Kimberly Flores

Nominations are being accepted for the Namesakes program sponsored by PAWS Preview. Paws Preview is a transitional program designed to give new students at Texas State information that will help them be successful during their college careers. Each year Paws Preview honors up to ten faculty and staff members. Namesakes winners are nominated by students, faculty and staff. Nominations will be accepted online until December 6th. To nominate your favorite faculty or staff member, visit the Paws-Preview website.

Kayla Urbanovsky

With the number of Texas State freshman growing each fall, new apartment complexes are breaking ground in San Marcos. Leasing is already underway for the Uptown Square Apartments, which will have one- and two-bedroom studio apartments beginning next fall. The apartment managers will be holding promotional parties on the corner of Concho and Guadalupe one to two times a week for students looking for housing. Potential tenants can enjoy free drinks, t-shirts, and food until 2 P-M each day. The complex will be located on Thorpe Lane, and construction is already underway.

Lindsey Broyles

Students using the Bobcat Tram system will notice a few changes next year. The university will acquire 43 new buses. Starting next fall, the fee paid by students per semester will increase from 78 to 95 dollars. The tram system is now operated by First Transit. That contract will end next August when Veolia Transportation takes over. The fee will also help cover fuel prices. School officials say new bus routes might be added next year, but for now current routes are being improved to maximize efficiency.    

Jason Wright

Texas State University welcomes Rocky Schenck, renowned photographer and Austin native, as the newest addition to the University's Witliff Collections. Schenck's exhibition is located on the first floor of the Alkek library, and there are several photographs on the seventh floor. The exhibit is called the Southwestern and Mexican Photography Series. Schenck describes his images as illustrations of conscious dreams, emotions and longings. The photographs will be on display until December 12th.                                                                                              

Adam Oriti

No-shave November is underway. The goal of No-shave November or Movember is to spread awareness about prostate cancer. Participants want to increase early detection and ultimately reduce the number of cancer deaths. Men who participate allow their facial hair to grow. Women are also encouraged to participate by not shaving their legs or armpits. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer for American men and about one in six will be diagnosed with it during his lifetime. 

Carlos Garcia

Business owners in San Marcos are getting ready to celebrate Small Business Saturday. The event raises awareness about local entrepreneurship. Shop Small is a slogan that's being used to promote Saturday's event. Shop owners throughout the city will offer special deals and discounts. This is an annual promotion, held the Saturday after Thanksgiving.   

Jordan Gass-Poore'

A citywide rebate program encourages residents to be more efficient with their lighting sources. Residents are being asked to replace older lights with newer energy-efficient technologies that can help prevent the release of greenhouse gases. Anyone with fluorescent lights can have them recycled at the City Hall traffic yard off East Hopkins. Texas State is also assessing how the university can move toward greater sustainability. New indoor lights have already been installed at J-C-K, the Supple Building and Alkek Library.

Zac Covey

The Affordable Care Act has had a rocky start over the past month and a half. The Obama administration is disappointed with the program's low enrollment and has promised to improve the website where people are supposed to sign up. At Texas State a lot of students we talked with don't seem interested in the program, because they have found alternatives.

Ben Bethea

The much anticipated Performing Arts Center at Texas State is nearing completion. The new center  will house a 400-seat theater, a 300-seat recital hall, a grand lobby, rehearsal space, classrooms, staging areas and a scenery shop. The recital hall will host student and faculty performances and national touring artists. JaffeHolden Acoustics is in charge of tuning the hall for optimal sound. Twelve large sound-absorbing curtains will be used to expand or contract the amount of resonant space. The Performing Arts Center is set to open in early spring.

Patrice Cross

The Alkek Library at Texas state is expecting an increase in students when finals begin on December ninth. The library will accommodate student's studying needs by staying open 24 hours December fourth and fifth as well as the eighth through the twelfth. Study rooms are expected to fill up, so students wanting a room to share with their classmates or friends should arrive early. Student organizations will be on the first floor selling low-priced food and beverage options to keep students fueled throughout the grueling week.

Valeria Gonzalez Leyva

Better known for their popular Salsa Night Concert Series at the end of each month, students from the Latin Music Studies program are preparing for their biggest event of the semester. Valeria Gonzalez has more on the story.

No matter what day it is, when you walk into this building the first thing you notice is there's music coming out from every room. Lately, this music comes from the rehearsals of Texas State's renowned salsa ensembles Orquesta Del Rio and Salsa Del Rio. The ensembles are getting ready for a very special event--- A Tribute to Celia Cruz, the Queen of Salsa.
Coordinator of Latin Music Studies John Lopez says this tribute is to celebrate and honor the career of the legendary singer. Lopez says this tribute is the second in a series of Tribute Concerts intended to honor the life, music, and musical contributions of legendary salsa artists.
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The tribute will feature San Marcos High School's salsa group Orquesta Cascabel, as well as Orquesta Del Rio and Salsa Del Rio. In addition, guest performers Cita Rodriguez and Eddie Bermudez will be performing some of Cruz's most memorable hits. Lopez says he's excited to have Bermudez, who is from San Antonio, as part of this tribute.
SB
Salsa del Rio member Nick Tozzo says he is the most excited about having Cita Rodriguez flying in from New York to perform with them.
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The event will happen this Friday at 7 p.m. in the San Marcos High School Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Valeria Gonzalez Leyva.

Glen Purvis

Texas State University is moving toward Tier-One status, which means it would be regarded as a major research institution joining the ranks of the University of Texas, Texas Tech and Texas A-and-M. Such recognition will come because Texas State has faculty members who have earned national recognition for their work. In this Bobcat Update, Glen Purvis profiles a criminal justice professor who has an impressive resume.

Dr. Kim Rossmo is the University Endowed Chair in Criminology and the Director of the Center for Geo-Spatial Intelligence and Investigation in the the Department of Criminal Justice, but his career began at the Vancouver Police Department.
(SB)
While studying criminology at Simon Fraser University, Rossmo developed a new method to help catch serial criminals known as Rossmo's formula. Rossmo has worked numerous cases worldwide including the D-C sniper attacks.
(SB)
Rossmo's research also took him to the California Bay Area where he helped on the film, Zodiac.
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As director of the Geo-Spatial Intelligence and Investigation, Rossmo has overseen numerous projects including work for the U-S military. The G-I-I has an upcoming project that begins in January.
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Despite such a variety of work, sometimes all Rossmo needs is a good challenge.
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For Bobcat Update, I'm Glen Purvis.

Drew Bryant

San Marcos High School will soon have a football stadium to call its own. Drew Bryant has more on the story.

When Head Football Coach Mark Soto arrived two years ago, he promised to rebuild a winning tradition for a struggling athletic program. Part of that rebuilding process is an eight-thousand seat football stadium and a state-of-the-art indoor athletic complex. Other upgrades at San Marcos High include resurfacing the track and installing artificial turf on the baseball and softball fields. All of these projects have an estimated price tag of 30 (M) million dollars. Assistant Athletic Director Bryan Webb says the school district is actually saving money in the long run.
SB:Coach Bryan Webb "so in the long run its cheaper" (14 sec.)
The overhaul will benefit every sport, but the biggest impact will be on the varsity football program. For the first time in 32 years, the Rattlers won't be relying on Texas State for their home field. Many students are pleased.
SB: Shannon Mathis "so it's really great"  (15 sec)
The baseball and softball fields will be re-turfed by Christmas, while the football complex will be ready for next season. Whether you bleed purple and white or not, all fans know "There's no place like home." For Bobcat Update, I'm Drew Bryant.

Chris Garcia

Many attendees are still reveling over this past weekend's four-day Fun Fun Fun Fest. The Festival roared through downtown Austin from Thursday through Sunday. Some of the music acts were Snoop Dogg, M-I-A, Slayer, and Ice-T.  Several comedians also performed, including Sarah Silverman and Craig Robinson.    

Reyna Caraveo

Thanks to recent rainfall, San Marcos is now returning to stage two drought restrictions. San Marcos has been under drought restrictions for all of 2013. The city began the year at stage one, and progressed to stage two in March. Stage three restrictions were enabled in August, and that's where the city has remained until now. Stage two drought rules limit home water use to hand watering and using sprinklers. Time restrictions also apply to conserve water. The stage two rules can be found on the City of San Marcos website.

Victoria Galindo

Many Texas State students are showing their Bobcat pride on social media. For the first time ever, the Texas State football team is bowl eligible after a 37-to-21 victory over the Idaho Vandals. Students will need to show up in big numbers at the next home game for a chance to receive a bowl bid. Many Bobcats have turned to Twitter to spread the word. Texas State plays against Western Kentucky on November 23rd.

Montreal Williams

For many, the holiday season is a time to splurge. They spend more and they eat more. A lot of people seem to ignore healthy food choices at this time of year. In this Bobcat Update, Montreal Williams has some helpful advice.

The holidays can be a joyful time. There are many opportunities to eat, drink and be merry, which means a lot of us are making choices that are NOT good for us.
Research shows that adults tend to gain five to ten pounds during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season.  But that doesn't have to be you!
Stand Up: Get moving! One of the best things you can do to stay fit is doing 30-45 minutes of aerobic exercise a day!
SB: Personal Trainer  Johnathan Soza talks about fitness options
Hitting the gym, playing basketball or even limiting portion sizes can help keep those extra pounds away.
SB:  Patrick Sloan talks about how he plans to not eat so much and how hard it is.
Staying fit is a challenge during this time of year but if you remain active, you will have a head start on your new year's resolution.
Stand Up: The holiday season is meant to celebrate good times with family and friends but don't lose focus on your weight loss goals. For Bobcat Update, I'm Montreal Williams.

Danielle Rucker

Making friends and gaining experience. You'll get both by joining a club or organization on campus. Danielle Rucker has more in this Bobcat Update.

Most college students are looking for opportunities to socialize and be active. Joining a club or organization can help them accomplish these goals. There are many benefits.
SB: Michelle Knepp says that she enjoys being involved and thinks the experience is great.
Bobcat Promotions Faculty Advisor Chuck Kaufman says everyone should get involved in clubs and organizations on campus.
SB: Chuck Kaufman says that being involved is crucial and can help students land a great career.
Joining clubs can help students make connections with potential employers. 
Stand Up:  Being involved in clubs and organizations throughout your college career is beneficial in many ways. Whether if it's for the experience, friendships or opportunities, being involved is always a smart idea. For Bobcat Update, I'm Danielle Rucker.

Max Anderson

Texas voters recently approved a constitutional amendment to fund water several projects in the state, but it hasn't yet been figured out how the money will be dolled out. Max Anderson has the story.

(stand up) Texans overwhelmingly voted for prop six with over 73-percent of the vote. The measure was supported by Democrats and Republicans, as well as business and environmental groups. But now the question becomes, how will the money be spent?
Proposition six takes two billion dollars from the state's rainy day fund to finance water projects around the state. The projects will be overseen by the Texas Water Development Board.
(Stand up) The Texas Water Development Board has several years to figure out how the projects will be prioritized and approved. 20-percent of the funds have been dedicated towards conservation purposes.
Texas State Political Science professor Dr. Patricia Parent says she's anticipating political battles over development and cost.
Sound Bite.
Dallas resident Rita Beving says she has received several letters calling for water pipelines and reservoirs.
Sound Bite.
The Water Texas PAC has raised two (m) million dollars for prop six. Some of the projects the  group supports include desalination, water reuse, storing water underground, pipelines and reservoirs.
(Stand up) Prop six is an investment to provide water to Texans for the next 50 years. Many people are speculating about how the money will be spent, but what we do know is that the board will begin approving loans for projects in 2015. For Bobcat Update, I'm Max Anderson.

Jade Skaggs

The weather is getting colder. Many Students and businesses are getting into the holiday cheer. You don't have to wait for Thanksgiving or Christmas to taste your favorite holiday flavors. One of the most popular trends of the season is festive flavored coffee. Holiday cheer for your taste buds! Theres a variety of flavors to satisfy your cravings. Flavors like pumpkin, nutmeg, peppermint and more are great for cozying up with a good book in this cuddle weather. You can find these holiday flavors at your favorite coffee shop or add them to any of your own holiday recipes.

Carlos Garcia

The holiday season will be here soon, which means many students are already making plans to go home. But there are those who just don't have that option. Some have to stay in town due to work. Retail stores are scheduling students through Thanksgiving week. Others who are staying in San Marcos are international students whose homes are just too far away. If you're staying on campus, the University Police Department advises you to park your vehicles close to others, and -- as always -- lock your doors.

Valerie Kilgore

Crews are still making repairs at a popular tube rental business near San Marcos. Don's Fish Camp was damaged by the Halloween floods. Fifteen of the 29 buses used to transport toobers were damaged when heavy rains caused the San Marcos River to rise above its banks. Some of the buses were under water for a more than a week before crews were able to get them out. Owners of Don's Fish Camp say they hope to repair the damage by the time they reopen next year. They estimate that Don's had about 50-to-70-thousand dollars worth of structural damage.

Mark Intrater

Wireless printing will soon be possible throughout Alkek Library. Wireless printing is already available on the fourth floor using laptops. But starting next spring a wide array of devices can be used anywhere in the library. The program is called B-Y-O-D, which stands for Bring Your Own Device. It will give students the ability to print documents using tablets and smartphones, in addition to laptops. The university's Instructional Technologies Support division says the wireless system will free up computers on the second floor for student research.

Jordan Gass-Poore'

Tenants of the Campus Colony and Comanche Hill apartments have been notified that they'll need to vacate the university-owned complexes next May. However, the Texas Legislature rejected a proposal to fund the project. The university wants to tear down the apartments to build a new science and engineering building. Rosanne Proite, the university's director of Housing and Residence Life, says the existing structures will likely stay in place if there's no funding, which means the vacate order for residents would be rescinded.

Scott Miller

The holiday season is upon us, and that means large crowds, major discounts, and big spending at the San Marcos Outlet Malls. Scott Miller has more in this Bobcat Update.

Black Friday is next week, marking the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. San Marcos is home to the largest outlet center in the state, and businesses are expecting a record customer turn out.  Many stores put up their holiday decorations in early November, but David Lazo, the hiring manager at the Levi's store, says preparation for the holiday season actually began months ago.
(LAZO SOUNDBITE 1)
In the past decade, Black Friday has grown into a major event, with incredible bargains available to those willing to brave the crowds.  Lazo says he's not worried about unruly customers.
(LAZO SOUNDBITE 2)
With many stores opening as early as six p-m Thanksgiving night, customers will be forced to choose between major savings or a Thanksgiving feast. For Bobcat Update, this is Scott Miller.

Kayla Urbanovsky

The small Texas town of West is moving forward after a deadly fertilizer plant explosion leveled the north end of town seven months ago. Kayla Urbanovsky (urr-ban-off-skee) has the story.

Standup: West is probably best known for its annual Czech Labor Day festival and for its kolaches -- a delicacy for many travelers along I-35. Now, the town is known for something much bigger.
The blast killed 15 people, injured 200, and destroyed 161 homes. Looking around, you can see many construction crews rebuilding homes trying to return the area as much as possible to the way it was before April 17th. An estimated 200-million dollars worth of damages occurred when the fertilizer plant blew up. Commercial and government property along with homes and schools were lost. Mayor Tommy Muska (Moosh-ka) says he's had to learn a lot more about streets, sewage systems and water since the blast, but he also now knows how resilient the residents of West are.
SB: Tommy Muska
The streets in the north end of town are severely altered and unrecognizable to those who grew up in West. The city park is just see-saws and overgrown grass. A white cross is planted across the street from the fertilizer plant in memorial of the first-responders who died. All that's left of the nursing home is a few parking spaces and the brick skeleton of an old sign. Nursing Major and displaced West resident, Brooke Keel, says her parents have been living with her aunt and uncle since their home was destroyed and will continue to stay there until their new house is completed.
SB: Brooke Keel
The recovery is ongoing and volunteer driven. Zone three, the area closest to the blast, has empty lots up-and-down the block, but those lots will soon be for sale and available to families wanting to move into town. Rise Up has been the slogan of this town since April, and there are definite signs that West -- my hometown -- will do just that. For Bobcat Update, I'm Kayla Urbanovsky.

Carlos Garcia

The holiday season will be here soon, which means many students are already making plans to go home. Others, though, will have to stay in San Marcos. Carlos Garcia has more in this Bobcat Update.

Standup: Students in San Marcos are getting ready for the holiday season, but not everyone at Texas State is making plans to go back home.
While several people might be busy making holiday plans with their families, many others are having to stay in San Marcos to work during the busy holiday season.
SB: LaurenSOT...not this year...
SB: KatelynSOT...for a little bit..
Some students have even opted to stay on campus through the holiday break.
Standup: If you're staying in San Marcos for the holidays, the University Police Department is reminding students to remain cautious.
SB: OttoSOT ...lock your doors..
Standup: Many students get to go home for the holidays, but some just don't have that option because of the need to work or because home is just too far. For Bobcat Update, I'm Carlos Garcia.

Tamara Johnson

Texas State students have a place where they can express their secret love interests. So, if you have a crush on someone, you can tell the world anonymously using Twitter. Tami J tells us more about the new Crushes page.

Texas State Crushes is a Twitter account for Bobcats to post their love to others who may not think of them romantically. Similar to Texas State Confessions, this site is not affiliated with Texas State University but growing in popularity. The act of posting anonymously through ask-dot-f-m raises skepticism if crushes are real.
SB: "It's a little sketchy just 'cause you know people can, it's anonymous so at the same time I can post something about my fraternity brothers and make them feel completely stupid but at the same time you might have actual people being truthful about it."
The site encourages positive posts but some Bobcats are worried about the negative impact this site might have on students' self esteem.
SB: "I think the whole account it self brings negative attention because it kinda brings other people down who are not possibly mentioned on it." The Twitter account has only been active for a couple of weeks and has gained about three-thousand followers. For Bobcat Update I'm Tami J.

Valerie Kilgore

Crews are still making repairs to a popular tube rental spot, Don's Fish Camp, which was damaged by the Halloween floods in San Marcos. Valerie Kilgore has the story.

Standup- Don's Fish Camp is known to locals as the hot spot for floating the river and having a good time. But, after the destruction of flash floods, it's quiet, desolate and hardly recognizable.
Now you'll find damaged buses, deflated tubes, and trees snapped in half. Fifteen out of 29 buses used to transport people and their tubes were damaged after floods raised the river to dangerous levels. A company official says about 50 to 70 thousand dollars worth of damage occurred. Some repairs have already been made.
Stand up- This pile of rubble is where the party deck used to be before it was washed away by the Halloween floods.
Local residents came out to see the destruction that descended upon the popular tube rental spot.
SB- Just to see the things displaced and things that you recognize and they're in different places. Just watch what you ask for. We asked for rain and we got rain.
Crews probably won't be finished until sometime early next year, but the damage shouldn't have any impact on business next summer. Company officials say you can expect Don's to look nearly the same next year except for the deck that was close to the river. For Bobcat Update, I'm Valerie Kilgore.

Kimberly Flores

Texas State is a little greener today thanks to the 22 new trees on campus. More than 100 students and faculty members planted new trees between the Undergraduate Academic Center and Evans. Each year the university participates in an Arbor Day Celebration to replace trees lost from the previous year. The trees selected are based on their ability to survive the central Texas weather. Texas State was recognized as a Tree Campus U-S-A school in 2011, and has planted new trees every year on Arbor Day since then.

Drew Bryant

Graduation is quickly approaching for Texas State Seniors. Commencement ceremonies will be held in 37 days and the class of 2013 will officially become alumni. If students plan on walking the stage in Strahan Coliseum, there are a few final steps to take. Caps and gowns are required to participate in the ceremony and are still available in the university bookstore. Other accessories like announcements, diploma frames and class rings can also be purchased in L-B-J. For more details about the big day such as times and parking information, visit T-X State dot E-D-U slash commencement.                                                              

Chris Garcia

The Farmers Market is a monthly tradition on the quad. Fruits and vegetables were on sale today. Vendors had their fresh products on hand for students and others to buy. The Farmers Market is a great opportunity to promote products and to distribute them. At the market, you can find kettle corn, homemade hand-cut fries, exotic plants and homemade tamales. The prices are relatively inexpensive and each vendor accepts credit cards. The Farmers Market is available on campus every first Wednesday of the month.

Lindsey Broyles

The city of San Marcos is planning a conservation project that will protect the rivers natural ecosystem. The San Marcos river is home to many endangered species, the most common being Texas Wild Rice. The project aims to protect the species by adding new river access points that do not interfere with the wild rice. As well as new access points, a dog beach will be added, since most parks along the river do not allow pets. An estimated one-point-five-seven million dollars will be payed to Shirley and Sons Construction Company to complete the project, which is set to begin next year.

Kali Conley

**anc1**
Unemployment remains high, and that's reason for many seniors to be concerned. They're about to graduate, and they fear they won't be able to find a job.
**anc2**
But that's not true for everyone. Some students are in fields where there's heavy demand, and recruiters are eager to employ them. Others find an opening through internships. Kali Conley joins us now in the studio to tell us about a student who already has a job lined up. Kali ...

LIVE: Thanks ___. Yes, a lot of seniors are anxious about launching their careers. After four or more years in college, they feel they're ready for the next step. Kolten Parker is one of those students.

PKG: Parker's major is journalism. He's done the usual coursework that all Texas State students are expected to handle, and he's been a reporter for The University Star. Parker, though, says a big break for him came when he got an internship with the Austin bureau of the San Antonio Express News.
SB
Parker has had the opportunity to cover a wide variety of stories while working at Express News.
SB
Texas State offers a wide range of resources students can use to prepare themselves for life after college. Career Services offers meetings to help students with their resumes, along with hosting several internship and job fairs each semester.
Parker says getting an internship is vital for students hoping to succeed after college.
SB
LIVE: Graduation can be a hectic time, but with the right preparation students can make their transition to the working world easier and less stressful. Kolten Parker seems ready for that transition. Back to you, _________.

Valeria Gonzalez Leyva

Day of the Dead celebrates life by remembering those who are no longer with us. Such a celebration happened Monday night at Centennial Hall where Dining with the Dead was held. The event featured speakers from several countries that celebrate the tradition. The event concluded with participants tasting the food traditionally eaten at funerals in such countries Mexico, Japan, South America and the Middle East. The Department of Modern Languages sponsored the event. More than 100 people attended.

Taylor Wilborn

Basketball season has begun, and the Bobcats are off to a good start. Monday night in their season opener, the Bobcats defeated the Sul Ross Lobos 81-to-53. This is the first season the Bobcats are under head coach Danny Kasper. They have spent the off-season focusing more on man-to-man defense to balance out their high scoring offense. The Bobcats next home game is Tuesday, Novemeber 12th when they take on the team Kasper led the past 13 seasons, Stephen F. Austin. Tip off is set for 7 p-m. 

Jade Skaggs

The annual Wurstfest has brought a taste of Germany to Texas once again. Jade Skaggs has more in this Bobcat Update.

Stand up: Come on down to the Wurstfest in Texas. Every Year in November, New Braunfels is home to the Wurstfest to commemorate the German heritage of the city. It's a unique celebration rich in German culture and full of Texas fun.This ten-day event attracts more than two-thousand people where they gather to listen to German Polka music and eat a variety of traditional German foods.
SB
German beers are made available for those who are of age and there's also a carnival for the kids. You'll also see many people wearing festive German dress.
SB
At the Wurstfest marketplace, there are booths selling items associated with the event.
SB
Wurstfest opens weekdays at 5 p.m. and weekends at 11 a.m. The festival continues rain or shine. For more information you can check out the Wurstfest website. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jade Skaggs.

Ben Bethea

Gas prices are much lower for residents and students in San Marcos. Retailers in the city are averaging about three-dollars-and-six-cents for a gallon of unleaded, according to gasbuddy-dot-com. The Yellow Store on East Hopkins and Edward Gary has one of the lowest prices in town at two-dollars-and-ninety-seven cents for a gallon of unleaded. Texas has the third least expensive gas in the nation, behind Missouri and Oklahoma. Triple-A says it’s because of increased oil production and low fuel taxes. The national average for a gallon of unleaded gas is three-dollars-and-twenty-five cents.

Zac Covey

The Texas State football team is bowl eligible after claiming a victory this past Saturday against the Idaho Vandals. The victory gave Texas State its sixth win of the season improving the team's overall record to six-and-three. Four different Bobcats found the end zone including Robert Lowe, Isaiah Battle, Tim Gay and Terrence Franks. Kicker Jason Dann added a field goal. The Bobcats are now two-and-two in the Sun Belt Conference and will be on the road this Saturday to face conference opponent Arkansas State. Kickoff is at 6:30.

Tori Valles

The school fuel program is a local group of volunteers who pack weekend meals for at-risk kids in the community.  Tori Valles has more in this Bobcat Update.

School Fuel was started to help kids who receive free and discounted meals at school. These students often don't receive the nutrition they need at home or on the weekends. School Fuel provides them with help, so they won't go hungry. School Fuel volunteers meet every Thursday in a portable building on L-B-J Street to pack food for students to take home. Program Coordinator Aurelia Newton helped start the program in San Marcos.
SB: Program Coordinator, Aurelia Newton
About 82 percent of the city's children receive assistance to help them pay for their meals at school. By providing meals for the students to take home, School Fuel hopes the kids will be able to start the school week more focused and happier. 
SB: School Fuel Secretary, Nancy Smith
Right now School Fuel feeds about 200 kids every week. The group relies on grants from local businesses, and organizers say they'd like to expand the program to serve more schools in the district.
SB: Assistant Superintendent of Business and Support Services, Jason GossettThose interested in donating to School Fuel or volunteering to stuff bags should visit the group's website for more information.  For Bobcat Update I'm Tori Valles.

Kayla Urbanovsky

Saving money -- it's a concept that even college students need to practice. But it can be difficult when incomes and budgets are meager. In this Bobcat Update, Kayla Urbanovsky (urr-ban-off-skee) reports on the struggle some people have in choosing between wants and needs.

In college, to save money you first need to manage it. It's easy to go out to eat and ignore your depleted bank account, but that can result in overdraft bank charges. Renting textbooks or using library resources can help in holding down costs and perhaps leave you with more money to spend elsewhere. Campus ministries offer free lunches during the week that can help hold down food costs. Or, you can pack your own meals from home. Senior Education Major Rachel Lackups says she sometimes leaves her debit card at home on purpose. Doing so helps her overcome the impulse to buy new clothes.
SB: Rachel Lackups
Money struggles for students also come from nights spent bar hopping and paying covers to see bands play. To save money, students COULD go less often or perhaps attend free concerts when they're offered. Gas prices are falling, but driving can still be costly. Alternatives exist that can cut costs. For example, take the tram instead or walk to campus. Texas State Accounting Major Jogil Rivera says that he asks himself multiple times if he absolutely needs something before he buys it.
SB: Jogil Rivera
There are many ways to save money. You can see movies at the dollar theater or watch T-V shows online at such websites as hulu-dot-com. That's cheaper than buying full-price tickets or paying for cable subscriptions. With Christmas coming up and a new semester ahead, students can use these resources to live within a budget and have more money in their pockets. For Bobcat Update, I'm Kayla Urbanovsky.

Danielle Rucker

The world is ever-changing -- especially in how we communicate. In this Bobcat Update, Danielle Rucker takes a look at how social media are having an impact.

Almost everyone on campus has some type of social media account. Facebook and Twitter are the most popular, but there are many others. They're used to connect with friends and family. And they're used for entertainment and information. They're also used for educational purposes. Some professors use social media in the classes they teach. Senior Lecturer Jon Zmikly says being engaged with social media is vital, especially for mass communication majors. 
SB: Jon Zmikly says social media plays an important role in his classroom.
But not everyone is on the same page when it comes to social media in the classroom. For example, Assistant Professor Joe Falocco says social media corrupt the minds of our youth. 
SB: Joe Falocco says social media are evil and have no business in the classroom. 
Public Relations Major Katie Baker says her social media experience has been invaluable. 
SB: Katie Baker says social media has helped her excel in the classroom.Stand Up: Social media is booming! Some students and professors have embraced the idea of incorporating social media into the classroom. Others prefer to keep the two separate. Regardless of the different opinions, social media has played an imperative role in society today. For Bobcat Update, I'm Danielle Rucker.

Montreal Williams

San Marcos is offering a unique way to leave a lasting connection to the city. Montreal Williams has more in this Bobcat Update.

The Main Street Program is having a brick sale until December 20th to give people an opportunity to purchase and engrave a special message in the streets of downtown San Marcos.
SB:Armbruster talks about how the bricks can be for any occasion
The bricks, on which up to six lines of text can be engraved,  will be placed on L-B-J Drive between Hopkins and University Drive.
The brick display will be similar to those located at Veramendi Plaza BUT will be of a larger size. The bricks will be laid starting early next year.
SB:Samantha Armbruster chats about excitement for the project.
The proceeds will benefit the beautification efforts of the Main Street program.
SU: The bricks are on sale for 100 dollars and can be purchased at the Main Street Offices located at 202 Hopkins Drive or can be purchased online at San Marcos T-X- DOT- GOV-SLASH-Brick Sale. For Bobcat Update, I'm Montreal Williams.