Vanessa Gerlich

According to the Danish Psychiatric Central Research Register, changing from standard to daylight savings time and then back again can affect one's mental health. Bobcat Update's Vanessa Gerlich looked into this phenomenon and found that symptoms include disturbed sleep, cardiovascular irregularities and an increased tendency for fatal accidents. Here's Vanessa's report:

For those having trouble adjusting to the biannual time changes, you're not alone. A study conducted by the Danish Register says changing the clocks twice a year adversely affects approximately one-point-six billion people worldwide. Clinical social worker Carol White says it's very common for patients to take anti-depressants or vitamin supplements to cope with seasonal adjustments.
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With the clocks being changed again, it's important to pay attention to one's body, get proper rest and soak up some Vitamin D. Texas
State student Colin Schonhoff says he struggles with Seasonal Affective Disorder, and the sun is a big factor in how productive he is from day-to-day.
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Logan McIlveen

One of San Marcos' longest running stores is closing up shop after 42 years of service. Logan McIlveen has the story…

Paper Bears is located just off the square in downtown San Marcos and is known for some of its unique items.
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Some of the locals have been returning lately to the shop to bid farewell. They're not sure how to feel about the shop closing for good.
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Owner Carol Powers says the iconic store means a lot to her.
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Many of the store's patrons will tell you: this gem of a store will be missed. For Bobcat Update, I'm Logan McIlveen.

Megan Reger

A new Chick-fil-A has opened in San Marcos, making it the third location in the city. Bobcat Update's Megan Reger has the story. 

The new Chick-fil-A opened its doors this past week and is located off I-35 next to In-N-Out Burger. The new location now puts the fast food giant within a block of some of its top competitors. Texas State student Miranda Dudley says she doubts San Marcos needs yet another Chick-fil-A.
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However, Texas State student Nathan Herrera says a new location will help relieve the constant busyness at the other San Marcos Chick-fil-A restaurants. 
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Having another Chick-fil-A in town may be another indicator of San Marcos' prosperity. For Bobcat Update, I'm Megan Reger.

Austin Bailey

In San Marcos, there seems to be never-ending road work, which can cause traffic delays and frustration. Bobcat Update's Austin Bailey has the story.

San Marcos has several street construction projects underway, which can often bring traffic to a halt. Local resident _________ says he doubts the effort is worth the trouble.
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Some projects -- like the construction on Mill Street -- are well past the estimated completion date.
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The city's Department of Engineering and Capital Improvement says the projects should be finished this year.
Stand up: For now road work construction will continue to be a prominent part of life here in San Marcos. For Bobcat Update I'm Austin Bailey.

Christian Godinez

Texas State is setting up a resource center for students who are here under the DACA program. DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Bobcat Update's Christian Godinez has the story.

University President Denise Trauth says the center will provide information and assistance, and for DACA students, staying informed is vitally important as they strive to maintain their status.
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For those under DACA, the resource center will provide information online and serve as a networking opportunity.
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Hope Kronke

Local D-J and Texas State student James Ortiz has a lot to juggle as he pursues his career. Bobcat Update's Hope Kronke caught up with this busy fellow and files this report:

Texas State students find all sorts of creative pursuits outside of the classroom -- some even get paid for their passions. Texas State Junior James Ortiz says he expresses himself through music. Ortiz is an Electronic Media major and a resident D-J on the San Marcos Square as well as Sixth Street in Austin.
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If you would like to have more information about his upcoming events, you can follow D-J Ortiz on Twitter and Instagram. He will be D-J-ing regularly at The Marc in San Marcos for Throwback Thursdays and Latin Nights. For Bobcat Update, I'm Hope Kronke.

Ethan Hunt

Radio station K-T-S-W is accepting applications now for next semester. The student-run radio station provides an alternative in the San Marcos community with a fresh take on music. Bobcat Update's Ethan Hunt has more.

The station, licensed to Texas State University, provides many opportunities for students who can seek a wide range of jobs -- anything from sports reporting to D-Jaying. Future station manager, Juan Garcia, says he's looking forward to having additional responsibilities.
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K-T-S-W prides itself in creating a sense of community within the organization and continuing that community beyond graduation. For many students, K-T-S-W serves as a second home where they not only develop their professional skills but also build long-lasting friendships.
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K-T-S-W 89.9 is accepting applications through March 29th. For Bobcat Update, I'm Ethan Hunt.

Guarionex Molina Martinez

The Texas State Men's basketball team is battling to be one of the top teams in the Sun Belt Conference. If the Bobcats can end the regular season with a victory, they'll be in great shape for the tournaments that follow. Guarionex Molina Martinez tells us more.

The Bobcats are hitting their stride as the season winds down. In their last HOME game of the regular season, they had a huge win over Georgia State to take control of second place in the conference.
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The fact that it was Senior Game day made it poetic in a way and gave the team an incredible amount of momentum for the upcoming post-season tournaments. Both Eric Terry and Nijal Pearson are forces to be reckoned with on the court, and the Bobcats have an excellent chance of advancing to the N-C-Double-A's March Madness.
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A decisive game for the Bobcats will be tomorrow night when they face South Alabama to end the regular season. For Bobcat Update, I'm Guarionex Molina.

Andrew Zimmel

In recent months, downtown San Marcos has seen a growing number of storefronts being boarded up. Bobcat Update's Andrew Zimmel reports on why several businesses have been forced to close.

In one of the fastest growing cities in Texas, the business climate has changed for many retailers who have seen their sales go down and rents go up. Some employees say the trends are moving in the wrong direction.
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Many who have been around the San Marcos community as it's grown from a small town to a mid-sized city are worried that it's changing for the worse.
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The addition of apartment high rises has adversely affected parking on the square, making it almost impossible to enjoy the unique charm of downtown San Marcos.
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Constunce Brantley

Texas State's McCoy College of Business anticipates having a new master's program for the fall semester. Bobcat Update's Constunce Brantley has the story.

The new degree will be a Master of Science in Quantitative Finance and Economics. College officials say Texas State students who pursue the degree will be taught a unique set of skills. Professor of Finance Janet Payne says she expects graduates of the program will be in high demand.
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The department has opened two new positions for the program and is actively seeking to fill one more. Department Chair of Finance and Economics Ruby Kishan says existing faculty and staff will help with developing the new program.
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Graduate students can expect to finish the program in three or more semesters, depending on whether they have full- or part-time status.
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Arlett Ramirez

The Super Tuesday election takes place tomorrow. Fourteen states including Texas will hold primary elections to choose delegates who will participate in the presidential nominating process. Bobcat Update's Arlett Ramirez has the story.

Super Tuesday will be the last chance for voters in Texas to cast their ballots in the primary elections. Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders is considered a front runner at this point, but the Super Tuesday outcome could change that. Political Science Senior Lecturer Rick Henderson says Sanders is popular with younger people, but that doesn't mean enough of them will go to the polls to make him the winner.
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Hays County Democratic Chair Candidate Trevor Newman says that -- while people focus on voting for the presidential nominee -- local elections are equally as important.
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San Marcos will have polling locations open tomorrow from 7:00 a-m to 7:00 p-m. Texas State students can vote at the L-B-J Student Center. For more information on polling locations, visit the Hays County Commissioner website. For Bobcat Update, I'm Arlett Ramirez.

Emily Martin

A San Marcos Food truck park is trying to get back in the swing of things after a gas leak explosion forced it to close down last November. Bobcat Update's Emily Martin spoke with the owners of the park about what changes are being made.

The Food Truck Park -- located on Chestnut Street near North L-B-J -- previously, had three trucks on the property, but only the Abu Omar Halal truck survived the explosion.
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However, the explosion didn't keep away Paul Dickson, co-owner of Groovy Q Barbecue.
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Dickson says the park is a great way to get people together and enjoy some food while doing it.
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New additions to the park include a retired Austin metro bus, which has now been transformed into an indoor seating area with wi-fi, air-conditioning and handicap accessibility.
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Hector Montemayor-Perez

As part of the university's Common Experience, the university hosted a book signing by a former Texas State professor who's regarded as a leading country music historian. Bobcat update's Hector Montemayor-Perez reports.

The book Country Music U-S-A is widely considered as the definitive academic source on country music. The author, Bill Malone, first published his book in 1965 while serving as a lecturer at what was then Southwest Texas State. The text is now in its fourth edition.
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The book started as a thesis paper at a time when Doctor Malone feared country music was dying as an art form. Rock-and-roll had emerged and dominated the music industry, but, in time, country music would prove it had staying power,.
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More than 50 years later, Country Music U-S-A remains an important source for historians and enthusiasts alike.
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Although Malone's work is considered a textbook, its content can be useful outside of classrooms
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Ken Burns' most recent P-B-S documentary on Country Music featured Doctor Malone as the only academic in the series.
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Malone has a radio show called Back to the Country, which he originates in Madison, Wisconsin, where he lives. For Bobcat Update, I'm Hector Montemayor-Perez.

Sammy Turner

A ranking of America's best colleges in 20-19 places Texas State near the bottom. The Forbes list is casting an unfavorable light on the university. Bobcat Update's Sammy Turner reports on student and faculty reaction.

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Forbes says when the rankings were calculated the magazine looked at several variables -- like student debt, alumni salary, graduation rates and student satisfaction. Texas State Freshman _____ ______says the low ranking fits the university's reputation.
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One Texas State junior said that despite the ranking, his experience at the university has been positive.
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Instead of dwelling on the rank, Senior Lecturer Gilbert Martinez offers a unique viewpoint on the results.
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Martinez says the university provides students with a lot of opportunities to build their futures.
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Some agree that the school provides ample opportunities but more students need to take advantage of what's offered.
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The university clearly has room to improve. For Bobcat Update, I'm Sammy Turner.

Mercedes Atkinson

Early voting is underway for the primary election, and some students are casting their votes at the L-B-J Student Center. Bobcat Update's Mercedes Atkinson has the story.

Early voting began last week. With a proper I-D, students and members of the community can line up and vote on the third floor of the L-B-J Student Center from 7:00 a-m to 7:00 p-m. Student Center Director Jack Rahmann says everyone is encouraged to advantage of the opportunity.
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Texas State Student Cody Lee DeSalvo says having a convenient voting location on campus gives students a better chance to participate in the election and helps boost voter turnout.
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Early voting ends on February 28th, but Texans can also vote on Tuesday, March 3rd. For more information about voting times and polling locations, visit the website of the Hays County Elections Administrator. For Bobcat Update, I'm Mercedes Atkinson.

Draven Hughes

Alcohol may be returning to a popular student hangout at Texas State. Bobcat Update's Draven Hughes has the story.

George's, located on the first floor of the L-B-J Student Center, is a favorite spot on campus for students to spend time playing games, eating, studying and -- in the past -- grabbing a beer. Student Government has passed legislation to allow students of age to have that option once again. The legislation would now have to be approved by the Student Body President before being sent to President Trauth for final approval. Some believe this could be beneficial to increasing business at George's.
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Some students are not as happy with the decision because they fear it could attract a different crowd.
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George's had difficulty selling alcohol in the past because it could only be sold by an employee of Chartwells, the university's catering service, and its employees are mostly student workers. [And that fact makes it difficult how? We need more information to make that logical leap.] For Bobcat Update, I'm Draven Hughes.

Marcel Negrete

The number of streaming services, like Netflix and Disney Plus, continues to increase. Each service has its own monthly price tag, which means subscriptions can get expensive if you want to keep up with your favorite shows. Bobcat Update's Marcel Negrete has the story.

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Netflix has garnered a large library of shows and movies from various TV networks, all for a single monthly price. However, these same networks are now eager to regain ownership of the content for their own streaming platforms. For example Disney Plus was launched three months ago with plans to strip all Marvel movies and other Disney-branded programs from Netflix.
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The new streaming services provide more entertainment for students, but they also add to monthly expenses.
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Some students say that they would be willing to pay more for the new services.
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The streaming landscape shows no signs of shrinking and continues to get more expensive. So far, students seem willing to pay. For Bobcat Update, I'm Marcel Negrete.

Hector Montemayor-Perez

The Coronavirus outbreak is now affecting Central Texas in a way. Some American evacuees who were on a Japanese cruise ship where the virus was known to have spread have been allowed stateside to seek treatment in San Antonio. Bobcat Update's Hector Montemayor-Perez tells us the victims have been quarantined.

Due to San Antonio's proximity to San Marcos, some may be worried about their friends and family.
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The Coronavirus has claimed the lives of more than two-thousand people worldwide with most cases occurring In China. Fifteen Americans have tested positive, and ALL of them have been quarantined. This quarantine should limit the possibility of an outbreak occurring here.
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If for some reason the virus is confirmed beyond those already infected, Texas State officials will take measures to control the situation.
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Standard hygienic rules can help stop the spread of illnesses. Health officials say washing one's hands, covering coughs, getting vaccinations and staying home if sick are keys to prevention. For Bobcat Update, I'm Hector Montemayor-Perez.

Mikal Henley

The U-S Department of Veterans Affairs is struggling to keep up with dispersing benefits to veterans enrolled at Texas State. The reason, according to Bobcat Update's Mikal Henley, is the V-A doesn't have enough staff on campus.

The Veterans Affairs employees answer phones to make sure V-A students are up-to-date on their benefits.
The Veterans Academic Success Center, located here on the 4th floor of Alkek, helps students to receive their VA benefits in due time, however certain cases of priority create delays for the rest.
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Certain V-A beneficiaries are given priority because of their status.
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Veterans are urged to seek help from the Academic Success Center to increase the likelihood of receiving V-A benefits in a timely manner. For Bobcat Update, I'm Mikal Henley.

Christian Godinez

You can expect to see some new additions at the Alkek Library when renovations to the first, third, and seventh floors are completed this spring. The popular study hub is being upgraded in several ways. Bobcat Update's Christian Godinez has the story.

Coffee while studying can be a necessity for many students. That essential caffeine boost for what could be long hours of studying ahead can now be found at the library.
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Alkek is also implementing a new safety feature allowing students with university-issued IDs to access the library past 11 p.m.
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For more information about everything new at Alkek, visit the Texas State website or ask the staff at the library's information desk. For Bobcat Update, I'm Christian Godinez.
 

Vanessa Gerlich

The student-led organization Healthy Cats is promoting wellness and health education around campus. Bobcat Update's Vanessa Gerlich has more on the story.

Healthy Cats Peer Educators are bringing awareness to Texas State students regarding sexual health, drug and alcohol use, mental health and nutrition by hosting weekly meetings and presentations. Student leader Lindsey Bartholomew is one of the members in charge of organizing the presentations and reaching out to the community by handing out informational pamphlets and free gifts to students in the Quad.
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The educational leaders of Healthy Cats work to motivate students and provide a non-judgmental space for sensitive issues. Students are encouraged to get in touch with Healthy Cats to see what resources and options are available.
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Ethan Hunt

Candidates who are seeking leadership positions in student government are hoping to make their case to the student body. Bobcat Update's Ethan Hunt has the story:

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This year Cody DeSalvo and Eduardo Camargo are running against Catching Valentinis-Dee and Andrew Florence for president and vice president. They have created platforms to highlight what they hope to bring to Texas State students. The Valentinis-Dee/Florence plan focuses on sexual assault prevention.
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Meanwhile, the DeSalvo/Camargo platform calls for improving existing programs.
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The campaign platforms address several important issues, including tuition expenses, campus safety, and diversity. Social media accounts have been created for the campaigns to provide additional information. Online voting will remain open through Thursday, February 20th. For Bobcat Update, I'm Ethan Hunt.

Jake Norrie

Student elections are coming up soon at Texas State. A new president and vice president will be chosen to lead student government. However, those who are being asked to vote have reason to wonder what purpose student government serves. Bobcat Update's Jake Norrie has the story.

The current Vice President, Tucker Thompson, says student government allows viewpoints to be heard.
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However, Senior Denver Burris says the role of student government is less clear. Burris says elected leaders have very little impact on campus issues.
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The Student Government voting period will remain open through February 20th. For Bobcat Update I'm Jake Norrie.

Hope Kronke

Starting this semester, the University Bookstore is the ONLY place in San Marcos where Texas State students can buy their textbooks. Bobcat Update's Hope Kronke has the story.

With the closing of Colloquium Bookstore and Textbook Solutions this past year, Texas State students are now forced to buy their textbooks from the university or purchase them online. Students and faculty alike have mixed feelings about there being less competition in town.
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Students will have to work harder to find less expensive textbooks. Online services, like Amazon and Chegg, might provide better deals. Texas State [Freshman/Sophomore/Junior/Senior??] Carli Saville says what's good for the bookstore may not be ideal for students.
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With all off-campus textbook stores officially closed, time will tell if students will continue to buy from the University or if sales will move online. For Bobcat Update, I'm Hope Kronke.

Rylee Kotzur

Texas State's study abroad program is cancelling all trips to China that were planned for this summer. Bobcat Update's Rylee Kotzur has the story.

Since 2017, Dr. Schiaffini-Vedani has organized trips to Beijing for students interested in studying the Chinese language. However, an outbreak of the Corona-virus has forced the university to change its plans. Texas State will NOT support the study abroad program in China this year.
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Many students who signed up for the Summer 2020 program are concerned about getting their application fees returned.
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Other study abroad programs have NOT yet been affected by the Corona-Virus outbreak. For Bobcat Update, I'm Rylee Kotzur.

Austin Bailey

Some Texas State students may not be aware of the university's pride and traditions, but as Bobcat Update's Austin Bailey tells us, there's an abundance of both if you look around.

Texas State is a school full of rich culture and traditions, and many alumni have extreme pride in their alma mater. However, awareness might be in short supply among current students. For them, the post-graduation leap into the San Marcos River may be the most notable tradition.
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Texas State (classification)___ ____ (name the speaker) says the university should do more to promote Bobcat pride.
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Missing orientation sessions as freshmen or transferring from other schools may contribute to some students never learning what it means to be a Bobcat. For Bobcat Update, I'm Austin Bailey.

Krista Andrews

Texas State students are walking into a renovated L-B-J Student Center this semester. Bobcat Update's Krista Andrews has the story.

Construction on the student center is finally winding down. Nearly all of the fenced-off areas and alternate walkways have been removed allowing students to experience the building's new improvements with ease.
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Some students say the building's expansion was worth the wait.
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The student center now includes additional seating areas, larger meeting rooms and a refurbished welcome center. Renovations are scheduled to be fully completed by next month. For Bobcat Update, I'm Krista Andrews.

Emily Martin

A new student apartment complex will open in San Marcos this fall. However, some Texas State University students are concerned that construction will cause traffic problems near the campus. Bobcat Update's Emily Martin has the story.

The apartment complex, now under construction, is called Aspire. When finished, it will be the city's first 13-story building and will provide almost 600 housing units. The high rise is being built along Guadalupe Street and within walking distance of the University. Construction in the area has affected traffic.
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The apartment complex will have a parking garage, which could have an impact on the efficiency of the university bus routes.
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Currently the city has no plans to adjust nearby roads. For Bobcat Update, I'm Emily Martin.

Ryan Huntington

The south entrance to the L-B-J Student Center has reopened for the first time since July of 2018. Bobcat Update's Ryan Huntington has the story.

Students are relieved to find the walkways and south entrance of the center have reopened.
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The Student Center has indoor and outdoor seating areas and a welcome center. The building and its amenities are a great place to study, relax or grab a bite.
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Construction projects continue at the center. The second ballroom and a new Multicultural Center are projected to be finished by September. The renovations have a price tag of about 41 (m) million dollars. For Bobcat Update, I'm Ryan Huntington.