Shannon Greif

The Associated Student Government is taking your complaints into consideration in hopes to benefit student life on campus.   A-S-G holds a Write Out Wednesday once a month that allows students to write their dissatisfaction with Texas State on butcher paper.  These complaints are discussed at the A-S-G meeting every Monday.  A-S-G's Senator at Large Adam French says A-S-G has lobbied in the past to fix things such as adding lights on campus and buses to the Bobcat Tram route.  A-S-G is trying to hold more of these Write Out Wednesdays every month.

Bobcat Update - Feb. 29, 2012

Alissa Rangel

In the event of an emergency at Texas State, the university has several means to alert students and staff of potential danger. The University News Service or the University Police Department will send out e-mails to all students, faculty and staff. Students can also receive text messages on their cell phones from the Texas State RAVE system. Signboards that provide helpful information have been set in many of the classrooms, and when emergencies occur they display scrolling messages informing students of the situation.

Desiree Martinez

K-T-S-W, the student radio station at Texas State, reaches a milestone this year. The station has been on the air for 20 years, and that's a reason to celebrate. Desiree Martinez has more, in this Bobcat Update.

The station came about through the efforts of Bob Shrader, now retired, who at the time was a faculty member in the Mass Communication department. Shrader says initially there was some uncertainty over how much to involve students in the operation.
(SB Bob Shrader... on start of KTSW) Plus CG with name/title)
Since then, the station has grown to provide students with several different departments to match their interests.
(Stand up on how the station started with a staff of 40 and now has one of over a 100.)
(SB Dan Schumacher.... on present K-T-S-W and its accomplishments/happenings). CG- name/title.
K-T-S-W will soon upgrade its transmitting facilities, which will give it a stronger signal and potentially a larger audience, but some members of the student staff say they hope the station stays the course in what it provides listeners:
(SB Jen current station manager... on how she hopes K-T-S-W can keep
what makes the station special - it's small and alternative identity.)
CG name/title
K-T-S-W is planning to celebrate its 20th birthday later this semester. The station's alumni will be invited to return for the bash and to see the operation they helped build. Former manager Shrader says he's looking forward to returning, too. He's proud of what the station has achieved and the experiences it has provided for students.
(SB Bob Shrader...thoughts on what the station has achieved and a
heartfelt quote along the lines of how happy he is that students are
getting the experience he wanted them to.)
For Bobcat Update, I'm Desiree Martinez.

Kyle Muscarello

Students and alumni are finding unique ways to find jobs these days. The Career Services Division at Texas State had its Job Search Boot Camp earlier this week at the L-B-J Student Center Ballroom. The Boot Camp was designed to help potential job applicants to get better prepared. It consisted of stations where participants could learn how to dress professionally, how to write a better resume, and how to network -- including using the social media. Participants were also given a chance to apply what they have learned by conducting mock interviews with real employers.

Caleb Hey

When you check out at a grocery store you have a choice – you can use  reusable bags or you can accept plastic. But some cities are imposing restrictions on whether plastic bags can be used. There are environmental concerns associated with using plastic. When plastic bags wind up in landfills, they take a long, long time to break down. But old habits are hard to break. A lot of people, including Texas State students, prefer plastic bags because they're easier to carry and they can be used for a wide variety of purposes. So far, local officials haven't imposed a ban, but one is in the works in Austin.                                                                             

Raul Vieira

New data are in that show the crime rate in San Marcos has gone up. Raul Vieira has more in this Bobcat Update.

San Marcos is seeing a rise in its crime rate, but local police are stepping up to the challenge.
(SB: Officer Sue Stewart…more reports.)
The size of the local police departments has remained steady the past few years, which means the workload hasn't eased any:
(SB: Renny Rebble – …the challenge.)
Even though the crime rate has gone up, there's a sense among some students that San Marcos is a safe place to live.
(SB: Anonymous Student 1 - …school out.)
(SB: Anonymous Student 2 - …to control.)
(Stand Up: ...I'm Raul Vieira.)

Lauren Lanmon

The San Marcos Animal Shelter is a safe house for many lovable animals. The shelter now has 32 dogs, 25 cats, and one special pot-bellied pig named Ransom. Ransom is a-year-old and weighs in at 220 pounds. As of Saturday, he had been at the shelter for two weeks. Those interested in adopting him may be interesting in knowing that he's housebroken and loves dogs and cats. Since Ransom is such a big pig, he's not allowed to live within the city limits. To see more pictures of animals up for adoption, go to the city's website.

Chris Avery

Two San Marcos businesses -- Zelicks and The Crystal River Inn -- are attempting to resolve their differences stemming from Zelicks' night hours. About 30 complaints have been reported to the San Marcos Police Department since last May. Both establishments have taken steps to help mitigate the situation by adding additional sound proofing structures and reinforcing windows. The businesses have been given until May to reach an agreement.

Assignments - Feb. 27-March 2

BAND School of Music lacks space Titus/Morales VO
PARKS Proposal to curtail alcohol use in parks Burney/Martinez PKG
USPS Postal Service to sell downtown location Himede/Kaddatz VO
LINSANE Knicks' Jeremy Lin creates sensation Garanzuay/Bruce PKG
CRIME San Marcos crime rate figures released Vieira/Bruce PKG
LENT Catholics observe Lent for 40 days Garza/Klassen PKG
PIG The Hays Co. Animal Shelter has a pig Lanmon/Palasota VO
ZELICKS Bar on Hopkins making too much noise Avery/Rodriguez VO
OLDMAIN Old Main--a symbol of Texas State Gorman/Castleshouldt

CABS Extra charges proposed for messing up a cab. Corona/Davis PKG

EUTHAN Laws changed regarding when to euthanize dogs. Gonzales/Titus VO

COMPLAIN ASG sets up way students can offer complaints. Greif/Schotanus VO

ALERT Texas State's system for alerting students. Rangel/Morales VO

RIORDAN Author's exhibit at Alkek. Kaddatz/Taylor VO

STRUTTER Million bucks donation for Strutters' Exhibit. Martin/Wright VO

TRADES Meal trades get wasted at TxState. Chmelar/Himede VO

CARRYOVER:

GRADLINE Deadline for graduating coming up soon. Ricard/Garcia PKG

RECYCLING Recycling promoted on campus. New bins. RobinsonM/Derrick PKG

FEEDING Breast feeding-friendly environment. New rules. Grieme/Japko PKG

LBJRENOV Renovations planned for LBJ Student Center. Crider/Achterberg PKG

QUIET City ordinance to make the trains be quieter. Ament/Olson PKG

Christlyn Corona

In Austin, cab drivers are now allowed to charge an additional fee for passengers who've had too much to drink and mess up their cabs. There's talk of implementing such a fee in San Marcos. Bobcat Update's Christlyn Corona has more.

Many Austin cab drivers are pleased that the city council has made it official to allow them to charge up to 100 dollars above and beyond the regular cab fare -- if individuals throw up during their rides. Cab companies say the extra charge is justified because considerable time must be spent cleaning the cabs afterward.
We asked Texas State students what they thought of the new fee and whether they'd like to see it enforced in San Marcos.
(SB Andrew Chavez...Texas State Junior...sec)
(SB Raul Vela....Texas State Alumnus....sec)
Bartenders in San Marcos are trained to recognize when customers have had too much to drink and to encourage them to call a taxi for a safe ride home, but there's some doubt that an additional charge will help matters.
(SB Erin Dickenson....Texas State Junior...sec)
(SB Jonathan Mulle....Texas State Senior...sec)
For Bobcat Update, I'm Christlyn Corona.

Chelsi Smith

Many military veterans are at Texas State pursuing a dream. They're here to earn a college degree. As Chelsi Smith tells us in this Bobcat Update, veterans bring experience and dedication to the classroom.

Texas State has an estimated 12-hundred military veterans enrolled at the university. The Veterans Affairs office, located in the J-C Kellam building, offers many resources for veterans to achieve their personal goals. Many veterans rely on their G-I benefits to attend college, and the military provides other benefits as well.
(SB Pina Cadet Captain)
But, for others, being in the military didn't have an impact on their decision to go to college.
(SB Clark Cadet 3rd Class )
(Stand up: Texas State is ranked 13th in the nation as a military-friendly school, and for some veterans that affected their decision to attend this university)
(SB Blake Army Veteran)
One option for underclassmen -- who want to make the military their career -- is the R-O-T-C. Texas State offers an Air Force R-O-T-C program, and many men and women earn their commissions here every year. For Bobcat Update, I'm Chelsi Smith.

Marylea Brown

Options for earning a bachelor's degree in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication may soon expand. Marylea Brown has more in this Bobcat Update.

As early as next fall, four of the five sequences -- Advertising, Electronic Media, Journalism and Public Relations -- may become Bachelor of Science programs. Currently, the School offers only a bachelor-of-arts degree. If approved, those who are enrolled will have a choice to remain as they are or switch programs.
(STUDENT #1 SB)
Those who choose the Bachelor of Science degree will NOT be required to take two years of foreign languages but will instead be expected to take additional elective hours within the school.
(STUDENT #2 SB)
Senior Academic Adviser Harry Bowers says although nothing has been set in stone, offering the B-S degree is a strong possibility.
(HARRY BOWERS SB)
The Bachelor of Arts option, including foreign languages, will remain for students who opt for the general sequence in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. For Bobcat Update, I'm Marylea Brown.

Roland T. Garanzuay

The N-B-A's newest sensation is a player who -- until a few weeks ago -- was a bench warmer. Jeremy Lin's story gives hope to any player, or any team, who comes in as an underdog. In this Bobcat Update, Roland Garanzuay tells us that some Texas State students have sensed the Linsanity of it all.

During football season it was Tebow Time. Now Linsanity has taken the nation by storm. Jeremy Lin's star has risen as a member of the New York Knicks. Chris Blackmon says Lin is the real deal.
[SB: BLACKMON]
Not everyone is on the Linsanity bandwagon, but Texas State student Xavier Gladstone says Lin has a bright future in the N-B-A:
[SB: GLADSTONE]
The Knick point guard has outplayed and outscored N-B-A superstars, like Deron Williams and Kobe Bryant, and has played key rolls in wins over several N-B-A teams. However, those aren't the only stats that are getting the people's attention. The Harvard grad is the only American-born N-B-A player of Chinese or Taiwanese descent. Texas State student Jmi Rodriguez says Lin is an inspiration.
[SB: RODRIGUEZ]
(If you provide information about an upcoming Knicks' game, make sure it's the one played Feb. 29 or March 1.)
For Bobcat Update I'm Roland Garanzuay.

Geoff Gorman

It's a building that has long stood as a symbol for Texas State University. Old Main is almost as old as the institution itself. We learn more in this report filed by Geoff Gorman

Open with interview clips of students guessing the year Old Main was built…0:15
On top of one of the tallest hills in San Marcos sits Old Main. Designed by Edward Northcraft, Old Main was built in 1903 on top of a cavern that had to be filled with multiple loads of concrete. The second floor of the building was used as auditorium and chapel that included a cathedral ceiling, balcony, and stage. It wasn't until 1972 that the building's interior was renovated and the auditorium was split  into smaller rooms.
Gorman…0:10
In 1988 another renovation added the third floor at the balcony level, yet the ornate chapel ceiling is still visible today in room 320. The last and most recent renovations occurred in 1993 and 1994 when the original styling and color of the building's roof were restored. Today Old Main serves as office space for the College of Fine Arts and Communications as well as the School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Escobar…0:10…heard the buildings haunted
While I'm not quite sure if the building is haunted or not, I do know that this Victorian style castle on top of the hill will remain one of Texas State University's oldest buildings. For Bobcat Update, I'm Geoff Gorman.

Orlando Garza

For many Texas State students, this is the season of Lent. It started a week ago as a time for Catholics to reflect on Christ's role in shaping their morality. And, as Orlando Garza tells us in this Bobcat Update, it's a time of sacrifice.

( SB different students)
Everyone has desires but abstaining from something you want every day can be a challenge. For some Catholics, Lent is a time to fast, or perhaps to give up something they truly enjoy. The idea is to use the time to focus on one's spirituality.
( SB different students)
The director of the Catholic Student Center, Father Brian Eilers, says Lent shouldn't be regarded simply as a time to avoid vices for 40 days. He says there should be a year-round commitment.
( SB Brian Eilers)
(Orlando Garza's stand up)

Bobcat Update - Feb. 23, 2012

Jeremy Olson

Texas State University is installing  stations on campus where you can fill up reusable containers with filtered water. The rec center now has two of the stations. The initiative is part of the Go-Green Project – aimed at encouraging students to have reusable containers instead of disposable water bottles. The University's Environmental Service Committee plans to install the filling stations in all buildings this coming spring – if there are enough funds to do so.

Jeff Case

Texas State seniors are getting ready for graduation by putting in orders for the twenty-twelve class rings. The rings are adorned with images of Old Main and the University flower. Traditionally, the rings are received during the ring ceremony near the end of the semester, followed by dipping the rings in a fountain containing the waters of the San Marcos River. The rings are then worn facing inwards until graduation, when graduates may turn the ring outward. The iconic images on the rings will be a token of achievement, reminding alumni of their Texas State experience.

Bobcat Update - Feb. 22, 2012

Matthew Wright

San Marcos is benefiting from the energy-efficient work one couple has done on their house.  Local residents, Todd Derkacz and Betsy Robertson, have equipped their home on Progress Street with energy-efficient technologies to the point where they are not using electricity but generating it for the city. The south side of their roof is covered with solar panels to generate electricity as well as heat their water. They have three large rain catchers that provide water for the house and garden. The house is specially insulated so that climate control is rarely needed. Derkacz and Robertson received the first rebate offered by the city for the solar panels on their roof.

Lauren Taylor

A River Restoration Project at Aquarena Center is underway. The last remnants of the former amusement park will be removed, but the Glass Bottom Boat tours will continue. The restoration project directed by the U-S Army Corps of Engineers is an attempt to return the aquatic and terrestrial habitats in Spring Lake to a more natural setting. The glass bottoms boats have been forced to re-route their tours temporarily. The Corps Engineers is at work now removing the old submarine theater. The restoration project is expected to be completed early this summer.

Randy Robinson

Many students are already making their way back to Sewell Park -- now that the weather is starting to warm up. The river flow has returned to more normal levels after much needed rain, and the weather is beautiful making the river a fun way to relax after a long day of classes. For water lovers, renting a kayak is popular at the San Marcos River. But, if you would prefer to stay dry, you can play basketball or soak up the sun while lying on the bank. Other favorite pastimes at the river include reading, fishing and throwing Frisbees.

Assignments - Week of Feb. 20-Feb. 23

PRICES- Gas prices going up. Impact on students. Gonzales PKG
FREGIS- Fall Registration starts soon. Rodriguez VO
CABOOSE- Baseball team has a caboose. Robinson VO
TAGGING- Tagging against the anti-smoking policy. Elder VO
TECH- Use of electronic devices in classroom. Garcia PKG
ASG1- Signs on campus indicate ASG race. Lanmon. VO
DEFIB- Defibrillators are on campus to save lives. Currier PKG
SOLAR- Solar panel rebate. Wright VO
BOATS- Boat tour endowment proposed. Taylor VO
KTSW- 20th Anniversary of KTSW. Martinez PKG
RIVER- Rain has helped levels. RobinsonR VO

Laurie Gonzales

Gas prices are on the rise, and Texas State students are starting to feel the pinch in their daily lives. Laurie Gonzales has this Bobcat Update.

Since the beginning of the year, gas prices have risen 25-cents nationally,  21-cents in the last month here in the San Marcos area, making it a burden to students who commute.
Soundbite-
Some students realize that they can cope with the higher prices by driving less and changing their spending habits.
Soundbite-
Despite the recent increase and pending effects of Iran's decision to stop oil exports to Britain and France, some students remain optimistic about the nation's ability to adapt.
Soundbite
With gas prices expected to hit four dollars by April, some students say they may take a more radical approach to limiting their dependency of gas.
Soundbite-
And with gas prices on the rise, this might be us all. I'm Laurie Gonzales, with Bobcat Update.

Mariana Garcia

Technology seems to be everywhere you look. Most Texas State students
probably own at least one electronic device, and they like to use them.
In this Bobcat Update, Mariana Garcia tells us how electronic devices
are affecting students and their behavior in the classroom.

The path of technology integration in education is lined with disruptions on
one side and opportunities on the other. Technology serves as a window
for new methods of teaching with good intentions, only to encounter
unwanted side effects such as distraction in the classroom.
(SB: Garcia- "You see it in class…Avoid using your cellphone.")
Assistant Professor Lucy Lu doesn't allow the use of cellphones in her class.
(SB: Lu- "I don't allow them to use … something else.")
(STANDUP:
Although electronic devices and social media can distract students in
the classroom, some people believe this is beneficial to their
education)
(SB: Thomas- "Yea I use it during class… I'm not going to lie."
But Graduate Assistant Chase Rogers says technology can help students in the classroom.
(SB: Rogers- " Some students type faster than they handwrite… In class.")
Technology
will keep evolving and everyone will continue to adjust and find ways
to make it work for them, whether its faculty or students. For Bobcat
Update, I'm Mariana Garcia.

Callie Currier

Texas State has equipped several of its buildings with life-saving technology, but many students are completely unaware of it. Callie Currier has the story in this Bobcat Update.

SB (AED Test Machine Sounds)
It's called an A-E-D or an Automated External Defibrillator, and Texas State has the defibrillators at several high traffic areas on campus. An A-E-D is a device that uses electric shock to revive a person who has
gone into cardiac arrest. The problem is, not everyone knows where to find them.
SBx2(Back to back of two kids being completely stumped as to where the A-E-D's are located)
Locating the A-E-Ds is just one problem. Many students are also unfamiliar with how they work.
SB (Kab talking about the "Clear!" method)
Senior Clarissa Sanchez says the University should make it clear where the defibrillators are located.
SB (Clarissa proposing TxState use an email system)
There are several resources available to better educate people on where the A-E-D's are located and their correct usage. These include an online map of all the buildings on campus that have these devices. Also, the
certification classes offered by the Red Cross require hands-on training with A-E-Ds.
Texas State Aquatics and Safety Assistant Director Julie Saldiva, who also teaches some of the certification classes, says that for every minute the victim remains unconscious, his or her chance of survival decreases by ten percent. In a situation where every second counts, knowing where to look and how to operate this equipment is key.
Stand Up (Many instructors like Julie hold classes throughout the year……for Bobcat Update, I'm Callie Currier).

Lauren Lanmon

Texas State students running for Associated Student Government are campaigning already. Posters are popping up everywhere in the quad in hopes of influencing the voters' decisions. The student body election will begin April third and go through April fourth. Students will be able to vote at a poll in the quad or the second floor of the L-B-J Student Center. On-line voting will also be available through a link on the Texas State homepage.

Marilyn Elder

The tobacco-free policy at Texas State is causing some problems on campus. Tagging and vandalism are evident -- with messages that indicate that some people strongly oppose the anti-smoking measures. School officials have done little to enforce the policy -- beyond asking students to do the enforcing. But smokers still light up and litter from cigarette butts is easy to find. No arrests have been made in the vandalism case.

Mason Robinson

Texas State baseball fans have a new way to watch games at Bobcat Field. San Marcos residents are no strangers to trains, SO -- in foul territory along the right field line, there's now a caboose that's been converted into a luxury suite for fans to sit and enjoy games. With the season opener taking place over the weekend, the caboose officially opened to ticket holders, with seating for at least a dozen people and an outdoor deck for many more. The air-conditioned suite sits on top of an actual train track and includes a kitchenette and two flat screen T-Vs.

Kritzia Rodriguez

It's that time in the semester to start thinking about Summer and Fall courses. Registration will be here before you know it, and many Students across campus are getting a head start and making their advising appointments before spring break. Spots fill up quickly and you want to get in before its time to choose your classes. Call your school advising office to set up an appointment. Registration for Summer one and two begin on March 26th and on April Ninth for Fall 2012.

Alisha Grieme

Valentine's Day is fast approaching, and those of us with loved ones in the military aren't sure if they can talk to their loved ones. Alisha Grieme has the story.

For students at Texas State, as well as people all over the world, communication is key in day-to-day life. This could include texting, being on Facebook, and of course talking face to face, but for men and women in the military, these luxuries are not always available.
Retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Murel Miller works in the Veterans Affairs office. Miller says that in boot camp, soldiers don't get to talk to their families a lot. There are time limits and long lines for the phones. Some services even take phones away until boot camp is finished. Miller says being able to talk to family and loved ones is invaluable for the troops because it helps lower stress.
Brandon Simons agrees. He's a multi-channel systems operator for the Army. Simons says he got lucky with his job when he was deployed to Iraq, because he got to talk to his family more often than others.
SB
Simons says that he got to talk to his family through Facebook and other multimedia outlets, not like Air Force Major JoAnne Finan. She didn't have these luxuries during her first deployment.
SB
Finan says that her most recent deployment was easier because she got to see and talk to her family -- thanks to Skype.
Air Force Master Sergeant James McCall says that when he was in Afghanistan, he bought an Afghan cell phone, and it was very expensive to use it. He also says that it was hard to talk to family because of the time change. He likes that Skype is an option, even though his wife and parents don't know how to use it.
SB
All of these new ways to communicate don't replace talking face to face.
SB
No matter how soldiers talk to their families and friends, the message is always the same.
SB
"You love them, they love you and you're safe. You know, that's the main thing, is you're safe." Despite distance and location modern technology is helping soldiers and their families stay connected and communicate this Valentine's Day. For Bobcat Update, I'm Alisha Grieme.

Tatiana Salazar

A university in Pennsylvania is stirring up some controversy by being the first to sell the morning after pill in campus vending machines. In this Bobcat Update, Tatiana Salazar tells us how likely this could happen here at Texas State.

Anyone who lives on campus can tell you that condoms are readily available in their dorms' vending machines. But Shippensburg University just added one new item to their machines - the morning after pill. However, selling this pill in a vending machine, as opposed to a pharmacy, could lead to health risks.
Dr. Emilio Carranco recommends students to talk to a pharmacist before taking any type of drug.
(SB: Carranco)
Some students, though, don't think offering the pill in vending machines is such a bad idea.
(SB Wallace)
(SB)
Dr. Carranco says he doesn't see this happening here anytime soon.
(SB: Carranco)
(Standup: The morning after pill is available at all pharmacies and the Health Center without a prescription as long as you are seventeen or older. But its not meant to be used as a regular means of contraception. For Bobcat Update, I'm Tatiana Salazar.)

Caleb Hey

On the Texas State campus is a tree that some call the Kissing Oak. It was named for an event that occurred in 1857 when Sam Houston kissed three women at that location. The women had expressed their appreciation for his speechmaking that day. But now the historic tree is dying. Development near it is killing the tree, so the city is planning to remove it this Saturday. The tree is located at University Drive and C-M Allen in San Marcos.

Sam Chmelar

The Texas State baseball team is ready to start another season on February 17th when it hosts Santa Clara. The Texas State sports website says the Bobcats are picked to win the Southland Conference and six players are listed as preseason All-Conference. Last year the team ended the season as Conference Champions. Head coach Ty Harrington has the most wins as a coach in Bobcat history.

Lauren Taylor

K-T-S-W has announced its line up for the fifth annual Mister Fest, a three-day free event held the last weekend in April. All of the artists performing at Mister Fest will be Central Texas talent, including this year's headliner White Denim. Student executives at the radio station are busy finalizing posters and securing sponsors. The complete line up and more information about Mister Fest can be found at K-T-S-W-dot-net.

Nicki Schotanus

Valentines day is fast approaching, but many students don’t have the cash to spend on a lavish date. Luckily, there are some affordable alternatives to make this Valentine’s Day one to remember. Going to the dollar theater after a home-cooked meal is a good way to avoid expensive restaurants and rising ticket costs. Sitting down to coffee and an open mic comedy show can also be a unique way to spend the evening. Lunch in the park along with hand-picked flowers is an easy way to show just how much you care. Sometimes all that really matters is spending the time, not the money.

Sam Bruce

The Supple Science Observatory is open to the public on Wednesdays from sundown until 9 p.m., if the sky is clear. It is located on the fourth floor of the Supple Science Building. The observatory features a sixteen-inch diameter telescope and has an observation area near the dorm for those who bring their own telescopes.

Dan Japko

Texas State students will soon have a new housing option to choose from. The Retreat will be a housing complex located at the intersection of Craddock and Ranch Road 12. The complex will have individual houses instead of large apartment buildings. Units will be available in two, three, four, and five-bedroom floorplans. Developers say The Retreat should be completed by next fall

Daniel Nguyen

Texas State has a growing student population making walkways, roadways and even busses crowded. Many students are finding alternative ways to get to class by biking, skateboarding, and walking. Not only does that create a quick way to get to class, but also a good way to get exercise and help the environment.

Chris Avery

Motorcycles, scooters and bicycles can be dangerous forms of transportation. Students who use them have to be careful, especially now with heavy traffic on San Marcos streets. Increased enrollment has resulted in more people trying to get around town. Students are encouraged to practice safe driving habits to avoid what happened last week when a man on a moped was killed by a distracted driver.

Chelsi Smith

Many Texas State students are already thinking about spring break. They're getting prepared by working out. Chelsi Smith has more with this Bobcat Update.

The Student Recreation Center offers many different ways to work out, such as lifting weights and playing basketball. The Rec Center stays extremely busy much of the time. The facilities serve students and faculty, and with higher enrollment at the university, demand is up. Towels and lockers often run out, and people have to wait in lines. With spring break coming up, many students are at the gym more often.
(SB Allison Smith...Fitness Graduate Assistant...secs)
Texas State offers an unlimited pass that allows students to attend any workout class for a low cost. The classes are offered every day and gives students the motivation they need to get in shape.
(SB Jenny Sessions...Texas State Junior...secs)
(Stand up)
This year, the Student Rec Center has sold a record number of passes and expects the heavy usage to continue until at least spring break. For Bobcat Update, I'm Chelsi Smith.

Will Burney

A proposal before the San Marcos City Council may tighten the rules on alcohol consumption in city parks. Will Burney has more:

The San Marcos River is a favorite recreation spot for Texas State students and city residents alike, but a recent proposal now before the City Council may change the way people are allowed to relax by the river. The city's Parks and Recreation board recently voted unanimously in favor of a proposal that would ban the public consumption and display of alcohol in city parks. The City Council plans to discuss the proposal at a later meeting.
SB: I don't know. I don't think it's a good idea, but I also think that people would find another place. If they just ban it here and other places, there's always somewhere else to go
If the proposal passes, then drinking at parks like Rio Vista would be illegal.The Parks and Recreation board chose NOT to mention the river itself in the proposed ban. There's already a ban on consuming alcohol in fenced pool areas as well as the children's park. For Bobcat Update, I'm Will Burney.

Connie Gonzalez

Enforcement of a campuswide ban on smoking appears to be lacking at Texas State. Connie Gonzalez has more in this Bobcat Update.

In August 2011, Texas State University became a tobacco-free campus, yet students and faculty members continue to smoke.
(:13...Gault...smoke free campus)
Although there are many no-smoking signs around campus, there are no consequences for violating the policy.
(SB Weiser)
Texas State officials say there are no plans to further enforce the no-smoking policy.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Connie Gonzalez

Laurie Gonzales

Love is the theme this month in America as many celebrate Valentine's Day. Showing appreciation for one's sweetheart is also a worldwide phenomenon. Laurie Gonzales has the story, in this Bobcat Update.


Chocolates, heart-shaped balloons and flowers are common means of expression this time of year. They show love. But other cultures, other countries, have different approaches. For example, in Mexico, Valentine's Day, which is called Dia de San Valentin, is celebrated by both young and old, with gifts of chocolates and secret valentines.
SB
______ _______ says Lover's Day is a big event in Asian culture. Some Asian countries celebrate twice a year -- February 14th for the girls, and March 14th for men.
SB
But just as it is for some in America, Valentine's Day can be hard on the pocketbook.
SB
Although Valentine's day seems to be commercialized everywhere, it is a nice way to remind people in your life that you care.
SB
Whether you're from here or from another country, one thing is sure, love is universal.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Laurie Gonzales..

Shannon Greif

A growth in the student population at Texas State is causing a lot of frustration for students who commute to and from campus. Shannon Greif has more on this Bobcat Update.

The rapid rise in student population has left many Bobcat Tram buses extremely crowded. The Bobcat Tram services about 27-thousand riders per day. Since last year, the trams have had a six percent increase in student riders. With only 32 buses running, many students are left without a ride.
(S.B. Chrisdyann Uribe…Texas State Junior…__ sec)
Students who ride the Wonder World bus often wait up to 40 minutes for a bus while buses on other routes arrive every 20 minutes. Some students say they've seen buses on the same route alternating between one being full and the next being empty.
(S.B.)
Overcrowding is not the only thing students have to worry about. Safety is also a big issue for those students living at The Springs apartments. This year, the Blanco River and the Mill Street routes have been split into separate routes. Bobcat Tram employees say that they are understaffed with only 60 drivers. As many as 80 drivers are needed to man the bus routes all week long. For Bobcat Update, I'm Shannon Greif.

Geoff Gorman

It is among one of the easiest medical conditions to recognize but also one of the most difficult to treat. It is child obesity. Bobcat Update's Geoff Gorman tells us about an effort to raise awareness.

A group on campus called Fit to the Core is leading the awareness campaign.
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Fit to the Core is working with the Public Relations Student Society of America at Texas State to help parents and children understand how to recognize and prevent child obesity.
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H-E-B is helping support the awareness by donating the green apples that will be passed out at some of the elementary schools in San Marcos.
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For more information about Fit to the Core, you can visit their website.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Geoff Gorman.

Kaneesha Skinner

Students at Texas State now have a new place to go where they can dance and enjoy music on the square. The Texas Music Theater on San Antonio Street has become a popular music venue downtown, offering competition for the Midnight Rodeo in Austin. T-M-T brings in a wide range of bands.  Most can be seen for free, but bigger name acts -- like Los Lonely Boys and Blue October -- require a cover charge.  The theater has been open since last March.

Brooke Hampton

San Marcos is part of the trend when it comes to outdoor dining. Two food trailer courts have been set up in the city. One of them is located on Hopkins Street and the other is on Guadalupe near the old post office. Each trailer offers a variety of food and drinks. Many of them specialize in specific types of food such as cupcakes or pizza. In a typical dining experience, customers walk up to a trailer of their choice, order food and takes it to the picnic tables to eat.

Nicholas Fong

During the past couple of weeks, San Marcos has had a fair amount of rainfall. The rain has been a welcome sight considering the drought the area has experienced. The drought resulted in a burn ban and restricted watering. Now, though, these areas are once again being enjoyed by the wildlife on campus. And the residents of San Marcos also have a renewed appreciation for the river as the weather is getting warmer. 

Orlando Garza

It's tax season again, but for many preparing one's taxes can result in confusion and anxiety. The A-A-R-P is helping the elderly and low-income residents get efficient and cost-free preparation. Orlando Garza has the story.

A-A-R-P volunteers have been hard at work this week trying to help clients fill out their taxes. The program is designed to help the elderly, handicapped and low-income families complete their tax forms for free. A-A-R-P client Lola Bell says she has used the service many times and will continue to do so. 

(SB Lola Bell…)

A-A-R-P Tax aide organizer Powell Hinson -- who has volunteered for 27 years -- says the program is a good way for the those on tight budgets to get tax advice.
(SB Powell Hinson…)
(Orlando Garza's stand up)

Peter Titus

A shortage of practice rooms at the Texas State University School of Music has resulted in students having to find practice accommodations elsewhere on campus. With more than 500 students enrolled at the school of music, and less than 50 practice rooms in the building, students are frustrated with the lack of accessible practice areas. Many students resort to practicing outside the music building in the courtyard. According to the university master plan, there are no future plans to expand the building.

Samuel Palasota

A group in Comal County is seeking a permanent injunction to a container ban passed last year. The purpose of the container ban is to protect the rivers and wildlife from excessive littering caused by river tourism. The suit was filed by a group called The Tourist Associated Businesses of Comal County. Named in the suit are the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Texas General Land Office. A spokesperson for the Land Office says he doesn't understand why they were named in the suit.

Assignments - Week of Feb 6-Feb 10

VLNTNES How is Valentines Day observed in other cultures, if at all. Gonzales/Lanmon PKG
AARP Retired folks offering tax help. Garza/Currier PKG
OBESITY Obesity Prevention PR campaign. Gorman/Ricard PKG
BUSES The buses are overcrowded. Greif/Garazuay PKG
BAND The shortage of practice rooms. School of Music. Titus/Morales VO
RIVERBAN Comal Co. group sues to stop enforcement of alcohol ban. Palasota/Klassen VO
MUSICTH Texas Music Theatre is open and thriving.  Hernandez/Skinner VO
TRAILER Food trailers are doing brisk business. Hampton/Davis VO
RAIN San Marcos area finally getting rain. Fong/Kaddatz VO
PARKS  City Council may tighten rules on alcohol consumption in parks. Burney/Martinez PKG
NOSMOKE  Smoking ban isn't being enforced. GonzalesC/Brown PKG
RECCTR Rec Center staying crowded. Spring Break. Smith/Corona PKG
BASEBL The 2012 season will soon start. Chmelar/Muscarello VO
DEADTREE  Dying Tree to be removed. Hey/Martin VO
CONDOM National Condum Month. Contraceptives. Robinson/Wright VO
MRFEST Mr Fest KTSW Event End of April. Taylor/Himede