Colby Howell

For the past three decades, one person has been the face of Bobcat Volleyball. Colby Howell has more in this Bobcat Update.

In the fall of 1980, "Another Brick in the Wall" by Pink Floyd topped the Billboard charts. The #1 TV series was Dallas, and Karen Chisum began her first year as Volleyball head coach here at Texas State. 
Thirty years, and 9## wins later, Coach Chisum is still here and loving what she does. She began her coaching career at San Marcos and New Braunfels High Schools before finding her way back to then Southwest Texas State University, where she earned two degrees. 
Her first year as head coach here was 1980. Since then, she has climbed all the way to 8th on the all-time N-C-double-A wins list. 
STANDUP -"Over the 30 plus years shes been here at Texas State, Coach Chisum said not the wins and losses that matter, but the relationships shes forged over the years"
SOUNDBITE- "The reason I keep coming back is the people. I've met so many great people over the years here at Texas State." 
Senior Captain Brittany Collins says Coach Chisum is much more than just a coach to her.
SOUNDBITE- "Her door is always open. She's makes sure that she is there for us whenever we need here." The Volleyball Banners hanging in the rafters at Texas State are a testament to her success and passion for the game. Yet, no matter how many wins and championships she has under her belt, Chisum says she has no timetable for her exit. 
SOUNDBITE- "I'm still energetic. I still love to coach. I'm not gonna be Joe Paterno. You won't see me here at 82. But as long as I can do this well. I'll be here at Texas State University." 
Coach Chisum- a true bobcat. For Bobcat Update, I'm Colby Howell.

Amanda Dugan

Some of the endangered Texas wild rice in the San Marcos River may be moved within the next couple of years. Amanda Dugan has more in this Bobcat Update.
Texas State University and the City of San Marcos are in talks to restore the Sessom's Creek watershed. The project will decrease the amount of dirt found at the bottom of the San Marcos River. The dirt builds up after filtering down from the university's property and into Sessom's Creek. The restoration of the water shed will be a multi-million dollar project and will take anywhere from 10-15 years to complete. Forty percent of the water shed is owned by Texas State and the rest is owned by San Marcos. Funds required for the restoration will come from the Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies. Once the watershed is completed, the university, the San Marcos community and the U-S Fish and Wildlife services will look into dredging the river as the next step. Not everyone agrees that this is a good idea. [Let the CG identify the speaker.]
SB: I don't think it's necessary. What's here is here, it's apart of the river and Sewell Park.
Dredging the river will require transplanting some of the endangered Texas wild rice that grows there. The rice may be moved to other parts of the river or to the National Fish Hatchery for further research. Director of the Aquatics Station at Texas State, Tim Bonner, says moving the rice would benefit the river and community.
SB: Once able to minimize the amount of sediment in the river. That would allow us, working with U.S. Fish and Wildlife. ....Transplant those Texas wild rice elsewhere, so that it is a more recreational area for students.
Bonner and the scientific community feel that this would help the river prosper and would not hurt any of the endangered wild rice.
Standup: Dredging some of the wild rice in the San Marcos river will cause water levels to rise. Making river recreation easier and more enjoyable. For Bobcat Update, I'm Amanda Dugan
[I sure hope you have plenty of B-Roll.]

Ansel Hildebrand

San Marcos drivers are noticing a spike when they go to the gas pump. Near campus at Texas State, the 7-11 store has regular unleaded at two-63 per gallon. The Sac-N-Pac across from Colloquium has regular for two-57 a gallon. And the Yellow Store has the cheapest gas at two-37. The Energy Information Administration says gas prices are up ten cents from last Monday. The national average is two-67 a gallon. That's up 18 cents from a year ago. But gas is still cheaper here in Texas averaging two-55 a gallon.

Claudia Mickle

Texas State's 2009 Homecoming has a lot of firsts in store for students. Claudia Mickle has more with this Bobcat Update.
Homecoming will be celebrated this weekend.
Campus windows in the L-B-J Student center show the students' spirit with paintings of bobcats and sayings such as "Let's go Cats, beat the Jacks."
Homecoming Queen nominee Jenni Kraft says the event will be exciting.
SB: (12 secs) "This year it's actually going to be on Halloween so it's really exciting because first of all we're going to win first place, but now we're gonna scare them with our Bobcat fierce face, and the Lumberjacks will go down."
The Bobcats will take on Stephen F. Austin at 2 p-m Saturday.
The first-ever Homecoming Kick-off Rally was held in the L-B-J Amphitheater Tuesday and the first Spirit Stick was introduced as well.
Student Coordinator Roman Arispe (Air-is-pee) says the rally is a good way to boost school spirit.
SB: (10 secs) "I feel Texas State's on a way to becoming something bigger and better and I know that a lot of faculty and staff on campus are trying to increase the pride and tradition here."
The rally featured Hip Hop Congress, the Texas State Band Drum Line and, of course, cheerleaders.
The King and Queen, along with best Halloween costume, will be announced at Saturday's tailgate.
SB: (9 Secs) "Whose house is this, this is Bobcats house so students and Bobcat fans don't forget to show your pride this Saturday at the game, for Bobcate Update I'm Claudia Mickle.

Summer Ratliff

It's that time again for carving pumpkins, trick or treating, and costume shopping. Summer Ratliff has more in this Bobcat Update.
SU: With Halloween right around the corner, we went to find out.. … What will be the most popular costume this year?
SB: 4 different reactions from students.
Political Science Major, Bryce Arnold
Junior Sarah Pezzaro
Senior Ben McCullough
University Police Officer Otto Glenewinkel
For those still searching for a costume, stores like the Halloween Costume Warehouse at the Outlet Mall in San Marcos has a lot to offer.
SU: Here you can find a variety of costumes with prices ranging from 29-99 to 49-99.
Store-bought costumes can be expensive, but Manager Abbey Miers says the slow economy hasn't affected business.
SB: People are always willing to spend money on that one day of the year for Halloween just to have a good costume.
For those who want to spend less, Goodwill is an alternative for the bargain costume shopper.
SU: Here at goodwill the prices are low, even as low as 2.99 but you might need to be creative.
Mother of two, Vanessa Bermudez says she doesn't mind looking through the racks or altering costumes if it will save her a little money.
SB: although these are two different costumes I'm going to be taking apart at least I don't have to spend money on one and my son is only six months old he will grow out of it….and this way I can make it look the way I want it to look.
Whether you're a goblin, witch, or vampire, either store has plenty of options for the last minute shopper. For Bobcat Update, I'm Summer Ratliff.

Jesse Moloney

Halloween is quickly approaching, and time is running out to prepare for this weekend's festivities. Jesse Moloney has more in this Bobcat Update.
SB/CG standup
SB/CG interview
SB/CG interview
Many stores offer the traditional boxed costumes, but Costumed Occasions offers a personalized touch. They make over ninety percent of their costumes by hand and can help anyone find exactly what he or she is looking for.
SB/CG Interview
Some of the most popular costumes this year include flapper costumes for women and vampires for men. Store employees say abstract costumes are becoming more popular.
SB/CG Interview
With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, many students will start festivities early, dressing up Friday as well and continuing until early Sunday morning when the clocks are switched back to standard time.
SB/Standup

Hannah Miller

Starting tomorrow, San Marcos residents will have a chance to save money on prescription drugs. The city will announce a free discount program at the new
C-V-S at the corner of Hunter Road and Wonder World Drive tomorrow morning. The discount comes in the form of a card that will be available at all city offices. The card is free to all San Marcos residents, and no enrollment or fee is required. The card will save residents an average of 20 percent on retail prescription drug prices and can be used if their prescriptions are not covered by insurance.

Ashley Flores

Potential employers will be on campus this month.  Job and internship fairs for Mass Communication students were held earlier this week at Texas State, and a fair for those interested in the construction industry was held today. Career services offers a variety of workshops to help students build their resumes and refine their interviewing skills.  An education fair is scheduled for next week.  If you're interested in attending an interview session, contact Career Services.

Kristy Hoerig

You didn't provide an anchor lead-in.  I wrote the following.
If you're in the market to buy a house, you may be running out of time to qualify for a big tax credit.  Kristy Hoerig tells us more in this Bobcat Update.
To receive an eight-thousand dollar tax credit from the federal government, you must be a first-time home buyer. November 30th is the cut-off date to close the deal. You may be eligible if the home is within the city limits and is either a single-family dwelling, a condo or a townhouse built after 1978. Income is another criterion.  To qualify for the full tax credit, single taxpayers cannot have incomes that do exceed 75-thousand dollars and for married couples the limit is 150-thousand dollars.
Century 21 Realtor Robbie Wiley says this is a great opportunity.
SB:Wiley…three year…
You have up to two years to amend your 2008 tax return.
SB: Javier
Stand-up(extra incentive for professors)
SB: Wiley..$5,000 credit for professors…
Tenured and tenure-track professors who are full-time employees and who have not owned a residence in San Marcos city limits within the past three years qualify for this program.
(Stand-up)
Program requirements include living in the home for five years and working for the university. After five years, the loan balance goes to zero and the lien is released. No repayment will be required if the professor lives in the house for five years.
(Stand-up)

Adam Swank

The Bike Cave is moving again, this time, to make way for a faculty research center. Adam Swank has more in this Bobcat Update.
It doesn't seem that long ago that the campus Bike Cave moved here to the Pecos Building. The former woodshop had been abandoned for years and required a lengthy clean-up job before re-opening in February. Bike Cave student manager Judith Wilson remembers the renovation fondly.
SB: Judith Wilson
Now the Department of Anthropology will take over the building as a place for a new faculty member to conduct his research close to the center for archeological research next door. The move will force the Bike Cave to relocate all of its equipment including shelves of tools, tires and of course, its many bicycles. In keeping with their eco-friendly philosophy, the Bike Cave hopes to move all of it without the use of trucks. Instead, there are plans to use a specially outfitted tri-cycle courtesy of the Environment Service Committee.
SB: Judith Wilson
The Bike Cave's future location at the Colorado Building has only one-third the space and will also need some work before it's fully operational.
SB: Paul Hamilton
STANDUP: "While there's no exact date for yet for the Bike Cave's relocation here to the Colorado Building. The move will mark their second large renovation project of this year alone. For Bobcat Update, I'm Adam Swank."

Nathan Estrada

Opera fans have reason to celebrate this weekend in San Marcos. Nathan Estrada tells us more in this Bobcat Update.
The Texas State School of Music will be presenting two shows tonight and tomorrow at the Wine Cellar restaurant at Hopkins and L-B-J. The event will feature two one-act performances along with a three-course dinner. 
The director of opera studies, Dr. Samuel Mungo, has been involved in opera for more than 20 years and will direct the event. Dr. Mungo says the event will bring a different perspective to students who attend the performance.
SB-"opera is a perfect merger of great music and great theater, when you put great music and great theater than that creates magic and that's what i am trying to bring to Texas State."
Music Education Junior Sam Parrott says the School of Music has much to offer the student body.
"Bring music education in general, bring production into the school to give a chance for the students to see what we do."
The two performances will include The Game of Chance and Face on the Barroom Floor. The dinner opera begins at six tonight. 
Stand up- Now the performance for tonight is sold out but you can buy tickets for tomorrow show at the front office in the music building. For Bobcat Update, I'm Nathan Estrada.

Rena Iglehart

The Wittliff Gallery at Alkek Library has been expanded. Rena Iglehart tells us about the recent renovation at the library.
Here at the Alkek Library you'll find rows of bookshelves, study rooms and studious students. But, located on the seventh floor is Alkek's hidden secret.
The newly renovated Wittliff Collection opened this past Saturday. It is now the home of literary archives and major collections. Let's take a look.
The gallery's exhibit halls are now adorned with Southwestern and Mexican Photography.Compared to the old gallery, the library now has more space for the Wittliff Collections.
Directly across is the Southwestern Writers Collection where the works of Texas legends -- from songwriters to the cinema -- can be seen and accessed. Profiled are the works of author Cormac McCarthy, singer Willie Nelsen and Selena.Handwritten drafts of books and screenplays can be accessed at the gallery.
Media Relations Director Michele Miller is one of the many staff members who gives tours of the literacy archive exhibit.
Students enjoy the new additions.
The gallery has a full schedule of events for the coming year.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Rena Iglehart.

Ansel Hildebrand

Registration is here again and students are picking their classes for the upcoming spring semester. Online registration via cats web started yesterday for students who are signed up with the office of disability services. Access times to cats web depend on classification and the last two numbers of your social security number. Spring registration will continue through November seventh. Log onto cats web to check your access periods or you can visit the registrar's web page.

Jesse Moloney

Bail has been set this morning for two suspects after a home invasion and shooting last night in San Marcos.

Michael Wilson and Justin Pickaree were arrested in connection with an incident at the University Heights apartment complex near Interstate 35 at Exit 206. A 23-year-old resident was shot during a fight and flown to University Medical Center.

Pickaree and Wilson have been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and evading arrest. They were apprehended in the same apartment complex where the shooting occurred.
They are being held at the Hays County Law Enforcement Center in lieu of 50-thousand-dollar-bail for each.

Sarah Hudiburg

A proposed Performing Arts Center for Texas State is being scaled back.  The reason: lack of funding from the Texas legislature.  But, as Sarah Hudiburg  (HEW-duh-burg) reports in this Bobcat Update, the university still wants to construct a building for showcasing talent.

  

Texas State officials were counting on 53-million-dollars for a new Performing Arts Center, but -- citing bad economic conditions -- the legislature withheld the money.  

That did NOT kill the project, however.   Dr. Richard Cheatham, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication, says the university received an eight-million-dollar gift from former Texas State student Patti Harrison that keeps the project alive.

(Cheatham…11 secs…do this.)

Construction on the center should begin in June 2011 with the demolition of Falls Hall. The 45-million-dollar Performing Arts Center, which boasts a music recital hall and a theatre center, will be erected in its place. Nicole Maldonado, a Theatre Arts major, says it will be great to have all of the performing arts in one central location on campus.

(Maldonado…7 secs…it's at.)

Texas State officials say they hope that a ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening of the recital hall will take place in December 2013. For Bobcat Update, I'm Sarah Hudiburg.

Mitch Shubert

Early voting has started in San Marcos and will continue through October 30th. There are three venues open for early voting.  One is the Hays county Election office.  Another is the San Marcos public library.  And a third is the L-B-J Student Center.  Voters will decide on eleven possible amendments to the Texas constitution. and there are two open city council positions in San Marcos. The L-B-J Student Center will be open for student voting today and tomorrow on the second floor near the ballroom.  The polls are open until 7 o'clock tonight and from 10 'til 7 tomorrow.

Jessica Elmore

Thanks to recent rains, the aquifer levels have risen and the city of San Marcos has lifted stage one drought restrictions. As of Tuesday, the city will adhere to the year-round water conservation rules, which consist of requiring residents not to use sprinklers between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., prohibiting charity car washes and the use of non-re-circulating water fountains and ponds. However, irrigation with hand-held buckets and hoses are allowed, as well as filling pools, fountain watering and at-home car washing. 

Ashley Flores

It's that time of year again, no not midterms, Mass Communication week. Ashley Flores has more in this Bobcat Update.
October 19th through the 22nd professionals from broadcasting, advertising, public relations and social media are giving advice on how to make it in the real world.
SB-Robert Wood
"making it outside of school..."
A Whole New Media is the theme this year. Discussions this week will cover such topics as how to dress for success and the relationships between reporters and P-R people. Dara Quakenbush, senior lecturer and one of the coordinators of the event-filled week, says the theme is all about the new realities of media.
SB-Quakenbush
"reality check..."
A nice dose of reality will do everyone some good and so will some extra points in class, as some professors are offering to students that attend and take notes.
SB-Student
"I get extra points..."
Stand Up:
If you're unable to make it to some of the lecture, no problem, they're being streamed at txstatemcweek.com. For Bobcat Update, I'm Ashley Flores.

You'll need to have a graphic to reinforce txstatemcweek.com  I'll show you how. You did a nice job with the story.

Hannah Miller

Flash flooding is the number one weather-related cause of death in the country, and central Texas is particularly prone. Texas State inaugurated the world's first international flash flood laboratory Monday in hopes of lowering the number of flash flood deaths each year. Hannah Miller has more.
Researchers and students from all over Texas attended a daylong workshop today in the J-C Kellam building to brainstorm solutions for central Texas' flash flood problem. One of the guest speakers was Doctor Eve Gruntfest who about the importance of meteorologists and geographers working together.
(Gruntfest.)
Kevin Barrett, a P-H-D student at Texas State, was given an opportunity to work alongside professional researchers during Monday's workshop.
(Barrett…)
The goal of the workshop was to integrate governmental, professional and academic forces to reduce the fatal impact of flash flooding. The focus of the International Laboratory is a bit more vague. Barrett says finding that focus will be a process.
(Barrett…)
Stand-up:
Though central Texas is in need of more rain, not less, the danger of flash floods is as serious as ever. And Texas State is at the forefront of new research and technology to keep us safe. For Bobcat Update, I'm Hannah Miller.

Colby Howell

Members of The Gideons International have been passing out Bibles this week on The Quad. Gideons International is a Christian organization, known for distributing copies of the New Testament worldwide. Members of the group visit Texas State once a semester for two days to pass out literature. A lot of students deny the handout, but the organization says it still manages to pass out more than four-thousand Bibles a day. As a public institution, Texas State University is not affiliated in any way with the Gideons. Funding for the Bibles is provided by member fees.