Michelle Rivera

The semester will soon end, and many Texas State students are hoping they can spread joy during the upcoming holiday season. Bobcat Update's Michelle Rivera has the story…

Many students are looking forward to sharing this time to gather with family and enjoying their favorite traditional meals. At the same time, they feel a need to serve others who might not be as fortunate.
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Some area churches provide support for families in need. For example, Fellowship Church at Plum Creek -- based in Kyle -- sponsors a program called Gift of Joy.
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Students look forward to volunteering at non-profit organizations that serve the needy. Hays County Food Bank and Meals on Wheels Central Texas are two of the most active. They curate food drives and provide home-cooked holiday meals for low income residents. 
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Sean Taggart

With Thanksgiving only a few days away, many Texas State students are in the giving spirit. Bobcat Update's Sean Taggart tells us how one group is responding.

Saturday was the eighth annual Texas State Turkey Adventure Race. The race helps raise funds for the Association of Recreation Enthusiast's organization, but it also has a much larger impact on the Texas State community.
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The race included several challenge stops where participants competed in fun and sometimes wacky games to advance in the competition and win prizes. Each of the events was hosted by a variety of student organizations at Texas State.
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Not only does the event help the Association of Recreation Enthusiasts, but it also serves as a food drive to benefit Bobcat Bounty, the Texas State University extension of the Hays County Food Bank. The Food Bank is especially important this time of year as the holiday season approaches.
Stand Up

Darreane Valles

Imagine an event filled with glam, glitter, fun and carrots. Yep, carrots. They're all part of the raucous good time at Bunny Bingo, which takes place at the Spot Cinema and Social Haus. Bobcat Update's Darreane Valles has the story.

Bunny Bingo is an event hosted by Corey, a-k-a Ms. Bunny LeRoque. Bunny is a well known drag queen in San Marcos who raises money in a fun and entertaining atmosphere and gives all the money to charity.
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This month's charity was the Hays County Food Bank. People who came to the event were allowed to pay ten dollars or donate three can goods for a playing card. After winners are announced, a drag queen puts on a show for the audience.
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Carrots, bunny ears and gift cards were among winning prizes. Not only does the event raise money for a charity, but it also serves as a reminder that you can be whoever you want to be.
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SU: If you missed this month's Bunny Bingo not to worry because there will be another one next month on December 12th, All donations will go to the Blue Santa charity. For Bobcat Update, I'm Darreane Valles. Now it's time to see if I won some bingo.

Brynn McCurley

Centerpoint Station has been a staple in the San Marcos community for over 25 years, but now its days are numbered. Bobcat Update's Brynn McCurley tells us about plans to close the store.

Centerpoint Station -- on the frontage road across from the Outlet Malls -- has run into some troubles and will soon go out of business.

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A new customer of Centerpoint Station is sad to hear about the closing -- so soon after discovering it.

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Owner Cheryl Warren says she is touched to hear about the community's reaction.

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Stand up: Centerpoint station will be closing its restaurant on December 13th, the bakery on December 23rd and the boutique on December 31st, but these dates are subject to change. For Bobcat Update, I'm Brynn McCurley.

Michael Garcia

Arbor Day is celebrated at Texas State in a time-honored tradition with the planting of trees. Bobcat Update's Michael Garcia has the story.

Trees are important to sustaining life on Earth. They provide a canopy for shade and bring beauty to landscapes year round, and they produce oxygen. So, recognizing their importance seems fitting when tree planting ceremonies are held on Arbor Day. To celebrate the event at Texas State, staff and students planted 30 trees.
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Texas State University has been recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree Campus U-S-A school. Tree Campus U-S-A promotes best practices in campus forestry. The goal of the program is to honor college campuses and the leaders of their surrounding communities for promoting healthy urban forest management and environmental stewardship.
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The 30 trees planted last Friday were Red Oak, Desert Willow, Lace Bark Elm and Sycamore. For Bobcat Update, I'm Michael Garcia.

Remi Carrasco

Bobcat Days offer potential students an opportunity to get to know Texas State and what university life is all about. Remi Carrasco tells us about what went on Saturday when students and parents converged on campus for the event.

Bobcat Days are held four times a year. They involve tours, faculty and advisor visits, and they provide info to potential freshmen about admission policies. Students can learn a lot when they attend.

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The event showed off a beautiful campus through guided and self-guided tours of the dining halls, rec center and dorms. The idea is show potential recruits what it's like to be a Bobcat.

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There were also many information sessions about majors, programs, housing, organizations and more. The Bobcat community opened its doors to welcome the students.

After the day's events many would-be Bobcats went out with a new home waiting for them here. For Bobcat Update, I'm Remi Carrasco.

Daisy Colón

A study, conducted on campus, reveals how social media behaviors have potential negative effects. Bobcat Update's Daisy Colon reports on a possible link between social media use and anxiety disorders.

Using social media is part of our daily routine, and although some use it simply as a way to pass time, others engage in it compulsively and excessively. Dr. Heather Aidala, Interim Director of the Texas State Counseling Center says social media can be a double-edged sword.
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The study done by researchers from the Department of Psychology and the Department of Communication Studies reveals that increased time on social media is linked with increased anxiety symptoms. One Texas State Senior shares how Instagram affects her life.
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Instagram recently decided to hide likes in an effort to make the platform less toxic for users. The move received backlash from social media influencers who they thrive off engagement.
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STANDUP

AJ Sanchez

November is an ideal time at Texas State for aspiring novelists who want some quiet space to get the job done. Bobcat Update's A-J Sanchez explains.

November is National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo for short. Anyone can participate. The idea is to write a 50-thousand word novel by the end of the month.
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Alkek Library provides aspiring writers with a quiet place to work every Friday in November for what's called Friday Night Writes. The gathering provides a much-needed creative outlet.
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There's more info available as well as opportunities to meet other participants at NaNoWriMo.org.
STAND-UP

O'Bryant Muralles

The Honors College continues to host Common Experience events as it did last week when some Texas State alumni returned to discuss their experience protesting the Vietnam War. Bobcat Update's O'Bryant Muralles has more.

The fighting stallions statue on the quad garners much activity almost everyday. Fifty years ago the stallions provided the backdrop for ten students who were suspended for protesting the war in Vietnam. They had decided that expressing their opposition to the war was more important than staying in school.
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Texas State Alumnus E.R. Bills has written a book about the San Marcos Ten. He says he first heard about the protest when he was an undergrad.
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When Bills read from his book, Sally Ann Satagaji was taken back to that moment.
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Will Wadsworth

The state representative for Hays and Blanco counties is wrapping up this year's town hall tours of the state's 45th House district. Bobcat Update's Will Wadsworth tells us about a recent stop in San Marcos.

Representative Erin Zwiener stopped by the San Marcos Public Library on Thursday to speak with city residents about the last legislative session and receive their input. About a dozen people came out to speak with the first-term representative. Some said they support Zwiener's work so far.
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Others came to speak with the representative about issues that matter to them.
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Zwiener used the opportunity to reflect on what she has accomplished as a legislator and what she hopes to do if reelected.
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Stand Up

Roxanne Hill

Texas State stays in style when the Fashion Merchandise Association stages its fall show. Bobcat Update's Roxanne Hill tells us about the event last week at the Price Center in San Marcos.

The Fashion Merchandise Association spends a lot of time preparing for the Fall Fashion Show. One interesting aspect of the show is seeing San Marcos vendors using the event to sell their merchandise.
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Many of the participants are Texas State seniors who have been involved with F-M-A since they were freshmen.
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For those graduating in the fall, knowing this is their last show was bittersweet. They hope others will embrace their creativity and carry on the tradition.
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F-M-A is open to all students at Texas State. More information about the show and the Fashion Merchandise Association can be found on the group's Instagram page @FMATXST. For Bobcat Update, I'm Roxanne Hill.

Kyle Emmott

Vanilla Bean Bourbon? Bailey's Pumpkin Spice? Sangria Sorbet? What do all of these have in common? They're all flavors at a new ice cream parlor in San Marcos. Kyle Emmott has the story on what separates this shop from the rest.

Ice cream and alcohol. If this sounds like a match made in heaven, then you might want to check out the Tipsy Cow, a shop that's located on North L-B-J just off The Square.
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If alcohol-infused ice cream seems like a complex process, think again. Mike says it's easier than one might think.
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The Tipsy Cow has some roots in San Marcos, which is one reason it was important to the owners to open a location in town.
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Students, faculty and members of the military are offered an incentive to try out this boozy ice cream.
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[Stand-Up]

Jacob Hall

The Texas State University Bands are celebrating their centennial year. Bobcat Update's Jacob Hall has more on how the Bobcat Marching Band and the other ensembles have achieved a musical milestone.

The Texas State University Bands started from humble beginnings in 1919 as a student-led organization with 22 members. One-hundred years later, there are almost 340 members in the Bobcat Marching Band.
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School of Music professor Richard Hall says he has composed a piece to promote the Bobcat Bands' first 100 years at Texas State.
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[Stand-up]

Conner Yarbrough

Texas State's learning management system, TRACS, is on its way out! Bobcat Update's Conner Yarbrough tells us more...

After two years of research, surveys and beta-tests, Canvas will slowly replace TRACS as Texas State's primary learning management system beginning in Spring 2020.
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Texas State administrators hope Canvas's streamlined design and compatibility with tools like ePortfolio, Google Docs and Dropbox will empower students and faculty. Many are ready for the switch.
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While some are worried about confusion during the gradual rollout, they don't expect the change to be very difficult.
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[Stand-Up] New professors as of Spring 2020 are expected to use Canvas, but current professors have until the end of the Fall 2020 semester to make the change. For Bobcat Update, I'm Conner Yarbrough.

Dalton Williams

December can be a busy time for local businesses. Graduations and the holiday rush contribute to the bottom line for many retailers. Bobcat Update's Dalton Williams looks into the impact.

Tiff's Treats in San Marcos caters to the graduating crowd. The shop opened prior to the commencement ceremony in August graduation. The store manager says he expects to see a surge in traffic in the coming weeks.
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Graduation and the Christmas holiday provide a big spike in business for most retailers, and the city will have more hotel rooms booked.
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Graduates and their families are advised to book reservations and place their orders as soon as possible. For Bobcat Update, I'm Dalton Williams.

Andrea Morales

Homecoming is a decades-long tradition at Texas State. Last week students showed their school pride by participating in several events leading up to Saturday's big homecoming game against South Alabama. Andrea Morales has the story.

Texas State hosted events throughout the week leading up to Saturday's football game. Students participated in such activities as the Taco Throwdown, Texas State's Got Talent and the Spirit Rally. Unfortunately, some events were canceled because of poor weather conditions, but that didn't stop the Bobcat family from keeping Texas State pride alive.
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The homecoming King and Queen winners were announced during Saturday's game, which continued a long tradition.
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The football game aired on E-S-P-N-3. It was a home victory for the Bobcats. Texas State defeated South Alabama 30-28. For Bobcat Update, I'm Andrea Morales.

Breann Barrow

Giving back to those in need is important to many organizations at Texas State, especially those representing the Greek community. For example, the Delta Zeta sorority will soon have a fundraising event to help the hearing impaired. Breann Barrow tells us about the Mister Bobcat Pageant.

Delta Zeta is one of the eight Panhellenic sororities on campus and each year it hosts several philanthropic events to provide assistance to the community. The Mr. Bobcat Beauty Pageant is a favorite event hosted every November by the women of Delta Zeta.
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The contestants of Mr. Bobcat have to compete in a wide range of categories to secure first place.
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Delta Zeta will be donating all proceeds to the Starkey Hearing Foundation.
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The women of Delta Zeta and all of the contestants are very excited to be raising money for an important cause.
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All Texas State students and the community are welcome to attend the Mr. Bobcat Pageant.
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Stand Up

Jose Valenzuela

The Texas State men's basketball team now has a X-x record in the early stages of the season. There are high hopes the Bobcats have what it takes to win championships this year. Bobcat Update's Jose Valenzuela has the story.

The men's basketball team is coming off a very successful 2018-19 season in which it had 24 wins and 10 losses. There's hope that last year's success can be renewed this year with the same energy.
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Some students have their hearts set on seeing the Bobcats making it into the post-season tournaments next March.
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Many want to show their support for the Bobcats.
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The Bobcats will battle it out against the Baylor Bears in Waco this Friday. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jose Valenzuela.

Michelle Rivera

First-generation students represent opportunity in America, and Texas State seeks to provide them with a nurturing environment. Bobcat Update's Michelle Rivera tells us more...

The Higher Education Act signed by President Lyndon Johnson on November 8th, 1965, has made it possible for millions of students to earn their college degrees -- many of those students were the first in their families to go beyond high school. The Higher Education Act created grants, loans and other programs to help students advance to new heights. Some organizations at Texas State -- like First-Gen Proud -- provide support for first-generation students who are navigating their way through college.
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First-Gen Proud focuses on cultivating students' strengths and accomplishments while providing individual mentorship. The organization provides direction that can last a lifetime —from college to commencement to one's career.
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First-generation students can also benefit from the organization's on-the-spot resume critiques and professional head shots.
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Remi Carrasco

In New Braunfels, you're bound to encounter the smell of sausage. It's part of the celebrated heritage of the city. Bobcat Update's Remi Carrasco tells us about the traditional festival, called Wurstfest.

This past week, Wurstfest took over New Braunfels. People came from all over to share and enjoy German culture. The unique festival blends Texas and German traditions and includes imported and locally brewed beer, carnival rides and Bavarian style events.
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From humble beginnings in 1961 when the city meat inspector started a festival to honor sausage, Wurstfest has turned into a huge event with its own dedicated grounds in Landa Park.
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Whether it's homemade crafts, traditional music or the homecooked food, Wurstfest has something for the whole family to enjoy.
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Ernesto Santos

Whether they're staying at home or on the go, many San Marcos residents start their day with a cup of joe. One coffee shop has been serving coffee for over a decade. Bobcat Update's Ernesto Santos has more.

Students have a variety of places to get their coffee -- Tantras, Wake the Dead and Starbucks, to name just a few. One of the coffeehouses has been serving brew in San Marcos for 16 years. Mochas and Javas opened its doors in 2003. Owner Kevin Carswell says a lot of thought goes into every cup.
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Carswell hires friendly people who are passionate about serving their customers. General manager Jordyn Grey has been working at Mochas and Javas for over a year.
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Customers say they enjoy the laid-back atmosphere at Mochas and Javas.
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Mochas and Javas has several locations in San Marcos including shops at Wonderworld Drive at Hunter Road, on North L-B-J at Sessom, at the Central Texas Medical Center, and the big H-E-B grocery store. For Bobcat Update, I'm Ernesto Santos.

Brynn McCurley

Clocks have been returned to central-standard-time, which means Texas State students are adjusting to new patterns of light and darkness. With nights seeming to creep up faster this time of year, the change can affect how people feel. Bobcat Update's Brynn McCurley has the story.

For some students, the changing seasons and clock adjustments contribute to seasonal affective disorder.
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Even if you're NOT among those who battle depression, the seasonal changes can affect you.
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There are different forms of treatments for those who feel they could be dealing with seasonal affective disorder.
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Stand up: For more information on mental health, go to the student health center website. I'm Brynn McCurley for Bobcat Update.

AJ Sanchez

On-campus housing is a way to be close to the action at Texas State, but for many upperclassmen, it's not even an option. Bobcat Update's A-J Sanchez tells us about a new method for selecting those who can live on campus.
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Starting fall 2020, upperclassmen wanting to live in one of the many residence halls at Texas State University will be entered into a lottery, where they will be randomly assigned one of the 400 spots available.
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Before this change, upperclassmen had to register for a spot via the housing portal online. Spots were often filled within 30 minutes of registration opening, so the lottery system is seen as a fairer alternative by officials and students.
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There are many advantages to living on-campus. One prominent reason so many upperclassmen desire a dorm is the close proximity to classes, food, and social events.
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STAND-UP

Kyle Emmott

Netflix and Hulu, two streaming services widely used by college students, now face powerful new competition with the launch of Apple-TV-Plus. And, as Bobcat Update's Kyle Emmott tells us, there's even more competition on the horizon.

This past Friday, Apple released its new streaming service to rival Netflix, and Apple isn't the only company vying for your subscription dollars. Disney-Plus begins on November 12th and next spring HBO-Max and NBC's Peacock are set to launch. While some students say they're willing to pay for additional services, others are more hesitant.
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Disney Plus will provide all things Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and, of course, Disney. Still, some students are taking a wait- and-see approach before adding to their existing subscriptions.
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The new Peacock streaming service will have the rights to popular series like "The Office" and "Friends." Even so, don't expect Netflix to be knocked off its perch anytime soon.
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While some may be hesitant to add to their list of subscription services, they're growing more accustomed to paying for multiple streams.
[Stand-Up]

O'Bryant Muralles

The fall season means homeowners will have more leaves to rake and dispose of. Bobcat Update's O'Bryant Muralles tells us about a beneficial way to get rid of those leaves.

Trees are adjusting to the temperatures dropping and the sun setting sooner. Leaves are falling in greater numbers this time of year. The city of San Marcos and a student group called Bobcat Blend have teamed up to provide a composting program for the accumulated leaves.
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After the leaves have been collected, the Bobcat Blend composting program will turn its attention to Christmas trees that are discarded after the holidays.
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Jacob Hall

Today is Election Day, and voters have been encouraged to make choices on issues that could affect their local communities. Bobcat Update's Jacob Hall has the story.

The City of San Marcos had early voting through last week, and one of the polling locations was at Texas State. Many students saw it as an opportunity to participate in local issues and vote on possible solutions.
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Hays County Election Administrator Jennifer Anderson says voting in local elections is just as important as voting on statewide and national tickets. Anderson says that's because local elections have been the biggest impact on the community.
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Daisy Colon

San Marcos has millions of dollars to spend as a result of two historic floods four years ago. Bobcat Update's Daisy Colon reports on the city's efforts aimed at getting local feedback on how the money should be spent.

The city has until March of next year to submit a Mitigation Action Plan, which will outline how 24 million dollars will be spent to help prevent or reduce damages resulting from disasters. One city official said the community's input is vital in taking the next step forward in the decision-making process.
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Residents are being asked to take a survey to rank the most critical needs of the community. The results of the survey will help determine which concerns will be given priority and how funding will be divided. One resident questions if the grant will be enough.
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The needs of the community are important factors to take into consideration when deciding which projects get looked at first. San Marcos officials say they hope to prevent disasters from happening again.
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Stand-Up

Conner Yarbrough

Daylight savings time ended this past Sunday and, while many enjoyed the extra hour of sleep, others wonder why they had to set their clocks back at all. Bobcat Update's Conner Yarbrough has more...

Since President Lyndon Johnson signed the Uniform Time Act of 1966, most people have participated in the biannual ritual of re-setting their clocks twice a year - once in the spring and again in the fall.
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Supporters of the time change claim it allows people to make better use of daylight, especially farmers. But, as the U-S economy became more reliant on service and technology, daylight savings time seems less necessary.
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Many grow up with daylight savings time without knowing its purpose and don't think getting rid of it would change much of anything.
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[Stand-up] States like Arizona and Hawaii have already stopped switching their clocks, and many others have proposed legislation to do the same. For Bobcat Update, I'm Conner Yarbrough.