11/28/18

Kenidee Thomas

Young and old alike are attracted to San Marcos. Texas State University boasts an enrollment of 38-thousand students, but they aren't the only group contributing to the city's significant growth in population. According to Forbes magazine, San Marcos is also a great place to retire. Bobcat Update's Kenidee Thomas tells us why in this report:

According to Forbes, San Marcos is the best place to retire in Texas. The city offers beautiful scenery, good air quality, affordable homes and plenty of doctors. Also, there's no state income tax. The Milken Institute also rates the city highly for successful aging.  San Marcos manages to keep the cost of living 13 percent below the national average.
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San Marcos has a diverse population of 61-thousand. Residents say the city still has a small-town feel.
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The city offers several fringe benefits -- its river, museums, the university, outlets and downtown.
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Located between San Antonio and Austin, San Marcos is ideally situated.
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11/27/18

Tyler Jackson

The dog park in San Marcos is undergoing changes. Bobcat Update's Tyler Jackson has the story.

The dog park is located on Charles Austin Drive. It's being renovated and expanded with several new amenities, including more water fountains and shady areas.
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The city of San Marcos is also adding A-D-A-accessible routes to increase ease of use.
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The expansion will provide two areas for large dogs and two for small dogs. The additional space will promote grass growth and let the city perform regular maintenance. For Bobcat Update, I'm Tyler Jackson.

11/26/18

Valeria Escalante

It's holiday shopping season, which means you'll soon be making gift selections to put under the tree.  Another choice is deciding whether to buy online OR at a brick-and-mortar location.  Bobcat Update's Valeria Escalante tells us what some San Marcos shoppers are doing.

Paper Bear Heartworks in San Marcos is a favorite stop for many, and there are advantages to shopping in the store.
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Some businesses, like Monkies Vintage and Barefoot Campus Outfitter, try to get customers excited about shopping, by offering sales, special events and entertainment.
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According to the U-S Commerce Department, online shopping is a rapidly growing sector of the economy, but local customers prefer having a choice.
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Whether you prefer browsing online or in stores, you only have 26 shopping days left til Christmas. Happy Holidays! For Bobcat Update, I'm Valeria Escalante.

Amber Olivo

Texas State is looking for a new head football coach following the dismissal of Everett Withers.
Bobcat Update's Amber Olivo has the story.

Withers had been coach of the football team for three years until he was fired with one game remaining on the 2018 schedule.
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Withers was dismissed after posting a 3-and-8 record this season and a 7-and-28 record overall.
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His teams performed well academically but weren't successful on the field.
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Defensive Coordinator Chris Woods served as the Bobcats' interim head coach in last Saturday's game against Arkansas State.
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Texas State has retained a search firm to help it find a new coach. For Bobcat Update, I'm Amber Olivo. 

11/21/18

Dilynn-Paige Ewing

Texas State plays an important part in training first responders. The university has received a grant to continue its Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center. Bobcat Update's Dilynn-Paige Ewing has the story.

With the eight-point-seven million dollar grant, the ALERRT center will be able to train 15-thousand first responders in the coming year. Having the grant benefits law enforcement agencies who would otherwise NOT be able to train their personnel adequately.
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First responders are relied on to keep communities safe.
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Some believe the training will have a significant impact.
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11/20/18

Kyndal Runnels

Downtown San Marcos can be a lively place, which is a goal for the many businesses located there. They're finding unique ways to promote downtown. Bobcat Update's Kyndal Runnels has more.

One way of attracting customers is the monthly Walkabout. It happens every Third Thursday. The idea is to shop small and do it downtown. Walkabouts include flash sales and drink specials. You can also find art exhibits and live entertainment. There's something for everyone.
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At November's Walkabout, there was even a live mannequin window competition. Shoppers are a diverse group, and they seem to enjoy the Third Thursday events.
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Music plays a significant role in San Marcos' culture, so it only makes sense that musicians play a big part in the Third Thursday Walkabouts.
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11/19/18

Matthew Smith

The Meadows Center at Texas State hosts The Sacred Springs Powwow, a showcase for hundreds of people to experience Native American culture.  Bobcat Update's Matthew Smith attended the most recent PowWow and files this report:
 
Created by the Indigenous Cultures Institute, the Powwow is an annual event in San Marcos. Handmade jewelry, crystals, native clothing and ritual dances are always on display at the gatherings.
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The main event showcased more than 100 dancers and singers -- all in rhythm to the beat of a native drum.  Vendors from the Aztec, Choctaw, Comanche, Crow and Inca tribes had native items to sell and demonstrations to share.
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The Powwow is a way to experience Native American culture firsthand. For Bobcat Update, I'm Matthew Smith. 
     

11/17/18

Abel Garza

There's a Texas State Film Club on campus, and Bobcat Update's Abel Garza tells us what makes the club special.
 
Texas State offers a few film classes in the theater department, but there aren't enough for students to be designated film majors. Aspiring filmmakers want something more.
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The club gives students filmmaking experience, whether writing, acting or filming, and it's a place to share a passion for movies.
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The club included a variety of activities this semester, with the hope of inspiring confidence among those who attended.
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The students finished shooting a short film in October. It's a horror movie set to premiere next semester.
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The Film Club is run by students, for students.
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For Bobcat Update, I'm Abel Garza.

Alexandra Sereno

Some Texas State students had the opportunity to experience virtual reality this month -- thanks to new technologies available on campus. Bobcat Update's Alex Sereno dives into the virtual world.
 
An event known as Prototyping the Future with Virtual Reality and 3-D Printing was held at the Gallery of the Common Experience. Students were given the opportunity to work with a virtual reality headset and to create a structure using a 3-D printer. 
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For some students it was their first time engaging with virtual reality.
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Virtual reality is a tool the tech industry hopes to integrate into art and therapy. In the future, it could become an everyday routine for people to use it.
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...For Bobcat Update, I'm Alex Sereno.

Robert Vela III

Jumping into the San Marcos River after graduation is a Texas State tradition for students, but how do students graduating in December feel about this tradition? Bobcat Update's Robert  Vela (VEL-UH)-the-third has the story.     
    
Texas State University holds graduation ceremonies every semester for students finishing their journeys through college. Graduates have the chance to participate in the long-held tradition  of jumping into the San Marcos River at Sewell Park to commemorate their life as a Texas State student. Many students are definitely looking forward to participating in this tradition. 
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But some students say they WON'T be among those jumping in the river.  
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Those who plan to take the dive say it's a tradition they simply can't ignore. 
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SU ("Whether it's freezing or beautiful weather, most graduates will still take the plunge into the  San Marcos River after receiving their diploma. For Bobcat Update, I'm Robert Vela (VEL-UH)-the-third.")

Dominique Hutchinson

Finals are quickly approaching, and many Bobcats may have to find novel ways to avoid disruptions as they study.   Dominique Hutchinson has found some alternatives. Here's her report for Bobcat Update. 
 
As students finish up the semester, they are met with a difficult decision on where to study. The usual places, like the L-B-J Student Center and Alkek library, are noisy now because of construction. The noise forces students to look elsewhere to find a quiet study environment. 
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Many students turn to local cafes on campus.
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Some of the cafes are accommodating students by offering special benefits. 
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During finals, many businesses are offering discounts and extended hours, so Bobcats have some alternatives to ensure that they finish the semester strong. For Bobcat Update, I'm Dominique Hutchinson. 
      

11/13/18

Joel Morrison

Another year, another great turnout for an annual New Braunfels festival. Bobcat Update's Joel Morrison has the story.

SU: Food, drinks, carnival rides and games; Wurstfest brings German roots to Texas going on 56 years now.
Starting as simply a sausage  festival with some music and dancing in 19-61, the festival has  transformed into a fun gathering for everyone. It's an event with  worldwide appeal. Workers and attendees alike say they like coming to  Wustfest because it's genuinely a good time.
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The food isn't the only thing that brings people out. The rich German culture is also celebrated.
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If  you didn't get a chance this year to experience the fun and excitement  that is Wurstfest, make your plans now. The ten-day festival is a  tradition and will return in 20-19. For Bobcat Update, I'm Joel  Morrison.

11/12/18

Adam Smith

Dealing with the daily grind of classes can be overwhelming for college students. Health issues like asthma can make working toward a degree even more stressful. Bobcat Update's Adam Smith has the story.
 
For most Texas State students, walking up the hill to class is a rite of passage. But for some, the trek can be far more daunting.
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According to the C-D-C, around twelve percent of Americans adults suffer from asthma. The Student Health Center recommends students reach out to their insurance companies and manufacturers for possible discounts on inhalers.  They also work with students to manage their asthma symptoms and any other related health issues.
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For Bobcat Update, I'm Adam Smith.

11/10/18

Kaylee Strub

In America this time of year, the nation honors its veterans -- those who make the necessary sacrifices to serve in the armed forces. In San Marcos, the traditions associated with the holiday were observed downtown, and Bobcat Update's Kaylee Strub (STROOB) was there to report on the event.
 
SU: (The city of San Marcos hosted its annual Veterans Day Parade Saturday to honor all who have served.)
The event kicked off with a biscuit-and-gravy breakfast served on the county courthouse lawn.
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Veteran groups, military organizations, bands, drill teams, and public officials participated in the parade. 
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Some members of Chi Beta Delta, a Texas State sorority, volunteered for the event.
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Residents lined up in downtown San Marcos for the parade to support the veterans and those participating. For Bobcat Update, I'm Kaylee Strub.

Tyler Jackson

For the first time since 1995, the City of San Marcos is conducting a survey to better classify local historic buildings and homes. Bobcat Update's Tyler Jackson has the story.

San Marcos currently has seven historic districts. City staff and volunteers are collecting photos and conducting other research to discover more about the history of San Marcos. Architectural styles, building materials and location are among factors being considered in the survey.
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An environmental and archaeological consulting firm, Hicks and Company based in Austin, was hired to contribute to the research.
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Griffin Spell, chair of San Marcos' historic preservation  committee, is part of the city staff overseeing the project.
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Spell says data collection is underway and more research will be conducted in February. A final report on the historic structures in San Marcos should be finished next year. For Bobcat Update, I'm Tyler Jackson.

Loren Schaffer

When it comes to smoke shops, a certain connotation is usually attached. But a newly opened San Marcos store might change your preconceived notions. Bobcat Update's Loren Schaffer has the story.
 
Lazy-daze Counterculture sells everything you would expect to find in a smoke shop, but it sets itself apart in some unique ways.
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The shop offers cannabidiol, commonly known as C-B-D. C-B-D is an oil that's extracted from the cannabis plant. It doesn't have any psychoactive effects and is legal in all 50 states.
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Owners of Lazy-daze say they are community-oriented with a focus on creating a more open environment in San Marcos.
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If you're curious about c-b-d or maybe just want a place to hang out or study, Lazy-daze San Marcos [ON WHICH STREET] is a welcoming place. For Bobcat Update, I'm Loren Schaffer.

Justin Zuloaga

A program that unites artists to combat graffiti in San Marcos is sparking creativity in its own right. Bobcat Update's Justin Zuloaga (Zoo-laga) has the story.
 
The San Marcos Mural Arts program has been hiring artists for the past few years to paint murals on private property around the city.
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The program was designed to help eliminate graffiti while also encouraging creative expression.
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The Arts Commission and Keep San Marcos Beautiful are partners in the Mural Arts program. Since 2016, it has awarded grants for several murals in the city. 
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For more information about the murals, or to learn about upcoming events, visit san-marcos-t-x-dot-gov. For Bobcat Update, I'm Justin Zuloaga. (Zoo-laga)

Aalyssa Carrillo

Paintball is a leisure-time activity that can be quite competitive for some. Bobcat Update's Aalyssa Carrillo gives us insight on the Texas State Paintball club. 

Established in 2006, Texas State's Paintball Team has earned multiple awards and received national recognition for outstanding performance during tournaments.
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Although winning is the goal for the paintball team, they've also created a bond. 
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Team practices are held at X-Factor Paintball in San Antonio and Outlaw Paintball in Pflugerville.  Equipment is provided but limited to a first-come, first-serve basis.  The paintball team welcomes all skill levels with one goal in mind -- to come out and have fun
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You must be enrolled at Texas State to join. For contact information, check out the website T-X-S-T-paint-ball-dot-weebly-dot-com. 
SU -  Looking for a splash of color? Well watch out, you might be the next target. For Bobcat Update, I'm Aalyssa Carrillo. 

Parker Rhea

The Texas State Recreation Center is a great place to let off some steam. Parker Rhea (Ray) tells us more on what the center has to offer.

The Student Rec Center welcomes all students.
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The Rec Center is not just for working out. 
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Groups from off-campus can use the center for their activities, too.
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The center has some unique features not offered at most gyms. 
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11/6/18

Robert Vela III

Texas State's volleyball team is getting ready for the Sun Belt Conference Tournament later this month. Bobcat Update's Robert Vela (VEL-UH)-the-third has the story.    
   
The volleyball team has been phenomenal this season -- winning 23 out of 29 games, 14 of those victories in conference play. This past weekend, the Bobcats suffered their first conference loss against Arkansas State, ending a 17-game winning streak. The streak has been a big motivator for the team, because seeding in the Sun Belt tournament was on the line. 
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Coach Chisum is determined to keep the team in high spirits leading up to the tournament. 
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The players are definitely feeling the pressure as they prepare for the championship series.  
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SU ("For the latest scores and updates on the volleyball team, visit the Texas State website: T-X-state-bobcats-dot-com. For Bobcat Update, I'm Robert Vela (VEL-UH) the third.")

11/5/18

Dilynn-Paige Ewing

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. Bobcat Update's Dilynn-Paige Ewing has the story.

Millions of people around the world live with diabetes or know someone who is. It's an incurable disease that can have a huge impact.
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The way you eat and exercise can play a big role in preventing the disease. Choosing a healthier lifestyle can make all the difference.
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There are a lot of organizations, like the American Diabetes Association, that can provide guidance in coping with, or, better yet, preventing the disease. According to the association, diabetes causes more deaths per year than breast cancer and AIDS  combined. Those who are pre-diabetic have to make tough choices. 
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Diabetes is a serious disease that more people need to be aware of. 
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11/4/18

Alexandra Sereno

Several business owners gathered this past Sunday to sell their handmade goods. Bobcat Update's Alex Sereno tells us about an event called San Market.

San Market is a weekly farmer's market, which takes place at 19-20 Old Ranch Road in San Marcos. The market used to be held on the first Sunday of every month but recently became a weekly event. The market is a gathering place for local shop owners to display and sell their crafts and produce.
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The mission of San Market is to support local businesses and provide an outlet for creative individuals.
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The market offers a variety of products for the community to purchase and admire.
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[SU] The San Market has everything from handmade goods to homegrown produce. For Bobcat Update, I'm Alex Sereno.

Amber Olivo

Jack's Roadhouse in San Marcos provided a unique setting for an art show this past weekend. Bobcat Update's Amber Olivo has the story.

Jack's Roadhouse is a bar and grill on Hunter Road, but on Saturday it also served as a gathering place for artists, giving them a chance to sell their work.
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The artists offered a variety of items to sell, ranging from hand drawings to handmade soups. Abstract art was on display as well.
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Some artists revealed what their work means to them and what inspires them.
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If you're interested in attending the next art show at Jack's, visit the Roadhouse's Facebook page for upcoming dates. For Bobcat Update, I'm Amber Olivo.

11/3/18

Maria Salgado

The Texas State women's lacrosse team is practicing for its annual game against alumni. Bobcat Update's Maria Salgado has the story.

The lacrosse team consists of players who have a wide range of experience. Some are beginners while others have been engaged in the sport for years.
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The annual alumni game is a showcase for the team to play against lacrosse players who have already graduated.
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The team is looking forward to the spring season.
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Catch the women's lacrosse game at the west campus fields Saturday, November 10 at 10 a-m. For Bobcat Update, I'm Maria Salgado.

Robert Vela III

Texas State's volleyball team is getting ready for the Sun Belt Conference Tournament next weekend. Bobcat Update's Robert Vela (VEL-UH)-the-third  has the story.   
  
The volleyball team is on a 17-game winning streak this season. That's the longest winning streak for the Bobcats in nearly a decade. Keeping the streak going is important to the team.
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Coach Chisum is determined to keep the team in high spirits up over the next three games leading up to the tournament.
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The players are definitely feeling the pressure as they prepare for the championship series. 
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SU ("For the latest scores and updates on the volleyball team, visit the Texas State website: T-X-state-bobcats-dot-com. For Bobcat Update, I'm Robert Vela (VEL-UH) the third.")

Lacey Pompe

It's readily apparent that the L-B-J Student Center is undergoing major changes. Bobcat Update's Lacey Pompe has some information regarding what these changes will entail.
 
The Texas State student population is ever changing, and so is the campus itself. Several big construction projects are underway, including additions at the L-B-J Student Center.
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The changes will result in a second ballroom, a multicultural center, an alumni center, a new Chick Fil A, and a new and improved George's.
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Most of the improvements are focused on the students.
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The renovations have resulted in detours in and around the student center, but most people seem not to mind.
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While a few of these changes are projected to be finished early next year, the complete renovation won't be completed until 20-20. For Bobcat Update, I'm Lacey Pompe.