12/2/10

Michael Fallis

An annual tradition in San Marcos is being celebrated this week. The Sights and
Sounds of Christmas will be attracting visitors who are ready to celebrate the
season. The Christmas spirit can be found at the San Marcos Plaza Park where
ferris wheels will be turning and funnel cakes will be eaten. This year's
four-day event will feature a toy train exhibit, and Santa Claus will be
greeting children every night of the event. Sight and Sounds kicked off last
night and will continue through Saturday. Admission is four dollars a person,
and kids who are 10 or under get in free.

Karla Estrada

The Christmas season is upon us. If you're one who prefers a natural tree
adorning your home, you can find several places in Central Texas that sell
Christmas trees. Giant retailers like Wal-Mart and Target have a lot to choose
from, or you buy local -- from places like Vogel's Tannenbaum Farms. The most
commonly purchased trees are Fraser Fir, Afghan Pine and Leyland Cypress. Some
take three to four years to grow to six feet, depending on the rain. Natural
trees require no storage, they have a great Christmas scent, and they can be
turned into mulch after the holidays.

12/1/10

Hayley Balin

The bill to allow concealed weapons in classrooms has been vetoed. Hayley Balin
has more in this Bobcat Update.

A-S-G President Mel Ferrari made the decision to veto the bill on
concealed carry Wednesday afternoon. Ferrari said allowing concealed
handguns on campus would be reason for grave concern should there
ever be an active shooter on campus.
(Ferrari...22 sec...too great)
Ferrari said she felt the legislation was not representative of the student
population at Texas State, because almost one-third of the A-S-G
Senators did NOT participate in the vote that approved the bill. A-S-G
Senators Adam French and Tyler Crump
introduced the bill to change the policy Monday night.
Current policy states that concealed weapons are banned in buildings
on campus. French said the university, in his view, needs to reconsider
its policy.
(French…33 sec…the senate)
At an A-S-G meeting Monday, 25 senators voted in favor of seeking a
change in the policy.  Ten voted against it.  This came after a open forum
on November 22nd at which Texas State students were able to voice
their opinions on the matter. A University Police Captain also spoke
about his concerns during the forum.
(Benitez…13 sec…aware of)
Now that the bill has been vetoed it could come before the senate again
in the spring, if there is enough support to attempt to override the veto.
For Bobcat Update, I’m Hayley Balin.

Chase Birthisel

The Texas State football team will soon begin searching for a new head coach.
Chase Birthisel has more in this Bobcat Update.

The official word of coach Brad Wright's firing came Monday, November 22nd,
after a losing season of four wins and seven loses. The coach was let go only
eleven days after the athletic department's announcement of joining the Western
Athletic Conference in 2012. Sports information director Rick Poulter says the
search for the next coach will be nationwide.
SB
Wright signed a three-year contract extension in January, guaranteeing him
190-thousand dollars per year. According to a University Star article, an
athletics department spokesperson said a buyout clause from Wright's contract
will be used.
STANDUP