4/16/09

Matt Petmecky

The Bobcats deliver Prairie View A-and-M an 18-to-6 loss at Bobcat Field. Early in the game, the Panthers kept it close, taking a 6-to-5 lead in the top of the 6th inning. But the Bobcats took control following homeruns by Spenser Dennis and Lance Loftin. Pitcher Bryant Rutledge was credited with his first win of the season. The Bobcats are now 25-and-10 for the year. They'll return to action Friday against the Northwestern State Demons.

Mary Dichard

Many Americans are voicing their concerns about the Obama administration's economic bailout plan. Protests were staged in several cities yesterday, including one in San Marcos. Bobcat Update's Mary Dichard tells us more.

Texas State students and San Marcos residents exercised their first amendment right to assemble yesterday at the Tax Day Tea Party. The nationwide protests were named after the Boston Tea Party that occurred more than 200 years ago. University students marched from the campus to the Hays County Courthouse where they met with some city residents to oppose President Obama's spending policies.

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The activists also voiced their disdain for the Federal Reserve. They want more transparency in government and are worried that inflation is ahead.

SB: Craig Young…fiscal conservatism (00:11)(Precinct Coordinator)

SB: Mary Dichard-stand up and sign out

4/15/09

Kristen Dudding

The month of April is Cancer Awareness Month and with summer approaching, people need to be aware of the dangers of sun exposure. U-V Rays, which come from the sun, are known for causing skin aging and wrinkling, and also contribute to skin cancers. Here are a few ways to help prevent skin cancer. When you are out in the sun, cover up as much as possible. Wearing a hat and sunglasses is an easy way to block out UV rays. Even if you are covered up, it is important to wear a sunscreen of at least fifteen S-P-F. Most sunscreens need to be reapplied every two hours, and even more often if you are swimming. The Student Health Center has free sunscreen samples that can be picked up there or at the Outdoor Center located at Sewell Park. For more information on skin cancer prevention, visit the Student Health Center or skin cancer dot org.

Matthew Champion

Texas State dormitory residents are refilling their wallets this week. University President Denise Trauth approved a refund to all the residents affected by the week-long hot water outage earlier this month. The refunds amount to one week of monthly dorm room rates and vary by residence hall. 14 of the university's 18 dorms were affected by the outage. Texas State representatives said more than two million dollars has been spent on two new water boilers and both should be up and running by May.

Lindsay Skaggs

This is National Student Employment Week, and Texas State is recognizing its workers for their efforts.
The students occupy jobs all across campus. You can find them at places like The Alkek Library, computer labs, dining halls and the writing center. Some students tutor fellow students at the SLAC center. Today, the 2009 Student Employee of the Year will be announced. Many students depend on their campus jobs to help pay for tuition and living expenses while attending the university.

Lisa Freeman

Texas State's most famous alum would be proud of his alma mater – that, according to his daughters who were on campus last night. President Lyndon Johnson graduated from what was then Southwest Texas State University 79 years ago. In this Bobcat Update, Lisa Freeman tells us about how he is remembered.
Lynda Johnson Robb and Luci Baines Johnson closed out this year's common experience theme "civic responsibility and the Legacy of L-B-J" by giving a lecture named in his honor. The lecture was the final event in a yearlong celebration of Johnson's birth 100 years ago.
Both Robb and Johnson spoke about how proud their father was of saying that he came from this great university in the hill country, and that he would be pleased that Texas State continues to grow and still has that feeling of one big university family.
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President Johnson was a graduate of the class of 1930 and was the 36th president of the United States. He returned to the campus November 8, 1965 to sign the Higher Education Act, one of the most important pieces of legislation enacted during his presidency. His final visit to Southwest Texas State came six days before he died on January 22nd 1973, to speak to political science students. For Bobcat Update I'm Lisa Freeman

4/14/09

Kara Marshall

Students and locals have another reason to visit the river this spring. Forbes-dot-com has named San Marcos as one of the top ten whitewater spots in America. Sewell and Rio Vista Parks are popular kayak destinations. Other favorites cited by Forbes are Boise Idaho, Charlotte North Carolina, and Durango Colorado. If you're interested in picking up a paddle, the university's student recreation center is offering a Kayak Clinic on April 24th. Contact the front desk for registration fees and more information.

4/13/09

Katie Lombardi

The San Marcos Fire Rescue team wants you to be aware of some basic safety tips. Katie Lombardi has more in this Bobcat Update...

The team is dedicated to ensuring the safety of San Marcos residents and their homes. Battalion Chief Rick Rowell says prevention is the key.
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You and your family should develop a plan in case a fire occurs in your home. The first steps are to exit the dwelling and then dial 9-1-1. Fire officials say do NOT attempt to go back into the house to retrieve belongings. Wait for the fire department to arrive.
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Some basic tips to remember include checking your smoke detector to make sure it works properly and keeping a fire extinguisher handy. Also, remember to never leave the kitchen unattended while cooking and be cautious when lighting candles. For Bobcat Update, I'm Katie Lombardi.

Alysha Mendez

Texas State University is making sure that un-eaten food is not wasted food. And, as Alysha Mendez tells us in this Bobcat Update, table scraps will be used to keep sports fields and garden beds greener.
(Stand-up) Bobcat Blend is a composting pilot program that will turn this leftover food (holding tray of food) into fertilizer for the university.
Senior Jason Sanders, founder of the program, says students will not only have access to trash and recycling bins, but also compost bins.
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Sophomore Oscar Cabrera says he thinks Bobcat Blend is a great idea.
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By the end of this semester, about a dozen waste stations will be introduced to the L-B-J Lair Food Court.
Bobcat Blend hopes to add these organic recycling bins to every dining hall on campus.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Alysha Mendez.

Jorrell Rodriguez

Carrying a cell phone with you is a convenient way to stay in touch with friends and family, but be careful someone unknown to you may be listening to your conversations as well. Cellphone spyware programs allow hackers to tap into peoples' cell phones, read their text messages and keep track of their every move via satellite. To protect yourself from being hacked, make sure your phone isn't lying around where anyone can get it. Also, install a password to keep others from accessing your personal files.

Ben Wempe

Texas State's Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization is working hard to develop life-long skills in the business world. The C-E-O Grill 'N Go and Bobcat Opoly are fundraisers set up in the quad that operate as businesses. Students learn how to take inventory, hire workers, and they receive valuable selling experience. All profits that they make are used to send members to a national competition in Chicago. Anyone interested in becoming a member of C-E-O can find more information at the group's website.

4/9/09

Brandon Simmons

School is not out yet but summer plans are already being made. Brandon Simmons has more with this Bobcat Update.
Many Texas State students are anxious for summer break to begin.
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For the more adventurous, there are opportunities to take their summer courses overseas. Freshman Andie Cruz is excited about going to Spain to study.
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The economic recession may affect some activities this summer.
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Andrew Salazar

Texas State University is upping the ante on recycling. A new pilot program is in the works for the LBJ student center. If enacted, the program would promote the recycling of bottles, cans, paper and organic waste. The organic waste would be turned into compost and kept at an off-campus facility and be used to fertilize campus flowerbeds and sports fields. As of now one hundred percent of the trash from LBJ goes to landfills.

4/8/09

Megan Schwarz

With another semester of final exams and end of the year projects quickly approaching, stress levels among Texas State students are increasing. The university's counseling center today offered a workshop called Transforming Stress. The program was designed to provide an entertaining way to relieve stress. For more information about how to cope effectively with the pressures of being a student, contact the counseling center.

Ben Wempe

Texas State is renovating Bobcat Stadium with hopes that the football team will move up to the F-B-S level. The stadium enhancements began in January and will be completed in August of this year. 268 premium seats in 15 suites and 436 premium club seats will be added above the press box, which is also being renovated along with upgrading infrastructure. The total cost of the project is expected to be more than 17 (m)million dollars.

Mitchell Devonport

The Texas State baseball team faces Southeastern Louisiana tomorrow night in San Marcos, the first of a three-game series between the two. The teams are both ten-and-five in league play and will be battling for first place in the Southland Conference. Thursday's game will be the second of a six-game homestand for the Bobcats. The first game was played last night as Texas State trounced the Houston Baptist Huskies 18-to-four. The Bobcats controlled the entire game with 17 hits and two three-run home runs.

4/7/09

Amabilia Esparza

Plans for a train overpass on Aquarena Springs Drive are well underway. Amabilia Esparza has more in this Bobcat Update.
The Texas Department of Transportation, better known as Tex-Dot, began planning for the overpass seven years ago. The project was put on hold because of insufficient funding. Tex-Dot is hoping that construction dollars will be forthcoming from President Obama's economic stimulus plan. Public Service Assistant Director Sabas Avilos says Tex-Dot is also considering what is called a Pass-Through-Toll-Project.
SB: Avilos... Interview
More than 40 trains pass through San Marcos everyday causing lengthy traffic delays. Texas State commuter Scott Thomas says he has learned to deal with the trains.
SB: Thomas... Interview
Officials say the project will cost more than 20 million dollars and, so far, 15 million of it has been raised.
SB: Me... Designs for the overpass will begin this summer. Construction will be done by 2012. For Bobcat Update, I'm Amabilia Esparza

Mary Dichard

April 16th marks the second anniversary of the Virginia Tech shootings, and just last week 13 people died at the hands of a lone gunman in Binghamton, New York. If such an incident were to occur at Texas State, officials say they are prepared. E-mails would be sent to students, faculty, and staff as well as text messages to subscribers of Mobile Campus. A siren would sound an alarm. Message boards would flash essential information. And local police departments are trained to use lethal force to quickly end violence. If you need to report an incident, call 9-1-1 or use one of the emergency boxes on campus.

Drew Suprenant

Texas State University welcomes a new administrator on campus. Drew Surprenant has more in this Bobcat Update.
Dr. Margarita Arellano is the new Dean of Students at Texas State University. Dr. Arellano left her home country of Nicaragua more than 30 years ago when the nation was engaged in a civil war. She's come a long way in her education career.
Arellano's experience includes overseeing more than one-thousand student organizations and 20-plus years in student affairs.
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The Dean of Students office -- located on the fourth floor of the L-B-J Student Center -- handles a wide array of student issues.
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Dr. Arellano serves as the Assistant Vice-President of Student Affairs.
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Arellano says she wants to work closely with students and help them succeed at Texas State.
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Sasha Armstrong

April is Cancer Awareness Month. In this Bobcat Update, Sasha Armstrong takes a look at what the university is doing to participate in the effort.
The services being offered at Texas State are wide ranging. At the student health center, one can be screened for cancer. The university also offers workships to help people cope with the disease. The first line of defense against cancer is awareness.
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Other activities aimed at battling the disease are a bone marrow donor drive and a fund-raiser called Relay for Life.
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To learn more about events planned for Cancer Awareness Month, check out the student health center page on the university's website. For Bobcat Update, I'm Sasha Armstrong.

Shay Creech

With graduation less than seven weeks away, many students are concerned about finding a job. According to a Job Outlook publication, employers anticipate hiring 22 percent fewer grads in 2009 compared to 2008. The decline is one result of the economic recession, and it's forcing students to be more proactive in their job search. Attending career fairs is one way students can find jobs, because the fairs offer an opportunity to network with potential employers.

4/6/09

Jorrell Rodriguez

Texas State University is an institution, rich in traditions and history. Since its inception, women have helped Texas State University earn the prestige it now has. And as Jorrell Rodriguez tells us in this Bobcat Update, the university has honored these women with a special showcase.
The L-B-J Student Center may seem like just an entry-way, to and from the west side of campus. But tucked into a pathway next to the Visitor's Center is an exhibit of a class all in its own. The gallery "Southwest Texas Women: The First Hundred Years" pays tribute to the notable achievements of more than 1,500 women, who have helped develop Texas State University. The Southwest Texas President's Council for Women in Higher Education commissioned the gallery, and introduced it in 1999 as part of the university's centennial celebration. On display are photographs of the honorees and each with a short bio highlighting their accomplishments and contributions to the university.
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Other notable inductees include: Holly Mills- Gardener, who was the first and only Texas State student named Miss Texas U-S-A in 1998, the Gypsies--Texas State's first athletic team in 1904, late former First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson, who was the first woman to receive an honorary doctorate from Texas State in 1982, and Texas State University President Denise M. Trauth. The work of one inductee can be seen everyday...
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Sophomore Erika Molina admires the university's tribute.
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Dr. Laurie Fluker, an inductee herself, says the honor is very meaningful to her.
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If you find yourself in the student center with a few minutes to spare, swing by the exhibit and witness the work of these pioneers first-hand. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jorrell Rodriguez.

Amy Lane

On Campus Residents may seem a bit cleaner and happier this week since hot water has been restored at Texas State. The Health Center, central campus dining facilities and 14 Residence Halls were without hot water for most of last week. Workers at the Cogeneration Plant put in extra hours to install a boiler that is temporarily providing hot water until the new boilers are installed. The permanent boilers should be in place by mid-May and will be the same size, but more efficient and environmentally friendly than the older models.

Frances Rendon

More people seem to have allergy symptoms this time of year in Central Texas. According to Sylvana Research, mold and oak pollen levels are high during spring. The Texas State Student Health Center has had several patients complaining of runny nose, sore throat and coughing. Some over-the-counter medicines to fight allergies include Zyrtec, Claritin, Benadryl and Sudafed. Various nasal sprays can also help.

4/2/09

Lauren Guerra

Cigarette smokers will have to stretch their dollars a little more -- now that a higher tax on tobacco products has gone into effect. Lauren Guerra tells us more in this Bobcat Update.
Last week the federal cigarette tax was increased to one dollar a pack. That's up from 39 cents a pack -- enough to leave some smokers gasping for air.
International Business major Kara Hester says the tax hike does not bother her.
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Advertising major Rebecca Wilson says she might stop smoking someday, but not anytime soon.
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Some expect the higher tax will result in cigarette sales going down.
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(Do you explain in your stand-up what the increased tax will pay for?)

Brandon Simmons

A student organization wants you to ride your bike more often. Today The National Association of Environmental Professionals is holding its sixth annual Bike-to-School Day in the Quad. Students can visit the booths and receive prizes when they donate canned goods. Texas State Alum Matt Akins (Ay-kens) says that bicyling is good recreation allowing participants to feel a part of the environment. At the event today free repairs were offered, and several students showed off their bicycling skills. The event will last until 5.

4/1/09

Sylvia Irizarry

Would-be teachers are hoping that some of the connections they made today will lead to jobs in the near future. Texas State had a Spring Teacher Fair at the Strahan Coliseum today. Representatives from some of the school districts across Texas came to show what their schools have to offer. Those who participated in the fair came prepared with multiple copies of their resumes as well as their portfolios. If you weren't able to make it to the fair and are seeking employment as a teacher, you can contact Career Services to find out when the next event is scheduled.

Frances Rendon

Among the activities in the Quad today, The Young Conservatives of Texas were celebrating April Fool's Day with "Pie a Liberal in the Face. " The Young Conservatives Chairman, David Surber, was letting anyone who wanted to throw a pie of whip cream at his face to show their frustration of economic liberalism. Surber said the purpose of today's demonstration was to promote student involvement. The local chapter of the organization was started at Texas State last semester.

Dexter Ellison

Texas State students may soon receive more financial aid -- thanks to federal action. Dexter Ellison has more in this Bobcat Update.
Congress has approved 17-point- three billion dollars in Pell Grants, which will provide assistance to students for at least the next two years. The funds are part of an omnibus spending bill approved last month. Full-time students receiving Pell Grants could see an increase in the maximum Pell amount. The expected family contribution will also be reduced by about 600 dollars. The Federal Work-Study program will also receive a boost, allowing for more job opportunities on campus.
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Michelle McDonald, an assistant computer lab technician, welcomes the decreased stress that more money could provide.
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Freshman Elizabeth Rackar is a work study office assistant, and she says she'll appreciate the extra income.
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Other benefits in the bill include tax exemptions for school necessities, funding for job training, and tax credits for tuition and fees. Students can determine if they are eligible for the increase by visiting the financial aid office or by checking online through Catsweb.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Dexter Ellison

Lisa Freeman

Should state universities in Texas allow guns to be carried onto their campuses? That is the question that was presented to some state lawmakers Monday. Lisa Freeman has more in this Bobcat Update.
State lawmakers are considering a bill that would give people the right to carry a concealed handgun on campus if they are licensed.
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Bob Mann, a Journalism and Mass Communication lecturer, strongly disagrees with the proposal.
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The representative who wrote the legislation, Republican Joe Driver, says he believes a committee vote might come as early as next week. Representative Driver says he has 70 House members signed on at this point, but it would require 76 to pass in the House.
In the Senate, only 12 of 31 Senators have indicated that they will support the bill.
For Bobcat Update I'm Lisa Freeman