A vote on a bond aimed at alleviating the overcrowded conditions at the Hays County Jail has been postponed. Marisa Ross has more on the story.
Timing was a major concern in moving a bond election from November to May. County officials says it's important to educate voters on all aspects of the issue so they can be more informed. The bond measure offers several options. Voters can choose to renovate or expand the current facility OR build a new jail. Hays County Sheriff's Lieutenant John Saenz says the current jail doesn't have enough space.
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Saenz says officials have found ways to handle the overcrowding, but the solutions are for the short-term at best. One such remedy is out-sourcing inmates to other jails in the region. Hays County sends some inmates to Guadalupe County. Jail Administrator Mark Cumberland says he's concerned that more problems may arise.
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Cumberland says it's important for the county to set its priorities and plan for the long term. The Hays County Jail is over 25 years old and requires major improvements. On the list of needs are 600 beds, new equipment and new technology. Sheriff Gary Cutler says he would like to see the situation resolved soon.
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Sheriff Cutler and other county officials make it clear that having a new jail would be the best way to address the need for new beds and better technology. For Bobcat Update, I'm Marisa Ross.
Bobcat Update, a student-produced newscast recapping events at Texas State University, and is available for viewing on YouTube.
9/21/14
Kathryn Price
Every year the Texas State Board of Regents chooses what is called a Regent Professor. It's a highly coveted award among university professors. They must compete against faculty at all eight institutions governed by the Board. This year a Texas State professor at the San Marcos campus received the distinguished award. Kathryn Price has the story.
Music professor, world traveler and teacher of life's lessons. Dr. Ian Davidson fits many descriptions because he has accomplished so much. And now another line of distinction can be added to his vita. Davidson has been named Regent Professor. Davidson stays busy. He has served on the Faculty Senate -- the first professor from the School of Music to do so -- and he's even been nominated for a Grammy. Davidson says his professional endeavors are all for his students.
(Davidson …15 SECONDS…)
(Price …10 SECONDS…Texas State students.)
He says he travels a lot to give his students a better understanding of the arts than they could ever get from a textbook alone.
(Davidson…15 SECONDS…)
Graduate student Sophia Kuyenga says Davidson gave her the confidence she needed to continue composing.
(Kuyenga…15 SECONDS…)
Davidson plays with a group called Trio 488 consisting of himself and two other faculty members. Trio 488 will have a concert at the Performing Arts Center on October first.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Kathryn Price.
Music professor, world traveler and teacher of life's lessons. Dr. Ian Davidson fits many descriptions because he has accomplished so much. And now another line of distinction can be added to his vita. Davidson has been named Regent Professor. Davidson stays busy. He has served on the Faculty Senate -- the first professor from the School of Music to do so -- and he's even been nominated for a Grammy. Davidson says his professional endeavors are all for his students.
(Davidson …15 SECONDS…)
(Price …10 SECONDS…Texas State students.)
He says he travels a lot to give his students a better understanding of the arts than they could ever get from a textbook alone.
(Davidson…15 SECONDS…)
Graduate student Sophia Kuyenga says Davidson gave her the confidence she needed to continue composing.
(Kuyenga…15 SECONDS…)
Davidson plays with a group called Trio 488 consisting of himself and two other faculty members. Trio 488 will have a concert at the Performing Arts Center on October first.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Kathryn Price.
Jaclyn Coles
You might not notice them at football games, but there are always police officers around to maintain order and keep the festivities safe for everyone. The University Police Department gets help from City Police when the crowds are large. Jaclyn Coles has the story.
It's rare that Texas State has a sold-out game, but when the Bobcats do, there's need for a greater police presence. The recent Navy game is a good example. The stands were filled, and security was tighter.
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University Police Sergeant Jason Moreno was in charge of security before the game. Moreno says game day requires some extra preparation.
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Fifty officers were on duty at the Texas State-Navy game. They made three arrests, wrote 14 citations and issued 136 warnings. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jaclyn Coles.
It's rare that Texas State has a sold-out game, but when the Bobcats do, there's need for a greater police presence. The recent Navy game is a good example. The stands were filled, and security was tighter.
SB
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University Police Sergeant Jason Moreno was in charge of security before the game. Moreno says game day requires some extra preparation.
SB
Fifty officers were on duty at the Texas State-Navy game. They made three arrests, wrote 14 citations and issued 136 warnings. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jaclyn Coles.
Claudia Torres
National Hispanic Heritage Month is underway. Bobcat Update's Claudia Torres takes a look at what that means to Texas State.
Culture. Heritage. Independence. These are just some of the aspects of the Hispanic culture that are being recognized during the month-long celebration. Texas State is involved in a big way, which seems fitting -- the Hispanic student body population is the largest minority group on campus.
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During this month, the Center for the Study of the Southwest is presenting a lecture series and an exhibit highlighting Latinos and Sports in the Southwest.
The Wittliff Collection has more than 20-thousand prints from distinguished Mexican authors, photographers and painters.
While there are many Heritage Month events planned at Texas State, some believe the effort doesn't go far enough.
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Texas State Alum Lyndon Johnson established National Hispanic Heritage Month, which ends on October 15th. For Bobcat Update, I'm Claudia Torres
Vicky Serrano
San Marcos city officials say tests now indicate there are no longer high levels of lead in the city's water supply. Vicky Serrano has more on the story.
High levels of lead. That doesn't sound healthy -- especially if the lead is being found in drinking water. But San Marcos recently had such a problem, which was cause for concern for anyone wanting to drink tap water in the city. Restaurants for a time were reluctant to serve water out of fear for their customers. A waitress at the Italian Gardens says she's relieved that recent water tests show better results.
[SB]
A lot of students carry water bottles on campus to cope with the heat and to quench their thirst. Theater student Nicholas Ortiz says he was unaware of the recent tests.
[SB]
Tap water is just one of many options for drinking. Groceries stay stocked with bottled water, and filtering systems can be installed to help purify what you drink.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Vicky Serrano.
High levels of lead. That doesn't sound healthy -- especially if the lead is being found in drinking water. But San Marcos recently had such a problem, which was cause for concern for anyone wanting to drink tap water in the city. Restaurants for a time were reluctant to serve water out of fear for their customers. A waitress at the Italian Gardens says she's relieved that recent water tests show better results.
[SB]
A lot of students carry water bottles on campus to cope with the heat and to quench their thirst. Theater student Nicholas Ortiz says he was unaware of the recent tests.
[SB]
Tap water is just one of many options for drinking. Groceries stay stocked with bottled water, and filtering systems can be installed to help purify what you drink.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Vicky Serrano.
Tiana Lee
The University Police Department is urging students to take more precautions. In this Bobcat Update, Tiana Lee tells us about how campus safety is being promoted.
One program that the university offers to promote campus safety is called Bobcat Bobbies. Students can use the service from 6:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. to be transported on campus and avoid nighttime walking. Another safety resource is the 9-1-1 call boxes located on campus. By pushing a button on one of the boxes, students notify police of an emergency. A blue light will flash at the location to help locate the student. Safety should be everyone's concern on campus.
[Brittany Horton-Sophmore-SOUNDBITE]
Residence Halls promote safety by carefully monitoring who enters or leaves the buildings. Freshman Kylie Ballis says such precautions make her feel safer on campus.
[Kylie Ballis-Freshman SOUNDBITE]
Otto Glenewinkel of the University's Police Department says the job of promoting campus safety is never done. He says improvements can always be made.
[Glenewinkel--SOUNDBITE]
Glenewinkel says the police department has officers on duty throughout the day and night to help keep the campus safe. For Bobcat Update, I'm Tiana Lee.
9/17/14
Keaton Kahn
Pizza delivery is a booming business again, thanks to the return of Texas State students. A Dominos' manager says that pizza is being delivered in San Marcos once every 49 seconds. During the summer, the average slows to once every eight minutes. He also said college students on average spend 31 dollars a week on pizza. That can mean a lot in tips for those making deliveries -- especially when you consider there's a customer base of almost 37-thousand students in San Marcos.
9/16/14
Stephanie Diaz
Many Latin American countries, such as Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador, are celebrating the birth of their nations this month. Texas State is also celebrating its Hispanic culture. Students at the university represent a wide variety of ethnicities. According to Institutional Research, 55 percent of the student population is white, 30 percent are Hispanic, eight percent are African American and four percent identify themselves as multi-racial. Texas State is proud to be classified as a Hispanic-serving institution. The group's enrollment increased more than a thousand students from a year ago.
8/30/14
Caitlin Greenlee
New construction is underway at Texas State University, and it's causing quite a commotion. Bobcat Update's Caitlin Greenlee takes a look at what's happening.
Screeching, banging, and clattering. These are just some of the sounds along Bobcat Trail as construction crews work on a new pedestrian walkway between Commons Hall and Flowers Hall. One result of the project is that there's one-less bus loop on campus. For many years, buses had used that street to pick up and deliver students. That means routes have been changed, and some students have found it more difficult to get to school.
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As the university continues to grow, construction seems to be never-ending
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Others are excited that the university is prospering.
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The Bobcat Trail project will cost the university nearly five-point-five million dollars. It should be finished by December 20-15. For Bobcat Update, I'm Caitlin Greenlee.
Screeching, banging, and clattering. These are just some of the sounds along Bobcat Trail as construction crews work on a new pedestrian walkway between Commons Hall and Flowers Hall. One result of the project is that there's one-less bus loop on campus. For many years, buses had used that street to pick up and deliver students. That means routes have been changed, and some students have found it more difficult to get to school.
SB
As the university continues to grow, construction seems to be never-ending
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Others are excited that the university is prospering.
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The Bobcat Trail project will cost the university nearly five-point-five million dollars. It should be finished by December 20-15. For Bobcat Update, I'm Caitlin Greenlee.
Erin Cantu
Parking on campus is a challenge. Commuters have reason to be anxious every time they drive to Texas State, because it's very hard to find a place to park. Erin Cantu has more in this Bobcat Update.
Students purchase their passes from the university's Parking Services division. Parking Services is not lenient when it comes to parking outside of the designated zones. Some students feel pretty desperate when they try to find parking. They may circle the parking lots for 20 to 40 minutes to find an open space, and at times they'll resort to parking illegally. One student had to deal with this when the car next to hers parked too close.
(SB)
Commuters have three parking lots to choose from that are close to campus, and these lots are also open to red restricted permits, which means faculty can park there as well. This can cause confusion, especially when commuters have to vacate the lot at certain times. When students park where they're not supposed to be, they'll be fined if caught.
(SB)
Texas State is not planning to create a new commuter lot, so the struggle will continue for the foreseeable future. And remember: Permits are a necessity if you're going to park on campus. For Bobcat Update, I'm Erin Cantu.
Emily Burns
Construction projects are in abundance on campus, causing an inconvenience for some Texas State students. Vicky Serrano has the story.
The university has about 20 construction and renovation projects planned for the 2014-2015 academic year. Several of these projects are being worked on concurrently, which causes street closures and forced detours as well as class schedule changes. Many students are affected:
[Sound bite]
Some students have to take completely different routes to their classes, which means they have to spend more time in the heat.
[Sound bite]Of course, the temporary inconvenience that these construction projects may cause is offset by the long-term goal of accommodating an ever increasing student population.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Vicky Serrano.
The university has about 20 construction and renovation projects planned for the 2014-2015 academic year. Several of these projects are being worked on concurrently, which causes street closures and forced detours as well as class schedule changes. Many students are affected:
[Sound bite]
Some students have to take completely different routes to their classes, which means they have to spend more time in the heat.
[Sound bite]Of course, the temporary inconvenience that these construction projects may cause is offset by the long-term goal of accommodating an ever increasing student population.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Vicky Serrano.
Megan Sween
Texas State students are having to find ways to cope with the extreme heat. Temperatures lately have peaked in the 90s every day, and for a time they often reached into the triple digits. Meg Sween has the story.
It doesn't take much time out in the heat to be overwhelmed, and since very few students have all of their classes in one building, at least some hiking is required. The heat is hard to escape.
(SOUND BITE HERE)
However, some students say they're on the best campus possible to deal with the heat in Texas. Sewell Park and the San Marcos River provide a needed respite nearby.
(SOUND BITE HERE)Health officials say one way to handle the heat is to stay hydrated. Carry along a water bottle, and find shade where you can. For Bobcat Update, I'm Meg Sween.
It doesn't take much time out in the heat to be overwhelmed, and since very few students have all of their classes in one building, at least some hiking is required. The heat is hard to escape.
(SOUND BITE HERE)
However, some students say they're on the best campus possible to deal with the heat in Texas. Sewell Park and the San Marcos River provide a needed respite nearby.
(SOUND BITE HERE)Health officials say one way to handle the heat is to stay hydrated. Carry along a water bottle, and find shade where you can. For Bobcat Update, I'm Meg Sween.
Jaclyn Coles
Texas State continues to grow in population. The university's enrollment will likely top 35-thousand students again this semester. With growth, there are issues. Jaclyn Coles has the story:
Anyone who lives off campus needs a way to get here to attend class. That means either riding the bus or driving. But those who ride buses soon realize just how crowded it is. At peak times, they load up fast. And if you drive instead, there's the hassle of finding a parking space. It seems an impossible task -- especially as class time nears.
Students who've encountered overcrowding or the lack of parking spaces are hoping the university comes up with solutions.
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Some students say the bus system provides the best option for getting to campus.
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The university has a new bus service this semester. The contractor, Transdev, is operating a 45-bus fleet -- 43 of them are new. To pay for the new service, students approved an increase in the bus fee, which now costs 95-dollars a semester. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jaclyn Coles.
Anyone who lives off campus needs a way to get here to attend class. That means either riding the bus or driving. But those who ride buses soon realize just how crowded it is. At peak times, they load up fast. And if you drive instead, there's the hassle of finding a parking space. It seems an impossible task -- especially as class time nears.
Students who've encountered overcrowding or the lack of parking spaces are hoping the university comes up with solutions.
SB
Some students say the bus system provides the best option for getting to campus.
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The university has a new bus service this semester. The contractor, Transdev, is operating a 45-bus fleet -- 43 of them are new. To pay for the new service, students approved an increase in the bus fee, which now costs 95-dollars a semester. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jaclyn Coles.
8/29/14
Kathryn Price
During the first week of school at Texas State, students couldn't help but notice the many construction projects on campus. Kathryn Price has the story.
There are two projects underway on Bobcat Trail. The goal of the projects is to upgrade the utility pipes and to create a green space in the area. Texas State Student [First Last] says she had to change her route to class because of the construction, and she's worried that the new route may take too much time.
SOUND BITE (15 SECONDS)
While [Last] is finding it difficult to get to class, Texas State Senior [First Last] says she's having trouble focusing in the classroom because there's too much construction noise.
SOUND BITE (15 SECONDS)
Despite the complaints, many students are excited about what the changes will mean for the campus. Texas State Student [First Last] says he's being positive. He's looking forward to being able to enjoy a green space rather than asphalt.
SOUND BITE (15 SECONDS)
Bobcat Trail is not the only construction project affecting students. The San Marcos City Council has two projects underway on north L-B-J. The city is upgrading drainage and walkways to accommodate the future residents of the Eight 17 Lofts being built nearby.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Kathryn Price.
Claudia Torres
Students returning to Texas State for the fall semester can count on two things: tests and continued construction.
Construction on and near campus is making it more difficult for students to get to class on time. Some of them have no choice but to find new routes. In the long term, the changes will be beneficial, of course, but for now they create problems.
For example, anyone who lives on North L-B-J will have no choice but to cope with the improvements that engineers have planned for that area. Right now, it's just one big construction zone.
-Davis SB-
Construction is not limited to streets in San Marcos. Many new apartment complexes are being built to accommodate the university's higher enrollment. One of the projects -- at Top Apartments -- is behind schedule.
-Cole SB-Texas State University is the fourth largest university in the state and still growing, and, as a result, the city of San Marcos has experienced an unprecedented spurt in population. For two years in a row, the city has held the distinction of being the fastest growing small city in America. For Bobcat Update, I'm Claudia Torres.
Construction on and near campus is making it more difficult for students to get to class on time. Some of them have no choice but to find new routes. In the long term, the changes will be beneficial, of course, but for now they create problems.
For example, anyone who lives on North L-B-J will have no choice but to cope with the improvements that engineers have planned for that area. Right now, it's just one big construction zone.
-Davis SB-
Construction is not limited to streets in San Marcos. Many new apartment complexes are being built to accommodate the university's higher enrollment. One of the projects -- at Top Apartments -- is behind schedule.
-Cole SB-Texas State University is the fourth largest university in the state and still growing, and, as a result, the city of San Marcos has experienced an unprecedented spurt in population. For two years in a row, the city has held the distinction of being the fastest growing small city in America. For Bobcat Update, I'm Claudia Torres.
Presley Fowler
Texas State is one of the larger universities in the state with an enrollment of nearly 36-thousand students. However, many students are concerned that there isn't enough space to accommodate the ever increasing numbers. Presley Fowler has more on this report.
(SB) "All these students you know they have to get parking somehow."
Texas State University is truly the Rising Star of Texas as enrollment continues to rise. Last year, the university set an enrollment record for the 16th consecutive year. And the trend is expected to continue.
To enable the growth, Texas State has built new dorms and other buildings on campus and it has added new buses for those who live off campus. But the lack of parking spaces on campus remains an issue.
(SB)"It's getting pretty ridiculous, you have to show up early just to get a good spot and even then I wait 30 minutes to drive here and then I take a 20 minute bus ride."
Senior Garrett Coats is frustrated that his commuter pass limits him to only certain areas on campus. With the closure of a major commuter lot this school year, students are now forced to park in the Mill Street lot and take a bus.
(SB)"I'm driving just to take the bus."
The lines at parking services are often quite long. A lot of people want permits, but they'll likely struggle to find places to park.
(SB)"I definitely think that they have more passes than spaces. I was actually driving around for about 15 minutes right now and I finally found a spot." (Veronika Kondratieva on CG)
And that is the main issue. With no cap on the number of parking permits sold, commuters will have to continue to fight for the last spot until new parking facilities are added.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Presley Fowler.
4/18/14
Andrea Rodriguez
A classic car museum in San Marcos is dedicated to preserving and displaying vintage automobiles. Bobcat Update's Andrea Rodriguez reports on how the non-profit museum plays an educational role as well.
Stand Up: Americans fell in love with the car industry, and Dick's Classic Garage Car Museum salutes that love affair right here in San Marcos.
The 43-thousand square foot facility houses 80 classic vehicles and memorabilia from the 1900's through the 1950's.
SB: (Fortney...8 secs...from all over)
The museum operates as a non-profit, educational foundation. Guests can learn about cars from the Great Depression to the early 1950's.
SB: (Fortney...15 secs...This is one)
The mission of Dick's Classic Car Garage is to show visitors the evolution of the automobile and how it has had an impact on society.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Andrea Rodriguez.
Stand Up: Americans fell in love with the car industry, and Dick's Classic Garage Car Museum salutes that love affair right here in San Marcos.
The 43-thousand square foot facility houses 80 classic vehicles and memorabilia from the 1900's through the 1950's.
SB: (Fortney...8 secs...from all over)
The museum operates as a non-profit, educational foundation. Guests can learn about cars from the Great Depression to the early 1950's.
SB: (Fortney...15 secs...This is one)
The mission of Dick's Classic Car Garage is to show visitors the evolution of the automobile and how it has had an impact on society.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Andrea Rodriguez.
Maritza Acosta
Diversity on college campuses is desirable, and, in many ways, expected. Maritza (MUH-RITZ-UH) Cruz explains in this Bobcat Update.
Research shows cultural and ethnic diversity is a key component in providing a quality education, and Texas State is on the right track.
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Some Texas State students believe having cultural awareness promotes higher levels of tolerance and helps with problem solving.
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Professor Gloria Martinez says having diverse instructors is also helpful.
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For Bobcat Update, I'm Maritza Cruz.
Olympia Mendoza
If your wallet feels a little empty, Money Savvy Cats can help you find the cash you need. Olympia (Uh-lim-pee-a) Mendoza (Men-dos-a) has more in this Bobcat Update.
Managing money is difficult for some people. Offering assistance is Money Savvy Cats -- a program designed to help students make better decisions when working with their finances. One common issue for students is that they don't know how to build and maintain good credit.
SB:
The program offers courses for which students can receive credit. For example, Consumers in the Marketplace and Family Finance are just two of the courses a student can take. The courses focus on personal financial management.
SB:
Money Savvy Cats advises students to keep track of all transactions to avoid identity theft.
Stand Up:Saving money can be quite the challenge for the life of a college student. Money Savvy Cats prevent students from being in lifelong debt and gives tips on cashing in the big bucks. For Bobcat Update, I'm Olympia Mendoza.
4/17/14
Lauren Higdon
Giving blood is truly a gift of life, and a great way to help out individuals in need. Lauren Higdon has more in this Bobcat Update.
Blood drives on college campuses are common, and they're necessary -- as a way to increase the blood supply. The Blood and Tissue Center of Central Texas was recently at Texas State to gather donations before school is out for the summer.
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The before and after process of giving blood is important to follow, and essential in your recovery after a blood donation.
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A Texas State sorority helped spread the word about the importance of blood donations in hopes of getting students involved.
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Ending with stand-up while giving blood.
Blood drives on college campuses are common, and they're necessary -- as a way to increase the blood supply. The Blood and Tissue Center of Central Texas was recently at Texas State to gather donations before school is out for the summer.
SB
The before and after process of giving blood is important to follow, and essential in your recovery after a blood donation.
SB
A Texas State sorority helped spread the word about the importance of blood donations in hopes of getting students involved.
SB
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Ending with stand-up while giving blood.
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