October 23, 2016

TODAY’S EDITORIAL >>VOTER EDUCATION VITAL PART OF DEMOCRACY, pg. 4A

SLICE OF LIFE

CATCH UP WITH YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL WRITERS Page 6A

VOTERS’ GUIDE

FLOYD MCKEE

Q&A WITH OUR LOCAL CANDIDATES Page 9A

MORE ON SEGUIN’S HISTORY Page 2A

MATS DOMINATE, Sports, pg. 14A

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‘A lot of calls and a lot of need’

Activists, experts and organizers discuss the fight against domestic violence It’s been six months since Monica Gallegos was killed in what authorities called a case of domestic violence, and her family is still reeling from the loss.

Gallegos’ aunt Judy Castro said it’s even harder now since Monica’s two children are in Houston, in their father’s care.

“We don’t get to see them unless we drive up

there,” she said. “We’re just stuck in this situation.

Mom does a lot of praying.”

Gallegos was 28 when she was stabbed to death on April 19. Investigators identified her boyfriend, Estaban Pinon, 26, as a suspect in her death, and he was subsequently charged with murder.

Authorities said an argument between Gallegos and Pinon turned deadly after he allegedly stabbed

her multiple times, killing her.

Castro said the family had previously witnessed Pinon abuse her niece and did what they could to try to get Gallegos to leave.

“We moved her away, but that didn’t pan out,” she said. “We would tell her how beautiful she was and how much we loved her, but it just wasn’t enough.

We tried everything, but it didn’t work out. In the end, we lost. I don’t know what

else we could have done.”

Unfortunately, Castro and her family are not alone in their pain.

According to the he Texas Council on Family Violence, 158 women were killed in 2015 due to domestic violence, up from the 132 reported in 2014.

Of those, Guadalupe County had two women — Vivian Casas and Marcela

BY THE NUMBERS Texas Council on Family Violence 2015 Family Violence by the Numbers Women Killed: 158 Family Violence Incidents: 194,872 Adults and Children Served: 69,107* Adults and Children Sheltered: 24,391** Adults and Children receiving nonresiden-

SSLGC seeks $43M loan for projects

Matador pride

Lauren Dodd lauren.dodd@seguingazette.com

Felicia Frazar - Seguin Gazette

ABOVE: The Matador football team shows off their spirit during the Homecoming Parade on Thursday. BELOW LEFT: The Seguin High School freshman cheerleaders show off their Matador spirit during the parade. BELOW RIGHT: A Mini Mat shows off her skills during the Seguin High School Homecoming Pep Rally. See more on page 7A.

Ghost stories: Professor discusses the paranormal One common interest that has persisted from past to present, and across much of the world is the curiosity over things that have never really been understood — those that defy scientific explanation.

And, for those seeking to investigate such paranormal activity, some

of the best places to start are theaters.

Texas Lutheran University has its share of stories that have been passed down from one generation to another.

TLU English and Communication professor Dr. Steven Vrooman said the university may have its own paranormal activity.

“It seems that back in the days,

Guadalupe County by the numbers 2015 Women Killed: 2 Calls for assistance: 267

NEED - 3A

SEGUIN HIGH SCHOOL HOMECOMING

Jennifer Luna jennifer.luna@seguingazette.com

tial services (i.e., counseling, legal advocacy, etc.): 45,478** Unmet Requests for Shelter: 15,869 Hotline calls answered: 183,294*

when Old Main was the only academic building on campus, there was a house where the Scheuch Fine Arts Center stands where people lived who were part of the support staff of the university,” he said. “... A little girl will appear at the end of a hallway and ask you to play ball with her. You follow her around SPOOKY - 5A

The Schertz-Seguin Local Government Corporation board, which governs Seguin’s drinking water supply, passed a resolution Thursday to apply for a $43 million loan from the Texas Water Development Board to fund local water projects.

“Thank you very much gentlemen, I think we are going to enjoy the fruits of this,” said board chairman Ken Greenwald after the resolution’s passage. “The next few months are going to be very exciting.”

After some discussion, during a regular meeting, the board approved a SWIFT funding resolution to sell revenue and board participation bonds to the Texas Water Development Board.

SWIFT, State Water Implementation Fund for Texas, provides affordable financial assistance to help communities optimize water supplies, according to the TWDB website.

For SSLGC, the funds would assist in supplying water to Schertz during summer peak months in anticipation of the city’s continued growth.

If approved by Schertz City Council on Oct. 25, Seguin City Council on Nov. 1, and lastly, the Texas Water Development Board, SSLGC could receive $43,670,000, through a 30-year low interest loan, on Nov. 16 to fund the “Guadalupe Project.”

The project would

Coming up

Find more online

Today

Find out about all of the activities planned for Pecan Fest weekend.

Look for us online at SeguinGazette.com for news, sports, obituaries and more — including our e-edition and web-exclusive photos.

Area of low clouds ahead of sunny skies.

Thank you very much gentlemen, I think we are going to enjoy the fruits of this. The next few months are going to be very exciting.”

Ken Greenwald Board chairman

MORE INFO

For more on SWIFT funding visit twdb.texas. gov/financial/programs/ swift/index.asp.

include an expansion of the wellfield in southeastern Guadalupe County, the construction of a treatment plant and a storage and pump station. It would also include a parallel 36 inch wide, 43 mile long, pipeline from Seguin to Schertz.

The Guadalupe Project is still in the initial stage of planning. The project’s design phase is not expected to be completed until September 2017.

Construction on the project would not begin until June 2019 and the project would not be completed until February 2021.

The cost of these expansion projects will be funded through SSLGC water rates to its customers, according to Alan Cockerell, SSLGC General Manager.

“SSLGC applied for SWIFT funds due to the low interest rates,” Cockerell said. “As stated

83º 65º

VOTE NOVEMBER 8

SSLGC - 5A PRICE: $1.50

Vol. 128 No. 36

Ricardo GUERRA Trustee District 1, Seguin ISD

Your choice is clear: Don’t miss the train!

Re-elect Ricardo Guerra!

Re-elect a trustee whose dedication and vision have put Seguin ISD on track towards a 21st Century education!

Early Voting Oct 24 - Oct 29: 7am - 7pm Oct 30: 1pm - 6pm Oct 31 - Nov 4: 7am- 7pm

Felicia Frazar felicia.frazar@seguingazette.com

COMMUNITY ‘Babe of the Alamo’ QUOTABLE

“If you do not believe you can do it then you have no chance at all.”

— Arsene Wenger

2A - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2016 · SEGUIN GAZETTE

GOT SOMETHING 2-DO?

E-mail us at calendar@seguingazette.com to get them in 2-DO

SUNDAY, OCT. 23

2 to 4 p.m. OPEN HOUSE The Kingsbury Lodge 887, 207 Prairie Lea Rd. is hosting an open house. The event is to provide an opportunity to meet Masons from their community and to tour the lodge. Appetizers and drinks will be available. The event is free and open to the public.

The unfortunate tale of Angelina Dickinson

2 to 4 p.m. OPEN HOUSE The Guadalupe Masonic Lodge #109 is hosting an Open House at the lodge, 1945 W. Kingsbury St. Members of the Guadalupe Lodge, Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter, Counsel and Commandery will be on hand to answer any questions.

3 to 6:30 p.m. ALMOST PATSY CLINE The Almost Patsy Cline Band will perform at the Geronimo VFW, 6808 N Hwy 123. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door, with proceeds benefitting the VFW Auxiliary programs. For more information or tickets, call 830-379-1971 or 830-305-8829.

MONDAY, OCT. 24 1 to 2:15 p.m. COMPUTER CLASSES Texas Lutheran University is hosting classes to help area residents get familiar with their computers including assistance with using a mouse, setting up email, using Microsoft Office and more. The sessions are in the Beck Center Room LL05, and are free and open to the public.

5 to 6 p.m. NURSING INFO SESSION The Texas Lutheran University’s Nursing department is hosting a information session of and open house for Fall 2017 bachelor’s of nursing applicants and registered nursing -BSN applicants.

7 p.m. GUADALUPE MASTER NATURALIST The Guadalupe County Master Naturalist’s monthly program at the AgriLife Extension Bldg., 210 E. Live Oak. Master Naturalist Nancy Masterson will present an informative program on nonnative invasive plants that threaten the habitats of our Texas native plants. Learn which ones to avoid planting in your landscape.

Guests are welcome. Chapter business meeting for members will follow. Refreshments will be served starting at 6:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, OCT. 25 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. COMPUTER CLASSES Texas Lutheran University is hosting classes to help area residents get familiar with their computers including assistance with using a mouse, setting up email, using Microsoft Office and more. The sessions are in the Beck Center Room LL05, and are free and open to the public.

4 to 6 p.m. TOY DRIVE APPLICATIONS Precious Life Services is now accepting applications for families who looking for assistance in putting toys under the Christmas Tree. Families may register in person at the Seguin Public Library, 313 West Nolte Street. For more information on what is required to receive help, visit www.preciouslifeservices.org 6 p.m. CANDLELIGHT VIGIL The Guadalupe Valley Family Violence Shelter is hosting its annual Candlelight Vigil at the Seguin Events Complex and Coliseum.

The event will include honoring the victims of domestic violence and the unveiling of silent witnesses. For more information, call 830-372-2780.

7 to 9 p.m. CHASING GHOSTS The Marion Community Library is bringing in world-renowned paranormal researchers, and authors of “Chasing Ghosts - Texas Style” Brad and Barry Klinge. Seats are limited, and anybody wanting to attend must RSVP to reserve. For more information or to RSVP, call 830-914-2371 ext 432 or visit mcla36.wix.com/marioncommunitylib

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 26 6:30 p.m. CANDIDATES FORUM The TLU Center For Servant Leadership and Seguin’s Community Forum is hosting a candidates forum for the local races. The event will be held at the Texas Lutheran University’s Dunne Center.

THURSDAY, OCT. 27 6 p.m. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VIGIL The Guadalupe Valley Family Violence Shelter is hosting its annual Domestic Violence Candlelight Vigil at the Pickrell Park Pavilion in Schertz. The event is held in honor of the 158 women who were murdered in Texas by their intimate partner in 2015 — two of which were Guadalupe County citizens. Please come out and show your support for this cause by wearing the color purple.

6:30 to 9 p.m. PHYSICS NIGHT The TLU Physics Department and Society of Physics Students are presenting a night of interactive physics demonstrations in the Moody Science Lecture Hall and Jackson Park to celebrate the Physics of The Human Body. There will be hands-on activities and demonstrations. The event is free and open to the public.

FRIDAY, OCT. 28 7:30 to 11 FRIDAY NIGHT DANCE The Seguin Silver Center Friday night dance will feature Country Sounds. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $7 for Silver Center members and $9 for non-members. Sandwiches will be available for a light supper. For more information, visit www.silvercenterseguin.com 7 p.m. PECAN FEST PUB CRAWL Kick off Pecan Fest on with a Friday night Pub Crawl around Downtown Seguin. Registration is from 6:30 to 7 p.m. and participants will make their way through to several local hotspots, including Austin Street Live, Bar 217 at Park Plaza, Court Street Coffee, Playoff’s Sports Bar and Grill, Seguin Brewing Company, Tavern on the Creek and The Oak. For more information, visit www.seguingonuts.com

Floyd McKee Snapshots of Seguin’s History Angelina Dickinson, known as the “Babe of the Alamo,” was 15 months old when she and her mother, Susannah, were among the few women survivors of the Alamo. Before the fall of the Alamo, Colonel William B. Travis tied his ring around her neck. It was a ring he had received from his sweetheart Rebecca Cumming of New Orleans. The ring is now on display in the Alamo.

Angelina lived a very unfortunate life. She married John M. Griffith in 1851 and they lived in Montgomery County for five years. However, Angelina didn’t like living on a farm and their marriage was troubled and they divorced. They had two children in their marriage. She married Curtis McKallip, and had a daughter, Jessie. She divorced him and married James Allison.

Angelina left two of her children with her mother, Susannah, and traveled to New Orleans where she drifted from place to place. In 1864, she married Oscar Holmes in New Orleans and they had a daughter, Sallie. They separated and Angelina left her children in a Convent in New Orleans.

At one time she moved to Galveston and became a nurse during a period when the plague hit the town.

The place and cir-

We all know that six flags have waved over Texas in its history. There is a themeTRIVIA park that tells us that. But TEXAS which waved the longest? Old Glory? No. Texas belonged Mitchell’s then toEDDIE Spain twice as long as Texas has beendriver, a state: for 297 RICKENBACKER became America’s years. For almost three centuries Texas was ruled under leading fighter pilot. the red and gold flag of Imperial Spain.

We’ve been a Union state for 166 years.

In 1909, Fife and He shot down 26 GerNo, that is not car a mistake. was a state Miller, a Dallas deal- Texas man aircraft andfrom was1845 toership, 1861 when it joined the Confederacy: it did not rejoin received many awarded the Congresthe Union until 1865.

complaints because sional Medal of Honor. their cars were breakThis Texan was Eddie ing down. The Ohio Rickenbacker. based manufacturer sent an 18- year-old mechanic to fix them He altered the engines to better tolerate the Texas heat. He travelled all over the state, helping car dealerships and as a publicity stunt he chauffeured presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan through Abilene.

Nine years later, during World War I, he was General Billy

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World’s Largest Nutcracker Collection Tours Nutty Food Tasting | Pecan Goodies | Beer and Wine Garden Trade Days Market | Wilson Pottery Show Agricultural Activities for All Ages Pecan Fest Pub Crawl | Tour de Pecan Bike Ride Hats Off to Juan Seguin Street Dance and Hat Parade Live Entertainment | Re-enactors Historic Tours | Ghost Tours

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UPCOMING/ONGOING ITEMS ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS MEETING: Will be held at Seguin Primary Purpose Group at 7 p.m. Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 315 S. Crockett on the east side of the Episcopal Church. For information, call 830-386-0334.

VETERANS DAY PARADE: Applications are now being accepted for those wanting to participate in the Veterans Day parade set for Nov. 11. The parade theme is “Pearl Harbor to Desert Storm” in recognition of this being the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and the 25th anniversary for Desert Storm. The parade will start at 10 a.m. To obtain an application contact Marlin Howze at 830-549-3334.

cumstances of Angelina’s death is not known for certain. Family history states she died in New Orleans.

However, an article in a Galveston newspaper in July 1869, referred to her as Angelina, Em, or Emma Britton, who was saved at the fall of the Alamo and further states “that she embraced the life of a courtesan.”

In “Find A Grave”, they state in an obituary for “Em Britton”, the “Babe of the Alamo” has drifted away and lived recklessly.

She died of uterine hemorrhage at the age of 34.

Her mother, Susannah, outlived her by fourteen years and died in 1869.

According to her family history, Angelina’s grave was located in the far back corner of Galveston’s Evergreen Cemetery which is also called Cahill Cemetery.

The small headstone was

Heritage Museum, you will see a mural of a lady on horseback carrying a baby. The mural depicts Susannah Dickinson carrying Angelina and commemorates Susannah’s ride from the Alamo to Gonzales. On her way to Walnut Springs (Seguin) she crossed the Cibolo Creek near La Vernia.

Susannah is the Greatgreat-great-grandmother of Crystal (Stasny) Kiolbassa of La Vernia.

Angelina had four children. When she died, three of the children moved to Austin and were raised by Susannah. According to family history, one of the daughters, Sarah (Sallie), was sent to Ursuline Academy in San Antonio.

After her graduation, she was engaged to the son of Texas Governor, Sul Ross, but she broke the engagement and eloped with Emmanuel Barrera.

Courtesy image According to “Find A Grave”, Sarah (Sallie) washed away to sea in the died in San Antonio and 1900 Galveston flood. is buried in the cemetery Despite many appeals at Commerce Street and to the state legislature New Braunfels Street. and government of the Republic, aid to Angelina Floyd McKee is a native of Dickinson based on her Seguin, a retired Air Force father’s service, was dis- Colonel and Vietnam missed, as stated in pre- Veteran. Eight of the vious snapshots, because thirty-three Texas Rangers the Republic was broke. who organized Walnut If you drive through La Springs and Seguin were Vernia, at the La Vernia his ancestors.

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About the Seguin Gazette

The Seguin Gazette is located 1012 Schriewer Road, Seguin, Texas, 78155 Mailing Address: PO Box 1200, Seguin, TX, 78156-1200 Main Phone Line: 830-379-5402 | Main Fax Line: 830-379-8328 The newspaper is published mornings Tuesday through Friday and Sunday USPS 488-700, 2nd class postage paid in Seguin, Texas, © Seguin Gazette, 2016

NEED From page 1A Barrientos — who are among the list of victims reportedly killed by their significant other.

The Silent Witnesses The Guadalupe Valley Family Violence Shelter will honor these women, and several others, with “Silent Witnesses,” GVFVS executive director Jennifer Fernandez said.

The GVFVS board created a visual display to honor the women who lost their lives due to domestic violence, which they call the “Silent Witnesses,” Fernandez said.

“We’ve had a few of them in the years past, but we felt it was important to have one for each of the women that we knew of in the counties that we serve,” she said.

“There are 16 silent witnesses.

They are so powerful individually. The only thing that makes them more powerful is seeing all of them.”

Fernandez said each year the numbers are released and discussed, but the silent witnesses helps tell a story.

“We see the statistics every year, but these women were so much more than that,” she said. “They weren’t numbers, they were someone’s child, someone’s sister. We want to be able to remember them and honor them.”

The silent witness is a life-sized, red silhouette of a woman. Each of the red women come with a placard that has a name and their story, Fernandez said.

“One of the things about silent witnesses is they are so powerful and they attract people to them,” she said. “People want to know what they are, they read their story and it starts conversation. Regularly, we have people say I remember that or I knew her. Maybe it was a co-worker, or maybe somebody tells us they were in an abusive relationship for 20 years and they got out of it.

Or we have someone read them and say, I know somebody that is going through that, what do I do?”

Emotional Abuse

SEGUIN GAZETTE · SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2016 - 3A

Candlelight vigil slated for Tuesday Staff reports The Guadalupe Valley Family Violence Shelter is honoring the victims of domestic violence with a candlelight vigil on Tuesday.

Starting at 6 p.m. at the gazebo at the Seguin Events Complex, the GVFVS will remember and While physical abuse is the most visible form of domestic violence, the assaults go much deeper, Fernandez said.

“Physical abuse is easy for us to identify, but there is so much more,” she said. “It is a whole pattern of behavior. It starts with a lot of verbal and emotional abuse and control and manipulation. Unless that rises to a threat, there is no law against calling your partner stupid and worthless everyday, but a lot of women that we work with will tell you that is worse, because the physical, the bruise goes away, the cuts and breaks heal, but those words are irreparable.”

The verbal abuse can cause long-term damage, Fernandez said.

“The women hear those words over and over, and it becomes a loop going through their mind; they internalize that and they start to second guessing their abilities,” she said. “When an abuser controls every aspect of the woman’s life, she starts to question their own decision making and capabilities.”

Financial Abuse Fernandez said economic abuse happens often, but is rarely talked about.

“For many of these woman that control over the finances is what keeps them in that situation,” she said. “About 40 to 50 percent of our clients earn $5,000 or less annually on their own. They are either unemployed or underemployed, and that is typically a direct result of what is going on in the home.”

An abuser will takes control of the money and will go beyond that by wrecking work relation-

recognize the 158 women who died in Texas, including the two from Guadalupe County — Vivian Casas and Marcela Barrientos.

“The event is to offer support for the survivors of abuse, their family and friends and to build a safer community,” GVFVS said.

The GVFVS board also will ships, Fernandez said.

“When the victims are working, not only do they have access to money, but they have access to people and support,”she said. “All of that is very threatening for the batterer. A lot of times when they do work, the partner will sabotage that. They call frequently, show up at the workplace unannounced and do those kinds of things that can jeopardize the victim’s work.”

If a victim is trying to escape, not having a work history or very minimal one can make leaving even more difficult, Fernandez said.

Isolation An abuser will separate their spouse from the people that love them, making it harder for a victim to leave, Fernandez said.

“One of the first things to occur is an abuser will isolate their victims from family and friends,” she said. “Isolating them from all of their network of support is what helps them maintain that power and control. They isolate them to the point that the victim becomes more dependant upon them. They don’t have those resources any more.”

That’s where the GVFVS steps in with their hotline, which is manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“The calls can be anonymous,” Fernandez said. “They can talk to someone and get information, get refers for services or just to talk to someone who understands what they are going through. We can help them with safety planning and trying to help them be safer while they are in that situation or while they are preparing to leave,

unveil the silent witnesses, each one honoring a victim of domestic violence from the four counties the shelter serves, Fernandez said.

“There are 16 silent witnesses,” she said. “They are so powerful individually. The only thing that makes them more powerful is seeing all of them.” if that is what they choose to do.”

But family and friends are still key to helping a victim leave, Fernandez said.

“We tell people that, as a family member or a friend, one of the most important things that you can do is just to let them know that you believe them and that you are there for them when they are ready to seek help,” she said.

“Leaving an abusive relationship is a process.”

Fernandez said most relationships don’t start off bad, but with each incident the abuse gets a little bit worse.

“We get into relationships with people who are caring and attentive and loving and we enjoy spending time with them,” she said. “At some point that changes.

The relationship hasn’t been that terrible all of the time. But we know that without some intervention it is going to continue and it is going to likely get worse and more and more dangerous with every incident. We tell people just to let them know that you are there for them when they are ready.”

Guadalupe Valley Family Violence Shelter The shelter helps victims with safety planning, and offers a safe place for victims without one.

“We do case management where we just help them come up with a plan for whatever goals they are trying to work toward, whatever those might be,” Fernandez said. “We also do counseling, legal advocacy and victim advocacy.

We’ll help children with any needs that they have. We also will assist with food or clothing or different needs.”

There are also a number of programs and support groups offered through the shelter that can give victims the strength they need to make a change, Fernandez said.

“One of the programs is called HEART — Helping End Abusive Relationship Tendencies,” she said.

“It is modeled after a 12- step program for people who have been abused to help them to heal and to move forward. Another one of the programs we offer is a parenting program that is specific for families who experience domestic violence. It helps them to understand how the abuse affects their parenting, the unique emotional needs their children have as a result of what they’ve witnessed and what they can break that cycle and build a healthier, stronger relationship with their kids.”

While the stay at the shelter is short term, the support they offer lasts, Fernandez said.

“The services that we offer continue for as long as the client needs them,” she said. “There may be people that we are working with for months, or even years.”

Those services extend beyond just the victim and their children, Fernandez said.

“If a woman was murdered due to domestic violence, we will offer services and support to her surviving family members,” she said.

“That may mean counseling, or court cases we will go with them and just support them through that process. It is one thing to read about a story or see it on the news, but it is another to live it.”

In the shelter’s last fiscal year, they received 611 calls for assistance across the four counties it serves. Of those, 267 were from Guadalupe County, which was down from the 279 received last year, Fernandez said.

“There is a lot of calls and a lot of need,” she said. “What we know is that number doesn’t tell the whole story. So many people don’t make the call, sometimes that is the hardest thing for them to do is make that call because they have been so isolated and a lot of times women spend a lot of time trying to keep the secret. Once you make that call, it’s real and things start falling into place.”

To seek help, call the GVFVS hotline at 1-800-834-2033.

JOHN KUEMPEL: OUR HOMETOWN CONSERVATIVE Born and raised here in Seguin, John Kuempel shares our local conservative values. When he makes a commitment, he sticks by it. Since we elected John, we’ve had the largest advancement of conservative principles in state history:

A STRONG CONSERVATIVE RECORD

■ Passed the Largest Border Security Surge in Texas History ■ Passed a $4 Billion Tax Cut and Never Raised Taxes ■ Balanced the Budget – Kept $11 Billion in Savings ■ 100% Pro-Life, Endorsed by Life PAC & Texas Alliance for Life ■ “A” Rated and Endorsed by the NRA

“I thank God each day for my salvation, my family, and the chance to serve my neighbors. Call my cell with anything you may need (830) 660-1794. Cut this out and keep it. I’m here to serve you.”

CONSERVATIVE JOHN

0UR STATE REPRESENTATIVE John, his wife, Michelle, and their twin boys are active members of Faith Lutheran Church. An avid outdoorsman, John is a lifetime member of the NRA.

JohnKuempel.com Political Ad Paid by John Kuempel Campaign

UP!

4A - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2016 · SEGUIN GAZETTE

SPEAK

WANT TO WRITE US? HERE’S HOW TO DO IT e-mail: speakup@seguingazette.com fax machine: 830-379-8328 hand deliver: Gazette office at 1012 Schriewer Road in Seguin postal: PO Box 1200, Seguin, TX 78156-1201

The Seguin Gazette Speak Up page accepts both letters to the editor and guest column contributions. It appears Tuesday through Friday and Sunday.

LETTERS All letters are limited to 350 words or less and should include author’s name, hometown and a daytime phone number for verification purposes. Authors are limited to two letters in a calendar month.

GUEST COLUMNS Guest columns are limited to 600 words or less and must include a photo of the writer and information about the writer’s relevant background and location.

OUR VOICE

Education is key to Election Day decisions Election Day is near, and early voting starts Monday.

Those who have registered to vote will have the opportunity to select elected officials on all levels.

From the presidential down to local school board members, there are numerous contested races in which a decision must be made.

But, before heading to cast your ballot, make sure to do your homework.

Find out where the candidates stand on the issues that mean the most to you.

These decisions should be made not based off of emotional reasons, but factual.

The Seguin Gazette’s Voters’ Guide is a great

place to start, but your research should go beyond that.

For the local elections, if you don’t seek what you find in the pages of this paper, reach out the candidates and ask them where they stand.

On the national level, there are a variety of options as to where one can find information.

The internet has a near infinite amount of sources where one can find anything on any candidate.

Just make sure that before you hit the polls, you do a little bit of homework.

Our Voice is the opinion of the Seguin Gazette editorial board.

AROUND THE STATE

What lies behind Texas’ record voter registration?

If there’s an upside to the 2016 presidential election, which, as everybody knows, has been plowing through the weeds and beer cans in the ditch beside the low road, it may be that a record number of Texans have registered to vote.

Secretary of State Carlos Cascos reported that 15 million votingage Texans had taken that crucial initial step toward exercising the right to pick their own government.

That number, 15 million, represents about 78 percent of the state’s estimated voting-age population and is an increase of about 2 million over the number registered for the past two presidential elections, according to the secretary’s office.

The record is interesting for several reasons, not the least of which is that it came during an election cycle that many people have described as fatiguing and repulsive.

Apparently, despite all the talk about fatigue, ambivalence and disengagement, a whole lot of somebody is at least thinking about voting.

People also are angry, of course.

Anger is a defining characteristic among candidate Donald Trump’s supporters. But then women and lots of men are outraged at Trump, especially in these last few weeks before the election.

Hispanic people also are mad at Trump.

Anger is a great motivator, a surefire cure for apathy.

So another interesting question is about which of these groups is most likely to express its anger by registering to vote.

There’s also the thirdparty factor. Will the Green or, more likely, Libertarian tickets see a bump in interest from among these newly registered voters?

A spike in voter registration won’t necessarily mean a spike in voter turnout, especially if Trump’s run for the White House continues to devolve into an academic exercise.

Whatever the motivation and result, it’s good that Texans got up and got registered to vote.

Around The State is a selection of editorials from Texas newspaper.

This selection came from the Galveston County Daily News.

OUR GOVERNMENT President Barack Obama

MAIL: The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500 PHONE: 202-456-1111 ELECTRONIC: www.whitehouse. gov/contact/submit-questions-andcomments

Working together to address veterans’ needs Heard any good lawyer jokes lately?

What about the one where the Texas lawyer— for free—kept the 91-yearold female World War II Army veteran from losing her home to wrongful foreclosure caused by a bank’s error?

Or where the Texas lawyer—for free—arranged for a grieving veteran to become his granddaughter’s sole managing conservator after his daughter’s swift and tragic death from a brain tumor?

Or maybe about the Texas lawyer who helped—for free—a vet just back from several tours in Iraq and Afghanistan gain custody of his children after his ex-wife fell prey to addiction?

These aren’t jokes, they’re stories. They tell about Texas lawyers performing authentic and selfless service to perhaps the most deserving segment of our society—our veterans. And there are literally thousands more stories just like them.

This week—Oct. 23-29— is Celebrate Pro Bono Week.

It’s the perfect time to set aside the jokes and tell the stories instead. And Texas Lawyers for Texas Veterans, or TLTV, is a story worth telling.

As in many aspects of the legal profession, Texas leads

Frank Stevenson

State Bar of Texas the nation in promoting access to justice for veterans.

In July 2010, the State Bar of Texas under then-President Terry Tottenham started TLTV, a program that equips local bar associations to operate legal aid clinics specifically for our veterans.

Since then, TLTV volunteer attorneys, paralegals, and law students have helped more than 22,000 veterans across our state.

TLTV was modeled on the groundbreaking Veterans Legal Initiative (VLI), started by the Houston Bar Association in 2008. Those volunteers alone have served 14,539 veterans in the past eight years.

The reach of these programs extends well beyond Texas. Legal organizations in 24 states and the District of Columbia have requested our TLTV Clinic in a Box, which contains everything needed to host a veterans legal clinic. At a recent

national conference of state bar officers, a speaker was asked how to address the justice gap afflicting our veterans; “look to Texas” was her response.

American Bar Association President Linda Klein recently announced the Veterans Legal Services Initiative, which aims to remove barriers keeping veterans and their families from accessing the legal help they need. Andrew Lehmann, staff attorney for Houston VLI, provided input for this ABA initiative. He hopes it will encourage more lawyers—in Texas and elsewhere—to volunteer.

Texas lawyers don’t just serve veterans. In every corner of this state and everywhere in between, Texas lawyers volunteer in clinics, over the phone, and online to help the least, the last, and the lost.

Does every legal need get met? Tragically, no. Does every Texas lawyer serve?

No, not yet.

But last year alone, Texas lawyers gave roughly 1.87 million hours of free legal services to the poor, with an estimated value of $486 million. They also gave 1.34 million hours of substantially reduced-fee services for the underprivileged, valued

Senator John Cornyn

MAIL: 517 Hart Senate Office Bldg. Washington, DC 20510 PHONE: 202-456-1111 (D.C.) PHONE: 210-224-7485 (San Antonio) ELECTRONIC: www.cornyn.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=ContactForm

Senator Ted Cruz

MAIL: 185 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510 PHONE: 202-224-5922 (D.C.) PHONE: 210-340-2885 (San Antonio) ELECTRONIC: www.cruz.senate.gov/contact.cfm

Vice President Joe Biden

MAIL: The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500 PHONE: 202-456-1111 ELECTRONIC: www.whitehouse. gov/contact-vp

Congressman Rubén Hinojosa

MAIL: 2262 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC 20515 PHONE: 202-225-2531 (D.C.) PHONE: 830-401-0457(Seguin) LOCAL OFFICE: 100 South Austin Street Suite 1 in Seguin ELECTRONIC: hinojosa.house.gov/contact-me/email-me

at $348.4 million, and paid $11.72 million of costs on those clients’ behalf.

Texas lawyers also contributed monetarily—another $5.14 million—to legal aid and volunteer attorney programs. And they contributed an additional $1.3 million along with their bar dues.

So, instead of jokes about sharks, shysters, and swindlers, this is the week for stories about helpers, healers, and humanitarians. Because that’s your Texas bar.

No joke.

Attorneys interested in providing pro bono service or volunteering in their communities can find resources at probonotexas.org. If you need an attorney and cannot afford to pay for one, you can contact the State Bar of Texas Legal Access Division (800-204-2222, ext. 1855) for a referral to a low-cost civil legal aid agency.

Frank Stevenson, a partner in Locke Lord LLP in Dallas, is the 2016-2017 president of the State Bar of Texas, an administrative agency of the Supreme Court of Texas that provides educational programs for the legal profession and the public, administers the minimum continuing legal education program for attorneys, and manages the attorney discipline system.

The Seguin Gazette runs a government contact list every day on its Speak Up page.

SUNDAY: Federal government officials TUESDAY: State government officials WEDNESDAY: County government officials THURSDAY: Seguin government officials FRIDAY: School district government officials

SSLGC

SPOOKY

From page 1A

From page 1A

at our board meeting by bond counsel and financial advisor: It is the best funding that SSLGC could secure at this time … SSLGC currently has a pipeline from Seguin to Schertz. It is at full capacity and we need additional capacity to provide for the expected growth in Schertz. SSLGC also needs to increase its inventory of water with the Guadalupe Project.”

The Guadalupe wellfielde project is estimated to cost $34.3 million and the parallel pipeline another $32.1 million for a grand total of $66.5 million. As it stands the 71 percent of the pipeline from Seguin to Schertz would be owned by TWDB with the remaining 29 percent owned by SSLGC. For more on SWIFT funding visit twdb.texas.gov/financial/programs/swift/index.asp.

the corner and she disappears.

The story also goes that one of the seats in the Wupperman Theater is hers. If you are sitting in it and she doesn’t want you to be there, she will kick the back of your chair. I don’t know of anyone who ever experienced any of that, but it is the most common story.”

Another story around campus involves a tall man with a hat operating the lighting booth at the Wupperman Theater.

Although Vrooman said he’s never encountered the spirit, many students have.

“I have met people who have seen him, although I have not, and I spent quite a bit of time teaching and hosting film festivals in that room,” he said.

“Decades ago, students camped out on the stage and some woke up and saw him up there. I had a student in the dramatic media

SEGUIN GAZETTE · SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2016 - 5A program who said she could see auras. She was moving set equipment off the stage one day and felt a hateful presence looking at her. She looked up and saw a disembodied purple aura up in the booth.”

Vro om a n t au g ht “Documenting Belief: Ghosts, Aliens and Monsters,” a class that took a closer look into why people are fascinated with paranormal activity.

“We did a degree of ghost hunting with the traditional equipment for that class at a variety of locations in the area,” he said. “We were once ghost hunting ... in the theater and got an electromagnetic reading that seemed to originate in the middle of the stage, where a student felt eerie and then traveled down the west aisle to disappear near the door.”

“Of course, the evidence was always ambiguous, but that’s why we had the class,” Vrooman added. “If you really want to believe, won’t you try to bend anything toward that?”

Another theater, which recently got some attention in the paranormal spotlight is the Palace Theater.

Owner of the Palace Theater, Dan Daniels said the theater has been investigated most recently by RIP Crew, a paranormal research group based in Austin.

“They found some stuff on the Palace,” he said. “There are several different ghost stories about The Palace.”

Daniels said one resident in particular experienced the unexplainable herself after being scratched in the back by what is believed to be a young girl.

As the story goes, he said between the 30s and 40s a girl had fallen from the balcony and died.

“They’re have been ghost groups as far as Minnesota, Austin, San Antonio, groups have come from all over to investigate from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. and investigated multiple times and get all kinds of information.”

“The best piece of evidence we ever got was from Palace

IF YOU GO

WHAT: RIP Crew presenting “Haunted Seguin Documentary.”

WHEN: 1 p.m. on Oct. 29 WHERE: Palace Theater INFO: Call the Magnolia Hotel at 512571-2706 Theater,” Investigative Director, Robbie Prince said.

To learn more about the findings of Palace Theater, RIP Crew will visit Seguin to present “Haunted Seguin Documentary,” starting at 1 p.m. on Oct. 29 at the Palace Theater.

Find us online for news, sports & more at

Seguin Gazette.com

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SLICE OF LIFE

Tattooing of State Penitentiary Inmates Draws Criticism Here

SEGUIN — A public protest was voiced here Thursday by Guadalupe County Sheriff Phil Medlin against the Texas Penal System for allowing tattooing of prisoners to be carried on within the confines of the Texas penitentiary at Huntsville.

— The Seguin Gazette, Thursday, Oct. 25, 1956

6A - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2016 · SEGUIN GAZETTE

A real TV drama After about 20 years of good service from our old Sony Television that weighed about 200 pounds, we decided to move up technically and buy a large flat screen TV. All our children had them in every room in their homes. We decided that it was time for us to step up with the rest of them. It sounded easy enough. Just pick out one that looked good, and take it home.

I scoped out the TVs available online and at local stores and became completely confused. I asked my son-in-law for help. He began to ask me if I wanted LED; how many USB ports I needed; what resolution I wanted; did I want 4K; the screen size; and did I want a smart TV. We need a smart TV? When did TVs get smart? When we bought the Sony TV, all we had to know is if it was cable ready.

But, before we could even purchase a new TV, we had to find a way to remove the enormously heavy TV that we currently had. Well that became an interesting dilemma.

No one in this area of the world wanted the tube type TVs anymore. And trashing it was something we

Mickey Cavin Around Town just couldn’t bring ourselves to do. It was a great working TV that came with a really nice entertainment center. But, nobody wanted it. We couldn’t even find someone to give it to. But, alas, a very nice couple agreed to take it to a needy family in Mexico. We were so relieved and were very grateful that it was going to someone that really needed it and would be able to use it.

So, now began the task of picking out our TV. I went to my son for further assistance. Again, he asked me all the same questions. I told him that we just wanted a TV with a big screen that old people could watch without sitting extra close to it, and that it would fit on the piece of furniture that I had picked out to put it on.

Well, he found one for us on the internet with all the

bells and whistles at a good price that would be delivered in the next week or so.

Then, a few days later, I came home to find a very large rectangular box sitting at my front door with no information on it. I decided that it must be our new TV. I thought that it was a little odd that the company that I purchased it from thought that it would be safe to leave it on the porch at the front of our house.

So, I dragged it inside. At first, I was going to wait for my husband to come home to take it out of the box.

However, being an independent woman, I decided that I would take it out of the box and set it up as a surprise for my husband.

I dragged it further into the room nearest the furniture piece that I had planned to put it on. After opening the box, I discovered another box inside of that one. It was a real challenge getting the one box out of the larger one! I laid it on the floor and pulled with all my might to get it out. Now, here is an old woman with bad knees on the floor trying to pull a big box the size of my kitchen CAVIN - 8A

Risking it all at the falls

The first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel took the historic plunge on October 24, 1901 and lived to tell about it.

In fact, Annie Edson Taylor, who survived the death-defying stunt with nothing worse than a few cuts and bruises, talked about little else for the rest of her miserable life.

But the 63 year old former schoolteacher from Texas might have been better off had she perished in the foolhardy attempt.

Annie had always been an independent woman.

She did not remarry after the death in the late 1860’s of her one and only husband, choosing instead to stand on her own two feet and answer to no one.

As soon as she buried the late Mr. Taylor, Annie enrolled in a teacher’s training course in upstate New York. Taking just three years to finish the four-year curriculum, she moved to San Antonio in 1870 and began teaching in the public schools.

Although Annie was made vice-principal the very next year, the promotion was not enough to

Bartee Haile This Week In Texas History keep her in the Alamo City.

Her northbound stagecoach was held up by three masked men, who threatened to blow out her brains unless she handed over her purse.

“Blow away!” Annie retorted. “I’d as soon be without brains as without money!” Impressed by the nerve of the schoolmarm, the bandits relieved the other passengers of their valuables but left her alone.

The restless widow roamed the country before winding up in New York City, where she switched careers. As a footloose dance instructor, she wandered from town to town throughout the South and West never staying any place very long.

Annie was a gutsy survi-

vor, at least according to the autobiography written after her turn-of-the-century adventure. She claimed to have cheated death in “three ocean storms” and “three serious fires” as well as the earthquake that gave Charleston, South Carolina a good shaking in 1887.

Annie’s closest call came five years later in Chattanooga, when a hotel went up in flames in the middle of the night. The blaze burned everything but the clothes on her back, forcing her at 54 to start over from scratch.

For a dance instructor, who had lost her looks, that was easier said than done.

There were other occupations open to women her age, but Annie’s stubborn pride would not let her stoop to scrubbing floors. “I didn’t want to lower my social standard,” she explained in retrospect, “for I have always associated with the best class of people, the cultivated and the refined.”

That was why Annie wound up destitute and despondent in a dingy

On the brighter side

A teacher told her elementary class to write on the subject of “Mother” for their homework. The following day after going through those assignments she found two essays written by twin boys in her class to be word for word.

She called one of the twins to her desk to explain. “John, she asked, why is it that you’ve written the same exact essay as your brother?”

“Well, M’am”, came his prompt reply, “we have the same mother”.

I do hope that anecdote caused you to chuckle for that was my intent. Seriously there doesn’t seem to be much to laugh about as of late.

The presidential race with its toxic rhetoric, relentless name-calling and unstatesman-like accusations let alone the looming scandals on both sides is enough to make one think our world has become so dark that all humor has disappeared and we’re going from doom to gloom faster than snow melts in Texas.

Well, my wife and I recently returned from a vacation trip to Maine and New Hampshire and

Mike Fitsko Life Lessons while I was there I was determined as much as possible to avoid news that was depressing and overly pessimistic in favor of anything that could make me smile and tickle my funny bone.

Surprisingly I didn’t have to look very far to find funniness everywhere – from bumper stickers, to signs in store windows and philosophy along the highway.

In a cute little New Hampshire café hung a poster above our table: “One day I’m going to diet and the other six I’ll eat whatever I like.”

Funny, yes?

On a scary looking hiking/biking trail high in the mountains a cautionary sign noted: “Go ahead, bike past the yellow fence — bears love meals on wheels.”

That’s my kind of humor.

My wife and I both giggled at more than one or two bumper stickers on vehicles that passed our way as we continued enjoying “leaf peeping” in Maine.

On and beat-up old van, a bright red sticker read: “Don’t rush me – I’m waiting for the last minute” and another one on a truck as old as me declared – “Of course I live in the past, it’s cheaper there”. And another bumper sign on a huge SUV suggested “Whiners – please take the cliff exit”.

In a fashionable clothing boutique, two printed notices I’m certain were meant to help women feel better as they tried on clothing declared “My yoga pants have never been to yoga” while another one confessed “My baggy jeans have become my skinny jeans”.

Then another placard no sane man would dispute declared “A recent study found that women who carry a little extra weight live longer than the men who mention it.”

Finally, I noticed a home-made sign in an

FITSKO - 7A

Celebrations 49th Anniversary

Courtesy photos

Luna

Juan and Tina Luna of Seguin, Texas were married on October 21, 1967 in Seguin. They have three children: Juan Luna Jr. of Seguin, Amy Lopez of San Antonio and Michael Luna of Seguin. The couple also has five grandchildren.

HAILE - 7A

p e e K CAROL SEWELL

Seguin ISD District 7 “Asking for your vote to allow me two years to serve out the unexpired term I was appointed to fill in January. Thank you” -Carol Sewell 1. Voted yes to refinance our school bonds at lower interest rates saving taxpayers approximately 5.3 million in interest over the life of the bonds.

2. Voters were given the opportunity to consider a tax rollback election. The tax rollback election passed in September which will give teachers a 4% pay raise and bus drivers and paraprofessionals a $1/hr. raise with no NET additional cost to the taxpayers.

3. Voted yes on a new cafeteria management plan resulting in more cost savings to the district, better tasting food more widely eaten by students, better presentation and some new cafeteria equipment.

4. Voted yes to repair and update the structure of the aging Seguin ISD stadium, built in the 1950’s, to make the stadium safer and ADA compliant.

Carol Sewell subscribes to the Code of Fair Campaign Practices. Political advertising paid for by Carol Sewell in compliance with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act. Steven Sewell, Treasurer.

SEGUIN GAZETTE · SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2016 - 7A

HAILE From page 6A

Felicia Frazar - Seguin Gazette

TOP: A Seguin High School cheerleader tosses a football to the crowd at Thursday. ABOVE: The Seguin High School NJROTC leads the Matadors Homecoming Pep Rally. AT LEFT: Seguin senior Phoebe Smith is crowned the 2016 Homecoming Queen, while Ryan Matthews is named King.

FITSKO From page 6A old and dilapidated country store high in the White Mountains that philosophized: “Before marriage a man yearns for

the woman he loves; after marriage the “y” becomes silent.”

I suppose all my life I’ve been blessed with a hearty sense of humor legitimately inherited from my maternal grandmother along with her four sons who reinforced the same while I was growing up

in England. Needless to say we all need humor, it’s good to laugh - it helps heal both the body and the soul. So go ahead — lighten up. This election is almost over. Lots of laughter and humor is still around waiting to be discovered.

Just one more thing —

if you’re still reading this you are blissfully unaware of what is creeping up behind you. OK — just kidding!

Mike Fitsko is a retired principal and longtime columnist from New Braunfels.

boardinghouse in July 1901.

While reading a newspaper account of the huge crowds at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo and a nearby natural wonder, an audacious idea came to her “in a flash.”

Annie would make history and hopefully a lot of money by going over Niagara Falls in a barrel.

The fact that she would be the first did not faze her one bit.

Annie designed the container and picked the pieces of thick oak a cooper fashioned into a barrel. The finished product was four and a half feet high and weighed 160 pounds.

When a local reporter got wind of the perilous plan, he asked Annie whether the spectacular stunt was really a suicide in disguise. It was a fair question since as many as a thousand poor souls had deliberately ended their lives at Niagara Falls.

“I am too good an Episcopalian!” was Annie’s angry answer. “My people were Christian people and I was brought up in affluence and properly educated.”

The carnival promoter Annie hired as her manager held a press conference at the Falls on Oct. 11. Under strict orders not to disclose his employer’s actual age or motive, he told the newshounds she was a 42 year old world traveler risking her neck for the fun of it.

The reporters may have snickered when they first laid eyes on Annie two days later, but most went along with the gag. “I do not wish to be classified with the women who are seeking notoriety. I am not of the common daredevil sort.”

After two postponements, Annie slipped into the “Queen of the Mist,” the name given the barrel for the occasion, on Oct. 24, 1901. She buckled herself into a special harness and grabbed two leather straps, as the water-tight lid was hammered into place.

The barrel bobbed like a crazy cork on the half-mile ride through the Whirlpool Rapids. The roar of the Falls, which sounded “like continuous thunder,” was the signal for Annie to put a small pillow under her knees and hold on for dear life.

The “Queen of the Mist” dropped 170 feet and vanished from sight in the violent turbulence. A minute later, it broke the surface, soared 15 feet into the air and settled in a tranquil pool a few feet from shore.

Spectators feared the worst as Annie was pulled from the barrel. But to everyone’s amazement, she was alive and unhurt except for a superficial cut on her head and assorted bumps and bruises.

For 20 long and lonely years, Annie Edson Taylor lived on the streets of Niagara Falls, New York selling souvenirs and her autobiography to tourists.

Two months before her death in the county poorhouse, she said, “I’ve done what no other woman in the world had nerve to do only to become a pauper.”

Know someone whose local paper doesn’t carry “This Week in Texas History”? Give ’em an email subscription to a year’s worth of columns for only $20.00. Order online at barteehaile.com or by mail to Bartee Haile, P.O. Box 152, Friendswood, TX 77549.

Bartee Haile writes This Week In Texas History which appears every Sunday.

Crack Open a Good Time at Pecan Fest 2016 By: Kyle Kramm, Seguin Main Street Program Director, kkramm@seguintexas.gov, (830) 401-2448 Pecan Fest Heritage Days is an opportunity to break out of your shell, go a little nuts, and harvest a good time. The weekend long celebration is spread out over all of Seguin and is a celebration of all things pecan and all things Seguin. You cannot separate Seguin from the pecan; being the home of the World’s Largest Pecan, three of them actually, is a sense of pride for our community and has made Seguin a must-see stop for thousands of visitors every year. Seguin is also one of the oldest towns in Texas founded by Texas Rangers in 1838 and was settled by numerous cultures over the years. The festival includes celebrations of those heritages and experiences of Seguin’s early settlers. There is something for everyone, for the foodie nut to the history nut.

Activities kick off on Friday, October 28 with downtown shops welcoming visitors throughout the day, wine tastings at Blue Lotus Winery, pumpkin picking at First United Methodist and tours of the historic Sebastopol House and the world’s largest collection of nutcrackers at Pape’s Pecan House. The winery, pumpkin patch and Sebastopol will be open on Saturday and Sunday as well. The fun continues into the evening on Friday with restaurants offering pecan dishes and the inaugural Pecan Fest Pub Crawl throughout downtown. If you are looking for a thrill, take part in the Haunted Trail at the Seguin Outdoor Learning Center on Friday or Saturday night.

Saturday, October 29 is over flowing with activities and a free shuttle will be available to take you to the multiple venues participating in Pecan Fest. Activities are all day, including the Tour de Pecan bike ride starting at 7:30 a.m.

Come downtown Saturday morning for a little shopping at Trade Days featuring over 90 vendors set up around Central Park selling pecan products, arts, crafts, jewelry, plants, clothing, and collectibles. Visit the Heritage Museum and have your photo taken on a vintage fire truck and Go

Nuts at the Seguin Public Library taking a selfguided tour, and join in on the kid’s crafts and scavenger hunt. Hear the haunting history of the Magnolia Hotel and come relax at the Beer & Wine Garden in Central Park serving local craft beers and wines. Have your photo taken with a Juan Seguin re-enactor and a Governor Ireland re-enactor. Taste some Pecan Tasty Treats at Heritage Village and tour their historic properties.

Visit the historic chapel at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church on Saturday afternoon. Local bands O’Malarkey presented by the Mid-Texas Symphony, the Mismatch, and Hardcover will perform in the bandstand in Central Park throughout the afternoon. Get your pooch in on the fun with the Pecan Fest Dog Costume in Central Park. Local artists will have their paintings of Seguin landmarks for sale at the Park Plaza Hotel. In addition to Pecan Fest activities, there will also be a Zombie Walk and films being played at The Palace Theatre and Magnolia Hotel in downtown.

Experience life as an early settler at the Texas Agricultural and Heritage Education Center (Big Red Barn) during the day on Saturday. Throughout the day at the Red Barn, visitors will be able to see the crowning of Ms. Pecan, play in a Skat Tournament, tour the Pecan Museum, take a photo with the World’s largest pecan and for an additional cost enjoy a delicious turkey dinner.

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Be creative with the arts at Teatro de Artes de Juan Seguin where you can design your hat for the hat parade, work on the Seguin Art League’s Chihuly Chandelier and make traditional Mexican crafts. Learn about the first freed slave business in Texas and view several pottery vendors’ wares at the Wilson Pottery Show located at Sebastopol.

One of the traditions for Pecan Fest is our Hats Off to Juan Seguin Celebration, held Saturday evening in the 100 block of West and East Gonzales Street includes a hat parade led by URBAN 15 Carnival de San Anto Street Dance & Drum group and then followed by a street dance featuring Tin Roof. Enjoy cold beverages from the second oldest beer joint in Texas, The Oak Tavern, and the newest brewery, Seguin Brewing.

On Sunday, the Affiliation for the Preservation of Shakespeare and Federated Club will have tours at the Riverside Cemetery with historical reenactments of Seguin pioneers. Sunday evening join Emanuel’s Lutheran Church for a Polka Service and sausage supper benefiting the Christian Cupboard.

Come experience everything Seguin has to offer. An authentic small Texas town with big celebrations. We hope you stay for the weekend, but become a lifetime nut about Seguin. For times and exact locations of all the Pecan Fest activities, visit www.seguingonuts.com or call the Seguin Convention and Visitors Bureau at 830-401-0810.

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8A - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2016 · SEGUIN GAZETTE

CAVIN

OBITUARIES

Alfred Riedel

Alfred Riedel, age 78 of Seguin, passed away on September 29, 2016. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at Cross Church with Rev. Jim Price officiating.

A reception will follow in the fellowship hall.

Private interment will take place at a later date. Alfred was born on July 17, 1938 in New Braunfels, Texas, to Alfred and Evelyn (Dietert) Riedel. As a young boy Alfred, nicknamed Sonny, spent the summers helping his Grandfather and Uncle with farming and ranching in the New Braunfels area.

He graduated from New Braunfels High School in 1956. After graduation, he drove a delivery truck for Ol Bossy Creamery in New Braunfels, TX. Alfred began his life long career in the Texas telephone industry, holding positions from a pole climbing lineman to manager. In 1969 he started his own utility construction business, Alfred Riedel Construction. Alfred built his company on the land that he helped farm with his grandfather many years before.

Alfred’s second passion started out as a hobby, but quickly became a second business - RC Running Horses. Alfred was a lifelong member of Texas Quarter Horse Association (TQHA) where he served on the Board of Directors, TQHA Race Committee, as well as the TQHA Sale Committee.

Alfred loved to country western dance, which led him to meet the love of his life Melba Jo who shared his passion for dancing and horses. Alfred and Melba spent 22 years together continuing to share their love for horses. Alfred was a Christian man, devoted to his family, his church family and many great

friends he made along the way. Alfred’s great hobby was deer hunting! He spent every deer season at “Hunting Camp” with “the guys”. While you would never find Alfred on his “Flip Phone” looking at “Funny Book”, you could find him watching old western movies – “The Duke” was his favorite western character. Alfred was a proud Father, Grandfather and GreatGrandfather and embraced Melba’s family and loved them as his own. Many times Alfred was asked about retiring – his reply – “When they throw dirt in my face”.

Alfred went home to be received by his loving Lord and Savior, his loving wife Melba Jo by his side at their ranch in Seguin, TX. He is preceded in death by his parents, his son-in-law, Roland Rangel and his brother-in-law, Roger Snider. Survivors include his loving wife, Melba Jo Snider Boren Riedel; children, Patty Rangel, Wade Riedel, Dee Ann Riedel Lickert, Rusty Boren, Rory Boren, and Racee Martin and husband Dale; grandchildren, Jason Rangel, Logan Rangel, Tyler Riedel and husband Lance Williams, Clayton Riedel, Justin Lickert, Mitchell Lickert, Brayden Boren, Brittani Leach and husband Jeff, Brandt Boren, Lucas Martin, and Katlyn Volney and husband Trent; great-grandchildren, Easton Lickert, and Myranda Lickert; sisters, Maryann Specht and husband Elton, and Sharon Harlow and husband Ed; brothers-in-law, Donald Snider and wife Dorothy, and Larry Snider and wife Linda; sister-in-law, Laverne Snider; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving family members and many friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cross Church, 814 N. Bauer, Seguin, Texas, 78155 or to the Texas Quarter Horse Association Foundation, 706 W. 11th St., Suite D, Elgin, Texas 78621. 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.

for almost 15 years. He moved to Rockport and loved living on the coast.

During these years, he worked as a: home builder, building inspector (Port Aransas), Boat Captain and a Superintendent for Whataburger, from which he would retire. In his spare time he enjoyed hunting.

He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Betty.

Survivors include his Cordie Morgan, Jr. children, Cordie Morgan Cordie Morgan, Jr., III, Cathie Flowers and of Seguin, passed away husband Doug, Jim Morgan on Monday, October 10, and wife Sylvia, Kirk 2016 at the age of 94. He Morgan and wife Sharon, was born in Kansas City, and Victor Morgan and wife Missouri, on December 11, Heidi; 14 grandchildren and 1921 to Cordie Morgan, many great grandchildren.

Sr., and Louise Marie Edna He will be greatly missed (Lightle). by those that knew and Cordie proudly served in loved him. the US Navy during WWII. Military Honors will He was always thankful that be rendered and a Funeral he did not meet an early Service to follow, in which fate and was shipped out the Chaplain Tom Jones will be night before Pearl Harbor the officiant, will be held at was attacked. He served Fort Sam Houston National time on two ships, the USS Cemetery (1520 Harry Dale and USS Markarb as Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, a Navy Diver and welder TX 78209), on Tuesday, (shipfitter), and he was October 25, 2016 at 10:15 a Champion Boxer with a.m. the 7th fleet - US NAVY. Funeral Services are He received two Combat under the care of Palmer Ribbons, the American Mortuary & Cremations Defense Medals, after serv- (located at: 1116 N. Austin ing four campaigns in the St., Seguin, TX 78155; Northern Pacific Islands.

830.379.9430). Please log Following an honoron to:www.palmermortuable discharge, Cordie, ary.com, for all your floral served as a Police Sergeant needs and or to sign and in Castle Hills, Texas view the guest book.

Turner, husband Peter, of Prescott, AZ; Dr. Patricia Cruz of Rio Rancho, NM; sons Barney Cruz III, wife Lanita, of Seguin, TX; Richard, wife Beth, of Camas, WA. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Randy Badsgard (wife Stephanie), Ryan Badsgard (wife Lindsey), Barney Cruz IV, Katherine Cruz, Ann Cruz, Olivia Cruz, and Julia Cruz; and four great-grandchildren, Barney Cruz, Jr. Lucas, Nathanial, Broc, Passed away on October and Bryce Badsgard. He 17, 2016 in Santa Fe, N.M. is also survived by three He was born February 10, special cousins, Lulu 1931 to Barney Cruz and Valdez (Fidel), Adelita Gertrude Branch Cruz in Craig (Carlos), and Fabiola Mora, New Mexico.

Esposito (Mike).

He was schooled in Barney’s siblings were public and private school predeceased: sister Frances in New Mexico until 1949, Moya (Guadalupe), of when he joined the Army, Santa Fe, NM; Albert Cruz serving forty two months (Pat), of Silver Spring, MD; in Ft. Ord, California, Ralph Cruz (Harvey), of Fort Bliss, Texas, in the 1st Los Alamos, NM. He is Guided Missile Group. survived by many other He deployed in early relatives and close friends.

1952 to South Korea, servHis Grand and Great ing with the 10th Combat Grandchildren are all Engineers, Third Infantry appointed pall bearers; and Division. Upon discharge, son-in-law Peter Turner, he was employed by the and brother-in-law Nick Los Alamos Scientific Lab Padilla are Honorary Pall for six years, then worked Bearers. for the N.M. State Auditor At his request, no for four years, and the State church services will be Corporation Commission held. He requests the for Nineteen years, and chaplain from American retired at age 51.

Legion Post #1, Santa He married Teresa Fe, to give a committal service at the Santa Fe (Terry) Padilla on July 18, National Cemetery, on 1953, his love and best October 25, 2016 at 10:30 friend, who survives him a.m. Reception to follow after 63 years of happy at the American Legion marriage. He was blessed Hall. He was a member of with six children, twin Post #1 for over 50 years. boys Ronald and Donald Cremation has taken place who died soon after at Berardinelli Funeral birth. He is survived by Service. daughters, Dr. Roselyn

Kenneth Darryl Bloch

Kenneth Darryl Bloch, age 49 of Seguin, passed away on October 21, 2016.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 25, 2016 at Tres Hewell Mortuary from 5 to 7 p.m. Graveside services and interment will be held on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Warncke Cemetery.

Darryl was born on March 16, 1967 in Seguin, Texas to Milton and Diane (Nickell) Bloch. Darryl loved to work with his hands and could make anything from wood.

He took this passion into his career as a contract carpenter for Live Oak Homes, Meyer & Brant Custom Homes, Tucker Rose & Assoc., and Chip Bryant. Darryl was an honest, generous, and hardworking man who loved his family and was a good father to his children. He is preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Diane.

Darryl is survived by his children, Justin Aguilar and wife Tasha, Dana Holguin and husband Joe, Darren Bloch, and Natalie Bloch; granddaughter Vanessa Aguilar; sister, Donna Lomas; nephews, Jeremy Lomas and Brandon Lomas; as well as numerous cousins and other loving family members and friends. 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

From page 6A

ed until I saw that there were several different wires that had to be connected to this monster! So, the next thing to do is call my son-inlaw to help me get this thing going.

My son-in-law came right over and laughed when he saw the two huge boxes that had been torn to pieces and the sweat running down my face. Within a few minutes he had the thing on, but the picture did not fit the screen. He proceeded to explain to me that the cable box that we had was not set to fit this new TV. It was set for the old TV. Then he began instructing me on how to use all the new settings. Now, I am not technically proficient. So I listened as if I understood and would remember everything that he was saying, knowing that the only thing that I would be able to do is turn it on, change the channels, adjust the volume, and turn it off again.

Exhausted, I decided that until we can actually speak to someone at the cable company that understands what I am trying to explain to them, we will be watching this huge TV with the same size picture as we had on our old Sony TV. We will just have to move the recliners a little closer to the set so we, old people, can watch our favorite show. That would be “Wheel of Fortune”, of course!

table out of an even bigger box. I tried lying on the floor with the box against the wall, put my feet on each corner of the box and pulled with all my might! That thing was just not coming out. I went for the scissors and decided to cut the box open. I finally had success, with sore knees, and a weakened spirit.

Now began the task of taking the TV out of the other box. Scissors in hand, that job wasn’t nearly as hard as the first one. At last, lying in front of me was our new wide screen TV. I was really getting excited.

Then to my surprise, this huge TV had two little plastic legs to stand on. They didn’t even look strong enough to hold up this big thing.

But, the manufacturer must have known what they were doing.

So, now it meant that I was going to have to screw these things on while it lay on the floor.

There was an A and a B on the legs. But, there was no A or B on the TV. Lying on my belly, and deciding to actually read the directions, I was finally successful in getting the right legs in the right holes. Now I was ready to pick the TV up and put it on the stand.

I used those same sore knees to help lift this cumbersome object Mickey Cavin is a forcarefully on top of the mer reporter and colstand. I was really excit- umnist.

Austin school leaders seek ways to end racial disparities AUSTIN (AP) — School leaders in Austin are seeking ways to end racial disparities so significant that in more than half of city schools black and Hispanic children make up at least 90 percent of the student body.

District trustees say busing students across town or altering boundaries won’t be considered.

The Austin AmericanStatesman reports that

one idea is to place popular academic programs in schools that have high percentages of students who are poor, black or Latino. The argument is that more middleclass and white students would transfer to them.

White students make up only a quarter of all students in Austin public schools, but they’re a majority in the district’s two most coveted magnet programs, and at 30 other campuses.

Find us online for news, sports & more at

Seguin Gazette.com

713 N. Austin St. • Seguin, TX 78155 • 830-379-2313 www.goetzfuneral.com

Proudly Serving the Seguin Community Since 1906

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MORTUARY & CREMATIONS

VOTERS’ GUIDE

W

ith Election Day just around the corner on Nov. 8, the Seguin Gazette took the opportunity to reach out to candidates in local races to get their take on the issues.

Each candidate was asked three questions, with answers limited to 200 words.

The responses below are verbatim, and appear in alphabetical order for the sake of fairness.

And remember, early voting begins Monday, Oct. 24. area?

Because of the loss of oil revenue, Texas will soon have ROBERT BOHMFALK another Q: Explain your views on public major service, what drives you to seek public budget office? crisis. With I’m Robert Bohmfalk, the Democratic candidate for Texas State Representative, the state growing in District 44, which includes Guadalupe population, and Wilson counties. I’m a retired Robert Bohmfalk Gov. Abbott United Methodist minister and menhas asked tal health case manager. I have a most state B.A. in Government in History from agencies to cut their own budget by 4%.

Southwestern University, and M.Div. (That’s like a rancher with 1000 head of from TCU. Since 1986 I have been cattle, getting 40 more, and then cutinvolved with the Democratic Club, Seguin Sunrise Lions Club, and the Sons ting back 4% on the feed). The Child Protective Services is underfunded and of the Republic of Texas. understaffed, and is currently putting My opponent won in a special election in 2010. In 2011 he voted to cut edu- thousands of children at risk by not being seen in time. Nothing should be off the cation funding of public schools which table for Child Protective Services and laid off 11,000 teachers which never came back. In 2013 he voted to put strict public school funding.

According to the Texas Tribune restrictions on women’s health care clinics, closing many of them. He represents (10-13-16), Texas squanders almost $40 the Tea Party, not the majority of citizens billion a year in taxpayer health care contributions. Texas has millions of of District 44.

I support full funding of Texas public uninsured citizens, many of them children. Over a million could be covered schools, fair teacher pay, reinstatement with Medicaid expansion, including of Vocational Education, seat belts for thousands in Guadalupe County. Over school buses, and regulation of charter $10 billion yearly in federal funds for schools. I oppose privatization of public schools, school vouchers, teacher layoffs, Medicaid expansion is going to other states instead. 63% of Texans support and overcrowded classrooms. I supMedicaid expansion, but Gov. Abbott port the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid and Texas Republicans are loathe to expansion, increase in MHMR funding support a program from a Democratic and services, restoration of women’s health care clinics, and women’s choice. I president. Medicaid expansion could help reduce some property taxes. oppose all attempts to ban birth control.

For Gov. Abbott and many Q: What do you believe are the pri- Republicans, the major problem Texas mary concerns or challenges facing the faces in 2017 is transgender restrooms.

• Running for the District 44 seat in the Texas State Legislature are Democratic candidate Robert Bohmfalk and incumbent Republican John Kuempel.

“Voting is the foundational act that breathes life into the principle of the consent of the governed.”

— DeForest Soaries

Q: With rapid growth throughout South and Central Texas, how do you plan on balancing the needs of the community with booming businesses and new development?

I support the investing in wind and solar energy, and other renewable energy.

I support the safeguard of clean water for our area, and a clean air atmosphere. I support the celebrations of all cultures. I support public restrooms being built in downtown Seguin.

It is good to see access roads being built along IH-10, but I think it is way overdue and should have been done years ago. Since the investors of Texas 130 declared bankrupt, I think it should become a toll-free highway or greatly reduced toll road. I also support the synchronization of traffic lights to ease the flow of traffic. Using more controlled traffic lights instead of timed traffic lights would save money, gas, time, and ease congestion.

There is little “check and balances” on a Republican governor and legislature.

As a Democrat I will put the people of District 44 and of Texas first. I will always try to get all the funding that is due and needed for our district.

My name is Robert Bohmfalk, and I ask for your vote to represent all of you.

I will bring back balanced leadership to District 44. (I also support Hillary Clinton for President).

JOHN KUEMPEL

Q: Explain your views on public service, what drives you to seek public office?

Growing up here, the Kuempel Family mentality was always that it’s a privilege to serve your neighbors. I have so much to be thankful for. This community gave me a great public education and is doing the same for my two sons. I’m grateful for the local business I’ve worked at for 23 years that’s allowed me to provide for my family.

And I care a lot about the hard-working folks who bust it every day for their kids.

The community that raised me is the finest in Texas. It is a privilege to fight for our shared values in Austin and continue to ensure we strengthen our schools, build better infrastructure, and create good jobs for our community.

Q: What do you believe are the primary concerns or challenges facing the area?

There a few things government does that aren’t clumsy or inefficient, but one area that must always be outstanding is the protection of our families and our rights. It will always be my top priority.

Last session, we added 250 new troopers, monitoring aircraft, and high-tech surveillance to secure our border. It is the largest border security plan in our state’s history but there is more to be done. The illegal immigration problem doesn’t stop

SEGUIN GAZETTE · SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2016 - 9A I will commit to not only establish, but to lead a committee that will improve coordination and communication between City Hall, John Kuempel the County Edward Davila, Jr. Offices, and our two local School Districts. I will sit at a table, Q: With rapid growth throughout quarterly, with the County Judge, and South and Central Texas, how do you both School District Superintendents to plan on balancing the needs of the focus on necessary issues affecting our community with booming businesses immediate area. We must work together, and new development? in partnership, to progress as a comHere at home, we’ve got to make sure munity. our roads, highways, and water supply continue to expand at a pace to match our Q: As Seguin continues to grow, how record growth. We are top ten growth area do you plan to tackle the infrastructure, and that means, while many people are housing, employment and safety needs moving here because of the great oppor- of our growing population? tunities we offer, we’ve got to keep planOur eroding infrastructure must be ning for the future so we don’t run into the addressed across our city. From our public same infrastructure problems other areas water works, to our main thoroughfares, of the state are dealing with right now. We we have become a city that is continuadded $4 billion to highway construction ing see our infrastructure deteriorate. and maintenance last year with any new We must acknowledge that our eroding taxes or tolls. That’s a good step, but we’ve infrastructure continues to threaten our got to continue being proactive on achiev- citizens’ safety and quality of life. ing long-term transportation solutions The state of our Public Safety and without new debt or higher taxes.

Security must be at forefront of our city’s infrastructure component. Without • Running for the position of mayor are highly trained and highly equipped 1st Edward Davila, Jr., and incumbent Don responders, we risk the safety and stability Keil. that citizens expect from their local government. Failure to adequately prepare 1st responders, not only threatens the safety EDWARD DAVILA, JR. Q: In your eyes, what do you see of our citizens, but it will threaten our as the biggest issue facing the city of officers, firefighters, and EMTs on calls.

With growth, we will bring addiSeguin in the next five years and how do tional job opportunities in more select you plan to tackle it?

Area growth to our immediate area industries. We will broaden our direction in the next five to ten years has been pro- when we recruit companies to expand or jected that we will experience a tremen- relocate here. We must also encourage a dous increase in population. As in any competitive atmosphere that will promote circumstances, growth must be managed. startup companies to look at utilizing our As Seguin’s next Mayor, I look at local talent. I will look to offer competitive the potential growth in population as incentives to promote small businesses in an opportunity that will benefit new our area. Particularly in our downtown and current residents with employment district. growth. That will in turn lead to growth With job growth, incomes will rise. in income. This will allow area residents Revenues will rise through our tax base. to have greater opportunities to build long However, we must also look to other term wealth for their families to prosper sources of revenue. Property tax increases through education. Education is vital in have always been the answer to rising improving the quality of life for future costs, but we must look at other alternagenerations. An increase in educational tives at the state and national level. We opportunities will improve the quality of must work together with our local State life for all surrounding households. and National Representatives for these However, we must be prepared to alternative dollars that are available. empower growth throughout the city, throughout the county, and within our VOTE - 11A area school districts. at the border - it affects us here too. We must crack down on sanctuar y cities that do not enforce immigration laws.

We cannot reward those who break the law by refusing to enforce it.

GUADALUPE COUNTY UNITED WAY 2016 CAMPAIGN

Our CAMPAIGN. Our COMMUNITY. Raised HERE. Stays HERE. At United Way, we strive to make our community a better place to live, work and raise a family.

But we need YOUR help!

When you give to the Guadalupe County United Way: • Your donation stays in your community!

• Your donation ensures that children in your community have access to educational programs and enrichment opportunities!

• Your donation supports agencies whose programs strengthen families, improve mental and physical health, and assist the underserved in your community!

Your donation to Guadalupe County United Way helps to fund these agencies: • Big Brothers / Big Sisters • Guadalupe County MH-MR Agency • Boy Scouts, Alamo Area Council • Guadalupe Valley Christian Counseling • Camino Real Early Childhood Intervention Center • Guadalupe Valley Family Violence Shelter • Centro Esperanza Community Center • Guadalupe Valley Habitat for Humanity • Communites in Schools • Coummunity Council of South Central Texas • Precious Life Crusade Teen Suicide • Connections Individual & Family Services Prevention • R.O.A.D Foundation • D.A.R.E • R.S.V.P • Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary • Salvation Army • Family Life Center • San Antonio Food Bank • Girls Scouts of Southwest Texas • San Marcos Conslidated ISD School-Age • Greater Randolph Area Services Program Pregnant & Parenting Program • GRMF Prescription Assistance Program • Seguin-Guadalupe County Heritage • Guadalupe County 4-H Council Mueseum • Guadalupe County Children’s Advocacy Center

• Seguin Area Youth Leadership Academy • Seguin Art League • Seguin LULAC Foundation • Silver Center • South Texas Pregnancy Care Center • Stephen & Mary Birch Texas Theatre • Sunrise Rotary Dream Scholarship Foundation • Teatro de Artes de Jaun Seguin • Texas Agricultural Education and Heritage Center • TLU/MTS Community Music Academy • Wilson Pottery Foundation • YMCA of Greater San Antonio, Schertz Facility

TO DONATE BY MAIL: PO Box 805, Seguin, TX 78156, or look for a United Way giving envelope in today’s issue of the Seguin Gazette.

TO DONATE ONLINE: Visit guadalupeunitedway.org, click on “How to Give” FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call 830-372-9009

YOUR GIFT HAS THE POWER TO CHANGE LIVES.

10A - SUNday, october 23, 2016 · Seguin Gazette

Peggy Cimics City Secretary

FOR THE CITY OF CIBOLO’S GENERAL ELECTION NOVEMBER 8, 2016 (Para la Eleccion General para la Ciudad de Cibolo) (8 de Noviembre del 2016) To the Registered Voters residing within the boundaries of the City of Cibolo in the County of Guadalupe, Texas (Para los votantes registrados que residen dentro de los límites de la Ciudad de Cibolo dentro el condado de Guadalupe, Texas): Early Voting by personal appearance will be conducted at the polling place listed on this notice to elect Councilmembers for District 1, District 4, District 5 and District 6. (La votación adelantada en persona, se llevara a cabo en las casillas de esta noticia para elegir a los Miembros del Consejo para Distrito No. 1, Distrito No. 4, Distrito No. 5 y Distrito No. 6)

EARLY VOTING POLL LOCATIONS (Casillas para el Voto Adelantado) SEGUIN ELECTIONS OFFICE (Main Polling Location) (Centro Principal de Votación) 215 S. Milam St. Seguin, TX 78155 GRACE MEMORIAL CHURCH CENTRAL TEXAS TECHNOLOGY CENTER Room 118 Conference Room, 2189 FM 758

3240 FM 725

New Braunfels, TX 78130 NEW BERLIN CITY HALL

New Braunfels, TX 78130 SCHERTZ ELECTIONS OFFICE ANNEX

9180 FM 775

1101 Elbel Road

New Berlin, TX SEGUIN ISD ADMINISTRATION BLDG

Schertz, TX 78154 SELMA CITY HALL

1221 E. Kingsbury St.

9375 Corporate Drive

Seguin, TX

Selma, TX

Days/Dias Monday/lunes Tuesday/martes Wednesday/miercoles Thursday/jueves Friday/viernes Saturday/sabado Sunday/domingo Monday/lunes Tuesday/martes Wednesday/miercoles Thursday/jueves Friday/viernes

Dates/Fechas 10/24/2016 10/25/2016 10/26/2016 10/27/2016 10/28/2016 10/29/2016 10/30/2016 10/31/2016 11/01/2016 11/02/2016 11/03/2016 11/04/2016

Hours/Horas 7:00 am – 7:00 pm 7:00 am – 7:00 pm 7:00 am – 7:00 pm 7:00 am – 7:00 pm 7:00 am – 7:00 pm 7:00 am – 7:00 pm 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm 7:00 am – 7:00 pm 7:00 am – 7:00 pm 7:00 am – 7:00 pm 7:00 am – 7:00 pm 7:00 am – 7:00 pm

NOVEMBER 8, 2016 (8 de Noviembre del 2016) ELECTION DAY POLLING LOCATIONS 7:00 am - 7:00 pm (dia de elección las casillas electorales abren de 7:00 am – 7:00 pm) Precincts /

Districts /

Poll Location /

Address /

Precintos

Distríto

Centro de Votación

Dirección

301

4&5

Santa Clara City Hall

1653 N. Santa Clara Rd., Santa Clara, TX

302

4&5

William Malish Annex Learning Center

303

6

Schertz Elections Office

306

5

Crosspoint Fellowship Church

409

1&5

200 W. Schlather Lane, Cibolo, TX 1101 Elbel Rd., Schertz, TX 2600 Roy Richard Drive, Schertz, TX

Elaine S. Schlather Intermediate School 230 Elaine S. Schlather Pkwy., Cibolo, TX

There will be no Cibolo City candidates on the ballot for registered voters in the following voting precincts /single member districts in the November 8, 2016 General Election. (Votantes registrados en los siguentes precintos electorales / distritos de solo un miembro no tendran candidatos de la Ciudad de Cibolo en su boleta.)

Precincts /

Districts /

Poll Location /

Address /

Precintos

Distríto

Centro de Votación

Dirección

301

7

Santa Clara City Hall

1653 N. Santa Clara Rd., Santa Clara, TX

302

2&7

William Malish Annex Learning Center

303

2&3

Schertz Elections Office

306

3

Crosspoint Fellowship Church

403

2&7

Knights of Columbus Hall

405

2&7

St. John’s Lutheran Church Center

606 S. Center St., Marion, TX

406

2&7

New Berlin Community Center

8815 FM 775, New Berlin, TX

200 W. Schlather Lane, Cibolo, TX 1101 Elbel Rd., Schertz, TX 2600 Roy Richard Drive, Schertz, TX 509 Schertz Pkwy., Schertz, TX

Applications for ballot by mail shall be mailed to Lisa Adam, Elections Administrator, P.O. Box 1346, Seguin, TX 78156-1346.

Applications for ballots by mail MUST be received, not simply postmarked, no later than 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 28, 2016.

(La aplicación para votar en ausencia por correo será enviada a Lisa Adam, Administradora de Elecciones, al P.O. Box 1346, Seguin, Texas 78156-1346. Aplicaciones para votar en ausencia por correo deben recibirse, no simplemente sellada por el correo, en la oficina, no mas tardado que las 7:00 p.m. el Viernes, 28 de Octubre del 2016.)

VOTE From page 9A Q: Please explain what your top three priorities would be as mayor.

My priorities as your Mayor is to no longer allow Seguin to sit by and watch area communities prosper with higher paying jobs, growth in population and growth in opportunity. We will become competitive by using untapped resources such as local talent, our geographical area, along with strong leadership that encompasses a positive and promising future for generations to come.

Will no longer look to other communities for motivation, we will lead through innovation, through ingenuity, and above all through partnerships.

DON KEIL

Q: In your eyes, what do you see as the biggest issue facing the city of Seguin in the next five years and how do you plan to tackle it?

Repairing our crumbling streets and buried infrastructure is the biggest issue we face. Our streets are a mess. Our 100-year-old pipes are breaking, and our expansive clay soils have turned our streets into pothole-scarred washboards.

Over the years, things were patched then the patches were patched. Streets were overplayed with pavement, giving no consideration for drainage. Fixing the drainage on one street often created a problem on the next street.

Along with current construction, we’ve initiated a program to systematically repair the streets throughout the city. This includes a survey of the condition of every street in town during the summer of 2015. Data was accumulated to place a quantitative condition to each street so we could prioritize which streets to fix first. We held public council workshops and information sessions, so we could make sure that every part of town benefitted from the program. We are on a 5-year detailed plan for these repairs, and plan to spend at least 5 million dollars a year to get it done. Each year, we will add projects to the list, based on the data.

It will be dirty, dusty, and unpleasant, expensive, and time-consuming, but we will get it done!

SEGUIN GAZETTE · SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2016 - 11A designed to accommodate growth all the way out to SH130.

SSLGC has assured that we have abundant water supplies for the next 50 Don Keil years and beyond, notwithstanding growth.

Hundreds of new jobs were generated with the recruitment of great industries like Caterpillar, Niagara Bottling and Grupo Siro. We’ve also helped to retain and expand the job opportunities at Continental Automotive by securing a grant from the Texas Enterprise Fund.

Job creation will continue.

Over 1,000 new housing starts are in the planning stages at this time. Property values are moving up, and will generate tax revenue to fund our infrastructure improvements.

Police and fire personnel are added every year to accommodate growth. Sites for new for police and fire facilities have been identified.

Q: Please explain what your top three priorities would be as mayor.

1. Stop the Post Oak Landfill. It is an existential threat to us and the growth and progress we have worked so hard to achieve.

2. Maintain the positive momentum we have going on in all areas of Seguin, which includes infrastructure improvements, job creation and retail recruitment. Also, expand our parks, including extending Walnut Springs linear park all the way to the river. We need to keep improving downtown and make “quality of life” issues a priority.

3. Continue fostering a positive attitude about our great city, and what we can achieve together. You can feel the positive vibes all over town. The new HEB, Park West and the Skate Park and the opening of our beautiful new Public Library and Walnut Springs linear Park have been incredible morale boosters for the community. Have you been downtown lately? Wow, how things have changed! It wasn’t long ago that this town had a terrible inferiority complex Q: As Seguin continues to grow, – and I don’t want to see that attitude how do you plan to tackle the infra- return. structure, housing, employment and safety needs of our growing popula- • Running for the District 1 seat on the Seguin ISD Board of Trustees are incumtion?

Streets and drainage infrastruc- bent Ricardo Guerra and Carl Jenkins. ture improvements are ongoing with our 5-year plan, as I mentioned in the RICARDO GUERRA Q: Why have you chosen to retain or first question. Our new state of the art Utilities Operations Center will enhance seek a seat on the Seguin ISD Board of our electrical service capabilities, and Trustees?

I am running for re-election to the provide a base of operations for decades school board because I know I can continto come.

Our new million-gallon water tower ue to help get positive results. As a grandis both beautiful and functional. It was father of three granddaughters who attend

Seguin ISD, I want to make sure they and all of the students of the district have the very best that we can offer.

I decided to run for school board Ricardo Guerra four years ago to make sure that we passed and successfully did the things we said we were going to do for the benefit of the students and families in our district. I am proud to say that we have met many of our goals. Our old high school campus was falling apart and now it will be a beautiful facility we can be proud of. Our test scores have been sub-par in the past and now we are starting to see that turn around with 8 distinction designations from TEA thanks to the hard work of the teachers and everyone involved. I would love to continue to be a part of this great Seguin ISD team for second term.

Q: If elected to the Seguin ISD Board of Trustees, how do you plan to address issues regarding the district’s finances when it comes to making large purchases or addressing projects that are over budget?

Investing taxpayer money for the future of our students is an important job, and one that I take very seriously.

Every large purchase is carefully considered, discussed, and debated among the board members. When the construction of the High School was projected to be over budget last year we took action to ensure that construction would continue without having to go to the taxpayers for another bond. I voted to immediately have a respected third party audit the revised construction costs. We used available funds to cover the difference between the original quote and the actual construction costs without compromising our good financial standing or going into debt. The original architects are no longer involved in the construction. The challenge with the construction of the high school required making tough decisions and taking into account the promises that were made to the taxpayers and the future high school students, faculty, and staff. I am glad we were able find a financially sound solution and I am prepared to continue finding creative solutions to any issues that may arise.

Q: There are questions within the community about the board’s actions and transparency. How do you propose to address those questions and create change?

Transparency is certainly important to me as school board member. I voted, as part of a unanimous vote, in favor of recording all public meetings and posting them on the Seguin ISD website. The district also has a Financial Transparency section on our website dedicated to pro-

It’s Time for Change!

v i d i n g budget and other financial information. I e n c ou r age all interested community members to visit www. seguin.k12. tx.us and look up the Carl Jenkins information by going to the business services section of the website under departments. I have been asked by several people why the board goes into executive/ private sessions. Legally, some issues concerning security, contract negotiations, and employee privacy should not be discussed, recorded, and broadcast online and made available to the public and for that we must have some sessions in private. I am committed to being as transparent as the law allows a school board member to be under Texas Government Code 551 and the Open Meetings Act.

CARL JENKINS

Q: Why have you chosen to retain or seek a seat on the Seguin ISD Board of Trustees?

I had been hearing “grumblings” in the community about the board. I had read things in the Gazette and KWED Daily news that concerned me. I decided to attend my first School Board meeting and was flabbergasted that the board voted unanimously to accept a $10,000,000 loan and not one member asked how to pay it back. How it would effect the current budget. If taxes would need to be raised.

I am concerned about the financial future of the School District.

Q: If elected to the Seguin ISD Board of Trustees, how do you plan to address issues regarding the district’s finances when it comes to making large purchases or addressing projects that are over budget?

My first question would be, has the project been budgeted for and how will it be paid for? Will the project benefit the students education? Large purchases should be bid out to as many qualified bidders as possible. Research should go into what similar projects at other schools have cost and if there were costs that went over budget and why. Each bidder should have extensive research as to their qualifications and their performance on past and current projects. I also believe that if more information is needed, the agenda item should be tabled. Its okay to vote no if it is needed. Keep the students, staff and public informed throughout the process.

Q: There are questions within the community about the board’s actions and transparency. How do you propose to address those questions and create change?

Transparency is a must. I think that seeking input from students, staff and

citizens is an essential part of communication and transparency. I plan to maintain a Facebook page for public input, I plan to answer emails and phone calls in a timely manner. I think that the SISD website should be used more to push information out to the public. Local media should be used to remind people of school board meetings. I think too as a board member, you should take the time to explain the process to the public at the meetings of how a decision was made. The research that went into the decision and why the decision passed or failed.

• Running for the District 3 seat on the Seguin ISD Board of Trustees are incumbent Craig Thomas and Cinde ThomasJimenez.

CRAIG THOMAS

Q: Why have you chosen to retain or seek a seat on the Seguin ISD Board of Trustees?

I was elected to the District 3 seat in May 2014 in a special election to serve the unexpired term of the late Irma Lewis.

The district has made great Craig Thomas strides in student performance. My goal if re-elected is to continue the forward progress of academic achievement. That is our paramount priority; we have improved in 45 of 47 index indicators and earned 8 distinctions.

Fiscally, our district refinanced bonds saving approximately $5.4 million and were awarded a Pre K grant of at least $227k. Additionally, we have redirected almost $350k from Central Office to increase direct support of campuses.

The next priority on my list was to increase teacher salaries, we have done this by giving teachers a 4% raise this month, but our ultimate goal is to have our salaries in the top 10% of the state.

Additionally, while serving on the Seguin High School Construction Committee, I have been able to guide our new flagship high school project which is on schedule to be complete next August.

To date, we are holding the line and no money has been spent from the contractor or district’s contingency funds. The district has been moving in a positive trajectory for the last couple of years and I want to carry that momentum forward by serving SISD as a trustee for another term.

Q: If elected to the Seguin ISD Board of Trustees, how do you plan to address issues regarding the district’s finances when it comes to making large purchases or addressing projects that are over budget?

With regard to finances, while it is

VOTE - 12A

Re-Elect Don Keil Mayor of Seguin 4 Years ago I promised to:

Endorses and Trusts CINDE THOMAS-JIMENEZ CARL JENKINS ELAINA REIHL to replace SISD Incumbent Trustees who voted for...

 Aggressively pursue economic development & create jobs  Improve and restore our historic downtown  Attract and encourage more restaurants, retail and “quality of life” entities  Make critically needed improvements to our streets, sidewalks, and drainage

 PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT

Help me to continue the progress of the past 4 years...

• Continue creating jobs by attracting new industries • Continue repairing our streets and drainage

EARLY VOTING Oct. 24-Nov. 4 at the Guadalupe County Elections Office, 215 S. Milam, Seguin and the SISD Central Office, 1221 E. Kingsbury St., Seguin

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• Continue restoring and improving our downtown and historic neighborhoods • Continue improving our parks and recreation facilities • Continue attracting quality housing developments • Continue making Seguin the best place in the world to live

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12A - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2016 · SEGUIN GAZETTE

VOTE

• Running for the District 7 seat on the Seguin ISD Board of Trustees are Elaina Reihl and incumbent Carol Sewell

From page 11A

Q: Why have you chosen to retain or seek a seat on the Seguin ISD Board of Trustees?

I am running for the SISD Board of Trustees because I feel that the current Board has made some ethical, financial, and morally questionable decisions throughout the last year. The current board has partaken in numerous actions with complete and total disregard for the opinions and concerns of the citizens that elected them to office. The community has asked for new leadership, and I answered the call.

Q: If elected to the Seguin ISD Board of Trustees, how

Q: If elected to the Seguin ISD Board of Trustees, how do you plan to address issues regarding the district’s finances when it comes to making large purchases or addressing projects that are over budget?

The first thing that I will do if elected is to meet with Mr. Hilberg, the district’s CFO, to discuss the current financial state of the district, and the plan for paying off the bond debt that will be a major part of the budget in the years to come. Purchases, large and small, need to be thought out with the priorities of the teachers and students first and foremost. We also need to ask ourselves as a board if the purchases are fiscally responsible uses of tax payer money. Large expenditures should be presented to the public for feedback, prior to any purchase. Projects need to be thought out, and clearly defined with a plan so that cost overruns are less likely to happen to begin with. My experience as a business owner has taught me to prepare for contingencies and to plan ahead. To be successful, you invest in the things that you NEED first, and purchase the things that you WANT when you have extra in your savings.

Carol Sewell

new text messaging program. And one of the most useful, in my opinion, is to meet with your constituents at regularly scheduled meeting times and places to talk with them, one on one. The actions that the board takes in the board room and outside of it, affect our students, teachers, and community.

In the many days that I have spent block walking and meeting the people in the community, transparency of the current board and irresponsible spending is high on their list of concerns. This needs to change, and can change with new leadership.

recently appointed interim trustee, I feel I have only just begun to make a positive difference on our school board. I would like to be granted the opportunity by the voters to finish the remaining two year term of the late Mrs. Nancy Ayotte. I was thrilled to see the STAAR scores go up on campuses this year and happy Seguin ISD schools were awarded so many distinctions this fall. Many positive changes have happened since I was appointed such as passing a tax rollback election to provide Seguin ISD teachers and staff with a pay raise, refinancing our bonds at a lower interest rate, improving our food service at all campuses, and making repairs to our aging stadium. Our new amazing high school is being constructed on time and on budget thus far.

Most important, teacher and student morale is up on campuses as we go forward with new direction and results oriented leadership. I’m ready to tackle what’s next!

CAROL SEWELL

Q: Why have you chosen to retain or seek a seat on the Seguin ISD Board of Trustees?

I’ve chosen to seek to retain my appointed District 7 Seguin ISD school board seat because I enjoy the work of helping to build a growing environment of academic excellence in Seguin ISD. As a

VOTE - 13A

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Q: There are questions withand maintenance activities of conventional and aerobic septic systems, in the community about the and explains how activities within the home impact septic systems. board’s actions and transparency. How do you propose to Presentations will cover the treatment processes, health and safety address those questions and create change? considerations, and an overview of how to inspect and maintain the As I mentioned previously, system. This course also provides answers to the most frequently asked the current Board has taken many actions without regard septic system questions, including when to pump out a tank and what to the opinions or concerns of their constituents. The practice can or cannot go down the drain. of ignoring the calls and emails from the community must come Course Information: to an end. First and foremost, as a Monday, October 24th, 6: pm - 8: pm board member, I will make every effort to be accessible to those AgriLife Extension Office in District 3 via a district email 210 E. Live Oak St address, and will strive to reply to each and every concern in a Seguin, TX 78155 timely fashion.

Per board directive, the disQ: There are questions within Cost: Free! trict needs to insure that all the community about the board’s meeting dates and agendas are actions and transparency. How To register: Seating is limited, so published in the newspapers, do you propose to address those contact Ward Ling at wling@tamu.edu released via text messaging, and questions and create change? or at 979-845-6980 to register. shared on social media and other Our school board members are outlets so that parents and the representatives of the people in our community are aware of board community. It is their responsibilmeetings and what will be dis- ity to be transparent in the actions cussed and/or voted upon well in that they take regarding the school advance. Trustees should have set district. Behaving otherwise creThe 2quarhourates course provides a basicwith understanding of the operational and maintenance activities of conventional and times and dates (perhaps questions and distrust terly) for an open forum with the public. There are many ways to aerobic explains how activities within the home impact septic systems. Presentations will cover parents and communities at pub-septic keepsystems, the publicand informed.

Social lic places such as the library or an media and e-mail are the most the treatment processes, health safety considerations, and an overview of how to inspect and maintain the system. elementary school. I believe the convenient.

However, notand everyrelationship between the commu- one has internet access. Simple This course also provides answers to the most frequently asked septic system questions, including when to pump out a nity and our district will heal with things such as adding the School consistent and open communicaBoard meeting dates and tank and what can or cannot go times downto the drain. The 6 hour course covers the same material as the 2 hour class, but tion, something which unfortu- the newspapers upcoming events nately has not been of importance add them to the and their operation and maintenance. This class will provide homeowners in goes more calendar, in depthand onalso aerobic systems of the current board. school calendars. Use the district’s

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do you plan to address issues regarding the district’s finances when it comes to making large purchases or addressing projects that are over budget?

The current Board has taken many of their discussions on large purchases and expenditures for over budget projects into executive session. The public hears little if any of the details of the expenditures other than that they have been approved by the Board. Executive sessions need to be reserved for the purpose for which it exists – to deal with personnel issues, grievances against the district, and legal issues, etc.. Using the executive session to plan for such expenditures is neither prudent nor ethical; this lack of transparency, the lack of discussion in front of the public needs to come to an end. Purchases and long-term projects need to be a component of a long term plan for the district, and the public should be involved in the planning process.

Occasionally large purchases may arise as our district has aging facilities and infrastructure. New projects could also go over budget due to changing costs of materials, transport or labor. I believe a contingency fund should be set aside for such purchases and overages with all large SISD projects before they are undertaken.

Elaina Reihl

RE-Elect Don Keil For Mayor

Q: There are questions within the community about the board’s actions and transparency. How do you propose to address those questions and create change?

While this may be a hot topic and the thought and opinions of some people in the community, I believe this is quite the contrary.

In the past year, since these allegations have been brought forth, the board has minimized closed session meetings, broadcasted board meetings on the website, as well as posted the budget and contracts for top employees. I think it is also important for the public to understand that there are many items discussed that are confidential and would be against Texas Privacy laws for the board to discuss in public. Moving forward if elected, I will continue to ensure that we continue to be as transparent as possible by continuing to use these practices.

Additionally, I always encourage my constituents and anyone in the community to feel free to contact me directly if there are any questions, concerns or observations.

C. Thomas-Jimenez

Q: Why have you chosen to retain or seek a seat on the Seguin ISD Board of Trustees?

I have chosen to seek a seat on the school board to be a voice for the teachers, students, and citizens of Seguin. We have lived in Seguin since 1989. I have been involved in SISD for the past 19 years as a volunteer. Our 2 sons are graduates of SISD. Seguin and our schools are a part of who we are as a family. It is important to me that SISD excels in all aspects. We need trustees who will make fiscally responsible decisions and will be transparent with the community. The teachers and staff work hard and long hours to make a difference in our children’s lives. I want to be able to make sure that they are valued and listened to. I want to help implement policies that will assure that each and every student has their needs met. My vision for SISD is a school district that our community can be proud of. For our district to be one that attracts the best and the brightest educators, and for there to be an environment where our teachers are encouraged to bring forth new ideas.

RE-Elect Don Keil For Mayor

important to address large purchases and monitor budgets, it is equally as important to explore opportunities to save money.

I am assuming referencing “projects that are over budget”, is referring to the high school project which has been rumored to be over budget. I am happy to inform you, that is NOT the case at all. In fact, when the bond was passed to build the new school, the proposed tax rate was $1.47.

Today, the tax rate is only $1.42, which is obviously 5 cents less than projected. Additionally, we are providing more square footage and more program (more science labs, a performing arts center in lieu of an auditorium, and 3 gyms instead of 2). This is not costing the tax payers any more money and was not included in the original bond proposal. To me, this is the perfect storm. The community is getting more for less than what they expected.

While serving on the board in the last year, we identified the unique opportunity in the current market to refinance some of the bonds. By doing so, we saved $5.4 million which went directly into back into the budget.

ELAINA REIHL

Q: If elected to the Seguin ISD Board of Trustees, how do you plan to address issues regarding the district’s finances when it comes to making large purchases or addressing projects that are over budget?

“Seguin ISD has maintained a ‘Superior’ financial rating for 25 straight years” states Tony Hillberg, CFO for Seguin ISD. When a citizen of Seguin ISD asserts on social media or in person that the new high school is “over budget”, are they referring to the original proposed costs years ago prior to failed bond elections or are they referring to the current agreed upon construction contract on the high school prior to the first ground breaking? To me, when someone asserts that a project is “over budget” that would imply that there are documented cost overruns since the project PHYSICALLY began. The latter is simply NOT the case for the construction of the new high school.

The high school construction is ON BUDGET AND ON TIME as of the updates I receive every Friday as an interim board member. We have no cost overruns thus far on the current high school construction project. As to “large purchases”, they are considered according to research and eventual recommendations by administrators followed by more consideration and approval or disapproval by the school board “body corporate”, in meetings held in public,

RE-Elect Don Keil For Mayor

SEGUIN GAZETTE · SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2016 - 13A

VOTE

be successful after graduation.

It’s exciting to be part of a growing district and all that entails.

This is why I’m seeking reelection to the Navarro ISD Board of Trustees.

From page 12A who provide mandated oversight as regulated and empowered by the state of Texas.

Q: There are questions within the community about the board’s actions and transparency. How do you propose to address those questions and create change?

If there is a change needed for “transparency”, I would suggest that “transparency” begin in our local media. When Seguin ISD Public Information Officer, Sean Hoffman, writes and sends succinct, easy to read press releases to the media concerning the factual workings of the district, and over the past year the media has chosen not to publish or air certain press releases or they choose to alter the meaning of certain releases by editing the content, then the media actually becomes the bottleneck to “transparency”.

Regarding the transparency of the school board itself, school boards are prohibited by Texas law from transparency on any personnel matters which are required by to be handled in closed session. As for transparency in business negotiations, the education industry is just as competitive as are commercial businesses. Seguin ISD has very capable administrators with many years of experience working to obtain competitive grants, high profile educators, the lowest price on major purchases, etc. I do not believe Seguin ISD should lose out to other school districts or lose our competitive edge in negotiations because school board critics feel we should publicize or publicly discuss every idea or project being researched.

• Running for three at large seats on the Navarro ISD Board of Trustees are Amy Innes, Tracy Large, Renee Rehfeld and Clinton D. Scheib.

Amy Innes

Q: Why have you chosen to retain or seek a seat on the Navarro ISD Board of Trustees?

I have had the privilege to serve on the Navarro ISD Board of Trustees for just over 5 years. Our board is made up of 7 diverse, dedicated people who work well together and put the needs of the district and our community first. In conjunction with the administration, our board has done an excellent job of working together to improve the education of our students and the fiscal stability and health of our district. As with all endeavors there is a learning curve when you start something new. Having been on this board for the last 5 years, as well as being an active community member in board meetings prior to that, I feel that I have a good background of knowledge and training that will allow me to continue to serve and improve our district.

Q: What do you see as the greatest challenges facing the district?

One of the biggest challenges facing all school districts is funding. At the district level we have very little control over this, but we also must keep this in mind as we plan for the budgets each year and for the future of the district as a whole. At Navarro specifically we are also dealing with growth. Just last November we were able to pass a bond to build a badly needed Intermediate school and make improvements and additions to our current Elementary School, Jr. High, and Band Hall. We have also been slowly increasing our teachers pay to try to bring it up to be competitive with surrounding districts. Increasing elective options and improving the education of our students is also an ongoing priority. This board works hard to improve our district in all ways while being fiscally responsible for our taxpayers.

Q: There is a growing trend toward demands for increased transparency and fiscal restraint by taxing entities. If elected, how would you help address these issues?

Transparency is vital to the stability of the board and is important to our community.

We have worked very hard to be transparent in all ways. Our district has received the Texas Leadership Circle Platinum award for financial transparency online. We post all relevant documents for anyone to see. My first year on the board I helped to revise the Board’s Code of Ethics which governs the actions of board members.

This is also available online.

Everyone on the Navarro Board of Trustees is committed to maintaining this transparency.

We are also committed to fiscal restraint. NISD has received 4 ½ of 5 possible stars from TX Smart Schools. This award is sponsored by the Texas State Comptroller, and recognizes Navarro ISD for having “Very High Academic Progress above

Amy Innes

Tracy Large 88% of all Texas Districts, at a Low Spending compared to fiscal peers”. Due to the good economy in our area we have been able to improve salaries, improve our school’s infrastructure and add a new school while lowering taxes and also adding to our fund balance. Our board is committed to keeping our schools strong, both academically and fiscally.

TRACY LARGE

Q: Why have you chosen to retain or seek a seat on the Navarro ISD Board of Trustees?

I believe in public education.

I have a Bachelor of Science from Texas State in Criminal Justice, with a minor of psychology. My wife, Kara, graduated from Trinity University. My daughter, Kalyn, is a graduate of Navarro High School, has graduated from Texas A&M and is attending St. Mary’s graduate school. My son, Kyle, just graduated from Navarro and is attending Texas State.

I feel it’s extremely important for students today to get a good education, not just for college, but to be prepared for the workforce and to have opportunities to succeed. I have been on the Navarro School Board for four years; at times it has been very challenging, and at times very rewarding. We have worked hard as a team to hire quality teachers, improve academic opportunities for students, improve our facilities, and to support our students’ success in every area. We are good stewards of the taxpayers money and work to make the community proud.

Q: What do you see as the greatest challenges facing the district?

Growth is our biggest challenge. Our classrooms are full, and teacher class loads are heavier than we would like.

Fortunately, our community supported the bond election by a positive vote of 75%, which is allowing us to add eight classrooms at the Elementary School, double the size of the band hall, upgrade the Junior High science labs, and build a new grade 4-6 Intermediate campus. Continued growth is inevitable, and we will have to continue to develop and monitor a master plan. Academically, it is a challenge, due to finances, to provide the expanded courses we would like to offer, such as career-related classes and certifications and additional advanced classes. Providing for integrated technology is also a challenge; it changes so rapidly, that providing upto-date equipment and training is a constant struggle that the board addresses at almost every meeting. Being a retired police officer, security is always on my mind. We have added a Guadalupe County deputy to patrol the campuses on a daily basis, installed numerous security cameras, and created a more secure entrance to the Elementary School.

The new Intermediate School is being designed with a secure entry. It’s important to me that the students and staff feel secure.

Q: There is a growing trend toward demands for increased transparency and fiscal restraint by taxing entities. If elected, how would you help address these issues?

You can ask any member of this Board any question about anything at Navarro, except personnel or student discipline issues, and we will give you a direct and complete answer.

The district has been recognized for several years by the Texas Comptroller for transparency. All of our financial statements and accountability information is easily accessible on our website. In terms of fiscal restraint, we have been very conservative until recently, when our finances have allowed us to address a lot of deferred projects, such as increasing our teacher salaries and improving our facilities, all while actually lowering taxes.

The next fiscal challenge is to be sure that the new Intermediate School will be built within the budget allo-

Renee Rehfeld

Clinton D. Scheib cated by the bond election.

RENEE REHFELD

Q: Why have you chosen to retain or seek a seat on the Navarro ISD Board of Trustees?

The current Navarro ISD Board of Trustees is a strong board that works hard to advocate for students, teachers, administration and the community. While our board is made up of seven people with different backgrounds and opinions, we have worked together to accomplish a lot to move this district forward. Continuous improvement of district goals has kept Navarro a recognized and outstanding district by the state. The Texas Comptroller awarded Navarro 4.5 of 5 possible stars for high academic achievement at a low cost (TX Smart Schools). Through my previous terms on the board, I have gained institutional knowledge that will help as we complete the building projects from the bond package and face upcoming legislative changes.

I’ve always had a passion for education at all levels. My children are third generation Navarro Panthers and there is deep pride in our school district and all of its accomplishments. My work experience at TLU gives me insight into many aspects that I believe are helpful as we continue to grow the district and try to understand what students need in order to

Q: What do you see as the greatest challenges facing the district?

One of our greatest challenges for the district is the fast-paced increase in growth.

Housing developments are adding more kids to our district like never before. We as a board and district have done an excellent job monitoring the growth and trying to forecast 5 years out what we can expect so that we stay ahead of the change as much as possible. This allows us to look at building projections, staffing, course offerings and much more to make sure that we are not always reacting but planning for what our district will look like and need in the future.

Another challenge for Navarro ISD is trying to be competitive with wages to attract and retain outstanding teachers and staff compared to districts of our size and those surrounding Navarro. Due to good fiscal management, we have given pay increases in years when many districts couldn’t afford it. In addition, over the past two years we have done salary and stipend studies in order to make additional increases in areas where we saw the largest disparity.

Our goal is to continue to close the gap as much as possible while maintaining our financial strength. As a trustee of the board, I will make sure that these challenges continue to be addressed each year.

Q: There is a growing trend toward demands for increased transparency and fiscal restraint by taxing entities. If elected, how would you help address these issues?

One of the main responsibilities when you sit on a school district board is to make sure there is good financial management.

You want to make sure you are providing what is needed for the students and staff while also showing the taxpayer you can be trusted to spend wisely.

Navarro ISD has a very transparent system when it comes to district spending and also donation receipts. Local policies were put in place several years ago to make sure the board approves all spending over $10,000. When the board receives the request for spending there is backup

and the rationale to show why the spending is needed and how the district plans to pay for it.

Typically, we as the board have discussed the item at our board meeting at least one month before we are expected to vote on it. This allows us to ask questions, voice concerns or offer other suggestions to consider before moving forward with the spending. As a member of the Navarro ISD Board of Trustees, I will continue to work hard with the district to maintain transparency and continue to be responsible with spending.

CLINTON D. SCHEIB

Q: Why have you chosen to retain or seek a seat on the Navarro ISD Board of Trustees?

I have prayerfully considered seeking a role on the NISD Board of Trustees because I believe that the quality of a child’s education plays a tremendous role in shaping and impacting his or her future. As a father, I have seen first hand the opportunities that exist for my daughter and all of the students in Navarro ISD. But building an environment that is conducive and inclusive for all students cannot happen without involvement from parents, support from the community and our leaders. We cannot just accept good - we must strive for greatness and excellence for all children. Our teachers are our greatest resource and asset because they see firsthand how the needs of our children are changing. As a Board of Trustees member, I want to engage in open conversations with our teachers, administrators and community on how we can all work together for the good of all children. When it comes to our children, we can never accept anything less just because “that’s the way it’s always been”.

opment. Adding more children to the district means we must make adjustments in our infrastructure and our physical space, in addition to increasing our investment in new teachers and resources. Our other challenge is teacher retention. Over the past several years, I have seen firsthand the turnover in the teaching staff. We need to create competitive compensation and benefits packages that make recruiting new and retaining current teachers easier. We need to make our teachers feel like they have a voice in creating the best environment for our children. I want to bring a fresh perspective to the NISD Board. Trustees should be open to ideas and work together with teachers and administration to build open communication and candid discussions to work through these challenges and make NISD a district of excellence.

Q: There is a growing trend toward demands for increased transparency and fiscal restraint by taxing entities. If elected, how would you help address these issues?

Transparency is never a concern when fiscal decisions and investments are made that are in the best interest of and directly benefit our children. When our highest priority is to advocate for and provide what is best for our children, there is nothing to hide. Should I be elected to serve on the NISD Board of Trustees, I will work to establish fiscal priorities that support the overall vision of NISD. It’s time to build a strategic plan that responsibly invests in the future of our children that is openly shared across all levels - parents, teachers, taxpayers and community leaders.

Q: What do you see as the greatest challenges facing the district?

Education as a whole in the state of Texas continues to weather through many storms.

From teacher shortages, budget shortfalls and funding limitations it’s easy to think that we are under a dark cloud. Right here in Navarro, we face some of those same issues. One of the biggest challenges we face comes from our population growth with the addition of new homes and residential devel-

Edward “Eddie” Davila, Jr. For Mayor of Seguin For Immediate Release: I, Edward Davila, Jr. am asking that you allow me to serve you, as your next Mayor for your City of Seguin. First and foremost, I am thankful for the blessings that have allowed me be a lifelong resident of this great and vibrant community where my wife and I have chosen to raise our family. A city filled with great hard working people; a city that leads with faith and family. A city that not only recognizes the importance of embracing cultures from every corner, but also utilizes the values to benefit the community as a whole.

The decision to run to be your next Mayor, was not a decision that was made easily. Nor is it a decision I take lightly.

I have given it a tremendous amount of thought, and realized the responsibilities I will be undertaking. Now more than ever, I believe it is time…..it is time for new faces, it is time for new ideas, it is time for new blood…it is time for dependable, determined and decisive leadership. It is time to have a responsible leader that will not only lead, but will demand progressive action.

However, there are issues that must be addressed in a way that enhances our overall community at-large for our City to grow economically and socially.

I will bring forth a vision that will vigorously lead our city into another phase of development, offering additional opportunities. I will bring growth to the City in a measured and thoughtful direction that will improve the quality of life in and around the City of Seguin for everyone. Together, we will begin to manage our growth, not continue to control our growth.

The way I see it, we need to focus on issues to move the City of Seguin in a positive but responsible direction. *Infrastructure- Our community lacks improvements in certain area departments, to include our Economic Development leadership. Our city will continue to be stagnant if positions on any actions being dealt with, at our business tables, are lacking. With the area projected growth in the next few years, we cannot afford to allow areas of the city to continuously be neglected. We have roads, bridges and neighborhoods that are lacking in all facets of development. I will ensure that we will not continue to idly sit back and watch development in area communities flourish. I will vigorously push for continuous and consistent development across our City so that we can finally have a local hand in growing wealth. *Safety and Security- Our City is growing, and with new growth and development will come additional crime. Our First responders are the first ones on site when it comes to aiding the needs of others. We must, as a community, demand that they not only have the necessary training to do their jobs, but they must have access to the type of equipment that not only protect the citizens of this great community, but will ensure their safety when facing unknown dangers on every single call, every single day. As your Mayor of your Seguin, I will follow through on much needed grants for our Police and Fire departments, as well as grants for our EMS to make sure we not only have the best training, but also the best equipment to do the job. *Business- Our city must attract a more diverse industry, offering more than just manufacturing jobs. We will further enhance the value of our great city. Our manufacturing business companies have been great partners in our City for a very long time, however like everything else in life, change is inevitable. When we fail to adapt, when we fail to change, failure also becomes inevitable. An active and forward thinking Economic Development Department will be critical in the shifting of this focus to allow us, as residents,to benefit from higher paying jobs. This will allow us to keep our most gifted and most talented workforce working, not only in Seguin, but for Seguin. Companies in the Tech and Medical industry, among others, must be recruited to do business on the Guadalupe. *Education- There is no reason why our tax dollars should not be well spent here in our community on educational initiatives for our children. TLU and Sequin Independent School District must find a better way of communicating together in order to achieve National and State standards. Our children must be the best resource in our community. *Overall Community Development—As Mayor of your City of Seguin, I pledge to be a better steward towards our overall community needs. I will look to better overall cohesiveness to deal with our community involvement. I will extend my hand to all groups and municipalities to allow me to be an inclusive leader for the entire community. I intend to sit at a table with fellow city and community leaders to hammer out issues that must be resolved on a continuous and consistent basis. In order to be an exceptional communicator, one must first learn to be a better listener. I will always listen first.

I will represent you! Not the other way around.

So I respectfully ask for your vote in the Tuesday, November 8th 2016 Election Thank You! Edward “Eddie” Davila, Jr. For Mayor Drew Engelke, Treasurer

SPORTS

Kansas State holds on for 24-21 victory over Texas

(AP) — The Wildcats’ yin-and-yang was on display once more on Saturday in a 24-21 victory over Texas. Kansas State was dominant on both sides of the ball in the first half, then committed a series of mistakes in the second half that provided the Longhorns an opportunity to make it a game.

14A - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2016 · SEGUIN GAZETTE · CONTACT SPORTS EDITOR MARCEL LOUIS-JACQUES AT SPORTS@SEGUINGAZETTE.COM Local Outlook

Seguin Matadors Tuesday

Volleyball at Champion, 6 p.m.

Homecoming done right

Boerne

Friday

Football at Kerrville Tivy, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday

Girls Basketball at Canyon Lake, 9 a.m.

Cross Country Regional Meet at TAMU-CC

Navarro Panthers Tuesday

Volleyball @ La Vernia 6 p.m.

Friday

Football at Hondo 7:30 p.m.

Saturday

Cross Country Regional Meet at TAMU-CC

Felicia Frazar - Seguin Gazette

Seguin senior linebacker Camron Guttierez runs down the sideline after recovering a Marble Falls fumble during the Matadors’ Homecoming win on Friday

Seguin gets 1st home win since ‘14 in rout of Marble Falls Marion Bulldogs Tuesday

Volleyball vs Schulenburg, 7 p.m.

Friday

Football at Lago Vista, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday

Cross Country Regional Meet at TAMU-CC

Texas Lutheran Bulldogs

Marcel Louis-Jacques sports@seguingazette.com “3!...2!...1!”

The Seguin faithful counted down the final seconds of Friday’s game against Marble Falls before a joyous cheer rang throughout the elated crowd — and for good reason. For the first time in nearly two months, their Matadors could walk off the field victorious.

The Matadors (2-6 overall, 1-4 in District 26-5A) scored a season-high 66 points, and pitched a shutout in the second half of a 66-21 rout of the Mustangs (2-6, 0-5), snapping a six-game losing streak, and ending the Mats’ winless drought in District 26-5A play.

“We told them we’ve been right here

before, it’s time to put our foot down and finish the game,” said Seguin head coach Travis Bush. “They did it, and I’m so proud of them. The defense’s shutout in the second half was huge ... I’m proud of all three phases of the game.”

Senior wide receivers Jay Sayles (nine catches, 188 yards, four touchdowns) and Kory Ussery (four catches, 132 yards, touchdown) each topped the century mark for Seguin, which piled 573 yards on a scrambling Marble Falls defense. On the other side of the ball, Seguin allowed a season-low 98 rushing yards — the first time it’s held an opponent under 100 rushing yards this season.

Before the game, Bush was concerned with the physical effect last week’s clash with Medina Valley could have on his team;

Scot Kibbe Gazette Correspondent

Men’s & Women’s Golf at Hardin-Simmons Abilene Intercollegiate, 8 a.m.

Friday

Women’s Volleyball vs East Texas Baptist, 2 p.m.

Men’s Soccer vs Southwestern University, 5 p.m.

Women’s Volleyball vs Birmingham-Southern College, 6 p.m.

Women’s Soccer vs Southwestern University, 7 p.m.

Saturday

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MATS - 16A

Navarro in position for district title after blowout of Wimberley

Monday & Tuesday

Women’s & Men’s Cross Country at SCAC Championship, 8 a.m.

Football @ Trinity, 1 p.m.

Volleyball vs Sul Ross State, 2 p.m.

Volleyball vs Concordia University Texas, 6 p.m.

the Matadors put his concerns to rest early, racing out to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter.

Sayles got the scoring started with a 12-yard touchdown catch from Mark Garcia on Seguin’s first drive, then caught a 60-yard pass from Brandon Palomares on a halfback pass to end the quarter.

The Mustangs responded to the trick play with a six-play, 64-yard drive ending with a touchdown pass of their own from Andrew Stripling to Cade Cool from 37 yards out.

The sophomore Stripling finished the game 16-of-28 for 368 yards and two touchdowns, showing arm talent far beyond his years.

“He’s going to be a threat to reckon with.

There’s no substitute for experience at quarterback,” Bush said of Stripling. “He’ll get

Photo Courtesy of Megan Locker

Navarro’s Jake Wright (7) high-steps a Wimberley defender during the Panthers game against the Texans on Friday.

The late Houston Oilers’ coach Bum Phillips often said “You gotta dance with what brung ya.”

The Navarro Panthers followed his advice Friday night to get their most important win of the season, a 35-14 victory over the rival Wimberley Texans (7-2 overall, 2-1 in 13-4A-II).

The victory gives the Panthers (8-0, 2-0) sole possession of first place in their district, and a clear inside track to take their third straight district crown.

The Panthers built their reputation on a ground-and-pound Slot-T offense and a dominant defense; those were on display for all to see Friday as Navarro rushed 67 times for 318 yards

while holding the Texans to 165 total yards and just six first downs.

Navarro head coach Les Goad said it was his game plan to run the ball at Wimberley because of their defense.

“We have mixed it up on offense this year and will continue to do so in the future,” he said. “But against a great defense with the kind of speed that Wimberley has, we just thought pounding the ball gave us our best chance to move the ball consistently. It helped us eke out first downs and control the ball.”

Controlling the ball is just what Navarro did as they ran 70 plays in the game to the Texans’ NAVARRO - 16A

SEGUIN GAZETTE · SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2016 - 15A

‘Dogs ground Eagles, one step closer to 13-3A-I title Scott Bretzke Gazette Correspondent The Marion Bulldogs (5-3 overall, 3-0 in 13-3AI) kept their winning streak alive Friday night with a 33-12 win over the usually pesky Luling Eagles (2-6, 2-1) in a District 13-3A-I matchup.

Preseason favorites to finish first and second in district play, the Bulldogs didn’t need to overcome a fourth quarter deficit like last year’s matchup, with a commanding win over the Eagles 33-12.

“Luling’s a good football team,” said Marion head coach Bruce Salmon.

“Coming here is always tough.”

The Bulldogs showed good balance in this contest with 266 passing yards and

181 rushing yards for 447 total yards of offense. The defense continued to show its growth, giving up just 78 passing yards and 193 rushing for 271 total yards.

Marion was unable to turn a good kickoff return into points on its opening drive, but an efficient Bulldog defense forced an Eagle three-and-out to get the ball right back.

Kage Armstrong scored his first of two touchdowns on Marion’s second offensive possession of the game, which was bolstered by quarterback J.D. Raggio hitting Jackson Allen and Edher Nava for a pair of crucial first downs on the drive.

The Eagle offense was

forced to punt yet again on the following drive, paving the way for an eight-play, 74-yard Bulldog scoring drive.

Raggio completed four out of five pass attempts on the drive, including a conversion on fourth-and-two on the Eagles 32-yard line.

Kage Armstrong finished the drive with his second touchdown to give Marion a 14-0 lead.

Hoping to catch the Eagles off guard again, Marion recovered a successful on-side kick; however, Raggio threw his third interception of the season on the very next play.

With just a bit over six MARION - 17A

Photo Courtesy of Melanie Krause

Marion quarterback J.D. Raggio sets his feet in the pocket during the Bulldogs’ game against Luling on Friday.

Lifegate Christian sets school record, avenges loss to Hill Country Marcel Louis-Jacques sports@seguingazette.com

Two teams.

Four quarters. Twentyfour touchdowns. One hundred and eighty total points.

One turnover.

If six-man football isn’t one of the most exciting sports you’ve seen, please invite me to whatever it is you do.

Ranked number two in the TAPPS Division II rankings, Lifegate Christian (8-1 overall, 2-0 in TAPPS 4-II) had retribution on its mind during Friday’s 102-78 win against reigning state champion No. 7 San Marcos Hill Country,

Before the game, Lifegate senior Michael McKinney said a win would “shock a lot of people,” but you’d be hard-pressed to find the person who foresaw a 102-point explosion. The Falcons racked up a season-high 640 yards of offense, led by junior Cayden Prue — who went 29-of-36 for 392 yards while rushing for 224 yards on 21 carries.

The icing on the cake? Pruet also Photo Courtesy of Kelle Sullivan scored a ludicrous 14 touchdowns Lifegate Christian’s Michael McKinney bursts through a hole during the Falcons’ game — eight rushing and six passing. against Hill Country Christian on Friday.

Three Lifegate players compiled over 100 receiving yards, including setting a school record for points since 2013. That win streak came to McKinney (132 yards, three touchscored in the process. an abrupt halt Friday, as the Falcons downs), Logan Garrison (118 yards, The Rams (4-5, 0-2) dealt the picked up their sixth win in a row two touchdowns), and Steele SulFalcons two of their four losses in since losing to San Antonio FEAST livan (110 yards, one touchdown).

2015, and hadn’t lost to Lifegate on Sept. 9.

LIFEGATE - 17A

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16A - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2016 · SEGUIN GAZETTE

MATS

NAVARRO

From page 14A

From page 14A

better every game, he’ll get better over the next couple years, but you’ll hear his name. You can see his obvious talent.”

Garcia found Ussery from eight yards out on Seguin’s next drive to push the Mats’ lead to 28-7, but Marble Falls cut its deficit to just seven points after a three-yard touchdown run from Austin Pegues and a 42-yard pass from Stripling to Brock Linder.

Suddenly in a scenario that looked eerily similar to their blown lead against Medina Valley, the Matadors refused to let the same result happen two weeks in a row.

“We were talking amongst each other, and I told everybody ‘Not again,’” Garcia said, “‘we have to keep rolling, we have to keep scoring.’”

The Matadors marched 70 yards on their following drive, which ended with a one-yard touchdown run by senior defensive tackle Duncan Bauer — who now has three carries, for three yards and three scores this season.

A pair of penalties wiped out two potential Mustang touchdowns on their next series, and Seguin took a 35-21 lead into the half. It was a major confidence boost to a Seguin defense that’s allowed momentum-swinging touchdowns at the end of the first half in each of its last two games.

“We talked about it at halftime, that we had to put our foot on their throat and finish the game off,” Sayles said. “We executed, the defense executed well, and we told each other we weren’t losing homecoming.”

Daniel Salamanca drilled a 27-yard field goal to start the second half scoring, before freshman running back Tavawn Williams punched in his first varsity touchdown two drives later.

“It felt great, I was ecstatic,” Williams said. “I wasn’t stopping until I got a touchdown.”

Seguin linebacker Cameron Gutierrez scooped up a Marble Falls fumble later in the third quarter, and seemed to return it 75 yards to paydirt, but was ruled out of bounds at the 11-yard line.

That didn’t slow Seguin down a bit, as Garcia and Sayles connected on a fade route three plays later to push the lead to 52-21.

The Matadors recovered another fumble on the Mustangs’ next drive, and Garcia tossed his fourth touchdown of the game on the next play — a 47-yard catch-and-run to Sayles.

Garcia finished a surgically efficient 19-of-22 for 301 yards and four scores — three of them to Sayles, who’s caught 19 passes for 325 yards and seven touchdowns in his three games this season.

Sayles said he and Garcia felt Marble Falls’ secondary could be beaten while watching film this past week, and Garcia continued to showcase his chemistry with his senior receivers.

“It’s been great,” Garcia said. “The thing with (Jay) is when they throw double coverage at him, it opens the field for our other key receivers. Just his presence on the field does a lot of good things for our offense.”

Sophomore Syngen Riojas entered the game for a series in the fourth quarter, and promptly threw a 19-yard strike to fellow sophomore Terrance Brandon, who gracefully plucked the ball out mid-air with one hand, and trotted into the endzone. It was the first varsity touchdown for both players.

The Matadors allowed 421 passing yards to the Mustangs, but their second-half shutout was Seguin’s first time holding an opponent scoreless in a half this season.

“We’re finally looking like we’re getting into our best form,” Bush said. “We still have two games left, and we have to prepare to do the same thing next week.”

36.

The Panthers also went to their best player, Jake Wright, and let him take over the game. Wright was the workhorse at fullback, rushing 30 times for 178 yards and four touchdowns.

At linebacker, he disrupted the Wimberley offense all night. He ended with seven tackles and a sack.

Wright said the physical style of the game suited him and his teammates well.

“This whole team loves contact,” he said. “We have our full contact drills on Monday afternoons and look forward to it all day. And we love this rivalry game.”

This is the fourth straight year that the Panthers have defeated Wimberley.

Navarro did exactly what they set out to do on their first two drives.

The first was an 11-play, 60-yard drive while the second went 64 yards in 15 plays. Wright capped the drives with runs of three and 12 yards respectively.

Wimberley got on the board early in the second quarter after a failed fake punt attempt gave them the ball at the Navarro 41-yard line. A three-yard run followed four plays later and the Panthers’ lead was cut in half to 14-7.

Navarro answered with a 64-yard drive that started with barely four min-

utes left in the half. The drive was kept alive by a 15-yard completion from quarterback Will Eveld to tailback Tanner Law and a defensive pass interference call three plays later.

On third-and-goal from the seven, Eveld found his favorite target— receiver Dean Wallace— wide open in the end zone for an easy touchdown.

That gave Navarro a 21-7 halftime lead that they would extend in the third quarter. This time they drove 48 yards in nine plays before scoring on the play of the night.

Facing a third-and-two at the Texans’ 17-yard line, Eveld faked a hand off to halfback Jared Leal, who took the most of the defense with him to the

left while Wright ran up the middle for the touchdown.

“Jared did a heck of a job on his fake and they all went that way,” Wright said of the score. “I just got behind our biggest guy (lineman Wyatt Tate) and he hid me.”

Wimberley fought back and scored quickly on their next series to cut the lead to 28-14. Their onside kick attempt on the ensuing kickoff was recovered by Navarro’s Keith Schwarzlose. But a fumble two plays later gave the Texans the ball back with momentum and most of the fourth quarter still to be played.

Dean Wallace, from his defensive back position, and linebacker Tyler

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Law wasted no time in taking that momentum back for the team in purple. On the next play, Law pressured the Wimberley quarterback to force a hurried throw that Wallace picked off.

Eight plays later, Wright ran in his fourth touchdown of the night to seal the win.

The Panther defense nabbed three sacks on the night and were led in tackles by linebackers Tyler Law and Ty Shelton, who each had eight.

Navarro will now travel to Hondo’s Barry Field for a Friday night tilt with the Hondo Owls (1-7, 1-1). A win would ensure at least a share of the District 13-4A-II title and the district’s top playoff seed.

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SEGUIN GAZETTE · SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2016 - 17A

LIFEGATE From page 15A The teams traded scoring possessions throughout the first half, neither side missing an opportunity. Pruet started the party with a one-yard run to put the Falcons up 8-0, but their lead didn’t stretch past eight points for a majority of the half.

Pruet found McKinney from 60 yards out with 1:15 left in the second quarter, then ran in his fourth score of the night with just a second left on the clock to push Lifegate’s lead to 66-54 at halftime. The Falcons outscored the Rams 22-16 in the third quarter, but the Rams managed to string together 16 unanswered points at the end of the third and

Photo courtesy of Melanie Krause

Marion running back Jacob Berry (32) sprints for daylight after catching a pass against Luling on Friday.

MARION From page 15A minutes left in the first half, running back Jacob Berry caught a screen pass for 37 yards, then took a handoff and jogged 20 yards for a touchdown.

The Eagles were finally able to mount a scoring drive of their own shortly after, but missed the extra point to cut their deficit to 20-6.

The third and early fourth quarters saw both teams stringing together time-consuming drives that resulted in points on the board.

First the Bulldogs drove 90 yards in 14 plays ending in a touchdown pass from Raggio to his backup quarterback Tayler Mills for 16 yards.

The ensuing Eagle drive took 9 plays and covered 84 yards, carrying the possession into the final stanza. The drive ended with a 20-yard quarterback scramble for a touchdown.

The two point try failed, making the score 26-12 in favor of the Bulldogs.

Marion had excellent field position on the next drive at its own 47, after the Eagles botched an onside kick attempt.

Berry took the handoff from Raggio and bolted 53 yards, leaving the Eagle

defenders in his dust en route to the end zone. The successful PAT brought the score to 33-12.

Read more at www.seguingazette. com/sports

Photo Courtesy of Kelle Sullivan

Lifegate Christian’s Cayden Pruet had 616 total yards of offense in the game and 14 touchdowns.

beginning of the fourth.

It was all Falcons from there, as Pruet sealed the game with a pair of touchdown runs — one from 60 yards out, one from five.

Read more at www.seguingazette.com/sports

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$30,995

#G1637A

$30,995

#P1627

15 Chevy 2500 HD High County - Diesel, NAV, 28k, #16471A...$55,995 15 Chevy Tahoe LT - Navigation, 47k miles, #G1667............$42,995 16 Buick Enclave Leather - 17k miles, #P1634....................$35,495 15 Chevy Equinox LTZ - White, 22K, AWD, #P1629............$26,995 16 Chevy Impala Limited - 25k miles, G1668.............................$17,995 14 Buick Encore - 46K miles, Silver, Stk 17028A.......................$17,995 16 Chevy Cruze Limited LTZ - 19k miles #G1664.................$17,991 13 Chevy Sonic - 50k miles, white, #16431A.....................$10,900

12 LEXUS IS 250 59K MILES

$17,995

#16216A

15 FORD FOCUS SUNROOF

15 FORD TAURUS SEL 15 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE 32K MILES CONVERTIBLE, 22K MILES

$16,895

#P1642

14 NISSAN VERSA 14K MILES

$19,995

#17108A

14 JEEP PATRIOT 57K MILES

Parsley $14,995 Parsley is a 5 month old tiger tabby cat, he is very chill and would be great for any household!

Sponsored by:

#16430A

#16377A

$12,495

#P1653

$12,595

#15511B

$11,495

#16386A

You Betcha! The Sweetest Deals are at Luling Chevrolet!

The Meservey Group, CPA Jennifer & Robert Meservey 200 N. River St. Suite 150, Seguin, Tx 78155 830-379-4729

1088 E. Pierce St. Luling

830-875-5425

Interested In Adopting?

LulingChevrolet.com

Call the Humane Society Animal Shelter at 372-2055.

Hours: Tue.-Sat. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Check out our web page for other available pets at www.gchshumane.com

$13,995

Owner, Carroll Barron

Mon-Fri Sales Open until 7pm Saturday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm

18A - SUNday, october 23, 2016 ¡ Seguin Gazette

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