3/26/18

Halee Brewer

Coaches and athletes are excited about the renovations taking place at Strahan Coliseum. Bobcat Update's Halee Brewer has  the story.
  
Strahan Coliseum has been shut down for remodeling. Texas  State assistant volleyball coach Sean Huiet says the changes will be an important selling point when the university recruits new players.
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 Although the construction has forced the staff and players to relocate and adjust, they are sure it will be worth  the wait. Basketball player Bailey Holle can't wait for the new facility. 
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The staff, coaches and athletes will be able to move into their new locker rooms and offices later this year. The project also includes a new University Events Center.  For Bobcat Update, I'm Halee Brewer.

Christina Noriega

Graduation is coming up, which means many students are making arrangements to capture the perfect pictures for  friends and family. Bobcat Update's Christina Noriega has the story.

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Preparing for graduation not only means taking pictures, but it also includes purchasing caps and gowns, class rings, and invitations.
All of these can add up, and students have found it helpful to allow close friends and fellow students to take their pictures.
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Student photographers have used this opportunity to practice for future careers.
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Although props are typically used while taking photos, some props are prohibited on campus. Confetti washes through the drain and into the San Marcos River putting the fish and other aquatic life in danger. Student photographers realize the importance of having no confetti and offer alternatives to use as props.
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While looking for the perfect photographer for your graduation photos, keep in mind that it could be a friend or fellow Texas State student. For Bobcat Update, I'm Christina Noriega.

3/25/18

Chandler Watson

Food -- we all have our favorites, and we need to know where to find them. Bobcat Update's Chandler Watson has been looking around and has some suggestions.

Food is essential to students at Texas State, and the city of San Marcos has plenty of good eats. From breakfast tacos to Thai food, your cravings can be satisfied with each bite you take! Most students enjoy a taco from time to time:
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Others lean toward the Oriental side.
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San Marcos is a college town, and there are many businesses who cater to the student population. Businesses know college students often have late nights and empty stomachs.
Standup: For those who have late night cravings, there are places like Fuego or Exxon offering 24-hour options so you can get your fixings whenever you need! For Bobcat Update, I'm Chandler Watson.

Jourdan Bazley

The Texas State Student Recreation Center has a lot to offer students especially when it comes to group workouts. As Jourdan Bazley tells us in this Bobcat Update, the workouts provide a way for students to stay in shape while having fun and meeting new people. 

Access to the classes is now available at half-price. For 30-bucks, you're in. 
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The price is reduced at mid-semester to encourage students to get involved in kickboxing, yoga, Zumba and more!
Classes are offered throughout the week, and on Saturdays and Sundays, with early morning and evening class times. 
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Participants can enjoy full access to all of the classes even though it's at a lower price. 
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With finals approaching, working out in a fun and less stressful way might just be what keeps you going.
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3/24/18

Clark Mundy

Texas State's Student Government has approved a bill that will provide FREE hygiene products on campus. Bobcat Update's Clark Mundy has the story.

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Public Relations major Jazmin Herrera says the legislation will help a lot of female students at Texas State.
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Communications Studies major Amber Alston welcomes the change.
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The author of the bill, Student Government Director of Diversity and Outreach Elijah Miller, says a pilot program will bring the hygiene products to three high-occupancy buildings on campus, which are not yet determined.
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Miller's motivation to introduce the bill stems from concerns he heard several women express.
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For Bobcat Update, I'm Clark Mundy. 

Aaron J. Derton

A report from the U-S Census Bureau shows several Texas counties are among the fastest- growing counties in America. Bobcat Update's Aaron Derton has the story.

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Hays is one of the fastest growing counties in America. The population grew almost five percent between 2016 and 2017 -- and grew at nearly the same rate the previous year. Elected officials, like Will Conley, say they are working hard to make sure the county is keeping up with growth.
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Texas State is contributing to the county's growth. Having more graduates means more people seeking employment.
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Conley, a Republican who lives in Wimberley, has been a county commissioner since 2004. For Bobcat Update, I'm Aaron Derton.

Zach Butler

Some Texas State Spanish instructors are teaching students how to shimmy and shake on the dance floor. Bobcat Update's Zach Butler tells us about free salsa lessons that are being offered.

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Rincon Hispano was started by a group of faculty members for anyone interested in the Spanish culture.  Assistant Professor Carlos Abreu Mendoza says the salsa lessons were added to the mix as a way to attract more students to the organization.
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Senior Lecturer Maria Diocares says the event allows students to share their culture.
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All levels of salsa dancers are encouraged to join in the fun. Texas State freshman Wendy Garcia Ramirez says she doesn't considered herself an experienced dancer.
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Salsa instructor Antonio Alfau says dancing is second nature to him.
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Alfau says students enjoy the lessons because they provide a chance to relax and have fun.
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Ultimately, Mendoza wants to provide students a space where they can have fun and dance.
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Rincon Hispano will be offering two more free salsa nights for students who want to learn. For Bobcat Update, I'm Zach Butler.

Debora Ayala

The end of the semester is in sight, which means some students are already stressing over finals. Bobcat Update's Debora Ayala has more.

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Late night cram sessions will leave anyone tired and in need of a nap. Boko's Living Room is the perfect quiet spot for that.  Naps aren't the only way to de-stress, though. Texas State student Gilberto Sandoval-Alvarado says he likes to take a break occasionally and relax.
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Sewell Park is also a place where you can find students using exercise as a way to decompress.
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There are many quiet spots on campus for you to relax and set aside the demands of a hectic semester. For Bobcat Update, I'm Debora Ayala.      

Trista Castillo

Students looking for vegan or healthier options on campus can look no further. Bobcat update's Trista Castillo went digging for some ways students can dine healthier on campus.
 
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Vegan and healthy options are starting to appear more and more on campus. Dining's Director of Marketing, Steven Granados says they have implemented more vegan options.
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Granados says places such as Harris and Commons dining haul are some of the healthiest, because of their seasonal menu.
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Students can download the dine on campus app for calorie counting and map feature to find vegan and healthy options to eat on campus.
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"Texas State offers many options when it comes to eating a vegan or a healthy lifestyle. For Bobcat Update, I am Trista Castillo."

William Perron

Easter is this weekend, which means the end of Lent. Bobcat Update's William Perron reports on how the tradition is being observed.

Catholics, Methodists and Lutherans are among those who participate in Lent. The religious practice begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter.
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The Reverend Todd Salmi, pastor of the United Campus Ministry, says Lent has a special meaning for him.
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Those who observe Lent try to change their lives for the better.
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SU: Easter is this Sunday on April 1st so before you go out hunting for eggs reflect on what you gave up this year or what you wished you had. For Bobcat Update, I'm William Perron.

Bryson Hennington

To encourage more women to be involved in political science, an organization called SWIPS -- short for Supporting Women in Political Science -- is recruiting members at Texas State. Bryson Hennington has the story.

Brianah Rodriguez and Ana De Loza are political science majors, and they started SWIPS after noticing that more women who majored in political science pursue careers in education rather than law or politics. They say SWIPS offers a support system for those who want to know more about the field. 
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The meetings encourage an open dialogue.
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SWIPS hosts weekly meetings at 7 on Wednesdays in the U-A-C building, room 428. For Bobcat Update, I'm Bryson Hennington.

Sara Lange

More than just studying happens at Texas State's Library. For example, a new book club has just formed and is encouraging readers to join. Sara Lange has the story. 

The Alkek Lit Society meets once a month on Tuesdays from six to eight. About 11 people usually gather to talk about a book that they've read the previous month.
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Library Assistant Donna Dean created the club to encourage more readers on campus. 
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The book genres range from horror to comedy, giving the club-goers a wide variety of reading experience. The club is open to all Texas State students and faculty members. It's free to join. 
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3/19/18

Shelby McElwee

The San Marcos music scene is alive and well. Bobcat Update's Shelby McElwee (Mack-ool-wee) has more.
 
Texas State students can find a vibrant downtown, filled each night with music. San Marcos offers something unique.
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To learn more about these artists, and to see where they're playing next, check out their Facebook pages and other social media. Your new favorite band might just be right here in San Marcos. For Bobcat Update, I'm Shelby McElwee.

Brianna Zemlicka

Walk across campus and you'll see logos at every turn. They're brand names that students identify with for a variety of reasons. Brianna Zemlicka has the story.

Whether it's on t-shirts or ball caps, every logo has a meaning behind it. There's often a story to be told about what motivates a student to wear this or that logo. Texas State student Elijah Sullivan says he loves to wear his shirt in  support of his favorite sports team.
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Texas State allows students to dress however they want when they go to class. Often their choices are based on comfort. 
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Sometimes it's a matter of style.
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Texas State University is a diverse campus where students express themselves freely in the way they dress. So, the next time you see a logo on a t shirt, remember there could be a deeper meaning behind it. For Bobcat Update, I'm Brianna Zemlicka. 

3/12/18

Matthew Perez

Brilliant Bobcats are offering a variety of techniques to help students improve their time management skills. Bobcat Update’s Matthew Perez has the story.

Time management skills are crucial in college, and a workshop offered by Brilliant Bobcats informs students on how to manage their time better. Student Development Specialist Stacie Strauch says participants can learn essential skills at the workshop.
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Priscilla Ramirez says she hopes to apply tips she has learned in her everyday life.
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Some students admit that time management skills are often overlooked.
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For more information on Brilliant Bobcat events, you can visit the Center for Student Retention at 400 North L-B-J Drive. For Bobcat Update, I’m Matthew Perez.

Mercedes Johnson

Many Texas State students want their voices to be heard. This has been a turbulent year on campus with protests calling attention to various concerns, including an effort to impeach Student Body President Connor Clegg. Bobcat Update's Mercedes Johnson has the story.

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The failed attempt to impeach Conner Clegg is not the only reason students have protested. Robertson says there is a bigger meaning behind it all.
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The protesters say they want to be heard.
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Sean Mitchell

The Altmeyer and Lewis Brewing Company is a relatively new business in San Marcos, but it's already making a name for itself in the world of craft beer. Bobcat Update's Sean Mitchell has more

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Brothers-in-law Stewart Altmeyer and Bryon Lewis have found great success with their award-winning efforts at a local brewery off Highway 123 in San Marcos. It all started right here.
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A-and-L has steady taps at about 40 businesses in the San Marcos area -- including bars and restaurants in New Braunfels, Kyle and Wimberley.
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The brothers are proud of their work. One of their brews was recognized recently at a competition in Bend, Oregon.
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The brothers from time to time host special events at the brewery, including yoga.
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If you're interested, you can find their events listed on their Facebook and Instagram pages. As for the future of the company, they say a new brew is in the works.
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Altmeyer and Lewis Brewing Company is set to open to the public in April. For Bobcat Update, I'm Sean Mitchell.

3/6/18

Alexis Gonzales

Another year brings another Comm Week at Texas State. Bobcat Update's Alexis Gonzales talked with participants about how this year's schedule compares to those of the past.  

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This year marks the 30th anniversary of Comm Week for the Communications Studies Department at Texas State. The event is designed for students and alumni.
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The theme of this year's Comm Week is Uncertainty--on campus and in the world around us. Keynote speaker Dr. Jennifer Theiss spoke about the uncertainty of relationships and how it affects college students.
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Comm Week provides a chance for students to learn more about effective communication from the shared insights of distinguished alumni.
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Comm Week ends _____________________. For Bobcat Update, I'm Alexis Gonzales.

3/5/18

Clark Mundy

Texas State students have a few opportunities each year to talk directly with President Trauth about their concerns. Bobcat Update's Clark Mundy talked to some students who attended a recent session with the president, and he filed this report:

One of the major concerns on campus is under-representation of minority groups. Sophomore Keyonte Simmons told the president that the university lacks diversity.
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Simmons also said he feels misrepresented.
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Political science major Gabrielle Grant said she's concerned about her safety on campus, especially at night.
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Grant also told President Trauth that she and others are frustrated that the university doesn't support having an immigration attorney for students. 
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President Trauth will next meet with students on April 11th. The meetings take place on the third floor of the L-B-J Student Center. For Bobcat Update, I'm Clark Mundy.

3/4/18

John Gonzales

As springtime draws closer, San Marcos is seeing its vibrant colors return. Bobcat Update's John Gonzales has been out and about to explore what makes the city unique.

When you think of San Marcos, what comes to mind? Is it the university and all of the students, or is it the notorious downtown square with all of its bars, shops and local eats? Or, better yet, is it the cool flow of the San Marcos River through Sewell Park? These are characteristics of an active, lively city, nestled between two neighboring giants -- Austin and San Antonio. San Marcos has its own identity. It stands apart because of its people.
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Local businesses also make a big difference in San Marcos. The city is home to thousands of college students who want their coffee, their study breaks, their music and much more. 
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If you are more of an outdoors person, the city has you covered. The scenery in and near the city is absolutely gorgeous. This is Hill Country where you can go to Purgatory Park off Wonder World Drive with its miles of trails and jaw dropping views. If you love the water, there's Rio Vista dam with three miniature waterfalls, and, of course, the famous Sewell Park and the San Marcos River. 
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There are so many things that make the city special, so next time you find yourself bored on the couch go out and explore what this wonderful city has to offer. For Bobcat Update I'm John Gonzales.  

Catherine Claunch

If you're wanting to fix up that post-winter bod, then look no further. Bobcat Update's Catherine Claunch has some tips for you.

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The rec center at Texas State offers a wide variety of equipment and activities for students to get in shape, including group fitness classes. Some say a group workout is more beneficial than exercising alone.
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Some students prefer certain classes. For example, the Zumba class is quite popular.
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Zumba instructor Charlie Rodriguez has been teaching classes at the rec center for nearly two years. Rodriguez says the classes serve all levels.
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Fitness classes at the student rec center are available to anyone enrolled at Texas State. For Bobcat Update, I'm Catherine Claunch.

3/3/18

Bennett Rodriguez

The Saturday Farmers' Market attracted a sizable crowd this past weekend in San Marcos,  despite the cloudy weather. In this Bobcat Update, Bennett Rodriguez tells us the market featured a lot of locally-grown vegetables and much more.

Dance lessons?! -- they had them. Tools needed sharpening?! The Farmers' Market was the place to do it. San Marcos has had Saturday Farmers' Markets for the past ten years. Farmers sell their goods and local artists have a place to feature their work as well. The local sellers who participate feel very strongly about their product lines and want to bring awareness to the Farmers Market. They want more people to understand the importance of locally-grown produce.
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The next Farmers' Market will be Saturday morning from 9 A-M to 1 P-M. It's held on the square in San Marcos -- across from the Courthouse -- on San Antonio Street. For Bobcat Update, I'm Bennett Rodriguez.  

Christina Noriega

A new vintage store is coming to San Marcos. As Christina Noriega tells us in this Bobcat Update, vintage stores are helpful to students who need to make some easy money. 
 
Uptown Cheapskate is not your average thrift store. The store buys clothes, and it offers current and trendy styles. Shoppers can find men's and women's clothing, handbags, shoes, hats and all kinds of accessories.  Vendors receive up to 30 percent of the retail price that they charge, OR they can have store credit saved onto their phone numbers, which they can use to shop at the store later. With more than 50 locations, the owner is excited that a shop is opening in San Marcos.
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With a large inventory, the store is offering a V-I-P ticket to people -- who sell their clothes -- to shop the night before the grand opening.
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Mary Diegel

Alkek Library -- the home of SLAC, Wittliff, late-night cram sessions  and those infamous stairs -- offers a wide variety of resources that can help students throughout their college careers. Mary Diegel has the story.
 
Although Alkek is known as the powerhouse for studying at Texas State, it has much more to provide than cubicles and books. Alkek's website describes many tools that students can use to make their college experience better. There are guides, library loans, and streaming tutorials. Students can learn new crafts or hone existing skills. Texas State Library Marketing and Promotions Coordinator, Debbie Pitts, says many students aren't aware of the many assets Alkek has. For example: the subject librarian.
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Alkek continues to expand its resources to accommodate the university's students, faculty and staff. The library even has an area for mothers with newborns, and it has studios for video and audio production with a new project called YouStar.  Library administrators say the goal is to enhance the learning environment for students.
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Alvarado Cassandria

Hundreds of volunteers helped clean up the San Marcos River this past weekend. Bobcat Update's Cassandria Alvarado has more.

The Great Texas River Cleanup celebrated its 33rd year with more than 750 volunteers working at 11 locations. The river cleanup lasted about three hours.
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The Great Texas River Cleanup is a collaborative effort involving Texas State University and The City of San Marcos. Volunteers handle the cleanup.
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The clean up covers the entire length of the San Marcos River, which is about 90 miles. For Bobcat Update, I'm Cassandria Alvarado.

Trista Castillo

Spring break will be in full swing next week, which is a great time for students to enjoy some time off. Bobcat Update's Trista Castillo went digging for fun activities to do for those who plan to stay in town.
 
From kayaking at Sewell Park to playing basketball at the Student Rec Center, the Texas State campus offers many activities for students who aren't traveling far this spring break.
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The Student Rec Center will be open throughout the break and will be offering life guard classes.
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Sewell Park's Outdoor Center will be closed next week, but students can still rent equipment.
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Some students say they will be attending Austin's South-By-Southwest-Festival.
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During spring break, there are plenty of things to do on campus or nearby. Have fun! For Bobcat Update, I'm Trista Castillo.

Jourdan Bazley

Sports clubs at Texas State give students an opportunity to compete. Activities range from football to quiddich, and there's a facility on campus for those interested in gymnastics. Bobcat Update's Jourdan Bazley has more on the story.

Many think that you have to have some type of experience to join the gymnastics club at Texas State, but it's not a necessary prerequisite. Members of the club gather at the Aquatic Center on campus to practice on rings, un-even bars, balance beams and much more.
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The club is open to anyone who wants to join. No experience is required.
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New members don't have to worry if they can't quite flip or swing like a pro. Members can serve as coaches to those who are less experienced. Those who have higher-level skills can join a team that competes against other Texas schools. Later this month Texas State will host the conference championships.
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Chandler Watson

San Marcos is known for its natural beauty, and there are many residents of the city who would like to keep it that way.  Bobcat Update's Chandler Watson reports on what some are doing to keep the city and its environment beautiful.

The Environmental Science Committee at Texas State has worked with numerous organizations to sustain the city's resources. For example, the committee provides support for Campus Rec and the Bike Cave. And last summer it allotted 13-thousand dollars to change 160 lighting fixtures on campus from traditional bulbs to L-E-D. Sports Club Representative Jenna Boering says changes like these bring much more than just a good vibe.
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The river in San Marcos is one of the city's most beloved treasures. Students know that keeping it pristine is very important.
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Transportation at Texas State can sometimes be a hassle. The emissions from buses and cars aren't a big help either. Alternative Transportation Services Coordinator Alex Vogt (Vaught) says biking contributes to having cleaner air.
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Environmental Science Committee member Katie Perner says sustaining the natural resources in San Marcos makes it a better place to live.
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Taking care of this beautiful city can't be stressed enough. If you take care of it, it'll take care of you, for Bobcat Update I'm Chandler Watson.

Stefan Whiteman

The Texas State library is hosting a printing contest to encourage students to use its 3-D printing lab. Bobcat Update's Stefan Whiteman has more.

The Alkek Library is hosting a 3-D printing competition to raise awareness about the unique features of the printing lab on the library's fourth floor. Students who are interested can submit their creations and compete for prizes.
The competition will be judged based on the creations' originality, creativity and utility. Other factors include ease of printing and aesthetics. Texas State student and librarian Daniel Blanchard says students can use 3-D software to create their files. Blanchard says Creator Studio was recently added to all Windows 10 devices.
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The contest rules say participants must be careful not break any copyright laws or make anything inappropriate. Also, there are some rules in regard to printing.
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To submit entries online, students should use S-T-L files. The grand prize winner will receive a free print of their design along with a variety of goodies ranging from a bag of coffee to a drone. Also, a video will be produced by YouStar Studio to show the winner's journey creating his or her submission. Entries will be accepted until March 23rd. For Bobcat Update, this is Stefan Whiteman.

Halee Brewer

When foreign exchange students come to Texas State, they are welcomed by the Thornton International House. Bobcat Update's Halee Brewer has the story.
 
Enrolled at Texas State are students from all over the world, including Europe, Japan and Latin America. The Thornton International House makes sure helps these students adjust to life far from home.
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Although the International House is there to make the students' study-abroad experience the best, there are times when students deal with culture shock. Study Abroad coordinator Oleksandra Sehin says it's normal for students to feel homesick. 
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The Thornton International House has several professionals ready to help make the international students' experience at Texas State more comfortable and accommodating. For Bobcat Update, I'm Halee  Brewer.

3/1/18

Aaron J. Derton

San Marcos Police are joining law enforcement officials from across the state in a warrant round-up today. Bobcat Update's Aaron Derton has the story.

Being served a warrant sounds like something out of a TV show or a movie -- but that's not what this round-up is about.
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Most of these warrants are for minor offenses such as parking and speeding tickets. Deputy Marshal Jeff Seaholm  says clearing up warrants is a way to make there are no problems later when driver's licenses or passports are issued.
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Seaholm says people with outstanding fines or warrants can go to the Hays County Government Center during business hours to clear things up. You won't be arrested for showing up. Having warrants delivered to you at home is a concern for law enforcement officials following the death of Officer Ken Copeland last year. Copeland was shot to death when he attempted to deliver a warrant. City officials say new safety procedures have been implemented. For Bobcat Update, I'm Aaron Derton.