01-16-2024

TUESDAY January 16, 2024 VOLUME 113 ISSUE 17 www.UniversityStar.com

Texas State purchases Sanctuary Lofts and Vistas apartment complexes

By James Phillips News Contributor On Dec. 1, 2023, the Sanctuary Lofts and Vistas apartment complexes paused granting new leases as Texas State began purchasing both complexes.

Texas State finalized its purchase of Sanctuary Lofts and Vistas from American Campus Communities (ACC) on Dec. 18. Residents of both complexes were informed of the purchase via printed letter on Dec. 19.

The properties, located on North St. and N. Fredericksburg St., respectively , will be added to Texas State's oncampus housing inventory and would be the first entry

into large-scale upperclassmen housing for fall 2024.

"Last spring, [Texas State] engaged in a housing demand study... one of the recommendations from the study was to increase upperclassmen housing, particularly apartment-style [housing]," William Mattera, executive director of Housing and Residential Life, said.

Texas State plans for the purchase are to alleviate issues of housing availability for students wanting to live near campus.

"One of the things [Texas State] hears from students is properties close to campus fill really quickly," Mattera said. "Then [many] students who aren't looking for housing in the fall or don't have access to a car... don't

have the ability to get housing [close to campus]."

According to Mattera, the complexes will undergo some transformations as a part of their transition into the university housing inventory. While legally bound to honor current leases as written, Texas State will no longer offer new leases to non-student residents of both properties and will transition payments on future leases to paying per semester instead of the current monthly model.

"It will look more like an on-campus population," Mattera said. "We would anticipate moving RA's there [at the complexes]."

SEE UNIVERSITY PAGE 3

AI approved for use by County Sheriff office The software will help identify people from photo and video, making it useful in investigations.

By Ryan Claycamp News Reporter

TXST football season in review

By Sports Staff The 2023-24 Texas State football season was historic, and The University Star sports staff covered every moment. From the press box, the staff witnessed the Bobcats become relevant on a national stage, securing a bowl bid for the first time in program history and concluding the season with a victory against Rice University in the First Responders Bowl.

The highlight of the season was not only the destination, but the journey experienced along the way. It all started in Waco, Texas, in the season opener where Texas State defeated Baylor for the first time in school history. The sports staff

watched as junior receiver Joey Hobert made a spectacular one-handed grab, landing on the ESPN SportsCenter top ten. This sparked a connection between redshirt sophomore quarterback T.J. Finley and Hebert that we were able to witness all year.

As success on the field grew, so did the fanbase. The sports staff witnessed record crowds this season, with the largest attendance 24,118 coming against Jackson State University in week three. In that game, Finley led the Bobcats' offense to over 70 points in his first home game at Bobcat Stadium.

This was the first time the Bobcats have scored that many points since 1920.

The Hays County Commissioners Court approved a request from Sheriff Gary Cutler to allow the use of Clearview AI's facial recognition software.

The agenda item, which was approved unanimously on Dec. 5 , allows the Hays County Sheriff's Office to purchase a yearly license to use the artificial intelligence (AI) software for the next three years to help identify people from photographs and videos.

"I believe [AI] could be a useful tool in helping an investigation, but it can't be the majority weight in determining guilt for any investigation," Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra said.

The Hays County Sheriff's Office will use the Clearview AI software for identifying potential suspects from photographs and recorded videos, but will not use it for monitoring live feeds. This technology could be used to verify reported sightings of suspects through CCTV footage or social media.

Many critics of facial recognition technology, such as The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), claim it has issues with lack of clarity on data storage policies and can misidentify people of color, especially women of color, but Becerra said his office is dedicated to ensuring the use of this new technology will only be in the public interest.

SEE FOOTBALL PAGE 11

SEE HAYS COUNTY PAGE 3

UPD implement protocols for end of daylight savings

By Lucciana Choueiry News Reporter As students finish their 5 p.m. classes in the winter months, the sun has already set, and with dimmed streets ahead, they begin their cold walks home. University Police Department (UPD) has implemented services, however, to help students walking home on non-lit routes.

Lauren Losh, a public administration junior who lives at The Vistas, located at 401 North Fredericksburg Street, said she chooses to walk on university property when walking to campus because she be-

lieves Texas State property is more welllit than off-campus streets. “[Comanche Street] is well-lit until about half of the street and then there’s just no lights,” Losh said. “I walk that street pretty frequently because that is where H-E-B and other businesses I frequent are, and every time I am there I have to pull up my flashlight because I can’t see otherwise, especially now [with daylight savings].”

The end of daylight savings occurred on Nov. 5, 2023, which pushed the clock one hour back. It will last until March 10, 2024 when one hour will be added back.

According to UPD Chief of Police Matthew Carmichael, UPD takes the time change into consideration when planning safety protocols.

Campus is equipped with 67 blue-light emergency call boxes located in different areas around Texas State. The boxes have a red button that anyone walking on campus is encouraged to push if they feel unsafe, and once that happens, UPD gets notified and shows up at the scene.

Carmichael said the call boxes location directly impact safety when students such as Losh are walking in the dark because not everyone has a phone in case of

emergency.

“The blue phones play an important role in [crime] deterrence because that blue phone says to somebody that may be thinking about doing harm to you that the cops are a button away,” Carmichael said.

Now that the sun sets earlier, when students walk across campus, or from campus to their apartments after dark, Carmichael said they should opt for choosing well-lit routes in the city and not forgo safety for convenience by walking shorter but darker roads.

SEE UNIVERSITY PAGE 2

2 | DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911

NEWS

Blake Leschber | News Editor | starnews@txstate.edu

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

Hays County Mental Health Court grows to give assistance to residents

By Blake Leschber News Editor The Hays County Mental Health Court has increased its number of patients since the beginning of 2023 and has made changes to the way people with mental illness are treated in the criminal justice system.

The Hays County Mental Health Court works with defendants who have active misdemeanor cases and are diagnosed with a substance use, mental health or an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) disorder. According to Kaimi Mattila, a mental health court administrator, the purpose of the court is to ultimately keep their graduates out of jail.

“The main focus is to identify these individuals that might be slipping through the cracks and help them get linked to services and treatment so that they can get to a better place in their life and hopefully not get back involved in the justice system,” Mattila said.

According to Elaine Brown, judge of County Court of Law #3, which includes the mental health court, for a defendant to be assessed for acceptance to the court, they must be referred, which can happen by a judge, defense attorney, probation officer, the jail, treatment providers or family members.

After being referred, the defendant goes through a screening where the court will ensure the person falls under the criteria for acceptance. This includes being 17 years or older, a link between the disorder and the current offense, no past or current charge of a sex offense, no substantial history of violent offense and pre- or post-adjucation.

“What we do is we determine whether or not this individual meets the criteria under our program requirements,” Brown said. “Oftentimes, the defense attorney’s office gets together

and decides whether or not they can reach a plea agreement to allow them to come into the court.”

Once someone is admitted to the court, staff works to connect defendants with resources to help with their diagnosis. Depending on the diagnosis, they can be connected to different resources. This can include mental health services, substance use rehabilitation centers and other community resources like a food bank.

Since defendants need to attend the resources they are connected to, they do not stay in the Hays County Jail. According to Brown, defendants can stay with family members, have their own place or be connected to a homeless shelter. Some may be on probation or deferred adjudication but they do not need to be housed in the jail.

One new resource the court has started is joining forces with Evoke Wellness in San Marcos since Jan. 2.

According to Mattila, the partnership awarded the court with five scholarships per year that allow defendants who may be uninsured or underinsured to get substance use rehabilitation.

The court can work with defendants to help them go back to school or work Mattila said. Brown said there are currently four individuals in the mental health court who attend Texas State.

Through a case worker, defendants can go to school and get help with enrollment or accommodations.

The court has increased from five spots in summer 2022 to 20 in the beginning of 2023. Brown and Mattila hope to increase the court to 25 spots and broaden the criteria more in the next year or two.

“I imagine in the future we would like to expand to include other populations, specifically juveniles and I know that district courts have been talking about creating a mental health court specifically for individuals with felo-

INFOGRAPHIC BY EVA BOWLER

nies," Mattila said.

Kelli Meeks, a San Marcos resident who has bipolar disorder, has experience with the Hays County Jail. When her husband called 911 to get her medical help, the police instead arrived and booked her into Hays County Jail leaving her in a mental health crisis with no help or medication.

Meeks said she hopes the addition of the mental health court can help people in situations like she was in.

“I honestly think it is a good thing because there are so many people out there have issues that are criminalized but are not criminals,” Meeks said. “I think a mental health court would be able to differentiate between those in crisis and those who are actually out there trying to harm someone.”

FROM FRONT UNIVERSITY

INFOGRAPHIC BY EVA BOWLER

“There is no reason to walk alone and if the shuttles aren’t running late or you have no ride home just call the police department saying you need a ride from a police officer,” Carmichael said. “My message for our

students is don’t be shy, to call us.”

In addition to the emergency call boxes, Carmichael said campus is equipped with about 1,000 security cameras that feed directly into UPD’s dispatch

center, which serve as a deterrent in the same way the blue phones do.

“Last year, two assaults were solved by catching the suspect on those cameras and carrying out the photo,” Carmichael said. “What’s nice is our dispatchers have full access to the cameras, especially at night and in the late hours, and they are good at monitoring areas like parking garages and outside resident halls.”

Losh said it's important for her to have her car during her uneasy late-night walk since finding shuttles that run late is something she has never been able to do.

Rodrigo Gonzales, manager of Texas State’s transit operations, said the schedule for Bobcat Shuttle is consistent year-round and is not dependent on the winter months. On weekdays, the first bus departs at 7 a.m. and leaves campus at 10:30 p.m. For weekends, there are two routes on Saturday but no buses on Sunday.

Gonzales said real-time changes to the schedule are communicated to students through the shuttle tab on the Texas State app, emails and social media. Only in case of emergencies would the schedule change mid-semester.

“Typically the number of students using the shuttle goes down when it gets darker sooner…,” Gonzales said. “We look at the number of ridership... to follow up with complaints on packed buses or complaints we receive from riders in general.”

According to Carmichael, the Student Safety Escort (SSE) Program, another service UPD has to ensure student safety, concluded the fall semester with about 1,000 rides and has been useful since the time change, especially with the shuttle schedule. “[SSE] strengthens the safety protocols for students walking alone because you can call at late hours and get a ride off campus,” Carmichael said. “We just added Sunday nights before the break because of student requests and since there are [no shuttles] running then.”

Publication Info

Editorial Staff Trinity Building 203 Pleasant St. San Marcos, TX 78666 (512) 245 - 3487

History: The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University and is published every Tuesday of the spring and fall and once a month in the summer semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. on publication days with a distribution of 3,500. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung.

Visit The Star at universitystar.com

Editor-in-Chief:

Managing Editor:

Design Editor:

Carson Weaver stareditor@txstate.edu

Nichaela Shaheen starmanagingeditor@txstate.edu

Sarah Manning stardesign@txstate.edu

News Editor:

Life & Arts Editor:

Opinions Editor:

Blake Leschber starnews@txstate.edu

Marisa Nuñez starlifeandarts@txstate.edu

Rhian Davis staropinion@txstate.edu

Sports Editor:

Multimedia Editor:

David Cuevas starsports@txstate.edu

Kobe Arriaga starmultimedia@txstate.edu

PIR Director: Abbie Taylor starpr@txstate.edu

Director: Laura Krantz laurakrantz@txstate.edu

Engagement Editor: Hope Monte starengagement@txstate.edu

Digital Products Developer:

Creative Service Director:

Sri Naga Sri Govvala starasstweb@txstate.edu

Jen Nguyen starcreative@txstate.edu

Copyright: Copyright Tuesday, January 16, 2024. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor-in-chief.

Deadlines:

Letters to the Editor or any contributed articles are due on Monday the week prior to publication.

Corrections:

Any errors that are in the pages of The University Star and brought to our attention will be corrected as soon as possible.

Advertising Inquiries Contact at: 512-245-3487 advertising@universitystar.com

3 | DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911

NEWS

Blake Leschber | News Editor | starnews@txstate.edu

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

FROM FRONT HOUSING Mattera said residents over 21 will still be allowed to have alcohol and tobacco at the complexes.

Mattera also said first-year students may be moved into the complexes should there be housing overflows or an inability to place first-year students in traditional on-campus dormitories.

"Our preference will be to place first-year students in our normal inventory," Mattera said. "There will be some first-year students that qualify or need to live in these properties, and [Texas State] will work with those on a case-by-case basis."

Another change coming to the properties will be in the staff makeup, as ACC employees were notified on Dec. 1 they should begin looking for new jobs, as they might not be retained once the properties are transitioned to the university.

One ACC employee agreed to speak anonymously to The University Star about the purchase. "[ACC] is looking at transferring a few of us to other ACC properties," the employee said. "[The sale] is definitely annoying because I planned to keep this job until I graduated. But what are you gonna do? It's bigger than all of us."

Texas State, however, does plan to begin interviewing current employees to possibly keep them at the properties once the transition is complete.

"[The university] staffs our buildings very differently than ACC does," Mattera said. "[Texas State] is in the process now of looking at [the employees'] positions and seeing if they fit in the system on campus."

Additionally, some residents did not learn of the sale until after Dec. 19 when many returned home from winter break and found the letter of sale in their apartments.

"I came into my apartment [on Jan. 12] and there was a letter on the counter," Adam Long, a resident at the Vistas and a computer science sophomore, said. "I asked my roommate about it and that's how I found out."

Despite the shocking news Long said he is optimistic about living in a university-owned complex.

"I wasn't really too bothered by it," Long said. "My dorm experience was really good, so I honestly had a positive mindset [about the purchase]."

Texas State plans to begin reaching out to residents of both complexes within the week of Jan. 18 and will start granting new leases in the weeks coming after.

"Our hope is in the next couple weeks to answer [resident questions] and encourage them to contact us with those questions," Mattera said. "We hope [residents] will realize that living in on-campus housing allows them to

INFOGRAPHIC BY EVA BOWLER

have a more holistic view as a student and not just a tenant."

American Campus Communities did not respond for comment.

"[AI] can't be the singular... way in determining guilt," Becerra said. "It is important that we proceed with caution and I'm going to ensure that we have the office of the county judge on the record as reaching into the sheriff's office and our county government to ensure we have sound policies."

Hays County Chief of Staff Alexander Villalobos said he foresees the sheriff's office trying to expand the use of the facial recognition AI to be used on more than just photographs and video, but the county will make sure the Sheriff's Office maintains transparency in its use.

"If [AI] is going to be used inappropriately, the court can call for an inquiry or investigation into the over-usage and ask questions in that matter," Villalobos said. "[The sheriff] is obligated to come and answer those questions."

While Hays County is experimenting with the use of facial recognition in law enforcement, the technology has not made its way to Texas State.

"Right now we can't afford nor do we have the technology," University Police Chief Matthew Carmichael said. "There is no discussion right now to have that."

Carmichael said he believes in the right hands, AI could be a powerful tool for law enforcement, but also expressed concern on how the data could be used.

"It serves its place, but there's a balance with our freedom," Carmichael said. "And so it's about balance of our freedom, how the data is utilized. I think the ACLU has some good information on not only facial recognition, but best practices on data storage."

According to Carmichael, while the University Police Department (UPD) does not currently have plans to acquire facial recognition technology, he does see the possibility for UPD to utilize the sheriff's AI. Carmichael said while UPD does not currently own a license to any sort of AI, the city of San Marcos uses a technology similar to facial recognition called License Plate Recognition (LPR) to read license plates. "[LPR] is all across the country where it helps identify suspect vehicles," Carmichael said. "I can call our friends [in] San Marcos and ask the [police chief ] 'Hey, can you enter this license plate in this into your system because it was used in a crime?'"

According to the city of San Marcos' website, the city only uses LPR for parking enforcement and not to search for warrants or other law enforcement purposes.

Becerra and Villalobos both seemed open to the idea of finding uses for AI to assist in aspects of governance, such as finance, the writing of documents and research, but always with a person to fact check the information from the AI. "I am a huge supporter of using AI for the mundane, the reality of government," Becerra said. "I feel the creative aspects of our coworkers can be further supported by AI and additional perspectives brought to light with the support of AI, but never to take the place of any function that we do as a government."

FROM FRONT HAYS COUNTY

INFOGRAPHIC BY ITZIE PULIDO

Hays County Sheriff's Office did not respond for comment.

4 | DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911

OPINIONS

Rhian Davis | Opinions Editor | staropinions@txstate.edu

Tuesday, January 16, 2023

Opinions in The University Star are not necessarily those of our entire publication, Texas State University’s administration, Board of Regents, School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Student Publications Board.

Students can easily combat hard water

By James Phillips Opinions Columnist Damaged hair and dry skin are the classic results of hard water. Hard water is high in mineral concentration and can have effects on one's outward appearance and living space. Hard water is extremely prevalent in San Marcos.

Residents of San Marcos should be aware of the problems caused by hard water and the simple practices that can be used to solve these issues.

The city of San Marcos and Hays County get a majority of groundwater from the Trinity and Edwards Aquifers. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, these aquifers contain water that is "generally hard and contains excessive nitrate." With its hard mineral content, this water is used in taps across San Marcos and Hays County.

Hard water can sometimes be detrimental to one's skin. According to Skinkraft Laboratories, it specifically causes "dry, flaky, itchy skin [and] breakouts at times." These problems come from the minerals within hard water that clog up natural skin pores, leading to a lack of oil secretion, exacerbating dry skin problems.

Thankfully, hard water is not a terminal problem, and its effects on the skin can be mitigated fairly easily. The most direct solution is to put a water softener, a filtration device that lessens the mineral content of water, on shower heads or faucets.

Quality water softeners can be easily found online, and while those who live in dorms and apartments may not be able to replace their shower head altogether, residents can still attach a filter onto their shower heads. However, these softeners are not cheap, with Guardian Water Services reporting that "most quality water softeners ... cost [around] $100 for the initial purchase... [and have] ongoing expenses for replacing the filter cartridges."

ILLUSTRATION BY DEVON CREW

In addition, skincare professionals, such as those at Skinkraft Laboratories, recommend that individuals take brief showers that are of moderate temperature - avoiding both extremely high and low heat that damages the skin. In addition, it's recommended for individuals to "[gently] dab [themselves] with a towel post washing ... [and to apply] a rich moisturizing body lotion" while the skin is still wet. These solutions

are affordable and efficient in addressing the problems caused by hard water on the skin.

Hard water is also known to cause problems for hair care. Much like on skin, hard water is known to block oil secretion in the scalp; this causes flakiness and dry hair, which is more easily damaged than healthy hair, according to the Culligan company - a group specializing in water filtration.

The Hairclub, a professional group dedicated to hair maintenance, recommends that individuals living with hard water use "a clarifying shampoo once a week... [and] naturally acidic rinses" to help remove mineral buildup in the hair. There are specialty shampoos, such as the Malibu C hard water wellness shampoo, that are designed to be used for problems related to hard water.

The minerals found within hard water also cause problems for individual living spaces.

When hard water evaporates, it leaves behind a hard mineral build-up called limescale. This build-up, besides looking unsightly, creates problems for piping and, according to Tissino, "[effects] the flow and drainage of water in [one] sink, bath or shower, as well as clogging [one] hot water pipes."

Thankfully, limescale is the easiest of hard water problems to solve. Good Housekeeping said individuals can use a simple mixture of lemon juice and vinegar to wash off limescale build-ups.

The water in San Marcos can cause many issues for residents, especially those not used to such high mineral levels; however, by using simple methods, the problems of hard water can be both mitigated and treated.

-James Phillips is an international relations junior The University Star welcomes Letters to the Editor from its readers. All submissions are reviewed and considered by the Editor-in-Chief and Opinions Editor for publication. Not all letters are guaranteed for publication.

Proper cleaning is pivotal for health and wellness

By Aili Ortega Opinions Contributor In the whirlwind of our daily lives, the importance of meticulous cleaning often takes a backseat, exposing us to potential health risks. Recent revelations on platforms like TikTok have sparked conversations about the overlooked cleanliness of our everyday items, spotlighting two main culprits – makeup tools and water bottles.

The rise of the "Sink Girl" trend on TikTok thrust the unsanitary consequences of haphazard cleaning practices into the limelight, especially in the realm of makeup tools. The "Sink Girl" trend is where many individuals showcase their makeup storage in typically unsanitary places like sinks and cupholders.

While the trend reflected a playful and inventive approach to beauty routines, it raised concerns in TikTok comment sections about the potential impact on skin health. Storing makeup in unsuitable and unclean environments may expose products to bacteria and other contaminants, which could lead to skin irritations, breakouts or other adverse reactions.

Storing these items in the sink may seem silly and somewhat convenient, but it creates a haven for harmful bacteria and mold. The combination of lingering moisture and residual makeup can pose serious health risks. People

ILLUSTRATION BY MADELINE CARPENTER

must reconsider their cleaning habits.

Mold exposure from inadequate cleaning can lead to respiratory issues, allergies and skin irritation. Neglecting the hygiene of makeup tools may result in infections and various skin problems.

Regular and thorough cleaning coupled with proper drying isn't just a choice; it's necessary for one's well-being.

The same idea goes for cleaning water bottles. When washing water bottles, a common oversight involves a cursory rinse of the lid and mouthpiece. TikTok revelations have prompted us to take a second look, especially at the often-

neglected area where we drink from on travel tumblers like the popular Stanleys, Hydroflasks or Owalas to name a few. Ignoring this crucial aspect can lead to the accumulation of bacteria and mold, posing potential health risks.

Moist environments around the rim of water bottle tops are an open invitation for mold and bacteria. Inadequate cleaning isn't just about aesthetics; it's about safeguarding one's health.

Gastrointestinal issues, infections and compromised immune function are the unwelcome consequences of turning a blind eye to this vital aspect of our daily

routine. Dismantling water bottles for thorough cleaning and ensuring complete drying is not a mere suggestion; it's a proactive step towards preserving one's health.

Black mold is a concerning presence in homes and on water bottles, often appearing as dark greenish-black patches in damp areas. Dealing with it is crucial for a healthy living space. It can trigger allergies or respiratory issues, so addressing moisture problems promptly is essential.

If it gets serious, it's probably best to get professionals involved for safe removal. Keeping an eye on potential mold growth and maintaining a dry environment at home is a good practice for everyone's well-being.

The recent TikTok-driven insights into the "Sink Girl" trend and neglected water bottle tops serve as a wake-up call.

It's time to prioritize proper cleaning, not as a chore, but as a vital investment in our health.

By dedicating a little extra time to ensure the meticulous cleaning and thorough drying of makeup tools, water bottles and other daily products, one can significantly reduce the risk of mold and bacteria-related health concerns.

Embrace a cleaner and healthier lifestyle as a conscious choice and integrate these simple practices into your daily routines for the sake of your well-being.

-Aili Ortega is a marketing senior

The University Star welcomes Letters to the Editor from its readers. All submissions are reviewed and considered by the Editor-In-Chief and Opinions Editor for publication. Not all letters are guaranteed for publication.

5 | DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911

LIFE & ARTS

Marisa Nuñez | Life and Arts Editor | starlifeandarts@txstate.edu

Tuesday, January 16, 2023

Bobcat guide for a more nutritious lifestyle

By Marisa Nuñez Life and Arts Editor From students living on campus to students who spend their time on campus, it’s important for Bobcats to properly fuel their bodies. Dominique Alfaro, a graduate instructional assistant, offers her advice to Bobcats for a healthy semester through nutritional guidance.

Alfaro states the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) recommends three meals a day, however, student's meal times can be impacted by stress levels, the number of classes and access to resources. Regardless of these factors, Alfaro believes it's essential for students to eat throughout the day to promote daily brain

INFOGRAPHIC BY SARAH MANNING

INFOGRAPHIC BY DJ ROSS

function, health and well-being.

“Proper nutrition for a student not only [helps] academically [by] having that brain food to be able to persevere through the semester but also health and mentality-wise,” Alfaro said. “School is very stressful and as long as you're able to feed your body the adequate amount of nutrition and the vitamins that it needs, I think that it eases a little bit of that stress.”

Snacks are another way students can practice healthy eating. Alfaro recommends whole food snacks.

These types of snacks can be purchased at places like UAC Cafe and Paws N' Go. Chartwells Catering oversees most food in dining halls and throughout campus providing healthy options for students to choose from. According to Alfaro, a balanced meal consists of a variety of fruits and

vegetables, grains and a source of protein.

“There's a lot of stigma around having processed foods, of course, we don't want to have a diet full of saturated unprocessed food but if this is all that students are able to obtain, then any food is good food," Alfaro said.

As the manager of the student-led food pantry Bobcat Bounty, Alfaro has strong beliefs regarding food accessibility. While she believes it is important to eat nutritiously, sometimes that can mean the act of eating itself.

"We should kind of foster a shameless food environment," Alfaro said. "We're supposed to promote health in any way and food is health. So any type of food, in my opinion, is healthy."

6 | DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911

LIFE & ARTS

Marisa Nuñez | Life and Arts Editor | starlifeandarts@txstate.edu

Tuesday, January 16 , 2024

Health sciences senior finds passion through sister's medial emergency

By Brianna Chavez Life and Arts Reporter Abigail Mason, a health sciences senior, knew she wanted to work in a STEM-related career. However, it wasn’t until 2018 that it finally clicked when Emmaleigh Mason, Abigail’s little sister, was undergoing open-heart surgery.

"When my sister had her openheart surgery, that kind of narrowed it down completely for me,” Abigail said.

Emmaleigh had an atrial septal defect, essentially a hole in her heart.

As Emmaleigh was being taken care of by the ICU nurses at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth, Abigail's interactions and connections with the nurses tending to her sister sparked her interest in the medical field.

"I remember talking with the nurses about how much easier it is working with children,” Abigail said. “Seeing kids overcome and face the challenges headon were the best parts of their jobs.”

Suzy Jungmann, a STEM coordinator for Lufkin ISD, knew Abigail was going to do great things once she graduated high school. She helped her from freshman to senior year at Lufkin High School through academics and struggles outside of class.

Jungmann took the students on field trips and outdoor excursions, where she said she saw Abigail blossom as she and her lab partner took their science project to the next level, focusing on the technical aspects and the science behind their project.

"I think as an educator, we have to keep encouraging them even when they hit roadblocks,” Jungmann said. “There’s so many opportunities out there, especially for first-gen students.”

Abigail said in Lufkin, it’s common for men and women to get a trade and continue to work and stay in or around

INFOGRAPHIC BY MADISON WARE

town. She applied to universities nearby, like Stephen F. Austin University as well as Abilene Christian University.

Tatum, Abigail's friend, convinced her to apply to Texas State. She never researched or toured the San Marcos campus but knew it would be a great push in the right direction for what she wanted to achieve. "[Tatum] told me I didn’t need to stay in my hometown,” Abigail said.

“I know college is for education, but a

big part is also our experience that shapes us.”

In August 2020, in the middle of COVID-19, Abigail packed her bags, got her driver’s license, moved to the busy town of San Marcos and became the first in her family to attend college.

When Abigail was deciding on her major, it was an obvious choice to choose nursing as she wanted to work in the pediatric ICU. The more she thought about the task of letting fami-

PHOTO COURTESY OF ABBY MASON Abby (right) and Emmaleigh (left) attend the Taylor Swift Eras Tour in Houston, 2023.

lies know about their children’s conditions or even worse, the more she ultimately decided to switch to a health science major, where she could pursue any avenue of healthcare she desires.

"If my sister didn’t end up coming out okay, I would have kind of a resentment towards her doctors and nurses,” Abigail said. “So, I switched into health science to kind of give me wiggle room.”

Abigail fell in love with Texas State and its welcoming atmosphere.

Although she was beginning her studies at a time when masks were mandatory and social distancing was present, she felt like she had the typical college experience. She still got to make friends, attend events and create great memories.

Abigail said as a first-generation student, not many people understand the pressure and work that goes into being a student. She said families of first-generation students are super proud and believe in their students so much, yet don’t recognize how taxing it is academically and mentally.

"Being a first-gen student is hard since you don’t have as many people who understand,” Abigail said. “But it’s also a blessing because you get to make your family proud.”

Abigail is forever grateful for her family's support, believing in her every step of the way. She also credits the resources that Texas State offers to firstgeneration students. According to Texas State University Facts and Data from the Division of Marketing and Communications, 43% of Bobcats are the first in their family to attend college.

Before Abigail graduates this spring, she'll be returning to Cook Children's Medical Center on January 16th to begin her internship in administration.

She said she can't wait to provide the same love and compassion her family received six years ago.

7 | DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911

LIFE & ARTS

Marisa Nuñez | Life and Arts Editor | starlifeandarts@txstate.edu

Tuesday, January 16 , 2024

SMPD Mental Health Unit highlights the importance of mental health

By Marisa Nuñez Life and Arts Editor The San Marcos Police Department's (SMPD) Mental Health Unit (MHU) consists of a team of one corporal, two officers and a mental health clinician.

Together, they work to respond to people who are in mental health crisis' to get them the help they need.

The MHU thrives off its sole purpose which is to save lives. The SMPD is one of many police departments with the addition of an MHU. With the growing trend, the unit hopes the importance of mental health spreads to civilians to increase understanding and raise awareness.

According to its website, the MHU received 2,431 calls in 2022 for mental health investigations, suicidal persons, mental health follow ups, emergency detentions and therapy K-9 deployments. Grant Sheridan, an MHU officer, said the unit can receive five to six calls a day from San Marcos civilians and students.

“We do encounter a fair number of students,” Sheridan said.“Their stressors can be anything from finances to school to family problems, work problems or a combination of all those things. So for us to have this unit in our police department, it's going to help our department better serve these individuals when they're in crisis.”

Recent stats from the National Institute of Mental Health state one in every five Americans experiences mental health issues. Joseph Osborne, the MHU corporal, highlights the importance of reaching out whether the matter is personal, for a family member or a friend.

"I feel it's very important that the stigma that's associated with mental health be addressed, and that everyone understands...that there's nothing wrong with needing help," Osborne said. "We want people to feel comfortable to reach out and ask for help when they need it or for their loved one when they need it."

Kelly Castillo, the crisis response care coordinator, said finding things that students can do daily that

make them feel good can help with mental illness.

Self-care examples Castillo shared are going for a walk, watching a favorite TV show, taking a bath, playing with pets and working out.

"Sometimes, people think [self-care] has to be a big grand thing like 'I'm gonna take a week-long vacation to Florida,'" Castillo said. "It doesn't have to be things like that...you got to take care of you first."

The MHU strictly works to save lives and move people in the right direction. It strongly advises people to reach out for help regardless if they use its services or not.

"A reminder to all persons, all students or whoever, do not to be afraid to ask for help if you need it," Osborne said. "There are people out there who are interested, who do care and who will help."

For more information about the SMPD MHU, visit its website. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255. For emergencies, call 911.

The Mental Health Unit

PHOTO BY MARISA NUNEZ

Mental health unit (left to right) Kelly Castillo, Grant Sheridan and Joseph Osborne posing for a photo in their office on Jan. 11, 2024, at the San Marcos Police Station.

INFOGRAPHIC BY MEAGAN WALTERS

8 | DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911

LIFE & ARTS

Marisa Nuñez | Life and Arts Editor | starlifeandarts@txstate.edu

Tuesday, January 16 , 2024

Translational Health Research Center works to inspire students to join research program

By Adriana Villanueva Life and Arts Contributor

INFOGRAPHIC BY SARAH MANNING

MAP BY DEVON CREW

Faculty and staff at Texas State are taking part in finding new ways to prevent and treat disease and illness by conducting research at the Translational Health Research Center (THRC).

This semester, THRC is encouraging students to get involved and explore the research it's conducting to help students further utilize their skills to contribute to public outreach during community emergencies and find jobs and opportunities in health-related fields.

Executive Director of the THRC Melinda Villagran hopes to inspire students to get involved with research that faculty is conducting for the Faculty Fellow Program. The program allows professors of all educational backgrounds to research practices the THRC can use to help the public during community emergencies.

“As a center, we are focused on bringing on students to work on the research we do to experience the research process and conduct unique research projects, as well as connecting them with community organizations for jobs and learning more about health research,” Villagran said.

The THRC was awarded two funding grants that helped launch some key programs and practices. In 2020, The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration gave THRC a $2 million grant to gather data to share with healthcare professionals. This led to the creation of its website The Central State, which allows partnerships from central Texas to help students with workforce development, jobs and internships.

In 2021, the second grant from the State of Texas gave THRC a $5.2 million yearly grant to help expand the research center’s scope to include a Community Health and Economic Resilience Research Center of Excellence, or CHERR. CHERR studies practices that can help communities prepare and recover from public health emergencies and natural disasters. One CHERR team member, Maria Tomasso, a doctoral research assistant, is currently conducting research for one of her projects, Map Grant.

Map Grant is a data-driven portal that maps open data on mental health in Texas, making it available for health officials, teachers and practitioners looking to start a practice to find places where mental health care is not accessible or overlooked.

"We try to map out where there is a shortage of providers where there might be an unusually high need of mental health care," Tomasso said. "We put all that data on a dashboard on our 35 Health Merge website.

We host a lot of data-driven projects that the public can learn more about on the website."

With CHERR’s initiative to share its evidencebased findings with TXST faculty and staff, the THRC created the Faculty Fellow program. This program supports a team of Texas State faculty whose research informs THRC’s understanding of community health and economic resilience across Texas.

The Faculty Fellow Program allows professors to contribute to the THRC by conducting research unique to their educational background.

“We have done a few projects with the professors that are a part of the Faculty Fellow Program, some projects we’ve done are researching engineering, graphic and technological products to help improve healthcare community resilience,” Villagran said.

Nicole Wagner, an assistant professor in crop and soil science, is currently working on ways for soil regeneration to happen to create healthier crops for humans and animals through Bobcat Farm.

The study is based on three key reasons: the importance of regenerating soil to regulate the climate, soil that can hold water produces healthier plants and healthier soil produces nutrient-rich foods.

At Bobcat Farm, Wagner is working on using biochar, a grounded natural charcoal that improves soil health and probiotics on crops. Wagner is hoping that with this research, the soil they create will be able to be used in lawns, crops and pasture for grazing as well as hay for animals.

"Students at Bobcat Farm are learning to do the everyday task at the farm as well as learning how to run a business and just learn all of the decision making and complexity that goes into running a business," Wagner said.

The THRC plans to create more events and opportunities for students to learn more about health and wellness through the research center. The 7th Annual Health Scholar Showcase in March will highlight some of the best health research happening on campus to improve health by connecting faculty and community partners to engage in innovative research.

To learn more about the Translational Health Research Center, email them at HealthResearch@txstate.edu.

9 | DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911 Tuesday, January 16, 2023

Experience the world’s fastest growing martial arts!

Just mention this ad for a FREE TRIAL WEEK

1504 Aquarena Springs Dr. Ste. 203 | (512) 703 - 0643 | www.kaizenjjtx.com

10 | DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911

SPORTS

David Cuevas | Sports Editor | starsports@txstate.edu

Tuesday, January 16, 2023

Baseball 2024 position breakdown: Pitchers and incoming players By: Jackson Kruse Sports Contributor The Texas State baseball team is entering the 2024 season following strong 2023 and 2022 seasons. Head Coach Steven Trout and the Bobcats will look to build on their previous success this year, with a combined record of 53-37 in the past two seasons. With returning key players Davis Powell and Chase Mora, the team expects a good season in 2024. Although any spot on the field is up for grabs with new players entering the school, let's dive into the roster position by position.

Pitcher Levi Wells pitched the most for the Bobcats last year, putting up 80 innings. But now that he’s been drafted by the Baltimore Orioles, Texas State will rely on other arms to carry the workload. Aside from Wells, the main inning eaters last year were Tony Robie, Zeke Wood, Triston Dixon, Nathan Medrano and Jack Stroud.

Robie saw the second-most time on the mound last season. He started 12 games and appeared in 20 last year, pitching 60 total innings. He went 5-4 with a 4.33 ERA and will pursue another winning season in 2024.

Wood pitched 58.2 innings and had an ERA of 4.91 while starting in the second most games for Texas State. Besides Robie and Wood, starters included Peyton Zabel, who started in nine of his 14 appearances, and Nathan Medrano, who started in six of his 21 appearances.

In NCAA baseball, teams typically have a designated Friday-night starter, or, “ace.”

Games usually occur every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with the ace starting on Fridays. Levi Wells filled that role for the team in 2023, and someone else will have to step up. Based on last year's stats, Robie and Wood have the best chances to fill that role.

Senior lefty Jack Stroud was arguably the best relief pitcher on the team in 2023.

Stroud posted an ERA of 3.56 with 67 strikeouts in 48 innings. Levi Wells was the

only Bobcat who had more strikeouts. Stroud should be counted on in high-leverage situations this year. When it comes to pitching, there will be many different players who get opportunities.

Cameron Bush got a decent amount of innings last year with 32.1, meaning he will probably get innings in 2024. Jonathan Martinez had a solid 3.93 ERA in 18.1 innings, so he should be getting appearances this year. Other names to look out for are Austin Smith, Rhett McCaffety, Carson Keithley, Otto Wofford and Reece Gould.

New Players Last year, Chase Mora was one of the most productive players on the team as a true freshman. For all we know, there could be a new Chase Mora this year.

Redshirt sophomore pitcher Keller Eberly is someone to look out for. He pitched for the University of Central Florida last season, going 6-0 with an ERA of 4.20. Additional redshirt-sophomore pitchers are Max Hamilton and Taylor Seay. Hamilton posted a 2.84 ERA in 12.2 innings with 13 strikeouts at McLennan College last year, and Seay recorded a 1.98 ERA over 41 innings for Angelina College. Both transferred to Texas State during the offseason.

One more pitcher who transferred to Texas State is redshirt sophomore lefthander Tyler Cooper. Cooper posted an ERA of 2.62 with 54 strikeouts in 34.1 innings at Temple College last year.

All four of these new pitchers have pitched well in college already, and the Bobcats hope to see this continue in the coming season.

Last but not least, there will be new freshmen on the team. College is a big jump from high school, so predicting who will stand out immediately is challenging.

Freshmen include outfielders Samson Pugh and Ben Merriman along with infielders Ethan Farris and Tyler Garritano.

PHOTO BY CARLY EARNEST

The Texas State baseball team gathers on the field with their hands up before the Texas game, Monday, April 10, 2023, at Bobcat Stadium.

PHOTO BY KOBE ARRIAGA

Sophomore running back Ismail Mahdi (21) breaks a tackle for extra yardage versus Troy, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, at Bobcat Stadium. The Bobcats lost 13-31.

Mahdi reflects on nationally recognized, record season By: Jude Botello Sports Contributor Texas State finished a historic season with a 4521 victory over Rice University in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl. There were many surprises for the Bobcats throughout the 2023-24 season, including the unexpected emergence of sophomore running back Ismail Mahdi.

Mahdi did not let the struggles he experienced early in his football career define him and chose to let his game speak for itself. Coming out of Plano East High School, Mahdi received zero stars from college football recruiting services and decided to attend Houston Christian University.

While playing for the Huskies, Mahdi only rushed for 459 yards and a single touchdown during his freshman season. Following the season, he elected to enter the transfer portal and committed to Texas State shortly after. Since his transfer, Madhi’s game has taken a leap in the right direction in only one season.

Mahdi said the decision to pick Texas State was a simple one to make. “[Texas State] was closer to home. I wanted to stay in Texas. The coaching staff, Coach G.J. [Kinne] and the offense - I felt like I could fit into this offense,” Mahdi said.

During the 2023-24 season, Mahdi crushed his freshman year’s rushing yard total, racking up 1,209 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. Mahdi is the 12th player in program history to rush for over 1,000 yards. The last player to accomplish the feat was Robert Lowe during in 2014.

Mahdi also accumulated 276 receiving yards and 529 return yards on special teams to finish the season with 2,014 all-purpose yards, which led the entire nation in the category. Mahdi also became the first player to register 2,000 all-purpose yards at Texas State in its FBS era.

According to Mahdi, despite the lofty expectations he set for himself when transferring to Texas State, he surpassed what he thought was expected of himself. “[Breaking records] is something I anticipated,” Mahdi said. “My pops and I talked about reaching those goals. I did surpass some of them. I wanted to get 1,000 rushing yards. I surpassed the goal that I set.”

Mahdi’s playstyle out of the backfield helped propel Texas State’s explosive offense this season.

Mahdi was a workhorse for the Bobcat offense, averaging 6.1 yards per carry throughout the season.

“He’s a great kid. He brought it every day,”

Kinne said. “He put the team first and had a heck of a season.”

Mahdi has been named to three different AllAmerican nominations. He was named a secondteam All-American as an all-purpose player by the Football Writers Association of America, a second-team All-American by The Athletic, and a first-team All-American by both CBS Sports and 247 Sports.

Despite his accomplishments, Mahdi remains humble and said the entire team played a role in helping him reach his achievements.

“It’s a team thing. Everybody contributes,” Mahdi said. “First team All-American, my [offensive line] helped me. Everybody contributes.”

With the nominations, Ismail Madhi takes pride in overcoming adversity and propels himself toward a better life for himself and his family.

“I know my family has been through a hard situation, and I overcame a lot of things just having that grit, that heart. I go hard every day in practice, knowing that this is an opportunity that not a lot of kids from my country get,” Mahdi said.

Mahdi is of Kenyan heritage, which is very important to him. According to Mahdi, his Kenyan upbringing, helped shape him into the player he is today.

“Trying to fit in with people and the environment, coming from a different country [and] learning how things work here was a struggle,” Mahdi said.

A tradition for Mahdi is to wear a necklace of his mom every gameday as a way to honor her.

Mahdi said his parents provide him with a support system that has helped him get to where he is today as a football player.

“My parents help me out. They’ve helped me through my injuries and motivate me,” Mahdi said. “Every time I need to make a decision, or I’m going through something, those are the first people I hit up. They always give me good advice.

They’re my parents. They’re the ones who brought me into this world, so they're the ones I go to for decisions.”

Despite his outstanding season for the Bobcats, Mahdi does not see an end to the ride just yet. He sees a future at Texas State and continues his push toward glory for the All-American nominee.

“I’ll stay here. Why not make history here like I have done? The grass isn't always greener on the other side. You've got to know what you have here,” Mahdi said. “[Coach] Kinne lets me be myself [and] he puts me in positions that help me exploit my game.”

11 | DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911

SPORTS

David Cuevas | Sports Editor | starsports@txstate.edu

Tuesday, January 16, 2023

FROM FRONT FOOTBALL The 2023-24 Texas State football season was historic, and The University Star sports staff covered every moment. From the press box, the staff witnessed the Bobcats become relevant on a national stage, securing a bowl bid for the first time in program history and concluding the season with a victory against Rice University in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl.

The season began on December 1 when Texas State announced the hiring of G.J. Kinne, who in 2022 led Incarnate Word to a 10-1 record and an appearance in the FCS Semifinals, to replace Jake Spavital as the 21st head football coach in program history.

Kinne arrived at Texas State with high goals for what the football program could accomplish under his leadership.

“We [Texas State] want to be in bowl games, we want to be in championships.

We want to be in the College Football Playoff. That’s the reason I chose to come here, because of the expectation and because of the commitment to the football program," Kinne said.

It all kicked off in Waco, in the season opener where Texas State defeated Baylor for the first time in school history. The sports staff watched as junior receiver Joey Hobert made a spectacular one-handed grab, landing on the ESPN SportsCenter top ten. This sparked a connection between redshirt sophomore quarterback T.J. Finley and Hobert that we were able to admire all year.

"That was pretty fun,” Kinne said after the Baylor game. “I told the guys it’s a new era of Texas State football, and those

ILLUSTRATION BY DELANEY COMPEAN

guys believed from the moment I got here. I’m really proud of the players, staff, support staff, everyone involved. I’m really happy for our guys. This is a big-time win for our program, on the road against a Big 12 program.”

As success on the field grew, so did the fanbase. The Star's sports staff witnessed record crowds this season, with the largest attendance coming against Jackson State University in week three when 24,118 attended. In that game, Finley led the Bobcats' offense to over 70 points in his first home game at Bobcat Stadium.

This was the first time Texas State scored that many points since 1920.

The season also had its share of disap-

pointments such as a seven-point loss to UTSA, a four-point loss in the final three minutes against Louisiana-Lafayette and giving up a Sun Belt record 77 points to Arkansas State for the worst loss in its FBS program history.

The climax of the season occurred at home versus Georgia Southern University, where Texas State scored over fifty points in an offensive shootout while securing its sixth win of the year and clinching bowl eligibility. The night ended with the entire football team jumping into the San Marcos River in celebration— a tradition The Star's sports staff hopes will continue every year.

Individually, we saw some rise as stars like redshirt sophomore quarterback T.J. Finley, and others make history like sophomore running back Ismail Mahdi.

In his third collegiate season and first for Texas State, Finley led the Bobcats to their first ever bowl appearance which was then accompanied by a win. When it came to getting down the field, Mahdi had a breakout season with 2,169 all-purpose yards. Across every Division I FBS program Mahdi led the entire country in this category and finished 253 yards above the player with the second-most.

The Bobcats wrapped up the season with a victory against Rice in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl, winning by three scores and satisfying the hungry fanbase that traveled to Dallas ready to witness history and gain insight into the new era of Texas State football.

“I feel like when I took [the Texas State] job, everyone talked about the sleeping giant,” Kinne said. “Well, it’s awake. The way we played [tonight], getting eight wins, getting a bowl victory in Texas against an in-state opponent. I think this is just the beginning.”

The most rewarding part was interviewing and meeting many new faces as the Bobcats welcomed 49 new players under Kinne in his first year. The time spent watching Texas State play, writing recaps and talking to players and coaches created memories that The Star's sports staff will cherish for years to come.

BOBCAT HOME GAMES IN PICTURES SEPT. 16

JACKSON STATE

SEPT. 23

NEVADA

PHOTO BY KOBE ARRIAGA

PHOTO BY SARAH MANNING

Texas State senior safety Torey Spears (12) tackles the Jackson State offense for a loss of yardage, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Bobcat Stadium. Bobcats won 77-34.

Texas State junior quarterback Malik Hornsby (4) celebrates a touchdown in the end zone versus Nevada, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Bobcat Stadium. Bobcats won 35-24.

ULM OCT. 28

OCT. 14

TROY

PHOTO BY CARLY EARNEST

PHOTO BY MEG BOLES

Senior linebacker Brian Holloway celebrates a third down stop versus Louisiana

Texas state sophomore TJ Finley (7) prepares to throw the ball versus Troy, Satur-

Monroe, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Bobcat Stadium. Bobcats won 21-20.

day, Oct. 28, 2023, Bobcat Stadium, Bobcats lost 31-13

NOV. 4

GA. SOUTHERN OCT. 25

PHOTO BY MANDALYN LEWALLEN

Texas State junior wide receiver Joey Hobert (10) makes a catch against Georgia Southern, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at Bobcat Stadium.

Bobcats won 24-45.

S. ALABAMA

PHOTO BY MANDALYN LEWALLEN

Texas State junior wide receiver Ashtyn Hawkins (1) runs the ball passed THE DEFENSE during the game versus South Alabama, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023 at Bobcat Stadium.Bobcats won. 52-44

12 | DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911

NEWS

Blake Leschber | News Editor | starnews@txstate.edu

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: News over the break

Texas State's first ever bowl game win Published Dec. 27

By David Cuevas Sports Editor It was a sea of maroon and gold Dec. 26 night at Gerald J. Ford Stadium as Texas State football (8-5, 4-4 Sun Belt Conference) defeated Rice University (6-7, 4-4 American Athletic Conference) 45-21 in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl in Dallas.

It was a historic win for Texas State as the Bobcats won their first

bowl game in program history, an achievement eleven years in the making.

“That was the message,” Texas State Head Coach G.J. Kinne said.

“Going to a bowl game is great, but winning a bowl game is what matters. They went out there and performed. I thought the gameplan was really well put together.”

Dec. 26's win gives Texas State its eighth of the season, marking the first time the program has won eight games since joining the FBS in 2012.

PHOTO BY MARISA NUÑEZ

Owner Gabriel Garza standing in front of his stand on its last day on Dec. 30, 2023, at Chili Dog Stand.

Local chili dog stand closes after 71 years Published Jan. 11

By Marisa Nuñez Life and Arts Editor

PHOTO BY KOBE ARRIAGA

Texas State head coach G.J. Kinne (Left) and sophomore quarterback T.J. Finley (7) await the field ahead of the 2023 SERVPRO First Responder Bowl versus Rice, Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023, in Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas.

PICKLEBALL. YARD GAMES. FAMILY FUN. 624 KRUEGER CANYON NEW BRAUNFELS, TX 78132

On the corner of Invasion Street, a long line of cars sat bumper-tobumper on Friday, Dec. 30 at Chili Dog Stand. Generations of customers from regulars to first-timers lined up in disbelief patiently waiting to savor their last bites. Since it announced its permanent closure Wednesday night, Dec. 27, Chili Dog Stand has seen hundreds of customers eager to get a final taste of its famous chili dogs before they are gone for good.

Gabriel Garza, the current owner of Chili Dog Stand, has witnessed the stand pass through a couple of generations of his family. After 71 years, Garza and his family decided it was time to permanently close

the stand as they all felt they had reached a new chapter in their lives.

“It was just the right timing for us,” Garza said. “We kind of wanted to just close it on our time [when] we thought it was good…it’s [been] a lot of hard work on my parents and on me for the past 11 years of running the business so we just got to a point where we’re all in different chapters of our lives.”

Chili Dog Stand posted its statement of closure to the window of the stand on Wednesday night. A photo of the poster taken by a customer quickly spread throughout social media sending several chili dog lovers to the storefront during its final days. Starting Thursday, Chili Dog Stand has had lines of people and cars surrounding the stand, causing traffic to surrounding roads and the stand to run out of food and supplies within the first four hours of opening.

City returns to Stage 2 drought restrictions Published Jan. 5

By Carson Weaver Editor in Chief San Marcos will return to Stage 2 drought restrictions effective Jan. 7 for the first time since April 2022.

The city entered Stage 4 drought restrictions on Aug. 27 due to low levels in Edwards Aquifer and Canyon Lake but returned to Stage 3 restrictions on Nov. 5.

According to the city, the implementation of Stage 2 is due to recent

rainfall, rising water levels in Edwards Aquifer and Canyon Lake and increased water flows in the Comal and San Marcos rivers.

“We have received needed rain and improvement in the drought, which enables us to announce the move to Stage 2 drought restrictions,” Director of SMTX Utilities Tyler Hjorth said in a press release.

“We still encourage our water customers to conserve where possible so that we can make the best use of our water resources.”

Mettz convicted of capital murder of officer Published Jan. 11

HOST YOUR EVENT WITH US! 5 OUTDOOR PICKLEBALL COURTS THE PADDLE TAP SPORTS BAR PRO SHOP & PADDLE RENTAL 5 BIG SCREEN TVS PING PONG, DARTS, CORNHOLE KIDS PLAY AREA

THECRANKYPICKLE.COM 830.837.5155 INFO@THECRANKYPICKLE.COM

By Blake Leschber News Editor A Hays County jury found Stewart Mettz guilty of capital murder Jan. 11 for the shooting death of San Marcos Police Department officer Kenneth Copeland on Dec. 4, 2017.

The sentencing comes three days after jury selection occurred on Jan. 8.

Mettz was sentenced by Judge Bruce Boyer of the 22nd District Court to life in prison with no parole.

“We want to thank the jury and the court for the hard work of bringing this case to a just resolution,” Kelly Higgins, Hays County criminal

district attorney said in a Jan. 11 press release. “We also want to commend the San Marcos Police Department and the other local law enforcement agencies for their dedication, professionalism and patience in bringing Ken Copeland’s murderer to justice.”

On Dec. 4, 2017, at approximately 2:23 p.m., Copeland and other SMPD officers went to serve an arrest warrant at the El Camino Real neighborhood where Copeland was shot multiple times.

Copeland was taken to Central Texas Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 3:50 p.m.

Mettz was booked into the Hays County Jail on Dec. 6, 2017 and was held on $1 million bond.