9/29/18

Alex Sereno

A new restaurant in town is targeting the vegans among us. Binge Kitchen offers a variety of plant-based meals to add to your diet. Bobcat Update's Alex Sereno has the story.
 
Before it became a brick and mortar restaurant this past September, Binge Kitchen operated as one of the many food trucks in town. The owners were motivated to establish a more permanent location because of a new addition to their family.
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Binge Kitchen serves a variety of plant-based meals inspired by Yarnisha's and Blach's culture. 
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Binge Kitchen is located at 1-21 North Fredericksburg Street in San Marcos. Customers are likely to leave the place feeling satisfied.
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Stop by Binge Kitchen to integrate a plant-based meal into your diet. For Bobcat Update, I'm Alex Sereno.

Kaylee Strub

San Marcos residents and Texas State students may have noticed yellow bikes around town. Bobcat Update's Kaylee Strub has the story.
  
The city and university have teamed up to bring a bike share program to the community. The idea is to provide affordable and convenient access to bicycles.
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VeoRide is a dockless bike-share system. Riders can locate bikes using the VeoRide App. 
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The dockless bikes give users freedom to travel where they want with no need to return the bikes to their original location.
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Rental rates are as low as 50 cents for 15 minutes. Passes may be purchased for a day, a month or an entire year. Texas State students are eligible for discounts on monthly and annual passes.
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So, grab your helmet and smart phone to begin your adventure with a simple scan of the code on the bike. For Bobcat Update, I'm Kaylee Strub.

Dominique Hutchinson

Innovation is the Common Experience theme this year. Dominique Hutchinson reports on how the university has used the theme to highlight activities on campus. 

Innovation can open opportunities for employment. Students want a job when they finish their studies, and being on the cutting edge can help. 
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Employers are looking for candidates who have bachelor degrees and, increasingly so, masters degrees.  
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Bobcats are encouraged to stay motivated. 
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Texas State has more activities coming up that will use the innovation theme. The Common Experience webpage has more information. For Bobcat Update, I'm Dominique Hutchinson. 

Amber Olivo

Following a devastating fire at Iconic Village Apartments, a local church set up a donation room dedicated to helping the students who were affected. Bobcat Update's Amber Olivo has more on the story.

The United Campus Ministry now has a Fire Recovery Closet to help Texas State students who lost property in the fire. 
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The church set a goal for the donation closet.
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Pastor Salmi says the Bobcat community has been supportive.
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The room is filled with donations. Students who need clothes or household items can get them free of charge.
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The closet is expected to be open for another two weeks to serve those in need. The United Campus Ministry is located at 510 North Guadalupe Street. For Bobcat Update, I'm Amber Olivo.

Lacey Pompe

It's quite apparent that Alkek Library is undergoing renovations. The scaffolding on the building's exterior suggests that something major is occurring. Bobcat Update's Lacey Pompe tells us how the changes will affect students.

The construction has resulted in detours and extra walking, but most students realize there will be a pay off in the end. The project is called the Alkek 20/20 Vision.
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Though having construction on campus can be stressful for students, the expected changes are very enticing.  
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The renovations will result in new technologies, a new café, new editions to the Wittliff collections and much more. 
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For the time being, some detours are required to navigate around campus, but everything should still be accessible to students.
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Though the loud clinking and the unusual appearance could catch you off guard, students are encouraged to think about the prospect of the better future and a more beneficial Alkek Library. For Bobcat Update, I'm Lacey Pompe. 

Torre Webb

The First Baptist Church of San Marcos, built in 1908, is competing for a 150-thousand-dollar restoration grant. Bobcat Update's Natorre Webb has the story. 
  
A bit of San Marcos history will be preserved IF the First Baptist Church, located on Martin Luther King Drive, receives a grant from a group called Partners in Preservation.  The San Marcos Main Street program has linked with the Preservation Society in hopes of restoring what they call a Landmark of Hope.
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The funding would be used to repair the church's foundation and protect it from weather damage. Several projects nationwide are vying for grants, which will be determined by the end of this month. The Landmark of Hope is a top contender so far.
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The National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Main Street America program, and American Express are raising two-million-dollars to support projects like Landmark of Hope.
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The first African-American church in San Marcos was called the Colored Baptist Church Zion. It later was burned down by the Ku Klux Klan. In response, the community rebuilt it as a grand Victorian-style church which still stands today.
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9/26/18

Weston Howard

When it comes to finding a job after graduation, Texas State can offer some assistance. Bobcat Update's Weston Howard has the story.

Texas State hosts several career fairs each semester, providing students with opportunities to speak to employers and distribute their resumes. Students hope the connections they make will lead to experiences that will advance their ambitions.
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Career Fairs are usually held in the L-B-J Student Center. The fairs help students find out what employers are looking for when they hire employees. Students also learn about the importance of a firm handshake, eye-contact and a friendly smile.
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Career fairs are a great way to network.
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Throughout the semester, Texas State will host career fairs that are designed for specific majors. No matter what field students hope to go into, there's something for everyone. For Bobcat Update, I'm Weston Howard.
      

9/25/18

Sydney De La Cruz

Heavy rain this past weekend washed up some colorful creatures at the third annual Mermaid Promenade in San Marcos. Bobcat Update's Sydney De La Cruz has the story. 
 
Merfolk and mermaid enthusiasts alike gathered downtown Saturday to watch decorative floats and fantasy creatures at the Mermaid Promenade.  
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The  Mermaid Society of San Marcos is where creativity and conservation are in harmony. Founded in 20-16, the organization has used the symbol of the mermaid to celebrate local art, culture and, of course, the San Marcos River.  
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The parade was one of several events to celebrate all things Mermaid. There was also the 15-day SPLASH festival featuring the city's arts scene, culture and heritage. For more information on the Mermaid Society and future events, ycheck out the group's website. For Bobcat Update, I'm Sydney De La Cruz.

Tyler Jackson

A  new apartment complex in San Marcos remains unfinished prompting some Texas State students to find temporary housing. Bobcat Update's Tyler Jackson has the story.

Some students who signed contracts to live at Haven Apartments on Thorpe Lane are frustrated by the slow progress of construction at the complex.
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The project is far behind schedule.
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This  is not the first time Texas State students have experienced a move-in delay. In Fall of 2017, hundreds of students who signed at the Pointe San Marcos found themselves housed in hotels as apartment construction continued.
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According to the Haven's website, students who have signed leases should be able to move in by November first. For Bobcat Update, I'm Tyler Jackson.
    

9/22/18

Region Kinden

The City of San Marcos is piling on another construction project this year. Bobcat Update's Region Kinden has more. 
 
C-M Allen Parkway between University Drive and Hopkins Street is currently undergoing reconstruction.  The city wants to add more parking and make the area safer for pedestrians and cyclists. 
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The project has been planned for some time, and now city officials feel the time is right to move forward with needed capital improvements.  
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Some downtown businesses are hurting because of the construction. Parking is limited and pedestrians who'd normally walk to and from the river have to take another route.  
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The work is also inconveniencing many drivers because of the detours they have to take.
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The project should be completed by April 2019. For Bobcat  Update, I'm Region Kinden.

Dilynn-Paige Ewing

Commuters in San Marcos will sooner or later have their paths blocked -- thanks to the more than 30 trains that pass through the city every day. Bobcat Update's Dilynn-Paige Ewing has the story.
 
Safety is a big concern in a city where there are so many trains. At intersections of streets and tracks, lights flash and gates come down to warn drivers to keep the path clear when there's an approaching train. However, new regulations keep trains from blowing their horns at some intersections. Some students say they appreciate the silence while others think think it's potentially dangerous.
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There is constant foot, car, and bike traffic on the train tracks daily, so it is very important to be aware of your surroundings when crossing.
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Remember that trains can be difficult to stop, and any collision with smaller vehicles will likely be deadly. So, to be safe, always look and and listen before crossing the tracks.
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Justin Zuloaga

Many students at Texas State have noticed the bright gold box that has taken over a large area of the quad. Bobcat Update's Justin Zuloaga [PHONETIC SPELLING NEEDED] has the story. 

Inside the foreign object is a virtual Facetime that can be seen worldwide.
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The space is called Shared Studios, which opened in late August. The gold shipping-container is equipped with immersive audio and video technology, allowing participants to come face-to-face with others who may be in distant locations. The encounter is live and full-body, as if in the same room.
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The portal is funded by several university departments but primarily operated by the School of Art and Design. All Texas State staff and student organizations are welcome to use the portal to connect with others on topics related to their courses.
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So, the next time curiosity arises, go and check out this unique experience. To learn more about Shared Studios or to reserve time in the portal, go to the website -- t-x-s-t-galleries-dot-org. For Bobcat Update, I'm Justin Zuloaga.

Dominic Ansley

Many Texas State seniors will be graduating in December, which makes it a good time to order their class rings. Bobcat Update's Dominic Ansley has more on the special meaning rings hold for each student.

A lot of seniors who are completing their studies this semester participate in a long-standing tradition of receiving a class ring. For some, the ring represents the end of a long journey aimed at earning a degree.
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For other Bobcats, it represents the pride that they have in their alma mater.
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Students aren't the only ones who take joy in the process. Employees from Balfour – the company that manufactures the rings – enjoy helping seniors find the perfect ring for the special occasion.
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Some Texas State parents have also made their way to San Marcos to help their Bobcats pick out rings. It's an opportunity for the students to show pride in what they have accomplished during their time here.
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The Texas State Ring Celebration will be held on December 1st at Strahan Coliseum. For Bobcat Update,  I'm Dominic Ansley.

David Whitfield

Texas has reached a crossroads when it comes to students voting in elections. Bobcat Update's David Whitfield has more on students planning to make their way to the voting booth.

When it comes to national and state-wide elections, students have been skeptical about making their voices heard. Many organizations are taking steps to fix the lack of student participation in politics.
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The world has seen some some major political shifts since the 2016 presidential election. Many students see the upcoming midterm election as a chance to have an impact on America's political climate.
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Although voting is an easy way to make yourself heard, some students feel that informing yourself may be even more important than getting out and voting.
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Many students at Texas State are depending on their peers to make educated decisions this voting season.
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The Texas State student body is showing itself as a generation capable of having an impact and one that's poised to create change. For Bobcat Update, I'm David Whitfield.

9/2/18

Alannah Morales

Texas State's School of Journalism and Mass Communication program is among the largest academic units in the country. Bobcat Update's Alannah Morales has more on what attracts students to the school.

S-J-M-C has an enrollment of almost 23-hundred students as it prepares them to be socially responsible media professionals.
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Housed in Old Main, the program was established more than 60 years ago and continues to assist students who are seeking careers in media-related fields.
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The school also has nine student organizations and three student media outlets to encourage involvement and gain experience. For Bobcat Update, I'm Alannah Morales.

Eladio Escovar

Texas State University has several multi-million-dollar projects underway. Bobcat Update's Eladio Escovar has the story. 

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Two of the more visible projects on campus are at the L-B-J Student Center and Alkek Library. 
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The student center construction project began in May and will add 30-to-40 thousand square feet to the building. 
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At Alkek Library, the 2020 Vision plan will address several needs to update the building.
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Though both projects are expected to have a positive impact on the students, some students have mixed feelings about the renovations. 
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Students now need to familiarize themselves with new signs, walkways and staircases to get to class on time. 
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Both projects are expected to be completed in the Spring of 2020, but, for now, faculty and students will have to deal with the construction. 
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For Bobcat Update, I'm Eladio Escovar.

9/1/18

Aalyssa Carrillo

Construction at Texas State seems to be non-stop. Students are coping with expansion and renovation projects at almost every turn. Bobcat Update's Aalyssa Carrillo tells us how some students are handling all of the activity.

Detours and delays are a fact of life for many returning students. The university has blocked off easy access to the L-B-J Student Center and Alkek Library. Some say it's an inconvenience.
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The noise from the construction interferes with lessons in the classroom. 
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Some fear the construction could be a safety hazard.
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Texas State estimates the student center expansion will be completed in spring 2020. In the meantime, students will have to plan ahead if they want to make their destinations on time.
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The university has posted information on its website for those who want to learn more about the expansion timeline, building access and relocations. For Bobcat Update, I'm Aalyssa Carrillo. 

Region Kinden

Grow Cats Grow seems to be a fitting motto for Texas State, as the university creates more space for students. Bobcat Update's Region Kinden has more.

The L-B-J Student Center is being expanded -- thanks to a 31-million-dollar design plan that was approved by the university's board of regents earlier this year. The five-story building will increase by more than 22-thousand square feet with improvements for students and alumni. After the expansion is completed, the student center will be almost twice the size it is now.
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The growth in enrollment at Texas State prompted the expansion. Some students have misgivings about having so many construction projects on campus.
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The Student Center expansion is expected to be finished by May of 2020. For Bobcat Update, I'm Region Kinden.

Adam Smith

Workers are putting the finishing touches on Texas State's new engineering building. Bobcat Update's Adam Smith has the story.
 
While construction continues at the corner of Comanche and Woods Streets, students are already attending classes in the state-of-the-art facility. Excitement fills the hallways.
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Officially called Ingram Hall, the 120 (m) million dollar project is now the largest building on campus. It houses comfortable classrooms, a learning center and will soon feature innovative engineering labs.
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The building looks the part. There's a welcoming sculpture out front and a modern architectural feel that's sure to inspire student success.
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Construction should be completed later this fall, but for now, aspiring Bobcat engineers can kill time between classes by watching the professionals at work. For Bobcat Update, I'm Adam Smith.  

Abel Garza

It's hot outside. It's uncomfortable. You didn't ask for it, but here it is. The first week of classes has arrived. Bobcat Update's Abel Garza tells us what makes the first week so special.
 
Whether you're a freshman, senior or faculty member, the first week sets the standard for the rest of the semester.
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With multiple locations on campus under construction, incoming students may find it inconvenient and a troubling first impression. Returning students, though, are more accustomed to it.
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The Quad serves as a reminder of just how many students there are at the university. The hubbub may be overwhelming for freshmen, but student organizations and faculty see it as a chance to recruit students, or at least make them feel welcomed.
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For seniors at Texas State, this week may be bittersweet, because they know their journey as an undergraduate will soon end. 
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While the first week brings with it new assignments and projects, it's important to remember that attending classes also provide opportunities to meet new people and learn new skills. For Bobcat Update, I'm Abel Garza.
    

Ruben Garza

Returning students at Texas State will notice that construction has taken over many areas of the campus. Bobcat Update's Ruben Garza has more on the story.
 
Along with getting back into the usual routines of school, students now have to navigate through Texas State's newest construction projects. The two biggest projects are at Alkek Library and the L-B-J Student Center, which are both being renovated. The construction has resulted in several walkways being closed, and, by the start of the spring semester, Starbucks and Chick-Fil-A will be closed at the student center.
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The L-B-J project should be completed by May of 2020, which disappoints some students.
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The L-B-J expansion will add a new main lobby, more conferences rooms and a multi-cultural area. For Bobcat Update, I'm Ruben Garza.