Haley Polk

This is our final newscast of the fall semester. Next week at this time most of us will be home for the holiday, and when we return we'll start working on our final projects and final tests. Bobcat Update's Haley Polk has more on what Thanksgiving represents. 

Students around campus are making their plans for Thanksgiving. Some will be visiting family back in their hometowns, while others are simply staying cozy here in San Marcos.
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Many students seem to be excited to be back at home with their loved ones this Holiday season, and better yet—chow down on some wonderful home-cooked meals. 
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Traditions vary this time of year, but it's a holiday for all.
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SU: Hopefully these students have given you a little inspiration for your Thanksgiving plans this year. For Bobcat Update, I'm Haley Polk. 

Ariadna Camarillo

As the holidays approach, many are planning gatherings that will be filled with food and fun. But not everyone can celebrate that way. Some of our neighbors experience hunger and homelessness. Ariadna Camarillo tells us more.

You often find them hanging out in places like these…Where they wait patiently for that meal…A meal that some people, like Anthony Patlan, give up to someone else who needs it more.     
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Anthony -- a 54-year-old who spent his childhood in foster care -- has faced many challenges in life.
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Anthony's challenges have forced him to turn to the streets for survival -- the streets, where to him, family isn't defined only by last names or by blood.
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San Marcos possesses one of the highest poverty rates in Texas. According to Feeding America, 25 thousand people in Hays County suffer from food insecurity.  But hope flows in the San Marcos community.
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The Southside Community Center along with the Hays County Food Bank are helping those in need.
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It's easy to forget how privileged most of us really are. When encountering people in need, sometimes the easiest thing to do is look the other way.  But an act of kindness is all it takes to bring pure joy. Even if it's the last thing one has to offer.
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As we begin to reflect on what we're thankful for, this is the perfect opportunity to donate some of our time, attention, and resources to those who lack food and shelter. For Bobcat Update, I'm Ariadna Camarillo.

Tanner Murphy

San Marcos artists and art connoisseurs gather in the square once a month for a chance to buy and sell local crafts and creations. Bobcat Update's Tanner Murphy has the story.

Art Squared is a local art market which takes place on the second Saturday of each month at the San Marcos courthouse lawn. The event provides an outlet for artists from all over Central Texas to share their talents and promote their work. Art  Squared manager Kelsey Huckaby says that helping new artists sell their art is what inspires her to continue organizing these events.
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The market provides a space for San Marcos locals to create their own arts and crafts, listen to live music, or just relax and enjoy the atmosphere. They also have an opportunity to learn more about artists whose work they may have seen at  venues around town.
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The Art Squared market is made possible by the San Marcos Art League, an organization which promotes a handful of local art events including the new Lost River Film Festival and the Third Thursday Downtown Walkabout. For Bobcat Update, I'm Tanner Murphy.

Thad Bennett

Veterans of the Armed Forces were honored Monday at the annual Veteran's Day Commemoration and reception at Texas State. Bobcat Update's Thad Bennett reports:

The Texas State University Student Foundation and the  Dean of Students office sponsored the ceremony, which was held in the Quad next to the Fighting Stallions statue. It provided an opportunity to show appreciation for the bravery, commitment and sacrifices made by all of those who have served.
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The keynote speaker was retired Lieutenant Colonel Ismael Ortiz Junior. He thanked the veterans for their service and spoke about the importance of honoring the men and women who died serving their nation. 
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The Texas State University Marching Band performed at the ceremony. A reception was later held in the L-B-J Student Center. Reporting  for Bobcat Update, I'm Thad Bennett.

Orlando Williams II

The Bobcats volleyball team has been killing it on the court this season. With a win last Friday against the Louisiana Cajuns, Texas State is in first place of the Sun-Belt West Division. Bobcat Update's Orlando Williams has the story.

The Lady Bobcats are 22 and 8 this season. The whole atmosphere around volleyball at Texas State has changed as a result. You could see it in full effect last Friday when the team faced the Louisiana Cajuns and defeated them 3 to zero. Some fans are confident the Lady Bobcats will perform well in the upcoming Sun Belt Conference tournament.
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Expectations are high.
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The Sun-Belt Conference tournament starts Thursday in Jonesboro at Arkansas State. For Bobcat Update, I'm Orlando Williams.

Jasmine Torres

Catching the Chain is an exhibit in the first floor of the Alkek library describing the lives of prisoners throughout the years. Bobcat Update's Jasmine Torres has more.
 
This exhibit highlights the history of Texas state prisons and demonstrates the changes that led to the establishment of the modern Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
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Some students find this exhibit fascinating and learn new things about the Texas prison system.
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Students can leave a note by the exhibit describing how they felt seeing it.
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Stand up: Any Texas State student can visit the "Catching the Chain" exhibit on the first floor of the Alkek library from 7 A-M to 8 P-M. It will be on display until December nineteenth. For more information, please be sure to visit the Alkek library page. This is Jasmine Torres for Bobcat Update.

Matthew Harrington

The Witliff Collections has a new music curator. Bobcat Update's Matthew Harrington tells us more.

This is San Antonio native Hector Saldana, Music Curator for the Witliff Collections. I sat down with Saldana earlier to ask what influences he's bringing to Texas State.
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Saldana isn't only the frontman for the Krayolas. He's worked in the newspaper writing columns and interviewing musicians for quite some time.
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If you'd like the chance to meet Saldana yourself – you can usually find him here at the Legends of Tejano music exhibit on the 7th floor of Alkek. For Bobcat Update, I'm Matthew Harrington. 

Preston Winsett

Texas State's Office of International Affairs is dedicated to familiarizing international students with the Bobcat lifestyle. Preston Winsett has more.

The International Affairs Office is celebrating International Education month by hosting a series of events for students. The events provide a way for international students to engage in the Texas State culture and tradition. Upcoming events include a celebration luncheon to welcome students.
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The Thornton House on Woods Street is where the International Affairs Office is located along with the Study Abroad office. The International Office helps students from other countries who are here to live and study.
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The International Office has a wide range of responsibilities, including the distribution of more than 420-thousand dollars in scholarships each year.   
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Studying at Texas State now are 560 international students from 80 different countries. For Bobcat Update, I'm Preston Winsett.

Bailey Green

A San Marcos restaurant is spicing up Thursday nights with salsa dance lessons, along with its usual food and drinks. Bobcat Update's Bailey Green has more.

The live salsa music is provided by Cosa Nostra, and Raul Ramirez teaches the dance lessons from 7 to 10 Thursdays in Aquabrew's Beer Garden, off L-B-J Drive.
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Raul teaches beginner and intermediate salsa dance lessons. Participants aren't required to have a partner when they show up. The dancing looked like so much fun I even tried it. 
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Salsa dancing is a combination of Cuban, African, and Latin American rhythms. Raul said the lessons are his way of sharing a unique culture while having fun.
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(Stand Up)  A fee of seven dollars is  required upon entrance and each salsa class lasts an hour and a half. For more information contact Aquabrew at 5-1-2-3-5-3-2-7-3-9. For Bobcat Update, I'm Bailey Green. 

Leanda Harley

Students and faculty members celebrated Diwali over the weekend at Texas State. Bobcat Update's Leanda Harley tells us about the celebration.

A festival of lights is part of the Diwali tradition. It represents the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. On Saturday,  the Texas State Indian Student Association shared the holiday with people from all walks of life. Diwali is a time for mutual understanding and happiness.
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The Diwali celebration is an opportunity to connect the Indian culture with other communities at Texas State.
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Many of those attending Saturday left with a greater appreciation of Indian culture. For Bobcat Update, I'm Leanda Harley.

Eliza Peyton Donnell

Thousands of visitors are making their way to New Braunfels this week for the the annual Wurstfest celebration. Bobcat Update's Peyton Donnell has the story.

The ten-day festival is underway at Landa Park. Visitors are coming from around the world to celebrate German culture at this year's 56th annual Wurstfest. The Texas tradition offers a daily lineup of live music, carnival rides, souvenir shops and plenty of vendors. Some people, like Wurstfest veteran Colleen McLean, come to the festival for the food and drinks.
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Others, like Texas State alumnus Derrick Stavinoha, come to Wurstfest for the atmosphere.
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Stavinoha also shared what food he thinks is essential to the Wurstfest experience.
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SU: Wurstfest will be open until Sunday, November 12th. For Bobcat Update, I'm Peyton Donnell.

Kyle Spencer

(LIVE ON SET) Texas State honored former Bobcats this past weekend at the annual homecoming football game. It was a close contest through the first half, but the New Mexico Aggies pulled away in the third and fourth quarters to hand the Bobcats a 45-to-27 loss.

(RECORDED) In the crowd at Bobcat Stadium were many former students who returned to celebrate their college years and to root for the home team. The Alumni Association had a tailgate, providing free food, drinks and music for its members. 
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Texas State Quarterback Damian Williams went 13 for 24, gaining 158 yards and one touchdown. Even with the Bobcats' loss, many alumni were proud to be supporting their alma mater.
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(LIVE ON SET) The Bobcats have three games left in the regular season. They play against Georgia State this Saturday at Bobcat Stadium in what will be the final home game of the season.

Jackie Lang

A volcano, a mermaid castle and a pirate ship -- these are some of the features that San Marcos children will encounter at a new playground that's in the works. Bobcat Update's Jackie Lang tells us about the plans

It will be a big playground -- occupying more than 22-thousand square feet. Toddlers will have their own section, and there will be one for kids five-to-12 years old. Designers have safety and inclusiveness in mind. The playground will have rubber flooring and disability swings. The area will have a fence surrounding it.
City officials had a chance to check out the design at a meeting last week. They discussed adding more seats for adults and perhaps adding a small stage for music. The park will be unique to San Marcos.
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Park designers want children to have a sense of adventure while at the playground. Aquarena Springs will serve as a theme. Hand-prints in the cemented trail around the playground will go untouched to preserve part of the original playground, which is located off C-M Allen Parkway.
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SU: Construction is scheduled to begin in February and will take six-to-eight weeks depending on the weather. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jackie Lang.

Aubrey Doherty

The San Marcos River's ecosystem could be in danger, and that's prompted some local activists to go to work to save it.  Bobcat Update's Aubrey Doherty has more on the story.

The spring-fed San Marcos River has water so pure you can drink it and jumping in the river on graduation day is a Texas State tradition. The river has played a key role in the city's history. Ancient artifacts can be found in its waters, and endangered species depend on those waters for survival. But there's concern about the potential impact of demolishing what's called Cape's Dam. The San Marcos River Foundation wants local residents to be aware of the issue. The foundation recently hosted the Lost River Film Fest.
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The festival combines indie-cinema with global-issue-awareness and includes workshops, events, parties, and concerts.
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For more information and to learn how you can get involved, you can visit san-marcos-river-dot-org.  For Bobcat Update I'm Aubrey Doherty.

David Baugh

The Cheatham Street Warehouse in San Marcos gives musicians a chance to have their original music heard. Bobcat Update's David Baugh tells us about the Songwriter's Circle.
 
Texas songwriter Kent Finlay opened Cheatham Street Warehouse in 1974 to showcase original music. He invited performers of country, rock, blues, and folk to his stage. It was Finlay's vision that the bar become an important place for musicians. Country music legend and Texas State alumnus George Strait was a regular there when he was a student. Cheatham Street Warehouse has helped performers make connections and learn from each other.
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Finlay passed away two years ago, but the tradition continues. Country music star Randy Rogers now owns the Warehouse, and he has maintained The Songwriter's Circle. It's a receptive environment that allows for creative growth and a feeling of community among musicians.
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The Songwriter's Circle is free for anyone to sign up and perform. It's held every Wednesday night from 8 until 2 in the morning. For Bobcat Update, I'm David Baugh.

Montana Kilgore

San Marcos has an outlet for comedians to showcase their talents. Bobcat Update's Montana Kilgore tells us about a night spot where the laughs are abundant.
 
The place is called Buzz Mill where there's an open-mic night for comedy. It provides an opportunity to perform original stand up in front of an audience. Amateur and professional comedians alike are encouraged to get involved.
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This is a free event that brings together both performers and audience members through their shared interest in comedy. The event is held every Wednesday at 7 p-m at Buzz Mill on South Guadalupe street. Sign-ups to perform begin at 6:30 before the event.
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(SU) Joke's on you because anyone can be a comedian on Wednesday nights at Buzz Mill Comedy Open Mic. For Bobcat Update, I'm Montana Kilgore.

Taeler Kallmerten

Alkek Library's Write-In Wednesdays provides a space for student-writers to test their creative abilities while working under a deadline. Bobcat Update's Taeler Kallmerten has the story. 

Thirty days to assemble 50-thousand words into one novel -- That's the goal of National Novel Writing Month or NaNoWriMo.  Emily Segoria, now a library assistant in Alkek, remembers completing her novel in the 30-day time frame when she was a student.
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Segoria will participate as a mentor for Write-In Wednesdays. The free event is held in Alkek's Open Theater from 6-9 p-m every Wednesday until the end of November.
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Student writers often work in solitude for extended periods of time, and this event offers them a chance to share ideas and socialize.
SU: If you would still like to take part in this month-long event, it's not too late to sign up. For more information head to the Texas State Events Calendar. For Bobcat Update, I'm Taeler Kallmerten.

Chelsie Anguiano

The Bike Cave at Texas State celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. In this Bobcat Update, Chelsie Anguiano tells us how it has benefited students. 
 
STANDUP: Ten years ago, the Environmental Service Committee at Texas State established The Bike Cave where students could learn how to service and repair their bikes. 
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When the Bike Cave was created, the committee found that even those students who lived near campus drove to class.
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With high enrollment at Texas State and available parking reduced, having a place like The Bike Cave can save time and money. 
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STANDUP: If your bike needs to be serviced, you can visit The Bike Cave in the Colorado Building where trained professionals can help you fix your bike free of charge. For Bobcat Update, I'm Chelsie Anguiano.

Ashley Ruiz

A Texas State professor has been inducted into the San Marcos Women's Hall of Fame. Bobcat Update's Ashley Ruiz has more.

Professor by day, activist by night. Texas State's own Dr. Amy Meeks is making a difference in the city and receiving recognition for what she says comes naturally.
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Meeks says the recognition motivates her to do even more.
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The San Marcos native has some advice for fellow Bobcats wanting to follow in her footsteps.
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Dr. Meeks was noted for her numerous and diverse volunteer efforts as she strives to improve the lives of children and families in the community.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Ashley Ruiz.

Tyler Williamson

The doors are open again at what used to be called the San Marcos River Pub and Grill. Tyler Williamson tells us more in this Bobcat Update.

The River Pub was a favorite for locals and the Texas State community until it closed in 2013 for extensive remodeling. Making necessary changes took much longer than anticipated and further complicated by massive flooding along the San Marcos River. The job is now complete. The restaurant has reopened and been renamed. It's now called Ivar's River Pub in honor of longtime owner, Ivar Gunnarson. Ivar, who was a World War II pilot for the Canadian Air Force, ran a billboard company for many years in his adopted hometown of San Marcos. And then he owned the bar that now bears his name until he passed away twelve years ago. Curtis Gunnarson is Ivar's son. 
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Customers of the restaurant have long enjoyed its scenic location, and staff members say they're excited to be working there.  
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While some things have changed, the Pub has brought back some fan-favorite dishes that older customers might remember. 
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Ivar's River Pub is located at 701 Cheatham Street. For Bobcat Update, I'm Tyler Williamson.