Guarionex Molina Martinez

Women's History is celebrated during March. Bobcat Update's Guarionex Molina asked some students whom they considered female role models:

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Geneva Gano is a professor at Texas State who lectures about the contributions of women writers in the Southwest. Dr. Gano says some writers have been activists.
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There's a lot of information online if you'd like to know more about women's history month. For Bobcat Update, I'm Guarionex Molina.

Ryan Huntington

Texas State's Career Closet offers professional clothing attire to help students prepare for internship and job interviews. Bobcat Update's Ryan Huntington has the story.

For many students, purchasing professional clothing can be a financial burden. The Career Closet, located on the 5thfloor of L-B-J, is the perfect solution for students in need of outfits they can wear for job interviews.
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Students should prepare in advance for interviews by visiting the Career Closet and making sure they have clothes that fit well and are appropriate for the job they're seeking. Generally, students check out an outfit for one week at a time, but if a student knows that they will need the outfit longer, the Career Closet is happy to extend the rental, as long as the student makes prior arrangements.
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If you or your family have professional clothes sitting in storage, you could help future students prepare for career opportunities by donating them to the Career Closet. For Bobcat Update, I'm Ryan Huntington.

Emily Martin

With Spring Break approaching, Texas State University is making preparations to keep the campus safe. Bobcat Update's Emily Martin tells us more.

Many students will likely either go home or on vacation for spring break. When they leave, they think about what to do with their valuables.
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While students living off-campus can stay in town for the break, on-campus students are not allowed to stay in their dorms unless they have made special accommodations
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Residential Assistant Timia Cobb says there are safety measures in place to protect residence halls.
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Cobb also recommends being cautious about who's allowed in the dorms.
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Stand Up

Pearce O'Neal

Austin city officials have cancelled South By Southwest festival amid growing concerns of coronavirus.  The news comes just a few days after an announcement was made saying cancelling the festival wouldn't make it safer.  Bobcat Update's Pearce O'Neal has the story. 

South by Southwest has been cancelled for the first time in 34 years due to coronavirus fears. Austin city officials made the decision this past Friday, a week before the event was set to begin. The festival draws in thousands of visitors and volunteers from all over, including Texas State students and faculty.  South by Southwest Street Team Leader Dale Blasingame (BLA-ZIN-GAME) says he is disappointed with the outcome.  

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As of now, there have been no cases of coronavirus in Travis County, but the cancellation is being taken as a proactive measure. Biology Lecturer Michael Wilson says the risk of contracting coronavirus is higher when large groups of people interact in close proximity. 

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South By Southwest brought in 356-(m)million dollars for the Austin economy last year. The cancellation could be potentially devastating for local businesses.

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 Officials are looking into rescheduling or providing a virtual experience.  It is undetermined if attendees and vendors will receive refunds. For Bobcat Update, I'm Pearce O'Neal. 

Krista Andrews

San Marcos is considering a proposal that would combine Texas State's shuttle service with the city's bus system. Bobcat Update's Krista Andrews has the story.

San Marcos is growing in population and so is its need for convenient public transportation. In response, the city is developing a five-year transit plan that would merge Bobcat Shuttle and San Marcos Transit into one unified system. That sounds like a good idea to some people if it also means the city increases the number of buses in service.

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Others say the change could benefit Texas State students in the long run. 

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If adopted, the transit plan would include shared bus stops, more routes and longer service hours. According to city officials, action on the proposed bus changes is several months away. For Bobcat Update, I'm Krista Andrews.

Marcel Negrete

Fraternities and sororities at Texas State offer students many benefits and opportunities, but the actions of a few of these organizations have reflected poorly on their members and the university. Bobcat Update's Marcel Negrete reports on what's being done to hold Greek organizations accountable.
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Even after closing or suspending a Greek organization, the aftermath of an incident can have longstanding effects on the way that outsiders see Greek culture. One Texas State student says that news media and movies often fall short of illustrating what being in a sorority is like.
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Breaking down the negative stigmas of Greek culture is no easy task, but Assistant Dean of Students Bob Dudolski is confident that Texas State is moving in the right direction.
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Texas State continues to work alongside Greek organizations to ensure that all students have access to a positive and rewarding experience when joining a fraternity or sorority. For Bobcat Update, I’m Marcel Negrete.

Bradley Barnes

As more information on the Coronavirus is released, there are concerns about how far the disease will spread. Officials at Texas State University are aware of the situation and have taken measures to ensure the safety of the campus community. Bradley Barnes has the story...

Texas State President Denise Trauth has issued a statement concerning the school's plans on how to deal with the spread of the Coronavirus. In the email, President Trauth offers assurances because there are no active or documented cases of the virus on campus, but she notes that it's critical for the university to be prepared as the situation evolves.
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The president's email contains a link to a webpage put together by the Student Health Center. The webpage has  information on class schedules, health and safety tips, and facts about the virus.
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Though there haven't been any reported cases of the virus on campus, Texas State has canceled some of its school-sponsored study-abroad trips. Students who signed up for studies in China, Italy, and Japan are no longer able to go under the new travel restrictions.
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President Trauth says that there will be periodic updates on the spread of the virus. In the meantime, the Student Health Center recommends standard hygienic precautions, like frequent hand-washing with soap and water or hand sanitizer, and staying home when you're sick. For Bobcat Update, I'm Bradley Barnes.

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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Stand UP

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.