Texas State University's football team is now bowl eligible. The Bobcats defeated the Arkansas State Red Wolves Thursday night 45-to-27. This was the last home game of the season, leaving several seniors with a bittersweet feeling.
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It may have been a rainy day, but that didn't stop Bobcat fans from their usual festivities, such as tailgating. Dedicated fans came out and shouted their battle cries, and the Strutters performed at halftime. Even though it was a wet Thursday night, no one's spirit was dampened. Texas State alumnus Chandler Bowman never misses a home game. He says his family has always been involved in Bobcat athletics.
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The Bobcats will be playing the Georgia State Panthers next Saturday in Atlanta starting at one p-m. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jacqueline Davis
Bobcat Update, a student-produced newscast recapping events at Texas State University, and is available for viewing on YouTube.
11/21/14
Jacqueline Davis
11/20/14
Archer Booker
Stand up: " The Purgatory Creek Natural Area here in San Marcos is getting another 89 acres to increase public access to nature."
Currently, the main public access point to the natural area is at the busy intersection of Wonder World Road and Hunter Road. The latest park additions will provide more space for recreation, a network of trails and, potentially, a nature education center. San Marcos resident Ralph Voss welcomes the news.
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The property will protect water resources within the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone and its surrounding habitat - habitat that supports endangered birds such as golden-cheeked warblers. Also adding to the park protects the land and helps ensure a healthy, livable community for generations to come.
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The land was secured last week by the City of San Marcos in partnership with The Trust for Public Land. Funding for the one-point-three (m) million dollar purchase comes from a combination of Hays County and City of San Marcos funds, and donations from Taylor Morrison and McKee Foods.
Stand up: "After the expansion is complete, it'll bring the Purgatory Creek Natural Area up to 752-acres. For Bobcat Update, I'm Archer Booker."
11/19/14
Stephanie Diaz
Railroad traffic still gets in the way on the road, even though an overpass was promised years ago. It just hasn't happened so far. The project was supposed to start early in 2015 to improve the traffic flow. Tex-Dot's Associate Vice-President for Facilities Juan Guerra says the project has been delayed because it's taking longer than expected to acquire land for the right of way.
SB: (9)"TxDOT has to negotiate with several of the private property holders and some of the commercial property holders along Loop 82 that are gonna be impacted."
TxDOT has yet to reach an agreement with several property owners.
The project has been in the works for 12 years. The city wants another railroad overpass in town to make it easier to reach the interstate. The city has one such overpass -- located on the south side on Wonder World Drive.
When construction on Loop 82 begins, traffic will have to be rerouted occasionally.
SB: (10)"TxDOT has committed to keeping two lanes of traffic open in each direction throughout construction, but there's gonna be times during construction where we'll be down to at least one lane in each direction"
Drivers will be encouraged to take alternate routes to avoid the expected congestion. It will probably take a great deal of patience for a while.
Stand up: "The project is scheduled to be under construction for about 24 months and although delayed, it's still on track with a late 2017 completion date. For Bobcat Update, I'm Stephanie Diaz."
11/15/14
Veronika Kondratieva
Stand Up: "It wouldn't be theater without Shakespeare. And with the upcoming holidays, Theater Department decided to delight the audience with one of the Bard's most popular comedies – A Midsummer Night's Dream." SB: "It's a beautiful play, it's a romantic play, it's a funny funny funny play, lots of clowning and farce in it as well and lots of intrigue." (Play Director Chuck Ney, 11 sec.)
The lighthearted play is more than 400 years old. And the production crew wanted to stay true to the classic text. But some modern elements were added to the production.
SB: "All the way throughout we have this constant communication or comments between a 400-hundred-year-old script and today." (Ney, 9 sec.)
The production is also the largest costume show of the semester. And it has a cast of 26 people. The actors had some challenges. They had to go through difficult articulation exercises to convey Shakespeare's language. And they even had to learn some flying tricks to show the magic elements of the play.
SB: "We are taking all those elements and those themes that are within the text and then bringing them to life on the stage so it's a phenomenal visual piece." (Actor Kailyr Frazier, 9 sec.)
The play will run through Sunday at the Harris Theater. Ney says this play has a specific effect on viewers.
SB: "I think it will tickle them, I think it will transport them places too. Romance is at the heart of it and I think that's really good for people right now in our world." (Ney, 17 sec.)
Cast member Brianna Ripkowski says seeing the play also helps people grow culturally.
SB: "When you revisit the classics that in itself brings back a freshness of the past of our ancestors. It's a good way to freshen up our contemporary style." (Actress Brianna Ripkowski, 12 sec.)
Stand Up: "Shakespeare once said all the world is a stage. And I can't wait to see his world on this stage. For Bobcat Update, I'm Veronika Kondratieva."
Presley Fowler
Standup: "It's a calm day out here at the San Marcos outlets, but in a little over a week from now, it's going to be a completely different story."
Black Friday is quickly approaching. With over 245 stores, the San Marcos outlets are going to see tens of thousands of shoppers coming to this tourist destination, in hopes of finding early holiday bargains. Tanger Outlet General Manager John Lairsen says the outlets have to prepare months ahead to handle the huge number of shoppers. He says the number one concern with the large crowds is keeping traffic and safety under control.
SB: "We have San Marcos police department, fire department, and EMS actually set up a command post here at the outlet center. If anything were to happen their vehicles are here and they can take care of whatever emergency arises quickly." (Lairsen, 15 sec).
Tanger management also works closely with all of the tenants for Black Friday preparations.
SB: "We just had our merchant meeting and we go over all of the different rules and helpful things to make sure that everything flows smoothly." (Lairsen)
Angel Santillan has been the store manager at Journeys for four years and knows what to expect for Black Friday shopping.
SB: "It's very hectic. A lot of customers, a lot of kids, a lot of running around and a lot of redbull (laughs)" (Santillan)
According to Santillan, Journey's has six to eight employees on average, but the holiday rush calls for a major increase in workers.
SB: "During Christmas and back to school and all those rush periods I have up to 30 people."(Santillan)
Of course, Texas State students make up a large portion of the outlet's workforce, especially during the holiday season.
SB: "We're very fortunate that we have a job pool and employee pool to pull from like the university." (Lairsen)
Tag out standup: If you're planning on coming to do Black Friday shopping, the outlets will be opening at six p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. For Bobcat Update, I'm Presley Fowler."
Jaclyn Coles
Thanksgiving is a classic American holiday. For most students, it means no work, going home, eating a ton of food, watching TV and playing games with their families. Some students don't have that luxury, though. Students who work at the outlets may be required to work during the Thanksgiving break, especially on Black Friday.
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Some will make time to watch the game, despite their work schedules.
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Thanksgiving away from home is a new experience for many students.
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Most international students will also not be returning home for Thanksgiving, but the Texas State International Office is hosting a dinner the day after Thanksgiving. The dinner is open to all students, faculty and staff. Most of the attendees are international, but about 40 American-born students attended last year.
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We all want to be home for Thanksgiving, and thanks to the International office, students can find a home away from home at the Thanksgiving lunch. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jaclyn Coles.
Jason McCall
November is a month of rejoice for many students. The air is cooler, and the semester is winding down as the holiday break nears. However, for graduating seniors, it means polishing up resumes and trying to organize for the next big step -- Life after Texas State.
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Although students typically begin the job hunt during their last semester, some choose to continue their education in graduate school.
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Even then, every student will have to go through the dreaded job search eventually. Luckily, you don't have to do it alone. Texas State's Career Services offers a variety of ways to help Bobcats land on their feet.
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If you're feeling unprepared as graduation approaches, don't worry. There's always someone out there with advice on what to do as post grad life becomes a reality.
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SB/Stand Up - "Thank You."
Tiana Lee
Standup—10 secs
Located on Stagecoach Trail, the museum showcases vehicles and collectibles of historic value from the 1900's through the 1950's -- considered by many as the golden years of the American automotive industry. Dick's Classic Car Garage take guests from the Great Depression through World War II and up to the Rock and Roll era.
Museum Curator Thomas Fortney says the museum is in a great location.
SB: " Donations…."—10 secs
Founded in 1980, Dick's Classic Car Garage is a non-profit organization whose goal is to provide an educational and entertaining experience on the evolution of the automobile and its impact on society.
Event Coordinator Kathleen Cheatham says the best part about working at the museum is being able to experience the public's feedback.
SB: "People talking.." 15 secs
Cheatham say the museum hosts several events every year such as Cruise Ins and Car shows that allow the community to showcase their own vehicles. More information on hours of operation and other resources can be found on the Dick's Classic Garage website. For Bobcat Update, I'm Tiana Lee
Caelan Bernal
A college student's main focus is to graduate. But reaching that goal often comes at a steep price. After graduation, there's debt to pay.
(SB: Director talks about the percentage of students who take loans)
Entrepreneur Mark Cuban says tackling the nation's one-trillion dollar student debt crisis is needed to help improve the economy. Students may have more debt than they can pay.
(SB: Student talking about debt)
Secretary of the Treasury Department, Sarah Bloom Raskin, says the student loan crisis has parallels to the housing bubble that occurred six years ago. With 100 billion dollars of student loans in default, she fears that an emergence of a student loan debt relief industry. Students at Texas State also have their worries.
(SB:Student talking about debt)
But to many students, college just wouldn't be possible without getting loans.
(SB: Director talking about student loans)
(SB/Send off)
Marisa Ross
The Texas State Radiation Therapy Program has been leading an effort to sign students for a national database of potential bone marrow donors. Chair of the Radiation Therapy Program, Dr. Ronnie Lozano, is one of two professors awarded the 2014 Be The Match Volunteerism Award. He says the award serves as great exposure for the program.
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The program has prompted more than eleven-thousand students to be included in the national database of potential donors. Graduate students have participated, and helped with research as well.
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Zach Moore, Community Engagement representative for Be The Match, says it's important to share patients' stories and educate the community. Since 2008, the Texas State Radiation Program has built strong relationships and continues to maintain those connections between patients and donors. Samuel Hillhouse, Special Events Coordinator for Be The Match, says encouraging others to donate and providing knowledge on bone marrow transplants are embedded in the program's mission of service.
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To learn more information about bone marrow transplants or if you want to donate, go to w-w-w-dot-be-the-match-dot-org. For Bobcat Update, I'm Marisa Ross.
11/13/14
Carlos Hernandez
As winter approaches, people are trying to stay warm. For men, growing facial hair is one way. But for some, putting aside the razor contributes to a more important cause.
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Many men on campus, including 76 members of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, are raising cancer awareness by growing their mustaches and beards during the month of November. This annual event is known nationally as Movember and No Shave November.
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For the Sigma Chis, the awareness campaign has greater meaning, because cancer struck one of its own. Last year Colte Parker, a Sigma Chi alum of Texas State, was diagnosed with Stage one testicular cancer. Sigma Chi has participated in several events to raise funds for Parker's Check Your Boys foundation, which encourages cancer screening for young men.
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The Student Health Center says testicular cancer is most common in males 15 through 35 years old. Males are encourage to do self examinations by feeling for lumps or even a change in size or shape.
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It's not too late to get involved with cancer awareness. You can show your support by participating in No Shave November or by donating to a charity of your choice. For Bobcat Update, I'm Carlos Hernandez.
11/12/14
Reece Williamson
With the sound of polka music and the smell of sausage in the air, Wurstfest is the place to be if you're German or just love German culture.
(SB)
Wurstfest started in 1961 as a small town festival honoring sausage, and now it's known worldwide. It celebrates craft beer, German cuisine and family fun.
(SB)
More than 40 bands provide entertainment throughout the ten-day festival. The festival runs until November 16th, so you only have through this weekend to be a part of it all.
(Stand-up)
11/10/14
Daniel Hernandez
For today's generation, phones are a part of the daily routine. Most people don't go anywhere without one. Heard this lately?
(SB: I love my phone)
These devices -- especially smart phones -- grant access to about almost anything. Information is at your fingertips.
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What would happen if your phone were stolen, misplaced, or even lost for good? Students say they could maybe last up to a day without it. A week would be out of the question.
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Phone companies provide locator apps such as Android Lost for Android users and Find my I-Phone for Apple users. Although these apps may not be 100 percent accurate, they can sometimes prove useful in finding that one essential item.
SB:
[We should record Siri saying something.]
For Bobcat update I'm Daniel Hernandez
11/8/14
Kelsey Johnson
Arbor Day is observed nationally to call attention to trees and other plant life in hopes that Americans will help nurture and preserve them for future generations. The Arbor Day Festival is designed to educate the public on the proper maintenance of trees. But this year Arbor Day was handled differently on campus. Due to the drought, no trees were planted at the festival. Campus Recreation Director Glen Hanley says mulching seemed more appropriate.
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The Arbor Day event brings awareness to the environment. Bobcat Blend Representative, Kristen Rathbone, says people can always do their part to help preserve the environment.
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The Arbor Day program involved several organizations, including the City of San Marcos-Habitat Conservation, Texas State Storm Water Protection, Bobcat Blend and Texas State-Recycling Services. For Bobcat Update, I'm Kelsey Johnson.
Evan Hancock
With student enrollment at the highest it has ever been, the cost of student services is on the rise. Both graduate and undergraduate programs will experience a tuition increase soon. The Vice President of Finance and Support Services, Bill Nance, says many factors are considered when fees are increased.
(Quote from Nance on "12-15 fees...library and computer fees")
The fees will go up about 12-dollars per credit hour. The library, computer and student services fees will be affected the most.
(Quote from Nance on "based on need")
Students can expect to see these changes reflected in their tuition bills in the fall of 2015. For Bobcat Update, I'm Evan Hancock.
John Wilkinson
Texas State's graduation is fast approaching, so you had better get ready. Here's what you need to do to prepare.
If you have applied to graduate and want to walk in the commencement, you will need to buy a cap and gown. You can find them at the L-B-J Student Center in the book store for about 30 dollars. Other optional purchases include invitations to send to your friends and family, class rings and diploma frames.
Academic Advising Supervisor Amy Beck says once you have your cap and gown, the only thing left to do is finish your remaining classes and look forward to the ceremony.
SB:"It's so exciting, it's one of the happiest occasions that there is."
Over three-thousand students are graduating this December, so plan to arrive early. On the day of the ceremony, you will first check in at Jowers Gym 101 and 102. Your advisors will be there to hand you a card with your name on it. This will help you find your place in line and provides information for the photographer. Once you are in line, you are ready to walk the stage.
Graduating senior Robert Nunez and many other soon-to-be graduates probably share similar feelings of anticipation:
SB:"I'm kind of excited with it being a month away. It's kind of hitting me that I'm graduating. So it's exciting."
[Is this a stand up?] The ceremonies begin here in the Strahan Coliseum on December 13th. For more information on how you can prepare, contact Academic Services. Congratulations to the upcoming graduates, and for Bobcat Update, I'm John Wilkinson.
Jeremy Goble
The statues, at various locations on campus, commemorate historical figures and events while providing an aesthetic quality to campus. The Bobcat Statue located on the Quad is the first statue many visitors notice. It was commissioned in 2007 by the Associated Student Government and designed by artist Matthew Gray Palmer.
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The Fighting Stallions statue located on the west end of the Quad stands 17-feet-tall and marks the designated free speech zone on campus. It was donated to the university in 1951 by sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington.
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The L-B-J Statue in front of Flowers Hall memorializes former U-S President and Texas State graduate Lyndon Baines Johnson. Texas State is the only university in Texas to graduate a former President. The Vaquero statue in front of Old Main is the newest statue on campus. Donations from the Wittliff family in 2013 funded its construction.
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Texas State University has a beautiful campus, and its statues add to that quality. They are monuments fitting for an institute of higher learning. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jeremy Goble.
11/5/14
Emerald Salinas
The San Marcos C-I-S-D has six elementary schools, two middle schools and a newly renovated high school. During the school year, thousands of students are transported to and from school every day. The school system's Director of Transportation, Carter Hutson, says the school district spends 16-thousand-dollars each week on fuel costs to transport the students.
(SB)
A partnership involving groups from San Marcos, Austin and San Antonio wants to encourage the adoption of electric and compressed natural gas vehicles in Central Texas in hopes of improving the region's air quality. Although Hutson says the school district has decided NOT to accept a grant offered by the state, it plans to move forward.
(SB)
[Your closing -- deleted here -- was more opinion than fact. Inserting the word "beloved" erased any semblance of detachment. Close your story instead with a timetable -- when will this new fleet of buses hit the streets, for example. What will the buses cost, relative to older models.]
For Bobcat Update, I'm Emerald Salinas.
11/4/14
Adam Cook
Finals week is about a month away, and many students are trying to meet deadlines before the holiday season. School work, for many, is a big concern and sacrifices have to be made.
SB - Beeman - ...normally watch.)
SB - Hartman - ...going out.)
Students have different ways of keeping track of important dates. Both technology and old-fashioned methods are practiced on campus.
SB - Olivas - ... that I'll look.)
SB - Beeman - ...alarms basically.)
Sociology major Julia Hartman explains what she believes is most important in the college experience.
SB - Hartman - …to be here.)
Hartman says she'd like to pass on some of her time management skills to fellow students.
SB - Hartman - …in ten years.)
For Bobcat Update, I'm Adam Cook.
Drake Lupton
Emily Burns
At Texas State, Hispanics now make up 32 percent of the student population, and, according to Best-Colleges-dot-com, the university ranks 17th in academics among the 50 universities the website profiled. Sophomore Electronic Media Major Bethany Perales says the ranking has had a great impact on the university and on her education.
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Hispanic students are the fastest growing segment in Texas and increasing their enrollment is part of a statewide effort to maintain diversity. Michael Heintze, associate vice president for Enrollment Management and Marketing, says the university has made a concerted effort to reflect the changing demographics of Texas through its diverse enrollment.
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Many students are noticing the increase in diversity on campus. Junior Health Administration Major Isaac Rostro says the university reflects many cultures.
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Texas State has several degree programs and scholarships aimed at Hispanic students. For Bobcat Update, I'm Emily Burns.
Veronika Kondratieva
Stand Up: "After a closure of almost two years, Spring Lake is open again for the new volunteer diver education course."
The lake was closed for restoration. And, for safety reasons, divers were not allowed to go in. Now, the Spring Lake Dive Authorization Course lets them get their feet wet again.
The goal of the course is to study the spring flows, vegetation growth, and fish and species counts.
The Meadows Center is hoping volunteer divers will help collect data and contribute to preserving the lake.
SB: "It really is an incredible way for us to engage the public and get people here not only from our own university community but from community in large to come here and help us maintain the lake." (14 sec)
The Spring Lake Management Plan has scientific components that are specific to Spring Lake and includes new requirements.
SB: "Students do all the academic material at home prior to coming in and then we spend one day with them here at Spring Lake reviewing the assessment quizzes that they take, going over safety procedures." (12 sec)
(his voice over b-roll) And then we do a tour of the springs to orient the divers to just where they are in the water.
Any diver with an open water certification and a minimum of 20 logged dives can take the Dive Authorization Course. About 60 people have already enrolled in the course. Divers who pass will become members of the Meadows Center Aqua Corps. Meacham says it's important to keep Spring Lake's eco-system healthy.
SB: "Those of us that work here absolutely feel so incredibly fortunate to call this our office." (8 sec)
Stand Up: "In this great environment, I can't resist and just have to dive in."
B-roll
For Bobcat Update, I'm Veronika Kondratieva.
Jazmine Myles
The theme is The Day of the Dead. The event was a 5-K run to benefit the Johnnie T. Morales Memorial Scholarship. The funds raised at the event will be awarded to high school graduates next spring to help them fulfill their dreams and study for their future careers.
The Day of the Dead theme offers runners the option of getting into the spirit of the occasion with face painting, a live D-J, door prizes and chances to win unique trophies. Catrina came prepared for the event.
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The Day of the Dead 5-K took place at River Ridge Park this past Saturday to support a scholarship created by Johnnie and Celia Rosales, the parents of Johnnie T. Morales, who passed away in 2008. Celia Rosales says she is fortunate to have been able -- in her son's honor -- to help students.
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The Center of Hispanic Culture in San Marcos helps organize the 5-K Run. Scholarships will be awarded at commencement next spring. Any San Marcos High School student may apply. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jazmine Myles
11/3/14
Caelan Bernal
Jason McCall
11/1/14
Katherine Nelson
Students and professors need each other for there to be success. Students want passing grades and a learning experience. Professors want favorable reviews and full classrooms with students who are engaged in the topic. Communication is the key...and preparation.
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One freshman was struggling with a class so she attended a workshop held by Student Support Services to help manage her grades.
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While some students are concentrating on what they can do to better themselves, others are focusing on what the professors can do to help them.
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However, professors urge students to take take their studies seriously.
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Communication allows professors to teach and students to learn effectively. Professors and students alike hope that the knowledge gained leads to fulfilling careers and successful lives. For Bobcat Update, I'm Katherine Nelson
Kinaya Ware
It's that time of year again. The community has begun preparing to feed the less fortunate during the holidays. Different organizations are relying heavily on Texas State students to provide food and service.
The South Side Community Center is getting ready to host its annual Thanksgiving feast for the San Marcos community and surrounding areas. The center hopes to have enough help and food to serve about 25-hundred people.
(SB) Mary Peterson Programming Director stating how they need to fill up the entire gymnasium with food.
Executive Director Ruben Garza says contributions from Texas State students are essential.
(SB) Ruben listing the help from the different organizations in the past
The South Side Community Center is not alone in preparing for the Holidays. The Hays County Food Bank is also accepting money donations and stacking its shelves for Thanksgiving. Event coordinator Mallory Raschke says the Food Bank is preparing to stuff turkey and fill up boxes. The organization hopes to receive many more donations before the Holidays. Volunteers are still needed. If you would like to be of service, contact the South Side Community Center or the Hays County Food Bank. For Bobcat Update I'm Kinaya Ware
Brittany Lesoon
The Stellar Cafe is located on North L-B-J across from Paper Bear. Now that a renovation project on that street is finished, the cafe is more accessible. Owner Michaela Kovaric has been in the bar and restaurant service since she was 17 years old. While studying abroad, she found her love for coffee.
SB- "In the photography program here at Texas State we studied in Italy over the summer and that really got me serious into coffee just as a coffee lover."
Three years later she and her fiance opened the Stellar Cafe. Kovaric wanted a place where students could actually study besides the library, while enjoying premium coffees and teas.
SB- "I really like the atmosphere in Italy, the European cafes are so much different so we decided to go in that direction with the atmosphere."
Erika Garcia is a regular who comes at least once a week and enjoys the old fashion vibe.
SB- What I like about this place is A. they are very creative with their names they have very.... old fashion names. They're also very creative with the style they make coffee."
They make sure they have consistent quality.
SB- " they're not your traditional just cappuccino or like expresso they are very detail with what they do and I like that."
SB- " We really try and pay attention to all the details. Where we get our beans, where they are roasted, making sure employees know how to brew each style of coffee."
Kovaric says the cafe tries to serve coffee in a more traditional way.
SB- " Our Vietnamese coffee we make sure its like spot on, cafe con leche is very sweet milky and people say wow thats how I would get it if I were in mexico or cuba."
Stellar Cafe isn't your average coffee shop. Kovaric says the cafe's seasonal drinks are always a hit.
SB- ".................kinda like making a pumpkin pie without syrups, its the real deal."
With about 20 loose leaf teas, espresso, frappuccinos and premium coffees, Stellar Cafe involves the European style mixed with the 1920s era.
Standup/SB-" I'm on Stellar Cafe's new patio that they just opened up this year. Here at Stellar Cafe, it's not just coffee, it's stellar. For Bobcat Update I'm Brittany Lesoon
Erin Cantu
(Sloan… "there and stay"…:11)
Paws is now relying on fundraisers to help more dogs obtain vouchers for the program. Ducky would benefit. She's been at Paws for two years and needs training. Ducky gets very nervous around anything but humans. A trainer, like Rachel ______, can help.
(Bruce… "can't do"… :11)
If you want to donate to the Paws Shelter and Humane Society to help out dogs like Ducky, go to paws-shelter-dot-org. For Bobcat Update, I'm Erin Cantu.