Jazmine Myles

A member of Texas State's Athletic Training staff recently passed away after a year-long battle with cancer. Jazmine Myles has the story.

David Gish was a part of the Texas State Athletic Training family for 25 years. Gish headed the athletic training department for 17 of those years beginning in 1998.
So, you can imagine that on Monday, September 22nd, when he lost his battle with cancer, it hit his colleagues hard. Those close to Gish are deeply saddened.
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Jason Karlik has been with Texas State for 18 years and worked alongside Gish for his entire career as an Assistant Athletic Trainer. Karlik had a close relationship with Gish and says he'll miss his friendship more than anything.
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The Athletic Department plans to pay tribute to Gish. In his honor, newly designed decals have been placed on the football team's helmets. A service for Gish will be held on Sunday, October 12th at 2:00 p.m. at the San Marcos Embassy Suites. According to the Texas State Athletic Department, a scholarship endowment has been created in Gish's name to support Athletic Training students. Donations can be mailed to the Texas State Athletic Department or dropped off at the Casey Athletics Administration building on campus. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jazmine Myles.

Archer Booker

Texas State may implement a new schedule design for incoming freshmen. Bobcat Update's Archer Booker has more on the story.

The Personalized Academic and Career Exploration Center – commonly known as PACE – helps students organize their college education. PACE is considering a proposal that would have incoming freshmen use a block schedule in hopes that it would prevent long gaps between classes. The long gaps may be causing some students to skip class.
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PACE wants advisers to help new students structure their schedules to stay on track.
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However, not everyone thinks a block schedule will keep students from playing hooky.
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Still, the PACE Center thinks that students who have back-to-back classes will have a better chance of succeeding than those who have long breaks in-between.
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For Bobcat Update, I'm Archer Booker.

Brittany Lesoon

Texas State's rec center has equipment available for students, staff and faculty, and the center offers a lot of fitness classes. Brittany Lesoon tells us more in this Bobcat Update.

Many people apparently are not aware that the classes are available.
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Each class has about 20 people participating and lasts from 20 to 60 minutes.
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The classes will vary in intensity.
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A complete schedule of times and fitness classes are posted on the rec center's website.
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The classes offer a fun way to exercise, and they're free of charge.
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Jax Stafford

When emergencies occur on campus, notifications are promptly sent to the university community. In this Bobcat Update, Jax Stafford takes a look at how the system works.

Texas State University is usually a safe campus, but officials know that that could change at any moment. They have to be prepared to deal with emergencies. To that end, an alert system is in place to notify students and faculty.
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The Clery Act requires schools using federal financial aid programs to keep track of on-campus crimes and to warn the community when necessary. The warnings arrive by text and e-mail.
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The University Police Department uses its RAVE system to send text alerts.
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For Bobcat Update, I'm Jax Stafford.

Meg Sween

The population of San Marcos continues to grow, which means more development. Some people are concerned that as more housing is constructed, the city could lose its natural appeal. In this Bobcat Update, Meg Sween describes the city's plan to strike a balance by adding to its park system.

(Stand-up) The city of San Marcos has plans to expand and develop the already existing 1,700 acres of parks in town. In an effort to provide better security and park maintenance, the development will span over the next ten years, until about 2020.
Several improvements have already been made. Walkways have been improved as have entries to the river. But some locals feel a few things have been omitted.
(SOUND BITE HERE)
The city's Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan has provisions for proper bathroom facilities, nature trails and better maintenance of the park facilities. However, some worry expanding the park system might not be what's best for the area.
(SOUND BITE HERE)
(Closing stand-up) Well, residents of San Marcos sure seem to enjoy the river and parks available. And today we did, too! For Bobcat Update, I'm Meg Sween.

Jacqueline Davis

Texas State University's Theatre Department will stage Rent later this month. Rent is one of the longest-running musicals in Broadway history. Jacqueline Davis has more in this Bobcat Update.

The Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning musical, "Rent," will be performed at the university for the first time. And it will be the second musical production staged in the Patti Harrison Theatre inside the university's new Performing Arts building.
"Rent" is about young artists in New York City battling AIDS. The actors and production managers have been spending a lot of time in preparation. Assistant Production Manager Quinton Sanders says the musical may offer the unexpected for some people.
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As the actors spend hours each day rehearsing lines, the technical crew, managers, directors, and assistant directors have been working hard as well. They have been perfecting the lighting, painting the props and platforms, and carefully selecting the right costumes. Lighting Director Sarah Maines says the new theatre offers several advantages.
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The musical will be performed from Tuesday, October seventh, through Saturday, October eleventh, at 7:30 P-M, and on Sunday October 12th at 2:00 and 7:30 P-M. Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office, located inside the Theatre Building. General admission is 18-dollars while student admission will go for eight. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jacqueline Davis.

Erin Cantu

A Texas State student will be traveling soon to speak at a nationally-renowned music festival. Erin Cantu has more in this Bobcat Update…

A Texas State student has a chance later this month to be a part of something with national prominence -- the C-M-J Music Marathon. C-M-J, short for C M J , is a four-day-long conference and music festival in New York City. K-T-S-W Music Director Allison Johnson will participate on a panel.
(Johnson… 12… "…asked to be on a panel")
Johnson attended C-M-J in 20-13 but had not applied to be part of it this year. That's changed now -- since receiving the invitation.
C-M-J is one of the largest and longest-running music festivals of its kind in the country. More than 100 speakers will participate in the panel sessions. Johnson says working at K-T-S-W has been very beneficial to her.
(Johnson.. 8.. "this is where I feel like I'm in the zone")
K-T-S-W Station Manager Melissa Bond says Johnson will be a good representative for the station at the festival.
(Bond… 11… "that many things")
As music director of the station, part of Johnson's job is to review the many C-Ds the station receives each week and to help keep the station's music library organized. For Bobcat Update, I'm Erin Cantu.

Maia Wintrob

More students than ever are joining Greek life at Texas State. Maia Wintrob has a report.

Taking a stroll through campus, students can see the Greek community establishing a large presence. Greek affairs coordinator Lindsey Trione says that, over the past year, Texas State has experienced record-breaking registrations in the Greek community.
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Senior Jaire Ruffin says having more students involved allows for more diversity.
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According to Student Affairs, there are two-thousand and 500 students enrolled in Greek life, which means higher quotas for chapters.
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Trione says one result of the changes is that more students are taking an interest in recruitment.
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For Bobcat Update, I'm Maia Wintrob.

Veronika Kondratieva

A San Marcos clothier has created a brand name for itself using the city and Texas State University as its backdrop. Veronika Kondratieva has more in this Bobcat Update.

It's called San Marvelous. The store makes all things related to San Marcos its central theme. San Marvelous opened earlier this month.
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Texas State alum Rio Rodriguez started working on the idea of a San Marvelous clothing line while he was a student majoring in fashion merchandise. Rodriguez says he wanted something that would better represent Texas State and its school spirit.
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The clothing line was launched online in the fall of 2013. Occasionally, San Marvelous representatives visited campus to create awareness and sell shirts. They were able to sell as many as 400 shirts a day. The next step was to set up a more permanent location where potential buyers could visit.
Texas State sophomore Celena Oum says she's excited about having the new store in town.
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Texas State freshman Jazmin Lowe says the tribal prints are her favorite.
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San Marvelous is located near the Texas State campus on North L-B-J. The store sells shirts and souvenirs.
Stand Up: "With its bright colors and unique styles San Marvelous is going to kick in full gear during Spring Break with its grand opening. For Bobcat Update, I'm Veronika Kondratieva."

Taylor Chapman

Food is a necessity, but some students struggle to pay for three square meals a day. There is help available if they want it. Taylor Chapman has the story.

Texas State students living on a budget can take advantage of free meals that are being offered.
The Baptist Student Ministries is a group that offers free lunches on Wednesdays.
Sound Bite – Kimberly Cantrill
Advertising and word-of-mouth help spread the word about the free lunches. On average, about 200 students show up for the meals.
Another group, called the United Campus Ministries, offers free meals on Mondays. The U-C-M started its service last spring. The number of participants is growing as more people become aware of the service.
Sound Bite – Jaime Bouzard
Vending machines and Paws-N-Go provide quick snacks that are affordable, but having a free meal can be an attractive alternative -- once students discover them.
Sound Bite – Arturo Guzman
Another place that students can take advantage of is Our Lady of Wisdom Parish, the Catholic student ministry. It provides meals from eleven to one on Tuesdays.

Sometimes, though, a cup of coffee is all that's needed. If a free jolt of caffeine is required, you can get one from 8:30 to 12:30 at United Campus Ministries. For Bobcat Update, I'm Taylor Chapman.

Caitlin Greenlee

Texas State provides a helpful service to bike owners. Caitlin Greenlee tells us more in this Bobcat Update:


People who ride bicycles on a regular basis probably know that bikes are not always cheap and easy to repair. But a service offered at Texas State can help when the need arises. Since 2007 the Bike Cave has been a place to go for repairs.
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The co-op is able to operate using donations from the community and tuition fees. Every semester, students are charged a one-dollar environmental fee. A fee, which Tim Hayes says, gets pooled into a fund that is then distributed by the Environmental Service Committee to places like the Bike Cave.
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Hayes, who rides his bike everywhere, says The Bike Cave is a unique and much needed service. Other students agree, stating that they prefer riding their bikes over driving vehicles, but that wouldn't be possible without the Bike Cave.
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The Bike Cave is located in room 100 of the Colorado Building on Pleasant Street. It's open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to anyone on two wheels. For Bobcat Update, I'm Caitlin Greenlee.

Caelan Bernal

Texas State will soon be celebrating Homecoming. It's that annual ritual of inviting alumni back to campus to cheer on the Bobcats. But, as Caelan Bernal tell us in this Bobcat Update, the tradition includes so much more:
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One of the traditions is choosing a homecoming queen. Voting is underway, and Hannah Seaton is one of the candidates.
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A Texas State homecoming wouldn't be complete without a little competition. There will be a powder puff football game, a three-on-three basketball tournament, a talent show, and the Soap Box Derby. The first Soap Box Derby at Texas State was held back in 1967. It's a fan favorite.
The planners of Homecoming Week want it to be filled with fun:
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And, of course, students will show off their Bobcat pride on game day, Saturday October 4th. One student who will be cheering louder than most is Hudson Werkheiser.
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A complete calendar of the Homecoming events can be on the Texas State website.
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Katherine Nelson

An idea is being kicked around in San Marcos that some believe could lead to better behavior among bar patrons. The idea is to extend bars hours and make the last hour alcohol free. The hope is that some people will use that hour to sober up. Katherine Nelson has more.

The San Marcos Police Department says most of the arrests and citations they make in the early morning hours are related to drunken behavior. For example, people are caught jaywalking or driving while drunk. The editorial board of the University Star newspaper proposed an idea that it believes could help. The board is calling for a sober-hour policy:
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The Star editorial said having a sober hour might lead to better behavior.
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Not everyone agrees that the idea will work.
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However, one local establishment has such a policy:
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No formal action has been taken by the city to adopt such a policy, but the idea has generated some debate.
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For Bobcat Update, I'm Katherine Nelson

Adam Cook

The N-F-L season is now in its fourth week, and for much of that time the league has been grappling with domestic abuse issues. Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice was suspended after video emerged showing him strike his wife in an elevator, and a grand jury in Texas has indicted Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings for allegedly beating his four-year-old with a switch. Many Texas State students are big fans of professional football, so they've been watching with interest as these scandals have unfolded.

Presley Fowler

The University Police Department says bike thefts have increased on campus since the fall semester began. Police say higher-end bikes are being targeted -- especially those that are secured with cables because cables are easy to cut. Students are encouraged to purchase U-shaped locks. U-P-D also recommends that students register their bikes either online, in person, or at The Bike Cave on campus. Registration ensures that if your bike is stolen, it can be tracked back to you. Police say it's always better to lock bikes in public areas using racks provided by the university.

Joy Smith

Some Texas State freshmen are having trouble finding homes this semester because of the increase in enrollment. Joy Smith has the story.

This year Texas State has had a difficult time fitting the record-breaking freshmen class into on-campus housing. Even with the opening of two new residence halls on campus this year, some freshmen found themselves homeless the first few weeks of school. Many resorted to living off-campus for the fall semester.
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Space was so limited that some Residence Assistants were asked to room temporarily with freshmen while housing was sought.
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By now, most students have found their permanent homes for the semester. Those who were inconvenienced were compensated for their trouble. For Bobcat Update, I'm Joy Smith.

Maggie Ximenes

A decision may come soon on student government legislation that would remove fluoride from campus drinking water. Maggie Ximenes has more.

Texas State students rely on campus drinking water, but some members of student government do not want fluoride to be in it.
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Stand up: The San Marcos River is such a huge part of life for San Marcos. The fact that the city infiltrates the drinking water with fluoride raises concern for some citizens.
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Others, though, believe fluoride is harmless and not a cause for concern.
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According to the Environmental Protection Agency, fluoride is voluntarily added to some cities' drinking water to prevent cavities. The E-P-A also states too much fluoride can lead to the risk of bone fractures and developing pits in tooth enamel.
That's reason enough for some in student government to call for the removal of fluoride.
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The Student Government is asking for comments on the legislation before any votes are taken. For Bobcat Update, I'm Maggie Ximenes (he-men-es)

Marisa Ross

A vote on a bond aimed at alleviating the overcrowded conditions at the Hays County Jail has been postponed. Marisa Ross has more on the story.

Timing was a major concern in moving a bond election from November to May. County officials says it's important to educate voters on all aspects of the issue so they can be more informed. The bond measure offers several options. Voters can choose to renovate or expand the current facility OR build a new jail. Hays County Sheriff's Lieutenant John Saenz says the current jail doesn't have enough space.
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Saenz says officials have found ways to handle the overcrowding, but the solutions are for the short-term at best. One such remedy is out-sourcing inmates to other jails in the region. Hays County sends some inmates to Guadalupe County. Jail Administrator Mark Cumberland says he's concerned that more problems may arise.
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Cumberland says it's important for the county to set its priorities and plan for the long term. The Hays County Jail is over 25 years old and requires major improvements. On the list of needs are 600 beds, new equipment and new technology. Sheriff Gary Cutler says he would like to see the situation resolved soon.
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Sheriff Cutler and other county officials make it clear that having a new jail would be the best way to address the need for new beds and better technology. For Bobcat Update, I'm Marisa Ross.

Kathryn Price

Every year the Texas State Board of Regents chooses what is called a Regent Professor. It's a highly coveted award among university professors. They must compete against faculty at all eight institutions governed by the Board. This year a Texas State professor at the San Marcos campus received the distinguished award. Kathryn Price has the story.

Music professor, world traveler and teacher of life's lessons. Dr. Ian Davidson fits many descriptions because he has accomplished so much. And now another line of distinction can be added to his vita. Davidson has been named Regent Professor. Davidson stays busy. He has served on the Faculty Senate -- the first professor from the School of Music to do so -- and he's even been nominated for a Grammy. Davidson says his professional endeavors are all for his students.
(Davidson …15 SECONDS…)
(Price …10 SECONDS…Texas State students.)
He says he travels a lot to give his students a better understanding of the arts than they could ever get from a textbook alone.
(Davidson…15 SECONDS…)
Graduate student Sophia Kuyenga says Davidson gave her the confidence she needed to continue composing.
(Kuyenga…15 SECONDS…)
Davidson plays with a group called Trio 488 consisting of himself and two other faculty members. Trio 488 will have a concert at the Performing Arts Center on October first.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Kathryn Price.

Jaclyn Coles

You might not notice them at football games, but there are always police officers around to maintain order and keep the festivities safe for everyone. The University Police Department gets help from City Police when the crowds are large. Jaclyn Coles has the story.

It's rare that Texas State has a sold-out game, but when the Bobcats do, there's need for a greater police presence. The recent Navy game is a good example. The stands were filled, and security was tighter.
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University Police Sergeant Jason Moreno was in charge of security before the game. Moreno says game day requires some extra preparation.
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Fifty officers were on duty at the Texas State-Navy game. They made three arrests, wrote 14 citations and issued 136 warnings. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jaclyn Coles.

Claudia Torres

National Hispanic Heritage Month is underway. Bobcat Update's Claudia Torres takes a look at what that means to Texas State.

Culture. Heritage. Independence. These are just some of the aspects of the Hispanic culture that are being recognized during the month-long celebration. Texas State is involved in a big way, which seems fitting -- the Hispanic student body population is the largest minority group on campus.
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During this month, the Center for the Study of the Southwest is presenting a lecture series and an exhibit highlighting Latinos and Sports in the Southwest.
The Wittliff Collection has more than 20-thousand prints from distinguished Mexican authors, photographers and painters.
While there are many Heritage Month events planned at Texas State, some believe the effort doesn't go far enough.
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Texas State Alum Lyndon Johnson established National Hispanic Heritage Month, which ends on October 15th. For Bobcat Update, I'm Claudia Torres

Vicky Serrano

San Marcos city officials say tests now indicate there are no longer high levels of lead in the city's water supply. Vicky Serrano has more on the story.

High levels of lead. That doesn't sound healthy -- especially if the lead is being found in drinking water. But San Marcos recently had such a problem, which was cause for concern for anyone wanting to drink tap water in the city. Restaurants for a time were reluctant to serve water out of fear for their customers. A waitress at the Italian Gardens says she's relieved that recent water tests show better results.
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A lot of students carry water bottles on campus to cope with the heat and to quench their thirst. Theater student Nicholas Ortiz says he was unaware of the recent tests.
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Tap water is just one of many options for drinking. Groceries stay stocked with bottled water, and filtering systems can be installed to help purify what you drink.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Vicky Serrano.

Tiana Lee

The University Police Department is urging students to take more precautions. In this Bobcat Update, Tiana Lee tells us about how campus safety is being promoted.

One program that the university offers to promote campus safety is called Bobcat Bobbies. Students can use the service from 6:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. to be transported on campus and avoid nighttime walking. Another safety resource is the 9-1-1 call boxes located on campus. By pushing a button on one of the boxes, students notify police of an emergency. A blue light will flash at the location to help locate the student. Safety should be everyone's concern on campus.
[Brittany Horton-Sophmore-SOUNDBITE]
Residence Halls promote safety by carefully monitoring who enters or leaves the buildings. Freshman Kylie Ballis says such precautions make her feel safer on campus.
[Kylie Ballis-Freshman SOUNDBITE]
Otto Glenewinkel of the University's Police Department says the job of promoting campus safety is never done. He says improvements can always be made.
[Glenewinkel--SOUNDBITE]
Glenewinkel says the police department has officers on duty throughout the day and night to help keep the campus safe. For Bobcat Update, I'm Tiana Lee.

Keaton Kahn

Pizza delivery is a booming business again, thanks to the return of Texas State students. A Dominos' manager says that pizza is being delivered in San Marcos once every 49 seconds. During the summer, the average slows to once every eight minutes. He also said college students on average spend 31 dollars a week on pizza. That can mean a lot in tips for those making deliveries -- especially when you consider there's a customer base of almost 37-thousand students in San Marcos.

Stephanie Diaz

Many Latin American countries, such as Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador, are celebrating the birth of their nations this month. Texas State is also celebrating its Hispanic culture. Students at the university represent a wide variety of ethnicities. According to Institutional Research, 55 percent of the student population is white, 30 percent are Hispanic, eight percent are African American and four percent identify themselves as multi-racial. Texas State is proud to be classified as a Hispanic-serving institution. The group's enrollment increased more than a thousand students from a year ago.