Chris Sells

Tax Day is right around the corner. If you haven't filed yet, it's time to get your paperwork in order. Chris Sells has more in this Bobcat Update...
For students who have jobs, Uncle Sam is expecting his share. It's time to file your taxes. Many students have already done so...
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...and some haven't...
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If you fall into the latter category, it's better if you DON'T wait until the last minute.
Stand-up: If you're a do-it-yourselfer, there are a number of online programs you can use to file your taxes. But if you feel like you need some help, you might consider visiting a tax preparer.
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Whether you get help or decide to tackle the task on your own, remember the last day to file your taxes or ask for an extension is April 15th and the I-R-S isn't as forgiving as some of your professors when it comes to deadlines. For Bobcat Update, I'm Christopher Sells.

Marissa harold

Traffic on River Road between Hopkins and Cheatham in San Marcos has been slow lately. Mary Dichard tells us why in this Bobcat Update.
Construction of new sewer lines has disrupted traffic. The street is lined with road signs pointing in different directions, which makes it quite confusing to know which route to take.
SB- Alex Cabrera –Detours and mapping a rout
Texas Sterling Construction is in charge of the site and workers are busy rebasing manholes to make the streets more vehicle and pedestrian friendly.
Stand up: San Marcos residents are wondering when construction on Cheatham Street and River Road will stop.
The construction has taken longer than hoped and owners of nearby businesses are starting to get impatient.
SB: Catherine Wilsford- Parking and Noise
After the construction of the manholes is complete, Texas Sterling will lay down asphalt to complete the project.
Stand up/ Sign off: Due to company policy…construction should be complete by next week.

Andrew Salazar

New leadership will soon be taking over the Associated Student Government, so we took the opportunity to ask Texas State Students what they would like the A-S-G to address in the coming year.

Mary Dichard

Some Texas State Students may be in for a shock when they try to enroll for fall classes. Texas Representative Vicki Truitt (TRUE-IT) has authored House bill 18-75, requiring all full-time students enrolled at colleges and universities to be covered by a health insurance plan. According to the Assistant Director of the Student Health Center, more than 25 percent of Texas State students are uninsured. Truitt's proposal is being debated this week in Austin.

Sasha Armstrong

Goodwill Industries prides itself on serving the community to the fullest, and this week it started a new service to do just that. Sasha Armstrong has more in this Bobcat Update
For more than 100 years, Goodwill Industries has made it easier for people to attain everyday necessities from clothing to furniture at low prices. The organization is now branching out into a new endeavor. The San Marcos Goodwill store has opened a job help center, which provides essential information for those seeking employment.
Intake specialist Jamie Velazquez says the job center is very much needed.
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Finding available job listings, improving resume writing and interview skills are points the staff focuses on when working with customers.
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The Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 to 5. For Bobcat Update, I'm Sasha Armstrong.

Laura Coria

Every day some Texas State student somewhere on campus gets an unpleasant surprise – it's that orange ticket no one wants to receive. If you find one on your windshield, pay up as soon as you can to avoid late penalty charges. The parking services office is located in Nueces. And to avoid tickets altogether, read and obey the university's parking regulations. If you haven't bought a parking permit, your best bet for finding a space on campus is the L-B-J parking garage. Permits aren't required there, but you have to pay to park.

Amabilia Esparza

If you're graduating on time at Texas State, you might be eligible for a one-thousand dollar tuition rebate. However, many who qualify don't even know they are. Requirements include graduating within four years of enrollment and not exceeding one's degree plan by more than three hours. A rebate form can be found on the Texas State website or at an academic advisor's office. The form must be turned in to an advisor before graduation so that it can be reviewed by the student business office.

Katie Lombardi

The Annual Hays County Heart Walk was held at Bobcat Stadium this past Saturday. Many Texas State student and San Marcos residents came out to support the cause. Katie Lombardi has more on this Bobcat Update.

There was a moment of silence as people paused to remember those lost to heart disease. With the release of red balloons and a shot of gunfire the annual Hays county Heart Walk began. The American Heart Association raised money through donations and sponsorship. Students showed their support by donating and participating in the walk at Bobcat Stadium.

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This year's heart walk was dedicated to Hays County Sheriff Allen Bridges who died of a heart attack in December. Bridges was a law enforcement veteran in Hays County for 11 years. Bridges' family showed its support by participating in the walk. Some walkers wore a red hat signifying that they were survivors of heart disease.

Stand Up

The Heart Association suggests that everyone get routine doctor visits and regular blood pressure check ups. Other tips to stay healthy include a balanced diet, regular exercise, moderate alcohol use and no smoking. For Bobcat Update, I'm Katie Lombardi.

Angelita Cabrera

A-S-G officials are waiting to see if students are more involved this year in voting for student government. The turnout last spring was about 5,000 students. Student Body President, Brett Baker said A-S-G candidates are concerned with a higher voting turnout. The three locations for voting are: L-B-J, in the Quad in front of Evans, and online. The voting polls will open March 31 and close April 1 at 5p.m..

Dara Downs

It's hard for many of us to imagine life before cell phones and iPods, but too much use could be bad for your health. Ailments such as Blackberry Thumb and iPod finger are becoming more common due to the popularity and over use of these devices.
Blackberry Thumb is described as pain or swelling in the thumb. Its cause is the unnatural position the thumb is in while using the phone to text or e-mail. Blackberry Thumb can also affect your arm, wrist and back. Massaging and stretching the tendons in the thumb as well as moving frequently can help relieve the pain.

Frances Rendon

Illegal downloading of music, movies, and other media may seem like a good idea at the time, but in the long run, they can be dangerous and expensive. Frances Rendon has more in this Bobcat Update.

When you use a free downloading website such as Limewire, you are seriously running the risk of harming your computer by exposing it to viruses and spyware. One of these viruses is called Conficker, which is also known as Downup or Kido. It is a computer worm that targets all Microsoft Windows operating system. The virus works by entering security holes and overflows in the Server Service on Windows computers. Although the virus has been around since October of last year, it is said to have a payload that will activate on April first.

Here at Texas State, the Information Technology Assistant Center, or ITAC (I-TACK) is ready to assist. I-TACK offers free virus scanning and repairs both p.c. and Macintosh computers. ITAC says its most popular service is virus scanning.

SB: Nalepa, pc advice…

Nalepa also says to make sure and create a back up of all your files from your computer before you take it in for repairs.

The Conflicker virus uses coding to execute on the computer it is infecting, then will disable services such as Windows Automatic Update, Windows Security Center, Windows Defender, and Windows Error Reporting. There is a patch that was distributed through Microsoft to fix the holes back in October to block the virus, but 30 percent of Windows computers don't have it.

STAND UP---Students, staff and faculty should be aware that there are always security risks on the internet including viruses and spyware.

ITAC rep Kevin Conway says there are steps you can take if your computer becomes infected by a virus.
SB: Conway, infection…

Last month, Microsoft announced a technology industry collaboration to fight Conficker. Microsoft is offering a 250-thousand dollar reward for information leading to the arrest of the criminals behind the creation and spread of Conficker. For Bobcat Update, I'm Frances Rendon.

Mitchell Devonport

Texas Senators passed legislation yesterday to end automatic entry for students who graduate in the top ten percent of their class. The legislation would cap automatic admissions under the ten percent rule to 60 percent of the incoming freshmen class. The reform answers the calls of the University of Texas capacity and acceptance problems created by the top ten policy. More than 80 percent of freshmen accepted by the University of Texas last year were admitted under the top ten rule. Under the bill, universities would be able to accept more students based on personal achievements, leadership and test scores.

Ben Wempe

Today at the L-B-J Bookstore from ten to three the Senior Send-off Grad Fair was held. At the Bookstore you will find different stations to help you with the graduation process. You can start off by filling out a card, which gives you a chance to win door prizes. In the Bookstore Apparel room Balfour had rings as well as graduation invitations available for order. Also, Classic Photography was on hand to take free cap and gown portraits. If you missed the fair, you can go onto TRACS and find the TXST Commencement link, which will answer any questions you may have.

Shay Creech

The body of a Texas State student who drowned last week in the San Marcos River has been identified. Shay Creech has more in this Bobcat Update.

This is the site that claimed the life of 24-year-old Tam Tran. Police say Tran was swimming in the San Marcos River last Friday when he drowned. Police say he was pulled out by a bystander who tried to revive him.
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Tran was a junior at Texas State; he lived at Comanche Hills Apartments and was a Mathematics major. Professor Moonis Ali taught Tran last semester and says he was an excellent student.
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I spoke with Tam's younger brother Thinh (TRIN) on the phone. He says the loss has been rough on the family. He says his family was told the undercurrent might have played a part in the death of his brother.
Tam's death is a tragedy affecting many.
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This is the # drowning that has been recorded in Sewell Park since #.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Shay Creech.

Brandon Simmons

Spring is usually the season of new beginnings, and for some it's the time of year when they look for a new place to live. Brandon Simmons has more in this Bobcat Update.
Housing location services will be busy for the next month or so, as students seek guidance in finding a place to live during the summer. Texas State sophomore Alexis Garcia is looking for her first apartment, and she's weighing a lot of different factors.
(SB)
Of course, many worry about the price of housing, and they're concerned about availability. Toward the end of the school year, a lot of apartment complexes run out of units. Electrical Engineeering Sophomore Vic Okon says he wishes he had started earlier looking for an apartment:
(SB)
Apartment complex managers know that students are eagerly searching at this time, so they promote certain features. Some offer to waive the application fee; others allow pets.
Students have many choices including whether to live on campus or off.
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(Standup)
For Bobcat Update, I'm Brandon Simmons.

Kara Marshall

Spring break may be over but that's no reason to cut back on playtime. Kara Marshall has more in this Bobcat Update.
As we grow older our playtime decreases, work time increases, and stress levels rise. Recent studies have shown incorporating free time into weekly routines can relieve stress and increase levels of happiness. Riding a bike, playing basketball, swimming, and other favorite pastimes are recommended activities.
Scott Jenke, Supervising Psychologist for the Texas State Counseling Center, recommends a balance between work and play.
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Texas State student Lindsay Campbell has her own methods for relieving stress.
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So there's some truth to the motto "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." Taking time out for yourself is important, leading to a healthier and happier life. For Bobcat Update, I'm Kara Marshall.

Chris Sells

Even though Spring Break just ended, it's already time to start thinking about Summer School. Registration for summer classes begins Monday and runs through April eighth, so if you need to speak with an adviser or plan your schedule, it's probably a good idea to get started now. There will be a late registration period at the beginning of each summer session, but prompt registration is recommended since many classes fill up early. More information on Summer Registration can be found on CatsWeb or on the website for the registrar's office.

Amabilia Esparza

Campaigning for the Texas State A-S-G elections has begun. Amabilia Esparza has more in this Bobcat Update.
The Covo-Luna campaign has been handing out flyers, T-shirts and posting signs throughout the quad. Presidential candidate Chris Covo says he's excited about this year's elections.
SB:One of the more healthy elections.
The current A-S-G President, Bret Baker, encourages students to participate.
SB: Now is the time for students to research.
Opposing presidential candidate Brice Loving says he and Covo share a goal of promoting student organizations, but funding for campaigns is limited for each candidate.
SB: Average $2000-$3000 for campaign
The candidates are using inexpensive resources like Facebook and Twitter to promote their tickets
SB: ASG candidates will be campaigning in the quad for the rest of the week. Voting begins on Tuesday. For Bobcat Update I'm Amabilia Esparza.

Leza Abramov

The severe drought in the Lone Star state may force Texas State University to reduce its water usage in the near future. If cutbacks are required, the university will have to find ways to preserve its landscaping. Officials say the flow-rate of the San Marcos River is extremely low and The Rivers Systems Institute at Texas State will team with other universities and the federal government to find new ways to protect the water resources and to explore options for conservation.

Lindsay Skaggs

With warmer temperatures returning, many in San Marcos are engaging in outdoor activities again. And as Lindsay Skaggs tells us in this Bobcat Update, the river is one of the city's favorite attractions.
The San Marcos River is a popular hangout, but there are dangers. With no lifeguards on
duty, it is up to each individual to stay safe.
SU: Hundreds of students and families alike come here each summer to enjoy the beautiful San Marcos rivers, however many are unaware of the dangers that these waters bring. Knowing your surroundings and using caution will make for a more fun and enjoyable experience for everyone.
San Marcos resident Mark Diaz has some advice for those who plan to get in the water.
SB:
The river has always been a special site for San Marcos residents and its visitors. To keep it that way, take precautions and be sure to look out for those around you. For Bobcat Update, I'm Lindsay Skaggs.

Jorrell Rodriguez

San Marcos city leaders are hoping a new grant program will persuade more Texas State University professors to invest in a home in San Marcos. The city council has set aside 50-thousand dollars for the program and will award 10 eligible professors, five-thousand dollars each in forgivable loans to secure a single-family residence in San Marcos. City leaders hope this program will stimulate residential development, increase property tax revenue and retain university salary dollars in the city.

Kara Marshall

Leaving town for spring break? The university police department has several tips on how to keep your belongings safe. Lock all doors and make sure windows are completely shut. Secure laptops, computers, bikes and other valuable items. U.P.D is designating the residential levels of Wood Street Garage to students leaving their vehicles on campus. This area will be highly patrolled over the break and is open to vehicles with any valid Texas State parking permit.

Lauren Guerra

Two dining halls on campus are taking action to reduce food waste. Commons and Harris dining halls are participating in Project-Clean Plate, which encourages students to take smaller portions when they serve themselves. The goal is to reduce the amount of waste by 20 percent, and the leftover food will be donated to the Hays County Food Bank.

Amy Lane

The Texas State Honors Program hosted a reception today for students visiting from New York's Juilliard School. The reception gave Texas State students a chance to meet and greet their peers from the prestigious arts program. Tomorrow night a performance at Evans Auditorium will
feature twelve of Juilliard's best musicians, dancers and actors in theatrical scenes all focused on Texas State's Common Experience theme. This is the third visit the Juilliard program has made to Texas State.

Lisa Freeman

The Texas State rugby team has won its second consecutive state championship. The team is called the Renegades. They played Saturday and Sunday in the Texas Rugby Union Collegiate finals. On Saturday they easily defeated Baylor 34 to 12. On Sunday they took the championship beating T-C-U 24 to 12. Next up for the Renegades is a home game versus Wisconsin-Madison on March 20th, which will take place on the West Campus Fields. After that, the Renegades will travel to Colorado on April 4 to participate in the Western Rugby Union Semifinals.

Dexter Ellison

By now, most everybody has felt it in one way or another. The economic recession is even affecting San Marcos' own shopping mecca--The Outlet Malls. Dexter Ellison has more in this Bobcat Update.

The Outlet Malls have long been a place for students to earn money in retail. But now consumers are being a little tighter with their spending. Feras Rachid, Store Manager at the Levi's Outlet, has noticed a change. He says customers are purchasing only necessary items. Rachid says retailers are trying to encourage shoppers by offering more discounts and bulk item sales. Even so, business is down.

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Senior Marketing Major Dane Roberts is an employee at the Tanger Outlet Mall where slow sales have begun to affect him.

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Roberts is one of many students who are employed at the outlets and feeling the economic downturn. They're all hoping for a turnaround soon. For Bobcat Update, I'm Dexter Ellison.

Dara Downs

Warm temperatures bring a lot of Texas State students to the river, but as Dara Downs tells us in this Bobcat Update, lower water levels are causing problems.

Sewell and Rio Vista Park are both home to the San Marcos River. Students use the river for boating, swimming, and hanging out. The river relies on the water flow from the Edwards Aquifer which is recharged when it rains. The San Marcos area has received less than an inch of rain so far this year. In 2008, San Marcos recorded half its usual rain fall. The current drought conditions South Texas is experiencing has left the river lower than normal. The endangered species of fish and wild plants that live in the San Marcos river could also feel the effects of the drought if conditions don't change. Julie King, the Nature Center Coordinator for San Marcos says the low water level could cause some problems for river goers.
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Many students spend time in Sewell Park and take advantage of the river on campus. Sophmore Brian Evans says he spends a lot of time in the park and has noticed a change in the river.
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STAND UP

Matt Petmecky

Texas State University welcomes the first university-run police officer's association in the state of Texas. Matt Petmecky has more in this Bobcat Update.
The Texas State University Police Officer's Association is a non-profit organization created by front line officers at the Texas State University Police Department. The association strives to network with the community by building partnerships with campus organizations, local businesses and other law enforcement agencies.
Association President, Alex Villalobos says the program helps development versatile officers.
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The association will educate the community on what the department undergoes from training to other daily endeavors.
Association Treasurer, Otto Glenweinkle says the station has many officers with valuable assets to share.
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Officers will perform a number of community outreach programs including education on D-W-Is, drug awareness and cancer awareness. In return, the association hopes to take back an understanding of the community that will help them to better serve and protect.
Association officials believe if students have the opportunity to build relationships with officers in and out of uniform, the negative image of university police instilled in students' minds will be erased.
Villalobos says there is much more to officers than what meets the eye.
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Stand-up

Ben Wempe

The Texas State men's basketball team will be playing in the Southland Conference tournament for the first time in four years. Ben Wempe has more in this Bobcat Update.
Eight teams are headed for the conference tourney -- and Texas State is one of them.
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The Bobcats will play at the Merrill Center in Katy, Texas, as the seventh seeded team. They'll play number-two seed Nicholls State tomorrow at noon. The Bobcats beat the Colonels in overtime in Strahan Coliseum earlier this year.
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If the Bobcats prevail in the first round matchup, they will play the winner of the Sam Houston U-T-S-A game Friday night. The championship game will be held on March 15th in the afternoon. The winner receives an automatic bid to play in the N-C-double-A tournament.
STANDUP: Tickets are available through the Texas State Ticket Office and students get in free with their student i-d card. Ben Wempe, Bobcat Update.

Andrew Salazar

All this week the Blood Center of Central Texas has been taking blood donations at Texas State. Students and faculty have been donating blood in the brightly painted bus parked on the Quad. The blood drive has been in operation daily from 9 to 3:30. For more information on future blood drives, you can contact the Blood Center of Central Texas IN-YOUR-HANDS-DOT-ORG.

Marissa Harold

Bobcat Build has extended its deadline until tomorrow at 5 for participants to sign up.
Registration is held at the L-B-J student center on the 4th floor, either at the Campus Activities and Student Organization Center or the Bobcat Build office. Forms can be found there or on the Texas State website.
Organizers of Bobcat Build decided to extend the deadline because more people are needed to participate in the event on April 4th. Three thousand people helped last year.

Kristen Dudding

Spring Break is only a few days away and many students are hitting the gym to achieve their "spring break body". But, at what cost? A student Rec Center employee says that during the two weeks before spring break, many students are working out to the point of becoming dangerous to their health. Last week, a female student passed out during a group fitness class, claiming that she had not eaten in a couple of days. Students seeking advice on how to get fit in a healthy way can join one of the many programs offered by the Student Rec Center.

Alysha Mendez

For many, spring break means play time at the beach. But, as Alysha Mendez tells us in this Bobcat Update, the break is also a time for service.

Maybe you'll head for the coast this weekend or spend some of your break hanging out at the San Marcos River. Eleven students, though, have a job to do in Alamagordo, New Mexico, where they will help build houses for Bobcat Break.
A graduate research assistant for Student Volunteer Services, Jill Summar, says the students will be paid 45 dollars each for food, lodging and transportation.
SB (explains what they'll be doing)
Summar says there were more than 30 applicants who wanted to participate.
SB (describes what kind of student they look for)
(Stand-up) If you're interested in spending your spring break in service to others, go to the Student Volunteer Services office in the L-B-J Student Center.

For Bobcat Update, I'm Alysha Mendez.

Angelita Cabrera

Texas State students can expect to see a four-dollar increase in their tuition starting in the fall.
Angelita Cabrera has more in this Bobcat Update.
The L-B-J Student Center referendum was approved recently by a vote of 57 to 43 percent. Almost every Texas State Student uses the center on a daily basis for meals, relaxation, studying and even catching some z's. [Who is Greg Sharpe? -- What is his context with this story?] Greg Sharpe says the higher fee will benefit the student center and, therefore, the students.
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Less than ten percent of the student body participated in the referendum. Some argue that the election outcome is not truly representative of the students' wishes, because there was such a low turnout.
Stand up
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The last fee increase affecting the student center was approved ten years ago. For Bobcat Update, I'm Angelita Cabrera.

Chris Sells

Teachers have been fighting for students' attention for years and now electronic devices are further complicating matters. Chris Sells has more in this Bobcat Update...
Students with cell phones, iPods or laptops are a pretty common sight in classrooms in this digital age.
(SB 1)
(SB 2)
But how do professors feel about these distractions in the learning environment?
(SB 3)
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Bridge: Not everyone thinks that students having electronic devices in the classroom is necessarily a bad thing.
(SB 5)
Still, before you decide to Tweet in class, take some time to think about how you'd feel if the shoe were on the other foot.
(SB 6)
For Bobcat Update, I'm Christopher Sells.

Brandon Simmons

A Texas State student organization is leading an effort to stop U-S involvement in the Iraq and Aghanistan wars. The Campus Antiwar Movement to End the Occupations has set up a booth in the quad where members are demonstrating the detention of Iraqi prisoners. The organization's protest is being held in conjunction with the Iraq Veterans Against War. Former Campus Antiwar Movement president Matthew Camp says the primary goal is to show that young people can organize to stop a war. The group meets every Wednesday at 7 p-m at The Coffeepot.

Jorrell Rodriguez

At least one group at Texas State has some doubts about whether the university is making the right move as it attempts to move up a notch in football divisions. As Jorrell Rodriguez tells us in this Bobcat Update, the group has created a website to draw attention to its cause.
The group is called A Better Texas State University-San Marcos. It now claims a little less than 200 members on Facebook. The group opposes the university's move to elevate the athletic program to the highest level of collegiate competition.
The group takes issue with the move because it will be very expensive to do so. Group founder Bobby Cast says he decided to form A Better Texas State University after reading a newspaper article last year.
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Cast says the university can find better uses for the money than spending it on athletics:
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Sophomore Michael Groff says he believes Texas State should follow the example set by other universities.
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The group serves to enlighten students on the issue and hopes that Texas State will one day be considered a contender to become a flagship university.
Stand-in (outro)

Ben Wempe

Pi Kappa Phi's Push America drive is back on campus this week. Push America is a non-profit organization that started in 1977 to help children with disabilities by designing playground equipment that is accessible to them. The fraternity has collectively raised ten million (m) dollars in support of the various programs Push America offers. Pi Kappa Phi takes pride in being the only fraternity to have its own philanthropy. Since Monday at least two frat members have been on the scaffolding at all times and will remain there throughout the week.

Dexter Ellison

The Bloodmobile is back on campus. The opportunity for students to donate blood has arrived. The on-campus blood drive, sponsored by Chi Beta Delta, allows donors to take a few minutes to help save a life. Students and faculty equipped with a photo I-D and their Social Security number can drop by to help support the cause. The Bloodmobile will return to the Quad tomorrow from 9:00 a-m to 3:30 p-m to take more donations.

Andrew Salazar

Disabled students aren't the only ones using handicapped ramps at Texas State. With more on the story, here's Bobcat Update's Andrew Salazar (SAW-LUH-SAWD).
Able-bodied pedestrians, bicyclists and skateboarders --- you're apt to see a lot of people using ramps on campus.
Bridge:
Although most handicapped ramps have signs like these limiting access to handicapped students, students capable of using the stairs still use the ramps.
Texas State student Dane Rasmussen says he doesn't see a problem, and he's one who's had to use a wheelchair in recent weeks.
SB: Dane Rasmussen
U-P-D Officer Phillip Holden says problems occur when the disabled are blocked from using the ramps. Holden says, as a courtesy, that should never happen.
SB:Holden
Holden says if a handicapped person needs to use a ramp, all others should get out of the way. For Bobcat Update, I'm Andrew Salazar.

Kara Marshall

Bobcat fans celebrated the opening of the new baseball stadium Tuesday. Expectations were high for the soldout game against the number-four ranked Texas Longhorns.
SB
I came out here to support the team check out this new facility we have, I'm excited about this year.
Stand up
Many fans came out for tailgating activities from one to four including these guys.
Baseball player Garrett Caruth said the team was well prepared.
SB
In any game there is going to be a challenge especially against a good squad like Texas, but if we play top notch baseball we will come out on top.
Students who were unable to get tickets to the home opener have a chance to watch the team tomorrow night at 6:30 when the Bobcats play against Purdue. For Bobcat Update, I'm Kara Marshall.

Matt Petmecky

It's called the world's longest river clean up. The 24th Annual Great River Clean Up will be this Saturday covering all 90 miles of the San Marcos River from here to Luling. Volunteers can register at 10 o'clock at the Lions Club in City Park. Scuba divers, snorkelers, canoeists and bank walkers are invited to help and will be served breakfast and lunch. Participants will be invited to camp out at the Shady Grove Campground or at the San Marcos River Retreat for the weekend.

Katie Lombardi

The 21st annual Communication Week is underway. Public speaking seminars, leadership lessons as well as career and internship opportunities have been on the agenda this week at Centennial Hall. A spotlight event scheduled for tomorrow is a presentation on how to get a job. Students of all majors are invited to the events, which are designed to improve communication. The event is sponsored by the Department of Communication Studies.

Lindsay Skaggs

Swings are being brushed up on as golf season is approaching. Lindsay Skaggs has more in this Bobcat Update.
Texas State University has a nine-hole course where students and locals alike can play a round of golf in a beautiful setting at Aquarena Springs.
Junior Matt Whitman says he's heard a lot about the course and is eager to play.
SB:
STAND UP.
Golf course Director Ryan Zimmerman says the course will be in top condition for the tournaments.
SB:
The golf course is open from seven in the morning until dusk. For Bobcat Update, I'm Lindsay Skaggs.

Amy Lane

You may have seen him holding up a sign as you drove along Aquarena Springs Drive. He's been a human billboard of sorts. And, as Amy Lane tells us in this report, his side-of-the-road work has had an impact.
He's known to many as "dancing Todd" and it's easy to see why. Todd Andrews has taken a job that most would consider dull and turned it into a big attraction for the Great Locations Real Estate agency. Operations Manager Julie Walsh says that Todd brings a unique style to the job.
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Todd has overcome some serious obstacles in his life -- including a car accident. But today it's hard to find Todd without a smile. He says that he tries to find ways to make his work interesting.
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Bridge
Todd's philosophy on life is inspiring. He says his goal is simply to provide a good atmosphere for drivers, customers and the people he meets in town.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Amy Lane.

Lisa Freeman

Usually this time of year the Texas State football team is gearing up for the annual maroon and gold game. But this year plans have changed. The game has been cancelled because of construction on the west side stadium. There is no access to the press box where the score board is located, and only construction workers are allowed on the west side. Sports Information Director Rick Poulter says construction on the stadium is scheduled to be completed by the time the Bobcats open their season September 5th against Angelo State.

Brandon Swanson

Hispanics are being encouraged to join law enforcement. To that end, Texas State University is participating in a mentoring and internship program aimed at young men and women who might make law enforcement their careers. A pilot program -- launched last year at Texas State -- is being recognized by HAPCOA, which is short for the Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association. Captain Paul Chapa of the University Police Department says the program provides tactical training as well as leadership and professional development for criminal justice majors.