Cody Wilson

The local police departments have some new gadgets to work with. Bobcat Update's Cody Wilson has more.

The San Marcos Police Department and Texas State University police are keeping up with the latest technology. They now have body cams. Assistant Chief Bob Klett of San Marcos Police Department says they eliminate the he-said/she-said factor.
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Klett also says the cameras are easy to work.
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University Police are also using the body cameras.
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Officer Dennis Gibson is a patrol officer at Texas State and loves his
body camera. All his encounters with the public are recorded leaving no doubt to what happended at the scene.
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Motorcycle officers, campus police and patrol officers assigned to the square on the weekends are
required to have the cameras on at all times.
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Chandler Voswinkel

If you’re looking for a way to be involved at Texas State, joining a sport club may be the answer. Chandler Voswinkel has more in this Bobcat Update.

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After your student I-D is scanned, the possibilities are endless…maybe even more so than you thought.
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The sport clubs give students a chance to participate in intercollegiate competition with a focus on participation and leadership. Some of the sport clubs are truly unique. For example, there’s an equestrian club for those who enjoy English horseback riding,
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If you enjoy spending time on the water under the sun, the wake boarding club may be the spot for you.
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When considering which sport club best suits you, experience is not a factor. They are open to all students no matter the skill-level.
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For more information about the sport clubs, go to the Student Recreation Center or visit campus-recreation-dot-t-x-state-dot-edu. For Bobcat Update, I'm Chandler Voswinkel.

Sierra King

Earth Day is being celebrated today nationwide. Bobcat Update's Sierra King tells us how Texas State is calling attention to environmental concerns.

Sustainability is a catch word in the environmental movement. It's the desire to preserve resources for future generations. The Environmental Service Committee at Texas State is committed to the cause:
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The E-S-C distributes funds to promote environmental improvement projects. Many people share a common interest in preservation.
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Earth Day provides an excellent opportunity to remind faculty and students alike that what natures provides must be sustained and renewed.
(Standup) Texas State's Student Run organizations and the Environmental service Committee help spread environmental awareness in respect to Mother Nature. For Bobcat Update, I'm Sierra King

Stephanie Figueroa

Terms and conditions may apply. These words are often seen and readily accepted, usually without actually knowing what they mean. As Stephanie Figueroa tells us in this Bobcat Update, agreeing to such terms can result in a loss of privacy.

From social media platforms to e-mail accounts, whenever internet users sign up for free services they are often prompted to check a box to accept certain terms and conditions. Texas State I-T security advises students to learn what they are agreeing to. I-T recently hosted an informational session to provide assistance:
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Agreements found on such sites as Instagram and LinkedIn say personal data can be used without compensation to the users and any and all photos can be sold or used at the websites' discretion.
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According to The Wall Street Journal, consumers lose billions of dollars due to what is hidden in fine print. Many online services are offered at no charge provided that they agree to whatever is included in the privacy policy.
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Becca Roberts

Personal Picasso is a new business in town that offers a unique way to express your creativity. Bobcat Update's Becca Roberts joins us now. Becca, you spent some time at Picasso recently. Tell us about it.

(LEAD) Thank you _____ This local business specializes in B-Y-O-B paint parties and is quickly gaining popularity. Whether it's date night or girls' night out, you don't need any artistic ability to enjoy Personal Picasso.

Picasso may be starting a new trend in San Marcos. It's for people of all ages. Owner and Texas State Alum, Charli Reno, opened Personal Picasso last November. Reno says although business started off slowly, it soon gained momentum.
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What attracts many of Personal Picasso's customers is the one-of-a-kind experience. Barbara Espinoza was excited to come in for the first time with a bottle of champagne and see what all the hype is about.
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Texas State art students are invited to be a part of a week-long art show. The show is free to the public, but if there are any donations they will go to the Fine Arts Student Association. Reno says this has been one of her goals since she opened the studio.
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Brittany Green

The use of electronic cigarettes is on the rise, and it's one reason that tobacco usage is down. Brittany Green has more in this Bobcat Update.

A national survey recently stated that the use of electronic cigarettes among young people tripled from 2013 to 2014. Meanwhile, the percentage of cigarette smokers declined significantly. The trend has been good for business for Marvelous Smoke, a vape shop in San Marcos.
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However, not everybody likes the idea of battery-powered vaporizers.
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Some people may be attracted to the look and variety of flavors offered by e-cigarettes, while others see an important purpose being served in using them.
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Texas State has proclaimed itself a smoke-free environment, and that includes a ban on e-cigarettes. For Bobcat Update, I'm Brittany Green.

Erin Pollack

Texas State students seem to be receiving more alerts lately. Alerts are sent by e-mail and texts, providing warnings about trouble on or near campus. Erin Pollack has more in this Bobcat Update.

The University Police Department sends alerts by e-mail and text because they are usually effective in reaching students and faculty. Follow-up message are also sent depending on the situation. If the threat is stabilized or found to be a false alarm, then an all-clear message is issued. U-P-D says it's careful about issuing alerts. Several steps are taken before sending them.
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Not everyone can be reached in a timely manner using e-mail, and that can be a problem during emergencies.
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The police department hopes students check their e-mail regularly to stay informed. For Bobcat Update, I'm Erin Pollack.

Angelica Cobos

Several incoming freshmen next fall will be getting significant financial help, thanks to the Terry Foundation. As Angelica Cobos tells us in this Bobcat Update, the foundation has chosen its scholarship winners for the coming year.

The Terry Foundation is one of the largest providers of private scholarships in Texas. It awards scholarships to high school seniors who have a record of leadership in their community.
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The scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate financial need.
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The foundation expects the Terry Scholars to be active members of the university community.
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Stand up: Terry Scholars has help many students since 2004 and Texas State hopes to continue to help even more students in the future. For Bobcat Update, I'm Angelica Cobos.

Allie Ibarra

A hot new trend in San Marcos can benefit your mind, body and soul. Bobcat Update's Allie Ibarra helps blaze the trail with this story.

Red Dawg Hot Yoga is a new studio in town, and it's the ONLY one to offer hot yoga in San Marcos. Studio owner Jamie Barnard has been teaching yoga in the Austin, San Marcos and Wimberly area for six years, and she wanted to bring hot yoga to the city where she grew up.
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(Stand Up) Red Dawg offers a wide variety of classes for beginners and advanced participants and has become a hot commodity amongst San Marcos Residents.
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Bernard says hot yoga is similar to physical therapy. It can benefit the body in several ways.
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Not even a year old, this studio has become quite popular and has several regulars. For Bobcat Update, I'm Allie Ibarra.

Hunter Cortez

Families who plan to come to San Marcos next month for graduation weekend should probably make their reservations soon. As Hunter Cortez tells us in this Bobcat Update, some local hotels are already completely booked.

Soon seniors will be walking the stage with their families watching and snapping photos. Graduation is a hectic time for almost everyone including hotels. Some of the hotels in San Marcos expect to be filled for the weekend.
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Hotel staff can expect to be working longer hours. Evelyn Smith says she's prepared.
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A possible solution for people who can't find a place would be to look into Kyle or New Braunfels. For Bobcat Update I'm Hunter Cortez.

Sarah Duran

San Marcos officials say they've seen an increase in the number of children entering state protective custody. CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates, is campaigning to better serve the children who need help. Sarah Duran has more on the story.


For 30 years CASA has assisted children throughout central Texas, but the group needs more resources to keep up with the growing demand for its services. In November CASA kicked off a one-point-two-million-dollar capital campaign to build a bigger facility off Hunter Road. Board president Joanne _______ says a new building will enable CASA to bring in more volunteers and keep more children out of state care.
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In 2014, the number of Hays County children in state protective custody was 214. CASA was only able to serve 72 percent or 3 out 4 of those children –which left some without an advocate.
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And all it takes is one extra volunteer to change the life of another.
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SU: Community support is what drives this non-profit organization to success and the capital campaign
is just the next step to making this dream come true in 2016. For Bobcat Update, I'm Sarah Duran.

Tyler Stevenson

Texas State's Student Health Center is calling attention to dating violence in hopes of ending it. Bobcat Update's Tyler Stevenson has the story.

Minutes before the Health Center's sexual assault awareness rally on Monday, students marched across campus to promote the event.
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Once at the L-B-J Amphitheater, some victims of sexual assault shared their stories. Texas State Alum Ebony Stewart recalled the time her boyfriend got too aggressive.
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However, Stewart was able to get away.
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Stewart says the assault changed her perception of men.
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Stewart says although being sexually assaulted is life changing, women can't let it define them.
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Texas State counselor Doctor Bethany Evans says she hopes the rally will encourage more students to open up and talk about the violence against them.
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Texas State offers free counseling for anyone who has experienced dating violence. The counseling center is open Monday through Friday, and no appointment is necessary. For Bobcat Update, I'm Tyler Stevenson.

Ruby Villarreal

The Texas legislature is considering proposals that could affect thousands of people who want to pursue a college education. Ruby Villarreal has more in this Bobcat Update.

The Texas Dream Act became law in 2001. The law allows for undocumented citizens, those who are living in Texas, to qualify for in-state tuition. The law faces stiff opposition in Austin. Several lawmakers have vowed to repeal it.
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Those who oppose the Dream Act claim it wastes taxpayer money, but those who favor it see it as an investment.
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To qualify for in-state tuition under the law, prospective students must sign a document that claims their intentions to gain American citizenship. They must also graduate from high school or earn a G-E-D, and they must have been living in Texas for a minimum of three years. For Bobcat Update Ruby Villarreal.

Chris Simmons

The Texas State wake-boarding team made some waves at its annual competition this past weekend. Chris Simmons has more in this wet story.

Texas State's annual event played host Sunday morning to several schools, including Baylor, Texas A-and–M and Arizona State. The rain may have been coming down, but the riders and water were flying up. Men and women strapped in and launched off to compete in beginner, intermediate and advanced levels for their respective universities.
Texas State Wake is a group of students that gets together to have fun, compete and fly.
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As one of the top ranked cable parks in the country, Texas Ski Ranch offers the ideal place for Texas State to call home. If you've never strapped on a board before, or if you're a pro, this is the spot to go in the Hill country for a great experience.
Texas State offers wake-boarding classes for anyone who wants to fill a p-f-w credit and get stoked at the same time. For Bobcat Update I'm Chris Simmons.

Benjamin Godson

Texas State students who work for minimum wage say their paychecks are being stretched to the limit. Ben Godson has the story in this Bobcat Update.

The San Marcos Outlet Mall is a great place to shop, but, for those who work there, they don't have a lot to spend. They have to keep their shopping at a minimum. They simply can't afford much. ______________ has been working at the Outlet Mall for more than ____ years, and he doesn't have much to show for it.
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Low wages apply to more than entry level and seasonal workers. Wages are also low for managers.
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Some shop owners regard student works as dispensable. It's fairly easy to find replacements when employees move on, and those who stay for a while say they don't see much reward for their loyalty. For Bobcat Update, I'm Ben Godson.

James Smith

Being labeled based on appearances is a problem that many students face every day. Bobcat Update's James Smith has more on the story.

Negative stereotypes can have an impact, especially when the perceptions are wrong.
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Many students feel they get typecast into categories based on how they look.
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Ethnicity and gender also are factors.
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Even organizations like Greek Life.
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That's why students say the best way to combat stereotypes is to address them head on.
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And most importantly, just being yourself.
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Every student is unique in his or her own way and has a right to be respected. The key is for people to be more open-minded and less judgmental. For Bobcat Update, I'm James Smith.

Gregory Tate

Texas State students are getting their heads ready for graduation, and their caps. Greg Tate has more in this Bobcat Update.

Texas State has quite a few graduation traditions. Among them include jumping in the river and dunking your ring, but another graduation tradition that's gaining popularity is graduation cap decorating. Designs can range from simple monograms to elaborate works of art. Students are taking to social media to find creative designs and quotes to incorporate into their cap designs. Customized caps give students an opportunity to express their individuality and express their gratitude for those who helped them along the way.
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However, not everyone has the ability to craft a cap masterpiece and that's where Stiches & Such comes in. Stitches & Such opened six years ago with only one sewing machine and now they have expanded to include over four state-of-the-art monogram machines, multiple
sewing machines, and a heat press. Owned by a Texas State alum and her mother, the local store specializes in monogram embroidery and they can do any cap design a student thinks of in a matter of about 20 minutes for about 25 dollars.
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Student's can even bring in the picture from Pinterest and the Mother-Daughter duo will do their best to match it exactly. They also do customized stoles. So whether students want to decorate a cap by themselves or have it done professionally, they will all look the same when they're thrown in the air come Commencement Day.
Standup: With Texas State Graduation fast approaching, local businesses such as Stitches and Such are cashing in on making Bobcat's graduation a once-in-a-lifetime experience, for Bobcat Update, I'm Gregory Tate.

Aaron Lugo

The City of San Marcos has put out a call for local artists to create a design for a new mural as part of the ongoing Keep San Marcos beautiful project. Aaron Lugo has more in this Bobcat Update

The abandoned commercial building at 110 East Martin Luther King Drive is getting a makeover and the city is commissioning local artists to contribute designs for the chance to have their work displayed in a public space along with a one thousand dollar stipend for every panel of artwork they contribute. Amy Kirwin of the San Marcos Mural Arts committee says that the goal is to discourage graffiti vandalism and to express community values that San Marcos locals share.
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In the past, murals have been designed by local artists and Texas State Students. One example is the Mural at the Children's park that tells the city's history from the time of the Native Americans to when Aquarena Springs became a tourist attraction.

Art major Elizabeth Griego has some ideas on what she would put into her design, SB
The city hopes to have the mural completed early this summer. Artists can submit their designs until April 22. For more information, go to the city of San Marcos Parks and Recreation website. For Bobcat Update, I'm Aaron Lugo.

Charlena McNeil

Many workplaces frown on their employees having visible tattoos. Bobcat Update's Charlena McNeil reports on how that affects students who may be considering body art:
Tattoos are pretty common on college campuses, but they can be detrimental to one's career plans. Because of this, students should keep their post-graduation ambitions in mind when deciding between getting one that's visible or one that's hidden.
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A visible tattoo can make or break a person's chances of landing a dream job. But, for some, tattoos play no significant role at all.
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Getting a tattoo should be done with caution:
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Some people view a tattoo as a symbol of their individuality, but if they decide later to get rid of it, there are potential consequences they must consider:
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Angelica Cobos

Hip-Hop Congress has begun auditions for its annual event, The Epidemic. Angelica Cobos has more in this Bobcat Update.

The Texas State Hip Hop Congress is spreading the word about the musical genre -- regarded by many as the most influential of this generation.
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The Epidemic is the biggest program of the year for Hip Hop Congress. The event, which takes about three months of planning, will feature a giant showcase and freestyle battle.
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The Epidemic typically brings an audience of more than a thousand people. The behind-the-scenes
effort is hectic but organized.
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Many Texas State students are looking forward to the musical experience.
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Hip-Hop Congress has a lot of talent to show off at this year's showcase. It takes place April 15th in the L-B-J Amphitheater. A Hip-Hop crown will be placed on the best freestyle rapper, and students will witness it all! For Bobcat Update, I'm Angelica Cobos.

Colton Thompson

Hays County's population is one of the fastest growing in America. Colton Thompson has more in this Bobcat Update.

The U-S Census Bureau says Hays County had the fifth highest population growth over the past year nationwide, and, in Texas, Hays County is number one. its population has risen by nearly five percent to 185-thousand people. City and county leaders have a challenge on their hands to make sure that the local area can sustain such growth. Streets and highways have to be maintained. Schools and services need to be supported. And there's the question of water -- and whether there's enough to go around. Last summer the city had severe water restrictions because of the lack of rain. But Jon Clack, an assistant director of public services, says the city has enough water for the foreseeable future.
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But conservation is very important.
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Officials say Hays County is growing in population because Texas State has had an enrollment surge and more jobs are available.
Standup: With more jobs being created, the city expects this trend to continue. For Bobcat Update, I'm Colton Thompson.

Hannah Cramer

Windy weather could not blow out the high energy at the annual maroon and gold football game. Hannah Cramer has more in this Bobcat Update.

Bobcat Stadium was filled with cheerleaders, Strutters, the marching band and a loud crowd of Texas State fans. The Strutters have been supporting Bobcat football for 55 years.
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___ Johnson is the father of number 19 and drove more than three hours to watch the maroon and gold game.
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The game this past weekend marks the end of spring practice for the football team and the beginning of the off-season conditioning workouts.
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The best part about the Maroon and Gold game is that no matter the score, it's still a win for the Bobcats. For Bobcat Update, I'm Hannah Cramer.

Colin Woods

The blaring sounds of train horns that have been bothering San Marcos residents for years will finally be silenced in a few months' time. Colin Woods has more on this Bobcat Update…

Have you ever made it through a sleepless night without hearing the horn of a passing train? For many San Marcos residents, the feat would be rather difficult if they live in an apartment complex near the train tracks. Trains pass by from five to ten times a day blaring their horns and leaving residents nearly deaf for a few seconds at a time. This can be a problem for residents like Austin Springer
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Wildwood and Copper Beech are apartment complexes close to the tracks. Managers there say the loud train horns have affected their residents:
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The trains -- by law -- are required to sound their horns at all of the city's 19 crossings, but now the city is ready to have quiet zones at night, which means the requirement will be waived. To ensure the safety of motorists, warning signs will be seen at all of the affected crossings. The quiet zones will take effect near the end of May. For Bobcat Update, I'm Colin Woods.

Allie Ibarra

The University Galleries are featuring the artistic works of students from Texas State's School of Art and Design. Allie Ibarra has more on this Bobcat Update.

The All-Student Juried Exhibition showcases the work of students who have taken courses within the School of Art and Design. Students and faculty are able to visit the galleries and see the results.
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This year's guest juror, Rachel Adams, selected the final works that are exhibited. Senior Ike Julian received recognition for his untitled piece.
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(Standup) There were 350 entries in this year's spring All-Student Juried Exhibition, and it's clear that there is a lot of creativity here on our campus. The exhibition will be open to the public until April 16th. For Bobcat Update, I'm Allie Ibarra.

Becca Roberts

The food truck park in San Marcos offers a wide variety of good eats to chose from. Pizza, pita and much more are on the menu at The Hitch. Becca Roberts has more in this Bobcat Update.

The Hitch has an eclectic feel and a diverse food selection. Texas State students bring a lot of business to the park, but the place stays busy year round -- even when much of the student population declines during breaks. Dillion Behne, of St. Pita's, says weather is the biggest factor when it comes to the rise and fall of activity.
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While some local businesses may feel the negative effects of school breaks, The Hitch is apparently not one of them. San Marcos resident Gayle Gaston says she enjoys The Hitch.
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(STAND UP) This Hitch is located off of East Hopkins Street, next to Bank of America. For Bobcat Update, I'm Becca Roberts.

Matthew Connor

It was carnival time in San Marcos last week, and Bobcat Update's Matthew Connor attended. Here's his report:

Farmer Fred's Garden Spring Carnival is a decades-old tradition in San Marcos. Matching it is a similar harvest carnival near Halloween. The city's Parks and Recreation Department organized the spring carnival, which is mostly staffed by volunteers.
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Carnival-goers could play games, and a few vendors were there as well, selling things like food and snow cones. Children enjoyed the animals, the train and egg hunts.
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Each of these carnivals takes a week to set up and four to six months to plan. For Bobcat Update, I'm Matthew Connor.

David Cornwell

Some of the bus drivers at Texas State might go on strike, if they can't reach a deal with the company they work for. David Cornwell has more in this Bobcat Update.

Contracts talks have apparently stalled between shuttle operators and Transdev – the company that runs the university's shuttle system. The bus drivers are represented by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 10-91. The union is petitioning for higher wages.
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Transdev's contract offer has been turned down by the union voters. The offer included a pay raise of 25 cents after every year worked, stopping at around the 15 dollar an hour mark. However, shuttle operators who have worked six years or more for the system would receive a stipend of 250 dollars a year with NO pay increase.
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Currently, the Bobcat Shuttle operators earn 10 dollars and 98 cents per hour when they're first hired, compared to U-T's shuttle operators receiving 13 dollars and 30 cents an hour After four years, shuttle operators at U-T earn as much as 20 dollars and 38 centers per hour.
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The General Manager of Transdev at Texas State, Jack Besch,says that the significant portion of the workforce is comprised of part-time students. The company believes wages and benefits are in line with the type of service being provided. Union president Jay Wyatt says one-third of the operators are students, one-third are retirees, and one-third are looking to make a career driving the shuttles.
SB - Union President - talking about Strike vote
Transdev and the union will next meet on April 28th. If those talks don't produce results, a mediator may be asked to intervene. And if that step doesn't resolve the situation, a bus driver strike is possible. For Bobcat Update, I'm David Cornwell.

Austin Guerrero

San Marcos has experienced some very dry summers the past few years. Bobcat Update's Austin Guerrero reports on what might happen if the drought continues.


The San Marcos River is home to hundreds of plant and animal species. Some are endangered when water levels go down. Efforts are underway to conserve the river. Ben Taylor works at the Meadows Center at Texas State.
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While some regard the Meadows Center as merely a tourist attraction, Taylor and the center's staff see it much more than that. From the glass-bottom boat rides to the exhibits, their job is to send a message -- The river and aquifer are important historically and scientifically.
SBSewell Park and tubing down the river are part of the San Marcos tradition, but it's great every once in a while to remember that preserving the plants and animals that live there is vital. For Bobcat Update, I'm Austin Guerrero.