also make you anxious about data
(San Antonio) -- One of the more popular Christmas gifts this year was smart watches, which can track things like heart rate and blood pressure.
Experts say they can be very useful to our health, but they could also cause some problems for you as well. Dr. Ildiko Agoston, a cardiologist in the San Antonio area, says you just need to make yourself aware of the limits of the watch.
“The pros of using these devices is it helps monitor certain health conditions such as arrhythmias, irregular heartbeat,” said Dr. Agoston.
She says the watches work, but there are limitations, and some of those may lead to unncessary worry.
“These devices, since they are not medical grade, can create anxiety by picking up data that may not be accurate,” Dr. Agoston.
Dr. Agostone says she worries that they could lead to increased anxiety and unnecessary medical tests. She says the best use of smart watches is for you to use it to encourage you to exercise.
Rudeloff, continued.
Melissa Reynolds, the city’s director engineering and capital projects, provided the update during a recent meeting of the Seguin City Council. Reynolds says the idea for the project started several years ago, when the city sought funding support from Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO). The MPO brought much needed federal dollars to the project, which will help to meet the transportation needs of a fast growing segment of Seguin.
Reynolds says the contractor continues to work on the utility upgrades that need to be put into place before the actual roadwork can begin on Rudeloff.
“They’ve been working diligently to work on the water line, which was a city portion of that project. I’m happy to say that as of today, we are about seventy percent done on the utility, which is the bid alternate, and then also about seven percent complete on the road. That’s mostly right of way clearing. There’s no actual roadway construction happening as of yet, because we have to get the underground stuff done first. So, they’ve installed the water line...all the way to Huber Road. They are still working on water line crossings, so getting across the road in various areas. They are also working on preparation of Culvert Three. So, Culvert Three is adjacent to the ball fields. You can kind of see the tributary we’ve got going through there for that flood plain. That will be the first culvert they work on, and they will be working their way to (Highway) 46. The culverts have to get done before they can build the temporary road, at which time they will switch traffic, and then we will work on actual roadway construction,” said Reynolds.
The project calls for the widening of Rudeloff Road from two to four lanes, with a center turn lane. It will also include space for bicycle and pedestrian travel. The city broke ground on the project in April. Reynolds says the roadway construction may not have started yet, but this other work is important to this project.
“We anticipate that type of (road) work starting first quarter of next year. So big work is happening. I promise. It doesn’t look like much, but there is a lot happening that you can’t see,” said Reynolds.
According to Reynolds, the project remains on track for its completion in about a year and a half. Unfortunately, people who utilize the road in its current state will have to continue to dodge potholes along this stretch of Rudeloff.
“The anticipated completion is still on schedule for the summer of 2026. And as to the roadway condition, I know there have been some questions and concerns about potholes and some of the issues with the driveability. Keep in mind, the contractor is really only responsible for damages they create, and 90 percent of their construction has not been within the roadway itself, but within the right of way. There’s been some recent pothole patching of some washouts, and some areas of concern on the roadway. So, it is a little more drivable than it was before. It will be kept drivable. Drivable is interpretable, but you should not expect major repairs. We will save those for the actual reconstruction of the roadway,” said Reynolds.
Councilman Jim Lievens represents this portion of the city. He says he knows first hand how challenging it can be to utilize the road in its current condition, but he says that’s the way it will likely have to be for a while longer.
“I think I mentioned to you I that had some rather expensive (vehicle repairs). I had to write it down, because I keep forgetting it. My front wheel hub assembly was
coming apart on my truck, and certainly it can’t be due to driver performance. So, it’s (like) driving on the moon,” Lievens said jokingly.
Reynolds says the contractor is moving as quickly as it can, and the project is moving forward in a timely manner. She says they just have to finish the utility work before they can turn their attention to the roadway.
“It’s going to be very dependent on weather, because culverts have to go in first and obviously culverts are areas of lows that are going to get very wet and hard to work in, in wet weather. Additionally, some of the conflicts are between the culverts and the AT&T line. So, those are the unknowns, but as of now we are expecting traffic to switch to a temporary road around April. All of that still kind of moving (forward). Again, as far as who owns the maintenance of the roadway – they own the maintenance of the roadway (based on) the condition in which they received it. If you can recall what the road looked like last year, it has not gotten substantially any worse than it was when they received it. And that’s the issue we are in. If we would like them to do some repairs, that would be a change order to their contract,” said Reynolds.
There may be some additional pothole patching done on the roadway, but major improvements are not expected until the temporary lanes go up. Council members asked staff to see if some re-stripping could be done along the existing roadway. Lievens says its been harder to determine the lanes in that area.
The update on Rudeloff Road was only a presentation, and no action was taken by the council.
VITAL STATISTICS
Sawyer
SGM Frank Charles Sawyer, Jr., USA (ret), age 88 of Seguin, TX, passed away on December 25, 2024. Frank was born on August 26, 1936 in Willimantic, Connecticut to Marie Luciene (Pepin) and Frank C. Sawyer, Sr.
Frank graduated from Windham High School in 1954. He served in the United States Army for 24 years with a rank of SGM. His military awards were the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Armed Forces Expedition Medal.
Frank served in Okinawa Japan, Korea, Italy, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,
Hernandez
Jerry Don Hernandez, age 62 of Seguin, passed away on December 16, 2024. Jerry was born on July 13, 1962 in San Antonio, Texas to Agnes (Cortez) and Jose Juan Hernandez.
Jerry proudly served his country in the United States Army for sixteen years. He retired as a lieutenant from the Seguin Police Department after twenty-two years of dedicated service.
He is preceded in death by his father, his siblings, Doreen Hernandez, Jeffrey Hernandez, and Beatrice Hernandez and his brother-in-law, John Levi. Survivors include his loving wife of 25 years, Jessica Hernandez; children, John Hernandez and wife Ashlyn, Joshua Hernandez, Jennifer Gonzalez and
White
Eunice “Diane” Carpenter White passed away recently at 57 years old. Viewing will be held Saturday December 28th, 2024 from 9:30am to 11am @ Emanuel Lutheran Church.
Funeral will begin at 11am at Emanuel Lutheran Church.
Burial will take place Monday December 30th, 2024 at 9:30am at Fort Sam Houston Cemetery.
Survivors include: Husband: Felipe White. Children: Courtney White, Jacquelyn Roberson, Naomi Taylor White, Richard Taylor White, Deveon Taylor White, Neisha Taylor, Anton White, Antanique White, Tamiriana White, Ja’Nayah White, Davion White, Drew Allen Gibson, Mother: Zeda Carpenter Shepherd, Brother: Emanuel Carpenter Jr. and Sister: Lois Carpenter Stevenson
Services entrusted to: Crenshaw Funeral Home, 216 Blumberg St. Seguin, Tx. 78155
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Memorials Processing, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105-9959 or to the Guadalupe County Humane Society, P. O. Box 1593, Seguin, Texas, 78155-1593.
Virginia, Washington D.C., and Texas.
Frank is preceded in death by his loving wife of 53 years, Gaile Mary Sawyer, his parents, and sister Shirley Landon of Chaplin, CT.
Survivors include his son, Nelson Sawyer and his wife Suzanne of Colorado Springs, CO; daughter, Norma Engelmann and husband Douglas of Lufkin, TX; grandchildren, Heidi Engelmann of Seguin, TX, Tiffany Engelmann and husband Fred Booker of San Antonio, TX, Korey Engelmann and wife Kayla of La Vernia, TX, Molly Sawyer, Christopher Sawyer, and Benjamin Sawyer of Colorado Springs, CO and Erin Greszler and husband Brian of the Netherlands; nine great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other loving family members.
Private graveside services and interment with full military honors will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at a later date.
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.
husband Tony, Jerry Hernandez, Jr., and Jacqueline Hernandez; grandchildren, Caleb Cantu, Dominic Soto, Marie Hernandez, Josiah Gonzalez, London Andrew Barrlowe, Laramie Labelle Hernandez and Izabella Rose Zayas; great-grandchild, Cash Cantu; mother, Agnes Hernandez; siblings, Joe David Hernandez and wife Mary, and Debra Levi; sister-in-law, Paty Fraga and husband Juan; best friend, John Hutchinson; numerous other loving family members and a host of friends.
Visitation will be held on Monday, January 6, 2025 at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will begin on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 10 a.m. at Crossroads Church in Seguin with the Reverend Marcus Avalos officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
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.
Ball
George Floyd Ball, Jr. Died Christmas Eve at the age of 71. He is survived by one sister, Ann Ball. Arrangements are pending at Eunice and Lee Mortuary.
U.S. Whooping Cough Cases Are At Highest Level Since 2014
(Atlanta, GA) -- Whooping cough cases in the U.S. are at the highest level seen in a decade. Cases have been skyrocketing for months with the CDC warning there’s no sign of a slowdown. The federal health agency says more than 32-thousand cases have been reported this year through mid-December, six times more than last year at this time. Pennsylvania is reporting the most cases. The disease, also known as pertussis, is highly contagious and often starts out with cold-like symptoms followed by a full body cough that can last for months. Children under the age of one-year-old are most at risk with the CDC advising that D-tap vaccine offers the best protection.
Health Experts Concerned About “Silent” COVID Surge Hitting Over Holidays
(Atlanta, GA) -- Health experts are concerned About a “silent” COVID surge hitting over the holidays. They’re worried for two reasons. First, because this year’s winter COVID wave is getting off to a late start. And recent CDC data shows high or very high levels of the virus that causes COVID in wastewater in twenty-one states. Yet, a lot of people are unaware of that and public health experts are concerned they might not get tested if they get sick, especially if their symptoms are minor. The CDC cautions that can cause COVID to spread during holiday travel and parties.
Severe Case Of Bird Flu Shows Mutations
(Atlanta, GA) -- The first severe case of bird flu in the country is showing mutations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday that the patient’s sample shows mutations affecting the way it attaches to host cells, something not seen in the infected flock of backyard birds on the patient’s property. The patient is in Louisiana and no transmission to other humans has been detected.
Company Hopes To Expand Lifespans Of Dogs
(San Francisco, CA) -- A biotech startup is hoping to bring a pill to market as soon as 2025 that could give dogs at least an extra year of healthy life. San Francisco-based Loyal has raised 125-million-dollars to develop the drug with the hopes that the work can also eventually benefit humans. The daily pill looks to lessen or reverse a dog’s metabolic changes as it gets older.
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 Networking 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.
Unwind Your Drawing Skills.
This Seguin Art League class will concentrate on value scale and pencil techniques. Everyone will have the opportunity to draw the basic geometric forms and convert them into everyday objects. Open to ages 18 and up. January 10 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. $20. Basic supplies included. Minimum 8 participants. For more information call 830-3050472. 104 S. Austin St., Seguin.
Native Plant Society Guadalupe Chapter Meeting
• Date: Tuesday, January 14, 2025
• Time: Social time and plant/seed exchange at 6:30 PM, program begins at 7:00 PM
• Location: First Presbyterian Church, 1121 E. Walnut Street, Seguin, Texas (Parking in the rear, enter from N. Moss Street)
• The Guadalupe Chapter of the Native Plant Society invites the community to its monthly meeting. This month’s program will feature Jane Tillman from Austin, presenting via Zoom on the topic “Plants that are Good for Birds in Our Area.”
• Meetings are open to the public, and visitors are welcome.
• For more information, visit https://npsot. org/wp/guadalupe/.
Guadalupe County Republican Women Meeting
• Date: Thursday, January 23, 2025
• Time: Seated lunch at 11:30 AM
• Location: Seguin Silver Center, 510 East Court Street, Seguin. Join the Guadalupe County Republican Women for their first meeting of the new year, featuring speaker Luke Macias, a Texas-based political consultant known for working with the most conservative public servants across the state. Macias has been recognized as one of the most valuable consultants in Texas by Capitol Inside.
• Cost for Lunch: $15.00 (Reservation required)
• Reservations for lunch can be made by contacting Glenda Partain at 830.391.3979 (call or text) or by emailing silvercenter@sbcglobal.net. Payment accepted by cash or check.
• For more information, visit https://www. guadalupe-county-rw.com.
• Guadalupe County Republican Women ~ P.O. Box 176 ~ Seguin, TX 78156
February
Chamber 2025 Showcase Seguin: Wild West Business Round-Up
The Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce will have its 2025 Showcase Seguin Wild West Business Round-Up from 5 to 8 p.m. on
Thursday, Feb. 13 at the Seguin Coliseum, located at 950 S. Austin St. in Seguin. Registration is required for all attendees. Register by Friday, Jan. 31 to avoid a $5 entry fee. For more information, call 830-379-6382.
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 Second City 65th Anniversary
The TLU Jessie S. and Jack Harold Upton Brown Cultural Enrichment Fund will present The Second City 65th Anniversary Show at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26 at Jackson Auditorium on the campus of Texas Lutheran University. There will be handpicked songs, sketches, and characters written by Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Bill Murray, Keegan Michael Key, Eugene Levy, and other star-studded alumni of The Second City. The show celebrates the comedy troupe’s history with favorite material from their stages over the years.
Continued on the next page.
Mid-Texas Symphony
The Mid-Texas Symphony, with conductor, Akiko Fujimoto, will present Bond and Beyond, at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 30 at the New Braunfels Civic and Convention Center in New Braunfels. To purchase tickets, visit www.mtsymphony.org or call the box office 830-463-5353 For questions, email boxoffice@mtsymphony.org.
April
Mid-Texas Symphony
The Mid-Texas Symphony, with conductor, Akiko Fujimoto, will present Ode to Joy, at 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 27 at Jackson Auditorium at Texas Lutheran University. To purchase tickets, visit www.mtsymphony. org or call the box office 830-463-5353 For questions, email boxoffice@mtsymphony.org.
Ongoing Community Calendar Items
CCSCT Utility Assistance Application for 2024
Applications are available for the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (C.E.A.P.) provided by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs through the CCSCT. The program will help low-income consumers reduce their utility bills. There is also assistance available through the Low Income Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). For more information visit www.ccsct.org or follow them on the socials at https://linktr.ee/ccsct_cares.
Heritage Museum Calendars
The Heritage Museum is selling 2024 Then and Now Themed Calendars. There is a limited supply and they are available for purchase at the Heritage Museum, Gift & Gourmet, Pecan Town Books and Brews, Parker’s City Pharmacy, and online at www. heritagemuseum.net. All proceeds benefit
Museum projects.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline available 24 hours a day in English and Spanish.
Volunteer Van Drivers Needed
Guadalupe County Veteran Services Office is in great need of volunteer van drivers. Even those who can only commit to one day per month. Volunteers will drive local veterans who have no transportation to their VA medical appointments in San Antonio. To volunteer, call 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 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 325-9561155.
Salvation Army Office
The Seguin Unit Salvation Army office is located at 205 North King Street. The office is open to receive requests for assistance weekly from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Volunteers Needed
The Guadalupe Valley Young Marines need volunteers. They promote a healthy, drugfree 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: communitycale0ndar@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.
