Megan Carthel

Faculty, staff and students rolled up their sleeves and got their hands dirty this past weekend for the annual Bobcat Build. Megan Carthel was there and has the story.

It's a day year of hard work and planning…
Emily Lund "…there's a lot" :10
…For a day of service…
Ian McCammon "…giving back" :10
…And a lot of fun.
Noragene Green "…dance" :08
The 12th annual Bobcat Build was one for the records—it was the biggest since the initiative started in 2002 with over 200 job sites. This year over four thousand students picked weeds, painted fences and more at job sites like this. (stand up)
Trauth "…proud" 10
Representative Lloyd Doggett even made an appearance and encouraged students.
Goggett: "….eat 'em up cats" :10
Bobcat Build is completely student-run. The event is organized by about 40 students on a planning committee.
Noragene Green: "….initiative" :08
For Bobcat Update, I'm Megan Carthel               

Katelynn Duane

It's time to bust a few stereotypes here. There was a time when college-bound women were said to be seeking an M-R-S degree. Katelynn Duane examines the issue, in this Bobcat Update. 

College is one of the last times that a high concentration of men and women can be found working together in the same place. The term M-R-S degree was coined in the 40's and is used to describe women who attend college to meet their soul mates.
(Mosel-Talavera... 8 sec... beyond that)
The federal Department of Education recently released statistics that show women are more likely than men to receive bachelors degrees, and women -- on average -- have higher G-P-A's. Texas State Junior Rebekah Feltner says women don't go to college just to meet somebody.
(Feltner... 3 sec... a man)
The median age for women to get married for the first time is 27, often many years after graduation. Sociology professor Kelly Mosel says it's better for college-age women to focus on themselves and plan for their financial security rather than worrying about getting a ring or a new last name. 
(Mosel-Talavera... 14 sec... those things)
(Duane... 10 sec... Katelynn Duane)

Daniel Kittrell

The L-B-J Student Center will undergo some renovations soon. Daniel Kittrell has more in this Bobcat Update. 

The student center is gearing up for a facelift that will take a few years to complete. Some small changes have already been made. New furniture is being purchased for the lounge and study areas on the upper floors, and new furniture and trash cans have been placed on the patio outside the food court. Some students say the upgrades make them want to keep coming back. 
SB- Williams
Student Center Director Jack Rahman (RAY-men) says food options will also be changing. For example, Papa Johns will replace Pizza Hut. 
SB- Rahman, food bit
Students are encouraged to voice their thoughts on improving the Student Center. 
SB- Rahman, laser tag arena, paintball course
Rahman says he wants to make L-B-J a state-of-the-art facility where everyone wants to be.
SB- Rahman, parents say wow, crown jewel 
Stand Up- Daniel Kittrell

Alex Merced

The university is preparing for next year's Common Experience theme, which will be based on a historic moment in Texas State history.  Alex Merced has more in this Bobcat Update.

If you had walked on this campus 50 years ago, you would not have seen much diversity. At about the time Lyndon Johnson signed landmark Civil Rights legislation into law, Southwest Texas State admitted its first African-American female student. The Common Experience theme for the 2014-2015 school year will honor the 50th anniversary of the university's desegregation. Some students say the school has changed dramatically over the years.
SB
Today Texas State is considered a diverse campus. In 2010, it was designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution. Sophomore Christian Clayton says he loves the diversity on campus.
SB
The Common Experience theme will honor five African-American women and will celebrate their leading role in bringing about integration.
Standup "….. For Bobcat Update, I'm Alex Merced." 

Bailey Bounds

The annual photography contest called A Week in the Life at Texas State is underway! Bailey Bounds has more in this Bobcat Update..

A Week in the Life at Texas State allows students to show through photographs what they experience at the university. The pictures should attempt to capture people and events as students perceive them. 
SB
The photographs can be anything from floating the river to studying. The options are endless. Organizers of the event want contributors to find what's unique.
SB
The competition is open to anyone who's enrolled at Texas State. A panel of judges will evaluate the students' entries based on technical skill, execution of theme and creativity. 
Stand up

Emily Liberto

Local caffeine fanatics can enjoy a wide variety of coffee flavors in San Marcos. Emily Liberto has more in this Bobcat Update.

San Marcos is home to several coffee shops. From the relaxing feel of Tantra to the indie style of Wake the Dead, each shop is unique.
Stand up- The local coffee shops in San Marcos offer a wide variety of flavors from traditional roasts to more exotic blends.-
SB-Cheyenne Downs, Wake the Dead customer
Mochas & Javas has taken inspiration from a popular dessert and created the Chocolate Covered Cherry Mocha. The shop has also experimented with different ingredients such as protein and peanut butter.
SB- Andy Trevino, Mochas and Javas
Fuego is the newest shop in town. It opened in October. Its drive-thru has gained popularity. Fuego has some unique flavors, such as pecan pie lattes and nutella frappes.
SB- Chris Marti, owner of FuegoWhether customers prefer a classic dark roast or a flavored latte, they're likely going to find the flavor they want in San Marcos. For Bobcat Update, I'm Emily Liberto.

Jacob Payne

You may have heard of the five-second rule. It applies after you accidentally drop food on the ground. Presumably, if you swoop it up fast enough, it should still be safe to eat. Well, maybe. Maybe not. Jacob Payne has more in this Bobcat Update.

Research at Britain's Aston University offers some support for the theory that food picked up just a few seconds after being dropped is less likely to contain bacteria than if it is left for longer periods of time.
The findings suggest there may be some scientific basis to the five- second rule – the urban myth about it being fine to eat food that has only had contact with the floor for five seconds or less. Although people have long followed the five-second rule, there hadn't been any scientific inquiry into whether it was true or not.
(Interview #1)
The study, undertaken by Aston biology students and led by Microbiology Professor Anthony Hilton, tested the rule by having students drop toast, pasta, biscuits, and candy onto a floor that had been exposed to common bacteria. They then measured how much of the bacteria transferred when it was left on the ground for durations ranging from three to 30 seconds.
The results found that food left on the floor for less time does indeed get exposed to less bacteria. Despite this discovery, there are those who refuse to take any chances.
(Interview #2)
(Stand-UP)

Audrey Seifert

After a year of construction at a cost of three-point-five (M) million dollars, Old Main finally has the facelift it desperately needed. But what looks beautiful on the outside isfalling apart inside. Staircases are being blocked off, plaster is falling off the walls, and cracks are apparent in the floors, walls, and ceiling. The School of Journalism and Mass Communication is up for reaccreditation this year,so plans are being made to repair the building's inside as well.

Taylor Alanis

A former Texas State student is now in jail for crimes he committed back in Fall 2012. Bobcat Update's Taylor Alanis had the opportunity to sit in on his trial and has information about what San Marcos residents can do to prevent such a crime from happening to them.

24-year-old Jonathan Porterie was convicted of breaking into the rooms of several women at the University Club Apartments and molesting them while they were asleep.
When cross-examining one witness, Porterie's attorneys questioned whether residents at U-Club made it a habit to lock their doors. The witness said she hopes residents secure their apartments but they may at times forget when they visit their neighbors or go to the pool.
(STAND UP) Porterie's trial is just a reminder for San Marcos residents and perhaps even begs the question, Are we really being safe?
Some San Marcos residents say they aren't really that concerned with locking their doors because they feel safe where they live.
SB
Others say they make sure their homes are secure because they fear intruders. Ysabelle ____ says even though her roommates often forget, she always locks her door.
SB
Some San Marcos apartment complexes have security guards, gate systems and cameras to help their residents feel safe. But sometimes these extra precautions aren't enough and it all comes back down to lock and key.
(STAND UP)For those who forget to lock their doors, put a sticky note or a dry erase board with a reminder message for you and your roommates. Even if you are going to take a quick trip to your apartment's pool or grabbing the mail, it is wise to still lock your doors because you never know what can happen. For Bobcat Update, I'm Taylor Alanis.

Skye Wallace

Officials in San Marcos are going bald for a good cause. Skye Wallace has more in this Bobcat Update.

Several city offices, including the San Marcos Fire Department, are rallying together to raise money and awareness for Waylon Malone. Malone was diagnosed with neuro-blastoma at the age of two. He has gone through a series of treatments, causing him to lose his hair multiple times. Malone's fight against cancer has prompted several San Marcos officials to shave their heads in his honor.
San Marcos Fire Chief Les Stephens says it's a great cause and anyone can participate.
SB
San Marcos Mayor Daniel Guerrero says a personal tie to the cause made it easy for him to shave his head.
SB
Cancer survivors Cheryl Pantermuehl and Renate Yanity say shaving their heads was a great way to show their support for Waylon. 
SB
Stand-up) Here at Fire Station number five, over 25 people from the San Marcos area wait for their turn to go bald. They hope that at the very least it will put a smile on Waylon's face. For information on how to donate to the Malone family, go to w-w-w-dot-indiegogo-dot-com-slash-projects-slash-waylons-warriors. For Bobcat Update, I'm Skye Wallace. 

Jordan Chavez

The Baylor Bears are in the Sweet 16 of the N-C-double-A men's basketball championship tournament. Baylor eliminated Nebraska in the first round last Friday in Waco 74 to 60. The Bears then defeated Creighton on the Bluejays home court on Sunday. Baylor's center Isaiah Austin and guard Brady Heslip finished with 17 points apiece to lead the way. Baylor wrapped up the game 30 points ahead of Creighton. The final score: 85 to 55. The Bears will next face the Wisconsin Badgers on Thursday. The game will be televised on T-B-S.

Zach Harrow

March is national women's month. To celebrate, Texas State's radio station, K-T-S-W, will host a full day of programming made exclusively by women. On Sunday, K-T-S-W will provide shows and segments about women in news, sports and music. They will focus on women who have become leaders in their field, locally and nationally. This is the first time that K-T-S-W will have shows and segments produced, hosted and brought to you exclusively by women for 24-straight-hours.

Isamar Terrazas

The San Marcos Public Library is celebrating its 50th anniversary this weekend. To mark the occasion, Mayor Daniel Guerrero will be talking about the library's history at an event on Sunday, which will include children performing in a mariachi band as well as the San Marcos High School jazz band. The celebration will also include food, games and an exhibit on the library's history. The event will be between two and four p-m at the library on Hopkins.

Andrea Rodriguez

A fund-raising campaign will likely have a big impact at Texas State University. In this Bobcat Update, Andrea Rodriguez tells us that the dollars raised will be used for a variety of purposes, including new buildings and scholarships.

The Pride-in-Action campaign has surpassed expectations raising more than 150 (m) million dollars. University officials say 24 (m) million dollars of that money will be used to enhance research; another 31 (m) million dollars will go toward building new facilities; 39 (m) million dollars will help expand scholarship opportunities for students; and 57 (m) million dollars will be used to improve academic excellence.
SB: McKinnon…15 seconds…"Funds are expanding"
Volunteer leaders were a driving force.
SB: McKinnon…12 seconds…"Alumni and friends"
Stand Up: With extraordinary success of Pride in Action campaign, Texas State University has benefited greatly with new facilities, expanding funds for scholarships and strengthening academic excellence.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Andrea Rodriguez.

Tyler Gaudin

The Bobcats football team is nearing the end of its second week of practice. Bobcat Update's Tyler Gaudin has more.

The Bobcats were six-and-six last season and for the first-time ever, they were bowl eligible. They're practicing now for the 20-14 season. Only a week from their first day in pads, the team hopes to go even further this year.
SB
As the 'Cats move forward they've replaced many of the seniors they relied on heavily last season. Many younger players are eager to carry the program forward.
SB
The Maroon and Gold game is a big test for these younger players to step up against their teammates and prove to the coaches and the students that they are ready to play.
SB
SU

Yolis Arroyo

Chartwells -- the Texas State food service -- has a new phone app. It's called App-On-Campus, which gives faculty and students an easy way to access information about on-campus dining options. Yolis (YO-LEASE) Arroyo (AH-ROW-YO) has more in this Bobcat Update. 

App-On-Campus provides more than just dining hall hours and menu options. It gives students a chance to find information about nutrition, upcoming dining hall events, special offers, and a map of Chartwells' locations.
Stand up: (Arroyo…9 secs...dining hall)
Chartwells says the app was created for students who want on-campus dining information readily available.
(Valencia…14 secs…show them)
Although Chartwells says it received mostly positive feedback in an online poll about the app, some students say the service won't be of much use to them.
(Dallie…10 secs…day basis)
Chartwells can take feedback about your on-campus dining experience directly from the app. For Bobcat Update, I'm Yolis Arroyo.

Iris Fulton

Lenten season is underway, and many Texas State students are sacrificing something they enjoy during this 40-day period. Iris Fulton has more in this Bobcat Update.

Lent is a period of fasting that leads up to the Christian observance of Easter. The season is 40 days long and serves to represent Jesus Christ's 40-day fast in the desert. Many people choose to give up things that they are hooked on, such as cigarettes, sodas, social media or junk food.
(Montage)
Although Lent is known as a Catholic holiday, many other denominations participate as well. Lent starts on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter.
(Stand Up)

Frank Makri

Texas State students are well-aware that smoking on campus is banned, but they may not know that some off-campus locations in San Marcos will soon be affected as well. Frank Makri (MAK-REE) has more in this Bobcat Update.

Smoking has been a hot-button issue for quite some time, and attempts to limit it are not going away anytime soon. San Marcos will be enforcing a ban on smoking in restaurants and bars, as well as outdoors on the square, starting June 1st. Students who smoke are not happy about this new law.
SB: Middlebrooks...12 seconds..."Over the top"
Some students who work at bars worry the ban may affect their business.
SB: Moncanut...13 seconds..."Slippery slope"
Stand Up: Makri...11 seconds..."Smoking ban"
Students who don't smoke think the new law is a step in the right direction.
SB: Terry...10 seconds..."Good thing"
Other San Marcos residents have gotten used to smoking indoors and think the change is NOT needed.
SB: Wilson...13 seconds..."Won't last"
The ban includes e-cigarettes and vapes.  Be sure to contact San Marcos City Council for more information.  For Bobcat Update, I'm Frank Makri (MAK-REE).

Katie Sarkhosh

Many students would like to see more school spirit at Texas State. Katie Sarkhosh has more in this Bobcat Update.

There's a lot of pride at Texas State, but some people say school spirit seems to be lacking:
SB: "We have rowdy fans…
SB: "I would give school spirit a B+. We'll get there"
Lack of awareness may be the reason that few people are showing up at most sporting events.
SB: "The smaller sports never get advertised. I would go if I knew about them."
While football and baseball are two of the more popular sports, students say it's hard to attend many games.
SB: "People have busy schedules with studying and student organizations."
Many students believe incentives such as free t-shirts or a free concession item would improve attendance at games.
Stand-up: With years of traditions fueling Texas State events, there are plenty of reasons for Bobcats to have school spirit. For Bobcat Update, I'm Katie Sarkhosh.

Tyler Padalecki

Construction continues to affect students and businesses near campus. Tyler Padalecki has more in this Bobcat Update.

The intersection of North L-B-J and Sessom Drive is a busy one. The high-traffic area- both for drivers and students walking to campus- is located just north of the Texas State University campus, and is causing travelers to take detours to get to the shops nearby and to campus.
(SB)
Many residents living in nearby apartments are ready for the construction to be over.
(SB)
(Standup)
While the barriers will take some getting used to, many people do understand why the construction is necessary.
(SB)
North L-B-J will remain a one-way street until the piping system underground is finished. For Bobcat Update, I'm Tyler Padalecki.