4/16/16

Julie Darner

Graduation is approaching quickly, so seniors are trying to get it together. Julie Darner has more with this Bobcat Update.

No matter how much Bobcats love their school, there comes a day when they have to move on. Some of them have big plans.
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Some of them are searching.
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And if they don't have a clue about what's ahead, they shouldn't worry. At least, not yet.
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They are not alone.
It can be an emotional time. But when they jump in the river wearing their caps and gowns, those endless nights of studying at Alkek will seem worth it.
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With Bobcat Update, for the last time, I'm Julie Darner.

Elizabeth Millner

If you're thinking about moving into an apartment and want to include a pet, make sure you do some research first. Most apartment complexes have strict policies when it comes to dogs. Elizabeth Millner has more in this Bobcat Update.

Including a dog when you move in often means you have to pay more. Fees or pet deposits can range from 200 to 500 dollars. Some renters think the deposits are just too expensive.
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Those who want to house certain breeds, such as pit bulls or German Shepherds, find it difficult, because some apartments prohibit them.
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However, apartment managers have proved to be more lenient when it comes to service animals.
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Leasing agents and apartment staff say the fees are necessary because of the damages that could occur.
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Residents who violate the policies may have to find other accommodations for their pets.
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But there are always the dedicated owners who will choose keeping their four-legged-friends over relocation any day.
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For Bobcat Update, I'm Elizabeth Millner.

Kat Johnson


Finals are looming ahead, and that means stress levels are rising. Kat Johnson joins us now at the news desk to tell us more about what's ahead.
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(c.g.: Kat Johnson, Bobcat Update.)
Texas State is gearing up for finals week. Professors are writing their exams, and students are planning their strategies for taking them.
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To accommodate students who need to do some late-night studying or write their final papers, Alkek Library will be open 24 hours a day starting Monday, May second until Tuesday May tenth. Although the library is the most popular place to study during finals, the campus offers many options.
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If you are a student that stresses easily about finals, here are some studying tips from your fellow Bobcats
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Texas State's finals will start on Tuesday, May third and end on Wednesday, May eleventh.
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Taylor Farrell

Forbes has named San Marcos one of the 25 best places to retire. Taylor Farrell tells us more in this Bobcat Update.

Among the characteristics that Forbes considered were the affordability of housing , taxes and the cost of living. In each category, San Marcos rates below the national average, but for residents, San Marcos also holds many other distinctive qualities.
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A variety of environments was represented on the Forbes' list. While some cities boasted scenic mountains or beaches, San Marcos was noted for its warm weather, beautiful rivers and many outdoor activities.
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There are numerous reasons why San Marcos is considered to have good retirement value, and residents tend to agree.
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SU: To see the full list of cities, visit Forbes.com and search 'best places to retire'. For Bobcat Update, I'm Taylor Farrell.

Taylor Hughes

The semester is coming to a close, but that doesn't mean the adventure has to. In this Bobcat Update, Taylor Hughes tells us how students and faculty can tap into their inner explorer.

Hiking, biking, camping, kayaking. In San Marcos, there's always a chance for a nature lover to get outdoors. The Adventure Trip Program helps students and faculty do just that.
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Free clinicals and paid weekend trips are offered each semester, so people can learn skills like backpacking or rock climbing.
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Anyone is welcome; the main point of the trips is to encourage a sense of adventure.
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This summer the program is taking a group of 13 students to Iceland.
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Prices for the trips range anywhere from five-dollars to 90-dollars, and more information about them can be found at the Outdoor Center in Sewell Park.
SU: Whether it's kayaking the river or taking an international trip, the Adventure Trip Program can satisfy the explorer in any student. For Bobcat Update I'm Taylor Hughes.

4/14/16

Sophia Campos

Texas State hosts an annual event that honors faculty, staff, alumni and students who have passed away within the past year. Sophia Campos has more in this Bobcat Update.

The Student Foundation invites loved ones of the deceased to attend Bobcat Pause. At this event they can see pictures of their loved one, hear from the university president and watch a tribute musical performance.
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This year marks the event's 29th anniversary, and it attracts family and friends of the deceased from all over.
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Whether it's the loss of a husband, wife, professor, or friend, students who have lost a loved one are learning to cope with their new reality.
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Although this event may be painful, it's also a time of reflection and remembrance.
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(Stand up) The purpose of Bobcat Pause is to show the family and friends of the deceased that their loved one is not forgotten. For Bobcat Update, I'm Sophia Campos.

4/12/16

Matthew Hamill

There's a concert series taking place in San Marcos this month, and every event is raising awareness for a good cause. Matthew Hamill has more in this Bobcat Update.

Every Thursday during April, residents can expect a show at the San Marcos Plaza Park. Last Thursday the Keep San Marcos Beautiful Concert Series featured the one-man funk band Henry and the Invisibles. Coordinator for the concert series, Amy Kirwin, says the weekly shows are meant to engage people in ways to help the environment.
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Last year the Concert Series added a sustainability theme. You can expect an environmental theme this week as well.
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The fun kicks off at 6:30 with activities for the whole family, and the music begins at 7:30. The Concert series is free to the public. For Bobcat Update, I'm Matthew Hamill.

4/11/16

Travion Harmon

Some Texas State seniors are taking a serious look at pursuing a graduate degree after their spring commencement. Travion Harmon has more with this Bobcat Update.

Seniors have decisions to make. After graduation, some will immediately enter the workforce; others will take a break. Another option is graduate school .
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(SU)For some students perusing graduate school after graduation is beneficial for them because it allows them to cut down time and grow in their career fields.
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Some students say a master's degree is a necessity -- especially in today's competitive job market.
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The Texas State graduate college is still accepting applications for the upcoming school year. Questions and concerns can be answered by a graduate advisor located on the second floor of J-C-K. For Bobcat Update, I'm Travion Harmon.

4/9/16

Sam Isenberg

Gas prices remain low, which is good news for some and not so good news for others. Sam Isenberg tells us more in this Bobcat Update.

Fuel up Americans! According to the American Automobile Association, gas prices were the cheapest they've been in 12 years to start 2016. (Standup)
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But the cheap gas prices aren't good news for all. C-N-N reports that more than 86 thousand jobs in the oil industry have been cut since the price of oil started to drop in June 2014.
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The automobile industry is also feeling the effect of lower gas prices. A few years ago people were trading in their gas guzzlers for a more fuel efficient choice, but with gas prices low S-U-V and truck sales are making a comeback.
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Texas has the ninth cheapest gas prices on average at 1.89 per gallon. The state with the highest average... California at 2.79 per gallon, so if you're headed to the Golden State bring your electric car. For Bobcat Update, I'm Sam Isenberg (standup)

Shannon Carrico

The student population at Texas State continues to grow, and the university is anticipating even higher numbers next fall. Bobcat Update's Shannon Carrico has more.

Texas State is located in one of the fastest growing cities in America, and many of the newcomers in San Marcos are Texas State students. The University reported a record-breaking 38-thousand-and-six students for the fall 2015 semester. The Department of Undergraduate Admissions says enrollment could be even higher next fall.
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Freshman applications are up nearly 15 percent, and transfer applications are also expected to increase.
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SU: Even though the growth in student enrollment at Texas State is benefiting the school, it has some students concerned moving forward.
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Whether you're an under- or upperclassman, you can expect it to be a little busier at Texas State this coming fall. For Bobcat Update, I'm Shannon Carrico.

Jarrett Moehn

There's a new condo going up where an old bar use to be. Jarrett Moehn has more in this Bobcat Update.

You've probably noticed the crane.
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As San Marcos grows, new places to live must be built, like this one. This is where the Triple Crown bar used to be -- a place where musicians could gather and perform. For 365 days a year, for over 18 years, Triple Crown featured live music. Now it's gone to make way for more living space. Triple Crown and the lot next to it were purchased by a commercial real estate agency called Carson Properties. The first floor of the new complex will be retail space, while the floors above will be apartments.
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However, not everyone is pleased. Some local residents who enjoy the music scene say there are too many changes occurring.
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Musicians are finding it more difficult to find places to play and for students and local music fans to hear them.
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For Bobcat Update, I'm Jarrett Moehn.

Valerie Figueroa

The Internet-based retailer, Amazon, has begun construction of a distribution center in San Marcos. The center is expected to employ more one-thousand people including some Texas State graduates. Valerie Figueroa has more in this Bobcat Update.

San Marcos has attracted new industries hoping to set up shop in one of the fastest growing cities in the nation. For example, Amazon has begun advertising job opportunities for its newest facility a year before completion. San Marcos Mayor Daniel Guerrero says companies like Amazon are expanding business opportunities for the city, its residents, and Texas State. He says the arrival of big business is a significant indicator of the city's growth and its importance. Large employers provide opportunities for students to stay in San Marcos after they graduate, but some students say they plan to return to their hometowns.
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Several students say they like San Marcos but wouldn't stay after graduation because they prefer larger urban areas.
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Other students say they would like to stay in San Marcos, if there were more jobs available.
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Despite positive responses from many students at the university, some locals believe big business will be bad for San Marcos.
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Laura Carr

The San Marcos Police Department is encouraging motorists to lock it or lose it. In this Bobcat Update, Laura Carr tells us about recommendations to avoid break-ins.

Vehicles are used, of course, for transportation, but they're also often a personal storage space as well. Cars are vulnerable to theft. The police department says there have been more than 50 car burglaries in the last month. Thefts, though, can be avoided.
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The police department says report any theft from your vehicle immediately. For Bobcat Update, I'm Laura Carr.

Tessa Andrade

Prom season is a special time but can also come at a high cost. Tessa Andrade tells us how a local San Marcos church is helping high school students find the perfect dress.

Many young women from the San Marcos area will have an opportunity this weekend to find their dream dress at no cost. El Buen Pastor Church is hosting its second annual Prom Dress giveaway. To be eligible, students must be 14 to 19 years old and have a current school I-D.
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Janie Perez is founder of the event. Perez says she wants girls to have opportunities she didn't have when she was in high school.
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The event gives girls the opportunity to attend a high school rite of passage, prom, without having to worry about the financial strain.
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The event will be held on April 16th from 11 a-m to 5 p-m at the El Buen Pastor Church on Hutchison Street. For Bobcat Update I'm Tessa Andrade

Dylan Harkins

A new store has opened in San Marcos that can take care of your broken electronics. Dylan Harkins has more in this Bobcat Update.

One-Up-Repairs, located within walking distance of campus at 2-12 University Drive, opened about a month ago. The co-owner is Erica Douglass.
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Douglass says the shop tries to make repairs quickly.
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Co-owner John Creasy says he and his wife take pride in their store's record of service. They also have a shop in Austin.
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One-Up-Repairs has some competition in town. For example, Mobile Phone Geeks Manager Alex Pichot says his shop is in the business of helping customers, too.
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4/6/16

Manuel Garcia

The Texas State Wake-Boarding Team is ready to take flight. Manuel Garcia recently visited the Texas Ski Ranch and files this report.

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Just a few miles south of campus lies an oasis where extreme sports enthusiasts get vertical. A cable is used to launch the riders through rails and ramps that are scattered throughout the course.
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Texas State Wake-Team Founder Jack Guenther looks back on the history of the team.
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The wake boarding team is unique.
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New people are welcome to join.
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For newcomers wanting to wake board, Guenther has some words of encouragement.
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So grab a swimsuit, gear up, hit the water and shred the gnar with the Texas State Wake Team. For Bobcat Update this is Manuel Garcia.

Anthony Balladares

Cancer -- it ruins lives and devastates families. But there are organizations, like Relay for Life, that try to help those who are affected. Anthony Balladares has more in this Bobcat Update.

While most students are busy cramming for their next big test or catching up on some much-needed sleep, these three women are preoccupied with something much different... something much more important... remembering those who have lost their battle to cancer and celebrating those who are still fighting.
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Together the trio forms part of the leadership team for Texas State's Relay for Life -- a non-profit organization that focuses on cancer awareness. The group also raises funds for education, research and advocacy. All three are devoted to Relay for Life. Their passion runs deep.
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Their message is simple: Everyone is potentially affected by cancer and it doesn't take a diagnosis to realize it.
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All the hours of planning and fundraising that Anisah, Stephanie and Marina have gone through since August will come to fruition tomorrow night during Relay for Life's final event -- a seven-hour festivity filled with games and celebration. The event honors the millions of people affected by cancer. For Bobcat Update, I'm Anthony Balladares.

4/5/16

Veronica Ramirez

Whether you're commuting to Texas State from Austin, or driving to Austin for a night out, in all likelihood you've encountered the mess that I-35 traffic can cause. State officials are exploring options to ease the congestion. Veronica Ramirez has more in this Bobcat Update.

The Texas Transportation Commission approved a measure last week that will offer truck drivers a discount to avoid I-35 and take State Highway One-30 instead.
The discount is seen as a way to encourage truck drivers to use the toll road rather than I-35 and thereby alleviate traffic and decrease accidents between Austin and San Marcos.
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Currently truck drivers pay 50 dollars for a full trip from S-H One-30 to toll 45, which connects Georgetown to Buda. But, starting later this month, big rigs with four axles or more will receive a 33 percent discount to drive on the toll road. The discount will increase in November to 67 percent for Tex-Tag customers. The heavy traffic on I-35 affects Texas State students who commute from the Austin area. Some say they have to leave early to make it to class on time.
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One student says the discount makes sense if it reduces the volume of traffic on I-35, but it's still too expensive.
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Phase one of the law starts on April 18th and will be in effect from 7 a-m to 7 p-m weekdays.
(Stand Up) Additionally, a report will be presented next year when the commission meets again that will include the impact of the discounts on traffic. For Bobcat Update, I'm Veronica Ramirez.

4/4/16

Stephen McElwee

With nearly 250 pets at the city's animal shelter, there is always a need for volunteers. Stephen McElwee has more in this Bobcat Update.

Studies have shown that volunteering can lower the risk of depression and fill your life with a sense purpose and fulfillment. Many animal shelter volunteers agree...as do the puppies.
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The San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter has about 100 volunteers and is always looking for more people. Animal Shelter technician Leah Hatcher says volunteering is a popular activity for college students and the retired community.
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[SU] So whether you're looking to help out or simply looking for a furry friend be sure to check out The City of San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter. For Bobcat Update I'm Stephen McElwee.

4/2/16

Jasmin Carranza

Harry Potter fans were offered a taste of Muggle Quidditch this past weekend. Jasmin Carranza has more in this Bobcat Update.

Thirty Quidditch teams from across the country converged last Saturday in San Marcos for the first-ever Consolation Cup.
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Every year 60 Quidditch teams qualify to compete for a national title, and after teams are eliminated from the main competition they still can play another round in what's called the Consolation Cup.
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This is the first year such an event has been held, and Texas State is lucky enough to be the first to host it.
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The teams competing believe that this type of division-two tournament is good for the sport and should continue.
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(Stand up) For more information on the Texas State Quidditch program, visit their Facebook page at Texas State Quidditch and follow the varsity team as it competes for the national title April 16th through 17th in Columbia, South Carolina. For Bobcat Update I'm Jasmin Carranza.