3/24/16

Juliana Darner

Grocery shopping can be stressful, but at the big H-E-B in San Marcos, it doesn't have to be. Especially when you're buying pizza. Julie Darner has more with this Bobcat Update.

The frozen pizza aisle is a familiar place to most grocery shoppers, but it doesn't draw an audience like Sherlon Jackson does. She's not an ordinary salesperson.
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She is the pizza lady.
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It's difficult to ignore her.
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And her work ethic gets results. Jackson recently sold over 450 pizzas in one day. She has been number one in pizza sales for H-E-B for four months. Other stores try to compete with her, but that just motivates her more. Customers say they hear about her across the country.
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Even with her growing popularity, the pizza lady still makes sure her regulars are taken care of. She even says she's the Bobcats' number-one fan.
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If her free samples don't satisfy you, you can rely on her singing and dancing for entertainment.
The Pizza Lady says that she can sell water to the devil, and she would like to prove it to you.
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3/23/16

Anthony Balladares

The Texas State football team had its pro day yesterday at Bobcat Stadium. Anthony Balladares has more in this Bobcat Update.

Several N-F-L scouts observed the Texas State senior players going through a series of drills to test strength, agility and speed. Pro day offers players who have exhausted their four years of athletic eligibility a chance to showcase their individual talents in front of professional scouts. The players hope the try out will improve the likelihood of being drafted by an N-F-L team. Pro day also included coaches and family members. Texas State senior linebacker Trent McGowan's parents were front and center watching their son audition for the Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs and the newly relocated Los Angeles Rams.
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Two surprise guests showed up for the try outs. Alumni and current N-F-L players Craig Mager and Joplo Bartu offered a few pointers to show the players what helped them when they were trying to impress scouts. Bartu is now a linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
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Participating in the pro day does not guarantee being drafted by an N-F-L team. But, even if they aren't picked, the players will still have options.
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Regardless of the journey that lies ahead, pro day is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for players to show teams their unique abilities. And who knows? Maybe the next time we see these players on a football field, it'll be on a Sunday afternoon in the fall.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Anthony Balladares.

Kiersten Ehr

The Texas State baseball and softball season is in full swing. Kiersten (AIR) Ehr has more in this Bobcat Update.

Texas State students can support the baseball and softball teams by going to home games and cheering on the Bobcats. Logan Lozano says the teams rely on student support.
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Students can swipe in with their student I-D cards when they attend games, which automatically enrolls them in the Promise of Pride rewards program. This program is sponsored by the athletics program and gives students free Texas State merchandise for the games they attend. The key is to attend a lot of games for the best prizes.
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Students who attend six games can get a super cat headband-- 24 games with a free Bobcat pride tank top--48 games with a Texas State beach towel--and last but not least for the gold level at 60 games a Texas State item signed by a Texas State head coach.
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To claim your free prize for Promise of Pride, you can visit the Texas State Athletic Department in the Darren B. Casey Athletic Administration Complex. The building is located on the corner of Charles Austin Drive and Aquarena Springs Drive attached to Strahan Coliseum.
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Irma Levrie says student body attendance is very important - especially during the football season when bowl eligibility relies on the number of students attending games.
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Mark Osmena says attending Texas State baseball and softball games is a nice break away from the classroom.
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For a list of upcoming baseball and softball games, you can visit the teams' website at t-x-state-bobcats-dot-com.
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For Bobcat Update, I'm Kiersten Ehr.

3/22/16

Jasmin Carranza

A local business is helping San Marcos residents with the ultimate Do-it-yourself project. Jasmin Carranza has more in this Bobcat Update.

Home brewing is a popular trend, and the Home Brew Supply is helping promote it.
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Located on the square at 130 East San Antonio Street, Home Brew offers all the supplies you need to begin your beer-making venture. For those who are interested in learning what goes into making beer, there are monthly beer camps which include brewing demonstrations and lessons on the basics.
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Texas State student and beer enthusiast, T-K Phelps, has worked with Home Brew Supply to help start a beer brewing club on campus called BrewCats. It's for students who are interested in learning how to brew.
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Home Brew Supply and BrewCats are just two of many options for beer lovers in San Marcos. For Bobcat Update I'm Jasmin Carranza.

3/21/16

Manuel Garcia

Dogs -- they're known as man's best friend. They often have unique talents and can make life more meaningful for their human companions. Bobcat Update's Manuel Garcia tells us about a dog that is helping a Texas State student.

They lick.
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They wag
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And they bark.
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Vandila Thompson is a general studies senior at Texas State University and has had Storm since she was a little puppy.
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Thompson says she chose Texas State because she liked the flow of the campus.
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After graduation, Thompson says she wants to celebrate graduation with her boyfriend by going on a trip.
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Thompson describes how Storm has affected her life.
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At first glance, Storm might appear like a regular dog, but Storm is actually a trained service dog and helps Thompson when she has seizures.
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Storm is prepared for Thompson's seizures because of special training.
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The seizures can be traumatic.
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Storm is always at the ready, and Thompson considers Storm her lucky charm.
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Thompson describes how important Storm has been in her life.
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Thompson encourages the public to know how to deal with fraud service dogs and how to deal with untrained dogs.
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For Bobcat Update, I'm Manuel Garcia.

3/14/16

Brett Ellis

Paying the bills can be a challenge for Texas State students, leading some to take jobs that have challenges all their own. Brett Ellis explains, in this Bobcat Update.

Call it sex work. At Texas State, there are students who -- in some form or fashion -- sell their bodies to make a living. Go-Go Dancers, Sugar Babies, Strippers -- these are jobs that, for some, help pay for tuition and rent.
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Personal responsibilities often lead them to their line of work.
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Some say they'd prefer not being judged for the choices they've made.
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Most fear possible social repercussions.
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But they are all people.
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For Bobcat Update, I'm Brett Ellis.

Katy Fordyce

To some San Marcos residents, The Price Center is a place to practice chair yoga and to others it's seen as a historic wedding ballroom. But for Ron and Marie Jager, The Price center is a building that represents opportunity for anyone and everyone no matter what the age. Katy Fordyce has more in this Bobcat Update.

SU: If you've driven through downtown San Marcos, then you've probably driven passed the Price Center but what you may not know is that this building is built upon love for the community and love for theater.
William Shakespeare wrote, "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players.." This is true for Ron and Marie Jager, who are the true stars of the show at the Price Center.
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The Jagers have been married for 64 years and they've shared a love for the arts since their love story began in 1952. Ron says he and his wife brought musical theater to San Marcos after Marie set an all-time record at The University of Texas for winning first place for four consecutive years in a one-act play contest.
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Over the years Marie has helped design sets for the shows that Ron directs, and she even designed some of the dresses in Ron's 1985 production of Falderol. The Jagers have co-directed many shows at The Price Center, but Marie says the one that stands out to her is To Kill a Mockingbird, because she got to take the stage again and play the old woman character.
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Every summer the Price Center hosts the Lee Colee Summer Music Theater Boot Camp for young performers, ages 8 to 17, and this year the musical, Oklahoma, will be performed. The Price Center was not always home to community theatrical productions. In 1993 the building played the role of a vacant old church that the city considered tearing down until H.Y. Price, Jr. bought and donated it back to the city, in hopes that the building would be used for youth and/or senior citizen programs after he passed.
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Determined to carry out Price's legacy, Ron and Marie declared that the show must go on and assumed full responsibility for the renovation in 1999. The building fund began when the Jagers were approached by movie producers to use their house for a funeral scene in a Martin Sheen movie.
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Today the renovated building stands tall on 222 West San Antonio Street in San Marcos. The Price Center serves as an opportunity center, a senior citizens center and a Tea Room for the city of San Marcos. The Jagers originally moved to San Marcos to bring the city musical theatrical productions and as for Marie, she says she will continue to give back to her community as long as the river keeps flowing.
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For Bobcat Update, I'm Katy Fordyce.






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3/13/16

Macy Neel

Campus Carry will go into effect in August at Texas State. Under the new law, students will be allowed to carry concealed handguns on campus with only a few restrictions. Macy Neel has more in this Bobcat Update.

Carve-out zones are a vital part of how the campus carry laws will be applied at Texas State, but most students do not know what they are.
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Carve-out zones are places where guns will not be allowed.
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The carve-out zones include places that children would be, such as the Child Development Center, the Speech-Language-Hearing and physical therapy clinic, or anywhere summer activities or camps will be held. Guns will also not be allowed at the Student Health Center, the President's house and locations used for sporting events or polling.
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Most students agree with where the carve-out zones are placed.
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Some students believe that carve-out zones should also be extended to classrooms and residence halls.
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To learn more about the carve-out zones at Texas State, go to the Office of the President's website. For Bobcat Update, I'm Macy Neel.

DahLyah Jones

The Student Health Center may soon be expanded. DaLyah Jones has more in this Bobcat Update.

It's obvious from all of the construction on campus that Texas State is growing, and the Student Health Center is attempting to keep up -- by meeting the needs of an ever-increasing student population. Assistant Director Karen Gordon-Sosby says she and the health center staff are looking forward to some much needed changes.
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Sosby says the building will be enlarged to increase the number of physicians and specialists who can work on campus.
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Sosby says construction could possibly begin as soon as 2018.
Texas State Student Laurasia Thomas says the health center offers a wide variety of services, but there's always room for improvement.
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Texas State Student Briana Adames says she agrees that expansion is necessary, but having more construction is a concern.
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"There is no specific date on when construction will begin, but the health center is still taking student input. You can email, call or tweet the health center for your voice to be heard. For Bobcat Update, I'm DaLyah Jones."

Taylor Hughes

Since fall 2011 Texas State University has been a tobacco-free campus, but with several hidden spots on campus some students may be sneaking a smoke. Taylor Hughes has more in this Bobcat Update.

Five years ago Texas State became a Tobacco-Free Campus banning all types of tobacco as well as e-cigarettes.
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While some students are glad the university is tobacco free, there are those who find it an inconvenience.
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However, Student Health Center Director Emilio Carranco says over the past few years the number of violations on campus has decreased.
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SU: The Student Health Center offers a free smoking cessation program and provides medicine to help students stop smoking.
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Last year only nine students took part in the smoking cessation program.
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Some students say they'd rather try to quit on their own.
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The tobacco policy is renewed each year, and students are encouraged to review and follow it. For Bobcat Update I'm Taylor Hughes.

Sarah Bey

Texas State President Denise Trauth will hold two more open-door sessions next month at which students will be able to voice their concerns. Bobcat Update's Sarah Bey has more.

Some recognize her name. Others recognize her picture. But, not many students can say they have personally talked to President Denise Trauth.
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However, students can discuss their concerns or make suggestions directly with the president during her open-door sessions. The consistent growth of the campus has brought to light a lot of issues that students believe need to be addressed.
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Texas State Freshman Chance Miller says although he is new to campus he has already had his share of issues.
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Texas State Junior Tobin Ludwig says opportunities like open-door sessions with the president will help establish communication for future bobcats.
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All students are welcome to attend the next open door session on April 12TH from three to five P-M in the L-B-J Student Center. Students can register online for the last session during the President's Cat Chat at the Division of Student Affairs website.
SU: The last open door session will be here on the eleventh floor of J-C Kellam from two to three P-M on April 21. For Bobcat Update, I'm Sarah Bey.

Taylor Farrell

Many seniors are focusing on graduation, and more importantly, on getting a job. Taylor Farrell tells us how students are preparing, in this Bobcat Update.

With graduation just around the corner, Texas State seniors are beginning to think seriously about their futures. Some students may be feeling unprepared for post-graduate life.
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The job interviewing process can be daunting, but with the help of Texas State Career Services, the process can be less intimidating.
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Career Services offers everything from quiet rooms for video or phone interviews, to a career closet where students can rent professional clothing. Students can even schedule a mock interview to practice their skills.
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SU: Career Services is available to all Texas State students. For more information, visit the Texas State webpage and search career services. For Bobcat Update, I'm Taylor Farrell.

Daniela Gavarrete

Texas State's Board of Regents has approved a new degree program in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. In this Bobcat Update, Daniela Gavarrete tell us about a proposed Digital Media Innovation sequence.

The School of Journalism and Mass Communication has more than 21-hundred majors, making it one of the largest on campus. S-J-M-C can also boast being technologically adept. The fast-growing digital media culture is becoming an essential part of journalism, and the Digital Media Innovation Major will target the intersection between technology and communication.
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S-J-M-C expects there will be high demand for the Digital Media Innovation degree because many students are interested in pursuing careers in the tech industry. The major will expose students to new media strategies and devices that enhance their technology skills.
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The major is still pending final approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. If the green light comes, the D-M-I sequence will be launched this fall. For Bobcat Update, I'm Daniela Gavarrete.

3/6/16

Stephen McElwee

A new organization has been formed at Texas State to call attention to the African-American experience. Bobcat Update's Stephen McElwee has more.

The organization, called the Pan-African Action Committee, was created to promote the cultural heritage of African-Americans. African-Americans make up about ten percent of the student body at Texas State. Tafari Robertson is the committee's president.
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PAAC members want more Texas State students to feel included.
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The Action Committee will be hosting several events on campus this semester including debate nights, film screenings, and black literature giveaways.
SU Members are hoping that their efforts will inspire students to celebrate diversity in the African diaspora. For more information you can follow them on Twitter, at PanAfricanAct.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Stephen McElwee.

Sydney Huddleston

The first Saturday of March marked the 31st Annual Great Texas River Clean Up. Bobcat Update's Sydney Huddleston has more.

Approximately 150 volunteer community members came out this past weekend to participate in picking up trash along the entire length of the San Marcos River. This year proved to be one of the most important clean ups to date after the city survived two devastating floods in 2015.
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With the rapid growth that San Marcos has experienced in the last few years, many residents have felt the impact - many residents, including the endangered ones. River Clean-Up Team Leader Leah Murray says keeping the river clear of debris is essential for wild rice growth.
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Whether it was by foot or by way of canoe, individuals and families alike made it a point to show up and show support for the river that makes San Marcos unique.
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SU: For those who didn't get to participate this year, luckily for you, proper trash disposal is something you can do any day of the year. (Puts trash in trash can)
For Bobcat Update, I'm Sydney Huddleston.

3/5/16

Alan Espejel

For over four months, hikers and bikers could only gaze at Purgatory Creek's trails behind warning signs and closed entrances. But now, as Purgatory Creek re-opens to the general public, many residents are preparing for their next hike. Alan Espejel reports in this Bobcat Update.

Last October's flooding wreaked havoc at Purgatory Creek. The high water levels left debris and considerable damage. San Marcos officials shut down the trails for safety reasons. Many hikers were affected.
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Now, some four months later, parts of upper and lower Purgatory Creek are again open for public use.
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The city says while some parts of Purgatory remain closed, those areas that have reopened are safe to hike. Residents are encouraged to come to the park to walk, run, climb, and bike the trails once again. Even the furriest of hikers are ready to drag their master's across Purgatory's wilderness.
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So for all you hiking fans out there, Purgatory Creek is officially open, here from Prospect Park up to upper Purgatory. For Bobcat Update, I'm Alan Espejel.

Undria Wilson

Midterms have begun, which means students will be cramming for multiple exams. And, as Undria Wilson tells us, many students will likely suffer from sleep deprivation for a while.

Sleep. A college student's favorite past time. Whether it's getting an extra hour of sleep or an extra five hours, nothing can beat a good nap in between classes. Texas State offers a special place designed for sleep and studying in L-B-J. Boko's Living Room is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday. Many students take advantage of Boko's to take a nap or use the quiet area to study and watch movies on their phones.
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Boko's Living Room also offers a television room where students can gather and enjoy their favorite shows until class time. The room is a place where students can enjoy some R-and-R during a busy day. It offers pillows, blankets and desk areas to make the visit more comfortable. But one student, Cameron Wilson, says that Boko's would be perfect if only a few essentials were added to the experience.
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Boko's also offers a computer lab called Clicks Cybercafe. For Bobcat Update, I'm Undria Wilson.

Elizabeth Millner

A new way to raise money for student organizations will soon be available. Elizabeth Millner has more in this Bobcat Update.

Texas State University has more than 300 student organizations on campus, and fundraising can sometimes be tough.
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Students must adhere to certain rules and regulations when they set up to fund raise in the Quad.
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Guidelines include safety training for those who want to sell or distribute food on campus.
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But an alternative is coming to Texas State to make raising money for projects a little bit easier. A new crowdfunding platform is being introduced, which will give organizations the opportunity to market their projects and raise funds through an online interactive website.
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Some students say crowdfunding will help raise money and provide a marketing tool.
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The crowdfunding program will start in April. For Bobcat Update, I'm Elizabeth Millner.

Dylan Harkins

San Marcos has not yet fully recovered from last year's floods, but more help is on the way. Dylan Harkins has the story, in this Bobcat Update.

San Marcos experienced two devastating floods in 2015 -- one occurred in late May and the other during the Halloween weekend. Millions of dollars worth of property were destroyed. Most of the debris has been cleaned up, but the city still has a lot of work to do. Relief and recovery efforts continue.
The city recently received 25-million dollars in government funds, which brings the overall amount of flood relief to 142-million dollars.
Texas State Senior Caleb Kallman says he hopes the funds will be spent a certain way.
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City Communications Director Kristi Wyatt says the recovery process is long and difficult.
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Wyatt says many people still need help, so the city will continue to seek funds from the federal government. For Bobcat Update, I'm Dylan Harkins.

Veronica Mueller

Spring Break is upon us. Students have a wide variety of activities planned for the break. Veronica Mueller tells us more.

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While some students will be traveling, others are staying in San Marcos to catch up on sleep or enjoy activities close by.
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For those wanting something more to do than float the river, there's South-by-Southwest in Austin. Tickets can be expensive, but one student tells Bobcat Update about an app called Free At, which can be used to gain access to free events near the festival.
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Wherever your plans may take you, remember to stay safe. For Bobcat Update, I'm Veronica Mueller.