WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2014 VOLUME 104 ISSUE 20
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UNIVERSITY
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COUNTY
Commissioners vote to create La Cima Public Improvement District By Alexa Tavarez NEWS REPORTER
JOHN CODY STALSBY STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
The team who renovated Old Main received the 2014 Excellence in Construction Award.
Team behind Old Main renovation receives regional construction award By Carlie Porterfield SENIOR NEWS REPORTER
T
he recent renovations completed on Old Main have earned the architect and construction companies responsible a regional award. The South Texas chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. awarded Brown Reynolds Watford Architects and Phoenix 1 Restoration and Construction, both Dallas-area companies, the 2014 Excellence in Construction Award for their work on Old Main. The most important part of Old Main’s restoration was repairing wear and tear on the sides of the building and its signature maroon roof, said Bill Nance, vice president
of Finance and Support Services. “It had been decades since the roof had been repaired, so they put a new roof on it, and then they also did what is called ‘repointing the brick,’” Nance said. “Mortar was deteriorating between the bricks, so they reapplied the mortar to secure the bricks.” They also replaced and painted the wooden sashes around the windows where deteriorated wood was found, Nance said. “It was really just restoring the building envelope exterior, roof and sides to protect the inside of it better,” Nance said. Old Main was the first building built on the Texas State campus. The City of San Marcos donated Chautauqua Hill, the hilltop where
Old Main now sits, to the university after the Texas Legislature authorized the school in 1899. Old Main opened its doors to the first class of Bobcats several years later in 1903, Nance said. The “historicity” of a building like Old Main changes the way people approach the project, said Michael Petty, director of Planning, Design and Construction. “It changes your attitude completely,” Petty said. “You don’t do anything on a whim. You do the proper research, and you bring in the proper people to design it and to do the actual construction.” Keeping Old Main’s appearance
as close to the original design as possible was of high importance to the restoration team, Nance said. “You have to do as much as you can to maintain the same look, feel, even materials, which is hard 110 years later,” Nance said. “We had to match the historical nature of the building.” Staying true to the original was a challenge, Petty said. The team strived to find building materials, from bricks to limestone, similar in color, texture and shape to the original fixtures. “One of the interesting twists of this particular project, we chose a pattern of the shingles that was
See OLD MAIN, Page 2 NEWS BRIEF
NEWS BRIEF
Arrest warrant issued in attempted kidnapping at San Marcos Walmart
—COURTESY OF SMPD
By Nicole Barrios ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR San Marcos police used video evidence to identify the suspect in an attempted abduction of an 11-year-old girl at the San Marcos Walmart. The attempted abduction took place Sept. 7. An arrest warrant for attempted kidnapping has been issued for Tenencio Moraga
III, 31, who also goes by the name of “Dennis,” according to a citywide press release. The father of two young girls, ages 10 and 11, told SMPD that a man approached his 11-year-old daughter around 9 p.m. at the Walmart. The man told the girl he had free toys to give her, and she started to leave the store with him. The 10-year-old followed the man and her sister, and she shouted to her father that they were going to get free toys, according to the release. The father went to inspect the situation, and when the suspect saw the father approaching he left quickly. Moraga has family in San Marcos and Austin but is currently homeless. The suspect has not been seen since Sept. 11 after TV news broadcasts aired images from the security footage. Moraga has been known to regularly visit the Southside Community Center in San Marcos.
Professor to evaluate proposed dam removal By Karen Munoz NEWS REPORTER Thom Hardy, professor and Chief Science Officer of The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, discussed his Cape’s Dam river evaluations Tuesday at the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Hardy’s evaluation will present objective facts about the environmental setting in which Cape’s Dam exists and the environment around it. His evaluation will pay special attention to changes in the river channel and the hydraulic environment. He has conducted multiple evaluations on the river in the past, but none have focused on the effects recreation has on the river. Tubers, kayakers, canoers and people floating the river don’t cause much harm to the river’s inhabitants, he said. People inside the river cause more harm than floaters do. The fountain darter and Texas Wild Rice are endangered species that will be impacted by the proposed removal of Cape’s dam, Hardy said. San Marcos is a signatory of the Edwards Aquifer Authority’s Habitat Conservation Plan. Because the city is a signatory, it is legally responsible for its actions including
the incidentals. “The HCP has identified specific biological targets for Texas Wild Rice and Fountain Darters both above and below Cape’s Dam,” Hardy said. The city has a legal obligation to make sure these species are not harmed if the dam is removed. Hardy’s evaluations will try to find the best way to deal with the dam without harming the species. Some in attendance at the meeting voiced their concern about a rise in recreation around Cape’s Dam if the dam is removed. Hardy said excessive recreation can be countered by taping off areas of the river which has been proven to work in areas of Sewell Park. Hardy answered questions about what Fountain Darters and Wild Rice need to thrive in the area and said that his evaluations will further the public’s knowledge on what to do about the situation. The Parks Board will present Hardy’s data to the public, who will use his data to determine what to do and will then present their decision to city council. Due to the extensiveness of the research Hardy has to conduct as part of this evaluation, his evaluation is predicted to be complete in December.
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The Hays County Commissioners Court discussed and voted Tuesday in favor of the creation of the La Cima Public Improvement District (PID). The commissioners court accepted full discretion in issuing debt to owners of property within the jurisdiction. On the road to city approval, the La Cima project faced opposition because many feared the burden of debt from the development would fall to taxpayers. However, some present on Tuesday expressed confidence that this solution was the best for the project. “As a citizen who has invested all my chips into the City of San Marcos table, this is an incredibly important project for our community,” said Peter Rose, a San Marcos resident. “It will bring better jobs, better housing and it will support our school system. It’s a number of things that has passed San Marcos by in past years.” Rose said he could move forward with comfort and confidence knowing the commissioners held full discretion on the issuance of debt to developers owning property within La Cima PID. General Counsel Mark Kennedy further assured residents debt would fall to the responsibility of developers and owners in the jurisdiction. “When debt is issued, that debt is paid for through way of assessments against the owner or owners of property in that area,” Kennedy said. “It isn’t a debt that would be paid for by the county through taxes.” However, the bill from the La Cima development is calculated by evaluating the county and the city’s overlapping debt, Kennedy said. “There’s also a legislative ceiling of one-third of the appraised value that is an important check on the (debt issuances),” said Commissioner Will Conley, Precinct 3. “If the developers don’t (abide), we have absorption rates that are consistent with the market and values in vertical structure.” The total indebtedness of the La Cima development is approximated to be $80 million, Kennedy said. An independent appraisal of the land for the project is the next step and is anticipated to be done in next 30 to 45 days. The appraised value can be a tremendous asset for the county, Conley said. “I think it’s important that every court looks at every circumstance in an individual basis with the county benefit in mind,” Cobb said. While language in the resolution under the section “Nature and Improvements” mentions unds can be used for swimming pools, playgrounds and athletic fields, extensive conversations with developers have determined those features are not on the table, Kennedy said. Later improvements made to the PID must serve a county public purpose. “For those who say they do want growth but want the developer to pay for the infrastructure, this is the perfect solution for that,” Cobb said. “It’s a solution
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2 | The University Star | News | Wednesday, September 24, 2014
CITY
San Marcos’ dependence on Edwards Aquifer less than surrounding areas By Karen Munoz NEWS REPORTER In the 1980s, San Marcos was 100 percent dependent on the Edwards Aquifer . Today, that dependency is down to 7 percent. Edwards Aquifer supplied almost all of the city’s water over 30 years ago. The San Marcos Water Treatment plant, which began operating in January 2000, gave the city another option. The plant treats surface water,
making it drinkable. Contracted by the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA), the plant was a $15.5 million project, according to the GBRA website. The city now gets over 90 percent of its water from Canyon Lake, said City Spokesman Trey Hatt. The plant supplies 93 percent of the city’s water, said Jon Clack, assistant director of Public Services Water Wastewater. Surface water from Canyon Lake is pumped from Lake Dunlap, then
sent through a 20-mile pipeline to the plant and distributed throughout the city and surrounding areas, Clack said. Using groundwater would put pressure on the springs, causing surface sources to dry out, Clack said. Reduced aquifer pumping protects the flow to the Guadalupe River from the Comal and San Marcos Springs, according to the GBRA website. During a drought, the aquifer is
not able to recharge quickly enough. Using groundwater depletes the aquifer even more, furthering the damage done by the drought itself, Clack said. The city’s lessened dependence on groundwater has been a gradual but necessary process because the “river is very important,” he said. “(Using less groundwater) will help guarantee our river’s future,” Clack said. The city of Buda gets 60 percent of its water from Canyon Lake
through San Marcos’ treatment plant and 40 percent from the Edwards Aquifer, said Sherrie Stringer, administrative assistant at the Buda Public Works Department. The City of Kyle’s website lists the Edwards Aquifer, Barton Springs and the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority as water sources through San Marcos’ plant in order of least to greatest dependency. Representatives from Kyle were unavailable for inquiry about exact water percentages.
SMCISD
New pre-K will give San Marcos children ‘strong foundation’ By Nicholas Laughlin NEWS REPORTER San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District (SMCISD) is constructing a new pre-kindergarten (pre-K) center, the first of its kind in San Marcos. The footprint of the new pre-K campus will be the same as that of the old Bowie Elementary establishment, according to the SMCISD website. Durable finishes will be used throughout the building to ensure a long material lifespan and ease of maintenance. The new facility will house 27 new classrooms, special education
areas, a music room, a library, an activity center and computer labs. The existing cafeteria will be renovated to fit the needs of the students, according to the district’s website. The new building will have a secured entry where the administration and staff offices will be located. The classrooms will be split into three wings to give the staff easy visibility throughout the entire school, according the district’s website. The facility’s new walls will be made of an insulated concrete form system, according to the SMCISD website. The construction is planned to be finished in mid-December, said Jay Wesson,
director of facilities and operation for SMCISD. “It got behind schedule, but now we are back on track,” Wesson said. Instructors will be able to move in January, said Rosemary Garza, principal of the new pre-K center. “We want all children to be academically ready and prepared for the workforce,” said Jessica Ramos, youth services manager. The new pre-K center is the result of the May 2013 bond package that the city passed. The old Bowie campus will be demolished and replaced with a 600-student facility, according to the district’s website. Part of the $76.98 million bond package will be used to pay for the
NEWS BRIEF
Burn ban lifted in Hays County By Jon Wilcox NEWS REPORTER Recent rains and high humidity have prompted Hays County Judge Bert Cobb to lift the local burn ban. Citing recent rainstorms, Cobb made the decision last Wednesday to allow outdoor fires in Hays County outside of city limits, according to a press release. If humidity lowers, Cobb could reinstate the ban. Outdoor fires are prohibited within San Marcos city limits but permitted outside of the city, according to ordinances. Cobb and four commissioners consider weather conditions and recommendations from Mark Chambers, Hays County Fire Marshal, before making decisions to lift or reinstate the ban, said Chambers. The marshal makes recommendations based on a drought index provided by A&M’s Texas Forest Service, humidity and phone calls from Hays County residents describing fire conditions. The drought index ranges from
0-800. A score of 800 implies completely dry conditions and a high likelihood for fires to start and spread, Chambers said. If scores are higher than 575, the fire marshal will make a recommendation to reinstate the ban. The drought index is currently at a low 304. Fire conditions can change quickly, Chambers said. “In one week or so, if we don’t see any rain, it will jump up 10-15 points a day,” Chambers said. The rapid changes in the Texas heat can be attributed to strong, prevailing southerly winds, Chambers said. Illegal fires are a Class C misdemeanor and are punishable by a fine of up to $500 when the burn ban is in place, Chambers said. Illegal fires have not been as much of a problem this year as in the past, Chambers said. The 2011 Bastrop wildfires have made residents more wary. “The number of illegal fires is not enormous ever since (the) Bastrop (wildfires),” Chambers said. “Everybody is aware of the danger.”
OLD MAIN, from front a fish-scales pattern because we thought that was most appropriate,” Petty said. “When they were taking off the old roof and got down to the second layer of shingles, they got down to what they think was one of the original metal shingles. It was a fish-scale pattern identical to the one we elected to put on the building. We were just elated when that happened.” Petty said he thinks one reason the contractors won the award was the excellent job they did at staying true to Old Main’s roots. “It came together and was very successful,” Petty said. Being involved in the restoration of Old Main was an amazing experience, he said.
“A historically and architecturally significant project like that just doesn’t come around every few years,” Petty said. “If you happen to be around when that project is around, you just feel so thankful and blessed to have the opportunity.” Old Main itself is an important symbol and “element of home” for Bobcats everywhere and has been for over a century, he said. “When they come to visit campus when they haven’t been in ten or more years, they get a great feeling when they see it,” Petty said. “It brings back a warm feeling of home—of a time in an individual’s life that is extremely significant. That’s what it does, and that’s why we have to keep it.”
new pre-K center. The project is estimated to cost $12.7 million, which will be paid for using the bond package, Wesson said. “This is the start of their (education) career,” Garza said. Research has shown establishing a strong foundation leads to a better educational career. The new pre-K center will create a “really strong foundation,” Garza said. The city created a Youth Master Plan that focuses on young people from birth to the age of 24. San Marcos is not directly involved with the pre-K center, but the school aligns with the city’s vision for young people, Ramos said. “The Bowie campus has already
moved into its new location to make way for the construction of the preK center,” Wesson said. The new facility will encourage parents to be active in their children’s education, Garza said. “The pre-kindergarten center will be good for parents because it will get the students involved earlier,” Ramos said. Learning happens in a multitude of ways for “little ones,” Garza said. Students will have their own space to learn and help them move into kindergarten, Ramos said. “I am looking forward to the new school because it will be size-appropriate,” Garza said. “The kids will have access to things at their level.”
UNIVERSITY
PACE officials considering block scheduling for freshmen By Mariah Simank NEWS REPORTER Freshmen who have trouble juggling long class days, work and family obligations may soon see a new program designed to help them succeed in their first semester. Officials at the PACE Center are currently considering scheduling freshman classes in a block style. This may help to prevent long gaps and poor attendance, said Daniel Brown, director of the PACE Center. “What we are hoping to do first and foremost is find a way to either develop schedules for students that, for example, begin at 8:00 a.m. and conclude at 2:00 p.m. or begin at 12:00 p.m. and conclude by 8:00 p.m.,” Brown said. “So, instead of being in a 9:00 a.m. class and a 5:00 p.m. class in the same day, we would work harder to try to keep all of their classes in a framework so that students do not have to make multiple trips to classrooms on campus.” Block scheduling would be beneficial for freshman because it would allow advisors to help them understand the classes required for their major rather than focusing on what time they should take English, math or science, Brown said. This program is designed to help new students get on track their first semester by allowing the university to create schedules tailored to each individual’s
needs. It would be a helpful tool to make sure students can keep up with necessary classes so they don’t fall behind, Brown said. “We are seriously considering this option largely because we want to have more time in the summer to actually work with freshmen individually at orientation and explain to them what their class schedule means,” Brown said. “We want them to understand how the classes they are going to register for are related to their major and how our goal is that they take 15 hours (each semester) so that they can graduate in a timely manner.” Texas State is not the only university with officials who are looking for ways to improve scheduling for first-year students. The PACE Center has been in communication with Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering, which has had a program in place for years, Brown said. “There are other campuses, large campuses like ours, where this is becoming an increasingly common approach,” Brown said. “This is for a couple of reasons. The biggest one is to help make sure the student takes the courses required for their degree program, and another reason is that it helps with the planning of classes, because if colleges and departments know that a large number of students will be in a particular type of class, they can plan more effectively.” Allison McGlamery, agriculture freshman, feels the new program could be beneficial for some
students but may restrict many in their ability to choose classes. “To me, part of college is taking on more responsibility in exchange for more freedom,” McGlamery said. “I think people are less likely to go to their classes if they are spaced out, and I would say that offering the help as an option would be a great idea for students who may need extra assistance, but I don’t think it’s a good idea to require it.” Brown also hopes to help freshman students learn an unfamiliar registration system. “They have never registered for classes on their own because someone has always done it for them, so we’re going to help them make the right decisions so that they can achieve their goals and graduate,” Brown said. “We want to make sure they can navigate the system effectively before we turn them loose for the rest of their college career.” The PACE Center is currently working with students in order to establish a specific educational plan, according to the website. Brown hopes to add onto what is already a great resource for students in order to ensure freshmen are getting the help they need. “I believe that there are some really strong possibilities to talk more and think more with the students about how that class schedule should be tailored to their academic needs and is focused on their eventual graduation from Texas State,“ Brown said.
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TRENDS
UniversityStar.com
‘Fast fashion’ method aims to lower prices By Andrea Hurell TRENDS REPORTER A retail industry method referred to as “fast fashion,” the quick and low-cost manufacturing of clothing and accessories that makes current trends available to the consumer at affordable prices is under review for potential ethical breaches. According to the American Apparel and Footwear Association, 97.5 percent of clothes purchased by Americans in 2012 were manufactured internationally. Unlike the U.S., other countries may not have regulations in place to ensure the ethical treatment of workers. The purpose of fast fashion is to keep product prices low so sales numbers can remain high, resulting in more profits for the store, said Valerie Gonzalez-Vega, fashionmerchandising student. Additionally, it allows for the consumer to stay up-to-date with styles without having to spend more money on an expensive garment with a virtual expiration date due to rapidly changing trends. The United States has a myriad of policies in place to protect the rights of factory workers domestically. For example, according to the United States Department of Labor website, the Fair Labor Standards Act sets a national minimum wage as well as a maximum amount of hours that a person is allowed to work, and the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1970 requires employers to ensure safe working conditions for their employees.
According to the War on Want campaign, though steps are in place to increase pay for workers, the average factory employee in Bangladesh makes 3,000 taka a month, which equates to $38.74 in American dollars, while working 14-16 hours per day in dangerous conditions. In April of 2013, Rana Plaza, a clothing factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh, which served as manufacturer for European and American companies, collapsed after a similar factory had suffered from a fire five months prior, according to a New York Times article. 1,129 people were confirmed dead. After a thorough investigation, it was discovered that the factory had cracks in not only the walls but also the foundation. These cracks are believed to be the cause of the collapse. Since the Rana Plaza collapse, there has been a public outcry for reform of workers’ rights not just in Bangladesh but in other countries that have been known to foster sweatshop-like conditions, the Times said. For those who want to switch to more ethically made clothing but don’t know where to start, there are several ways to go about making the switch:
site’s “Company” link.
2. Shop local
Independent stores and designers are creating must-haves for fall in your area. Etsy.com is an online marketplace that allows users to browse through millions of different designers with the option to only search sellers within a particular mileage from the shopper. Also, independently owned stores are
more likely to carry clothes either made in the USA or manufactured ethically overseas.
each set purchased online, while Warby Parker donates eyeglasses for each set of their own that is bought.
3. “One for One” clothing 4. Make your own clothes companies. Some companies send a product to someone in need for each purchase made. This practice has gained steady momentum over the past few years. For example, Toms sends a pair of shoes overseas for
Making your own clothes may seem a little daunting and timeconsuming, but thanks to tutorials on Youtube as well as Pinterest, it has never been easier. That goes double for upcycling your clothes.
1. Check out store websites.
Do some online windowshopping to check out what the company has to say about ethical manufacturing processes as well as the treatment of factory employees. This can usually be found on the
PRESLIE COX STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Tailgate attire can be creative, fun By Kara Dornes TRENDS REPORTER In addition to lower temperatures and increased amount of beer can litter, Texas State tailgate season brings with it a host of cute, school-themed outfit selections for men and women to wear both at Bobcat Stadium and beyond. Around campus and the city, there are many different stores and boutiques focused on supplying different types of Bobcat-themed clothing for tailgate season. Some of the more popular choices include Barefoot Athletics, Two P’s & Calli’s and Trends & Traditions. “We sell all Texas State apparel, and we sell some game-day dresses and tops and maroon things for girls,” said Hannah Sears, manager at Barefoot Athletics. “Basically, we have t-shirts, sweatshirts, polos and anything Texas State.” Sears explained that polos paired with khaki slacks have proven to be the most popular option for men attending tailgate, while girls
are primarily purchasing maroon- and gold-themed basics found at the store’s attached boutique. In addition to Texas State trademarked clothing featuring the ever-present Bobcat emblazonment, formalwear, including maroon-and-gold dresses and skirts, is getting a casual—and tailgatefriendly—spin thanks to cute cowboy boots and fringed booties. “Usually we see girls buying a lot of really cute clothing that is light-sensitive since it’s hot outside,” said Katelyn Knapp, Two P’s & Calli’s key holder. “(Girls look for) something schoolspirited, something they can wear all day, (then) to The Square as well.” Dresses and rompers are a girl’s best friend for tailgate season, Knapp explained. The clothing items can be paired with cowboy boots for the game and then with wedges for a night out afterwards. “We also sell a lot of Kendra Scott, which girls usually love to wear to games, along with our fall boots that
can be worked into summer fashion,” Knapp said. “(It’s) perfect for the tailgate season and winter.” For the more casual girl, loose maroon tank tops and burnout t-shirts paired
with high-waisted denim shorts and boots makes for a comfortable-but-cute day at Bobcat Stadium. Ke l l y L e i n n ewe b e r, Trends & Traditions owner, said pearl necklaces are great
accessories for tailgate. Leinneweber said a pearl necklace gives a finishing touch to any outfit. “If I was going to tailgate, I would wear a pearl necklace and a burgundy-color
Texas necklace along with cream high-waisted shorts with a burgundy tank, with a burgundy-and-white scarf and brown-fringe boots,” Leinneweber said.
DENISE CATHEY STAR FILE PHOTO
By Amand Ross TRENDS EDITOR
Hays County BBQ Live Music Weekend Sept. 28 Pair a plate of famous Hill Country smoked brisket and sausage with a selection of live music brought to you by a local restaurant. This weekend, Killa Hogs—a San Marcos favorite—takes the famous back patio stage at 6 p.m. for an evening of dancing. Hays County BBQ was named the best barbeque restaurant in town by the University Star in 2013 as voted by Texas State students, making it a true San Marcos favorite.
Pet Fest Oct. 11
All friends—both two- and fourlegged—are invited down to the San Marcos Plaza Pavilion for a day-long pet-themed party. The day kicks off with an 8 a.m. petowner 5K and continues with a pet blessing, a dance, trick contests and even a wiener dog race. All well-behaved pets are welcome to attend. Admission to the event is free, but a pet food donation is highly recommended. In addition to celebrating the animals already in our lives, Pet Fest gives attendees the opportunity to visit with and adopt a host of rescue animals.
RentatTexas State Oct. 7-12 The longest-running show in Broadway history comes to Texas State as presented by the school’s new Patti Strickel Harrison The-
atre. Jonathan Larson’s nowclassic rock-infused tale of love, loss and acceptance in New York City, Rent will be in town for five days with admission costing $15 for adults and $8 for students.
PRESENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS ktsw.net
Austin City Limits Oct. 3-5, Oct. 10-12 One of the biggest weekends in music returns to the 512. ACL is three days of music, food and celebration of Austin culture. Amalgamating everything that makes Austin unique, ACL features popular headlining acts as well as local bands all together at Zilker Park. Additionally, local food favorites including Home Slice Pizza and Chi’Lantro line the back of the park to ensure no one parties on an empty stomach. After last year’s second weekend rainout, everyone is looking forward to this year’s festival.
24 HOURS OF
PROGRAMMING OCTOBER 3RD
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4 | The University Star | Wednesday, September 24, 2014
OPINIONS
UniversityStar.com
MAIN POINT
Capping enrollment best plan for university
T
exas State officials should address the problem of a growing student body and lack of resources by putting a cap on enrollment. The fact of the matter is, Texas State is growing rapidly. It seems like every year for the past few
years has seen the biggest recorded freshman class. Record enrollment is great, but at a certain point someone needs to be asking when enough is enough. According to a Sept. 16 University Star article, university officials do not currently have a cap on un-
dergraduate or graduate enrollment. Although many programs and their respective buildings are practically bursting at the seams, the revenue gleaned from more enrollments is an important factor the university does not seem willing to lose in this unstable economy. Tuition students pay the school and fees spent in other areas such as the bookstore can help address the lack of resources Texas State is facing. However, while all of these plans for new dorms, parking lots and buildings are being developed, everyone involved needs to keep one thing in mind—the massive influx of students will need somewhere to go while these new things are being built. In previous years, officials have used terminology like “strategic growth”
when asked about how they plan to address the growing enrollment problem. The university has not improved on its growth management techniques and instead continues to let the flow of people into the university increase. If Texas State is a sink with a stopped-up drain, university officials are the rusty knob stuck in the “on” position. The university currently has an Enrollment Management Council. On the website, the council’s function is listed as recommending enrollment goals, policy and program initiatives to the president. Additionally, the site lists a purpose of facilitating institutional implementation of enrollment goals. The council should be advising Trauth to take more active measures to help the strained resources on campus head-on instead of being content to hurry up and wait until the situation becomes more dire. To some it may seem rude or counterproductive to turn people away, but the truth is that the campus is practically out of room. According to a Sept. 3 University Star article, 21 freshmen who did
not have off-campus exemptions did not receive housing accommodations and were forced to live off campus. If the freshman class next year tops this year, that number will surely increase as well. The university is currently in a relatively good position in terms of population, so now would be the perfect time to cap enrollment and take a beat to recover and recuperate for the future. At the very least, officials could attempt to address the issue by raising admission standards. Raising admission standards could help alleviate the strain on campus resources without turning people away outright. At the end of the day, whether it’s through tightening the admission reins or capping enrollment altogether, something needs to be done about the crowded campus. Part of the charm of Texas State is the small town and community feel. If the university continues to be flooded with students, that close-knit feeling will be replaced by the sense of just being a face in the crowd.
The Main Point is the opinion of the newspaper’s editorial board. Columns are the opinions of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the full staff, Texas State University Student Media, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Texas State University. RYAN JEANES STAR ILLUSTRATOR
DEFENSE
Concealed carry should be allowed for educators Jenna Coleman OPINIONS COLUMNIST Journalism junior
P
ublic school teachers as well as university professors should be allowed to carry a concealed handgun, if they choose, in order to protect students from the possibility of danger, specifically a campus shooter. Concealed handguns for educators may well be the best form of protection for students. The
number of school shootings that have happened in the past few years is far too many. While certain circumstances are uncontrollable, these tragedies possibly could have been prevented much more quickly if more educators were allowed to carry handguns for protection. Some worry that this is a dangerous proposition and worry about the consequences that may come with a law like this. With anything, there is a risk, but I believe this risk is worth taking for many reasons. First, campus- and schoolassigned police officers are few and far between. In the event that something happens, many could be hurt or killed before one is able to arrive on the scene. Texas law states that no more than one officer may be appointed to every 400 students in public schools, but many schools have only one officer despite the number of students. If teachers
were allowed to carry concealed handguns, this would increase the number of protectors per student on campus. Educators are already trusted to care for students during their time at school, so giving them the power to also protect students seems only logical. Teachers already undergo fingerprinting and background checks before being allowed to teach in public schools and universities to ensure that those with any kind of criminal background are kept away from students. Students and parents trust teachers every day. Along with background checks and fingerprinting, educators must also meet all of the concealed handgun license eligibility requirements. These requirements exclude anyone with Class A or B misdemeanors, inability to understand proper storage and gun safety, anyone with a psychiatric hospitalization record,
those diagnosed with mental disorders and those with drug or alcohol records, among many others. Essentially, a potentially dangerous person would not be able to obtain a concealed carry license. Educators are already allowed to carry concealed handguns in schools in several places, including Utah, Colorado, Missouri and a North Texas district. Each state and school district has their own set of rules regarding teachers who are licensed, in addition to the concealed handgun laws and requirements that educators must submit to. In Utah, teachers must have the weapon on their body at all times, it must be hidden and they must not disclose to anyone that they are licensed and have a weapon. This last rule is to prevent the teacher from becoming a target should anything happen. In Colorado, participants are required to shoot 100 rounds
ANTI-SPANKING
PRO-SPANKING
Hunter Lazerlere OPINIONS COLUMNIST Journalism senior
T
here is no way I could raise a child. Children just annoy me to no end, and I cannot believe the horrible way so many kids behave nowadays. At the risk of sounding like an old man, when I was young, kids just behaved better. I honestly believe that the reason kids act so bratty now is that they are not disciplined anymore. For some reason, disciplining a child is seen as a cruel act, but that simply is not the case. Many of the people I know were spanked as children. Although at the time we might have thought it was the cruelest thing our parents could have done to us, it was only for our benefit. Our parents were not punishing us to be cruel; they were punishing us so that we could learn the difference between right and wrong. While it may be less than pleasant, a child can learn a good lesson from being punished. The most controversial form of punishments is spanking. Nothing was feared more as a child than the infamous butt-whupping. I always thought twice before doing something bad in school because getting sent to the principal’s office was way less scary than the phone call home. Eventually, I learned I could avoid getting spanked by not misbehaving—a near-impossible feat for a child. With the recent child abuse case involving Minnesota Vikings player
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Adrian Peterson, many are left wondering how far is too far. Peterson spanked his child with a switch in an attempt to discipline his child after the child pushed down his little brother. However, Peterson took the punishment too far by beating his child enough to cause physical harm, leaving various cuts and bruises on his child’s rear and legs. According to a Sept. 14 ABC News article, spanking is defined as, “hitting a child with an open hand on the buttocks or extremities with the intent to discipline without leaving a bruise or causing physical harm.” Under this definition Peterson did in fact go too far in punishing his child. It is unfortunate that some parents turn discipline into child abuse, but I still believe that physical punishment is not necessarily a bad thing. According to the same article, around 70 to 90 percent of parents admit to using some kind of physical force when punishing their child . It just seems to work best. Send kids to their room and they are just going to play with their toys or watch TV. The funniest way some punish their kids is by putting them in time out. There’s no force field keeping the child in time out. Nothing is stopping them from just getting up and leaving, so parents are stuck in an endless cycle of putting their kid back into time out when the child eventually moves. While I donot see anything wrong with spanking children, I definitely think abusing a child is extremely unacceptable. There is a huge difference between the two, and for some reason, many people do not think there is a difference anymore. They can keep putting their little brats in time out, and when they do not see any difference in the way their little ankle-biter behaves, then maybe they’ll be convinced to give the oldschool methods a try.
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per month, keeping their aim and gun handling in practice. Argyle ISD, near Denton, Texas, has recently passed a law allowing teachers to carry concealed handguns. A family member of mine recently moved to Argyle and noticed the explosion of young families moving just a few streets down in their neighborhood in order to cross over into Argyle ISD. In this instance, people felt their children were more protected and were choosing to leave Denton ISD in favor of the concealed handgun law in Argyle. The tight regulations on who is eligible for a concealed handgun license, requirements to be a teacher or professor, and requirements for license eligibility along with the possibility that teachers can save lives is enough reason for me to support teachers with concealed handgun licenses.
Rivers Wright OPINIONS COLUMNIST Journalism senior
C
TALK IT
OUT disciplining children
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hildren need to be disciplined. They need to learn how to behave so they know how to act when put in future situations. However, spanking is not the way to discipline a child, especially in a public domain. Spanking in public makes parents look bad because it seems as if they cannot discipline their without having to resort to physical contact. It shows a lack of control over their child and bad parenting skills. Parent should only have to sternly tell their children they need to behave, and if that does not work, they need to be better taught how to behave in public. Spanking children in public can also backfire on the parent, resulting in a crying and screaming child, further drawing attention to a child that cannot be kept under control. Taking children to the restroom or a semi-private place to calm them down or to explain that their behavior is unacceptable shows that a parent has control over the situation without making a scene wherever they happen to be. As a child, I never had to be spanked. If I ever got out
of hand, I just got a warning of the possibility in a stern voice, and I straightened up. As a result of that, I knew how to address my elders, not to speak out of turn and how to behave with my parents at the grocery store and other public places. Slip-ups are inevitable, and children are going to act out and misbehave. I see this happen all the time working at a store where children and their parents shopping is a common theme. I have also seen a range of discipline, from nothing at all—resulting in a child destroying the store while parents are ignoring them—to a screaming child from parents who over-disciplined them. It is a fine line to walk when it comes to this situation because every parent is different and one cannot expect a child to be an upstanding member of society at a young age, but they should be able to understand that misbehaving is not appropriate and their parents will handle the situation as need be. Another way to not have to discipline kids is to teach them the meaning of the word “no.” Many times I have seen parents give in to their spoiled children and give them whatever they ask for to avoid a scene. Teach them at a young age that “no” means “no,” and that is final. As a young college student who is still trying to grow up himself, it is hard to picture what my parenting skills will be like if I ever decide to have children. I can only hope that I can offer the best for my child and hope that I can be the best father possible.
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Wednesday, September 24, 2014 | The University Star | 5
SPORTS
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FOOTBALL
PRACTICE REPORT: Bobcats look to even non-conference record By Kirk Jones ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR @KIRK_JONES11 The Texas State football team, currently in a two-game losing streak, and the Tulsa Hurricanes, 1-2 overall, are heading into their Sept. 27 matchup. The victor will have a 50.0 winning percentage in nonconference play. “These are two teams that want to win,” Coach Dennis Franchione said. “We both want to get back in the good column, especially being our last game before conference play.” Franchione did not make a big adjustment in practice, as both Tulsa and Illinois generate offense with passing rather than running. “There is really not much of a preparation difference,” senior cornerback Craig Mager said. “They both like to throw the ball whether it is a pro-style offense or spread. Just a few little things here and there.” The Golden Hurricanes have a top-25 passing attack in the NCAA. Sophomore quarterback Dane Evans leads the team with 911 yards. “This quarterback is a gunslinger,” Franchione said. “He’s not afraid of anything. He’ll go out there and throw 300 passing yards.” Evans is 30th in total offense. Tulsa’s offense gives Evans freedom to make big plays downfield. “We are playing a good football team,” Defensive Coordinator John Thompson said. “The quarterback has a big arm, the team scores a lot of points and we are working to clean things up for this game.” Tulsa’s leading receiver, junior Keevan Lucas, ranks 17th in receiving yards. The 5-foot10-inch wide receiver had 233 receiving yards
and three touchdowns in a 38-31 victory over Tulane. Lucas averages 9.3 receptions and 124 yards per game, placing him third and sixth nationally. “We are working on the little technique things—the things we are not getting right against Illinois, like getting our eyes in the right spot and having great technique,” Mager said. Tulsa is allowing 538 total yards per game, placing them last in the country. The Golden Hurricanes allowed 580 total yards against then-No. 4-ranked Oklahoma in the 52-7 defeat. “The defense is solid,” Franchione said. “They are always sound and well prepared. It’s always a challenge to go against the defense.” The Bobcats accumulated 475 total yards of offense against an Illinois defense that averaged 411 total yards before the game. “Defensively Tulsa won’t be as athletic as Illinois,” Franchione said. “They do have size, but Illinois has some special players on defense.” Tyler Jones, sophomore quarterback, has a plus-7 turnover margin, with nine touchdowns and two interceptions. His counterpart, Evans, has thrown six interceptions this season. “Tyler has played excellent football,” Franchione said. “Without Tyler playing the way he did last week against Illinois, I don’t think we would have been in a position to win that football game.” Texas State’s no-huddle offense is averaging 85 plays per game this year, compared to 64 last season. The team ranks in the top 30 in passing and rushing offense. “Our tempo no-huddle has looked good,” Franchione said. “We have run it well. We had 57 plays in the first half alone against Illinois.”
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Entering their last non-conference matchup against the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes, the Bobcats have their backs against the wall. It’s too early to deem the game a “must-win,” but the difference between a 1-3 non-conference record and a 2-2 non-conference record is huge, especially for a football team teetering on the edge of success. Texas State held a lead heading into the fourth quarter against Illinois before giving up 17 points in the fourth quarter. The defense shut out the Navy offense for the entire third quarter. Both count as losses in the standings. Close, but no cigar. The Bobcats are mending the transition from a traditional offense to a no-huddle
offense that puts the defense on its heels. The team is in the top 30 in passing and rushing yards per game through three games. These are things that are building blocks for success. The team just has to make something out of these building blocks. “Our tempo has worked pretty well,” Coach Dennis Franchione said. “There’s a lot of positives offensively. Without Tyler playing the way he did, we wouldn’t be in position to win the game (against Illinois).” Toeing the line between contender and non-contender will be difficult in a Sun Belt Conference that is more wide-open than ever. Louisiana-Monroe, the conference’s best team through three weeks, finished fifth last year. LouisianaLafayette is near the bottom of the conference in winning percentage at 1-3 overall, just a year removed from finishing first with a 5-2 conference record. Capitalizing in a conference with no clear-cut winner requires at least two wins in the non-conference slate of the schedule. The Bobcats have a razor-thin margin of error as it is after losing
Michael Orakpo, senior linebacker, for the season. Solidifying the run defense, a strength last year, should be the top priority for defensive coordinator John Thompson. He’s dialed up the aggressiveness this year, but that comes with a costly side effect. His defense occasionally puts his defenders out of position against the running game. In two games without Orakpo, the defense is allowing 285.5 rushing yards per game, a mark that would be the fifth worst in Division I. “We have to play better on that side of the ball,” Franchione said. “If we can eliminate fundamental miscues, we can defend better. We’re still a little bit of a work in progress. We’ll have our up-and-downs.” Up-and-downs were expected, but the Bobcats will be forced into playing catch-up in the standings if they begin the season 1-3. “I think you have to put a realistic outlook on it,” Franchione said. “I haven’t given it any thought. I’d like to get at 2-2 heading into conference play. You guys identify whether it’s a success or not. I’m just worried about winning this game.”
MADELYNNE SCALES STAR FILE PHOTO
Head athletic trainer dies after yearlong battle with cancer By Quixem Ramirez SPORTS EDITOR @QUIXEM Texas State Head Athletic Trainer David Gish passed away Sept. 22 after battling cancer for one year. Gish worked with the Texas State Athletic Training staff for 25 years, including 17 years as the head athletics trainer. Gish’s tenure with Texas State began in 1990. “We are deeply saddened with the loss of a very dedicated and well-respected member of our staff,” Athletics Director Larry Teis said. “Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to Karen, Madison, Hayden and the rest of David's family and friends.” Gish was in his first year as president of the Executive Board of the Southwest Athletics Trainers Association. The North Texas graduate created a sports medicine course for high school athletic trainers in 2007. “David was a great man,” senior cornerback Craig Mager said. “He took care of me a lot when I was here. He definitely had a lot of inspiration on my life.” Gish’s memorial service is Oct. 12 at the San Marcos Embassy Suites and Convention Center at 2 p.m. “David was as deeply maroon and gold
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as anybody around here,” Coach Dennis Franchione said. “He loved this program. He loved his players. He loved the university. He stood for everything in his life, as a husband and a father, as great people do. He will be missed here.”
—COURTESY OF TEXAS STATE ATHLETICS
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6 | The University Star | Sports | Wednesday, September 24, 2014
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FOOTBALL
Terrence Franks, senior running back, has seen it all. In the five years he has been at Texas State, the coaching staff changed several times, the team shifted conferences twice and the depth chart fluctuated. “Terrence has been a great young man to coach,” Coach Dennis Franchione said. “Terrence is a great person, a really tough kid and a very resilient kid that is mentally tough.” Franks was recruited out of Angleton High School just outside of the Houston area. Coach Brad Wright and recruiting coordinator Charlie Reeve brought him into the football program. Coach Brad Wright was fired in 2010 after he finished 23-23 in four seasons. The Bobcats hired Franchione to replace Wright, who was signed to a three-year contract extension in 2010. Texas State relocated to the Western Athletic Conference in 2011 “Coming in as a freshman, it was really crazy,” Franks said. “It was tough transitioning to a new coach and a new playbook. It was also tough adapting to a new running backs coach.” Franks had received one scholarship offer out of high school for a full ride to play football. It was from Texas State. Franks’ father, Clem, won three conference championships during his tenure with Texas A&M-Kingsville as a running back and tight end. “He wanted to play football, and he got one offer,” Clem said. “It was exciting because he was attending school on a full ride, and education is important in our family.” Terrence went through three running back coaches in his first three years as a collegiate athlete, including Reeve, who recruited him. Terrence thought about transferring
SOCCER
Terrence Franks
Elizabeth Havenhill
due to the number of external changes in the program before his brother, Michael, reassured him. “It was hard for him,” Michael said. “He wanted to transfer, but I told to stick with it and stay positive and ‘God has a plan for you.’” The boys’ father expressed sympathy for Terrence. “He wanted to be closer to home,” Clem said. “The system changes were tough, and he had to face some adversity during that period.” Terrence redshirted his first year, giving him more time to make adjustments necessary for university-level offense and collegiate life. “That was a big step in my life as a young teen,” Terrence said. “There were times when I thought I wasn’t going to make it through this type of football, but my family kept me motivated to stay here.” Clem competed in the Dallas Cowboys training camp in 1978 after college, where he was pitted against other NFL fringe talents. His training camp stint ended when he injured his toe. “From my experience being an undrafted free agent, I tell Terrance to just keep working hard,” Clem said. “If you keep working and believing in Christ, good things will happen for you.” Terrence is in the last year of collegiate eligibility. The Angleton native has 871 total yards over his past three years with Texas State. “He is certainly fast enough,” Franchione said. “He ran a 4.3 for us. He has good speed. We are trying to teach him to be a one-cut runner because when he takes too many steps, it slows him down too much.” Based on the changes throughout his tenure at Texas State, Terrence is confident about his professional prospects. “I think I have a shot,” Terrence said. “I just keep working hard every day in practice and for games to show scouts and coaches that I am good enough to play at the next level.”
By Devin Tyler SPORTS REPORTER @DEVINNOONECARES
senior running back
By Kirk Jones ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR @KIRK_JONES11
—COURTESY OF TEXAS STATE ATHLETICS
freshman defender
It was another hot summer day in Dallas, Texas when the annual Vans Warped Tour was in town at the Gexa Energy Pavilion. At the Kia Soul Stage the alternative rock group Yellowcard played their 2003 hit single “Oceans Avenue.” Elizabeth Havenhill, freshman defender, could be spotted crowd surfing above the hundreds of screaming fans in attendance. Havenhill was enjoying one of her most anticipated events of the summer. “I had to do it for them,” Havenhill said. “They are so good. I had been waiting all year for this one full-day concert.” Spending time with family and friends and attending the tour is Havenhill’s way of enjoying her summer. One of her most memorable moments came in the summer of 2013 when she crowd surfed for the first time. “I was so nervous,” Havenhill said. “I was thinking I was going to fall, but it was a big enough crowd, and it all worked out.” Along with attending shows, Havenhill, with the help of her grandmother, has played the piano since third grade. “My grandma is so good at piano that she is like Beethoven reincarnated,” Havenhill said. “Everyone in my family played piano, but she really pursued my interest into learning it.” Havenhill’s increased involvement with club soccer eventually caused her to take a break from the piano. In high school, after teaching herself, she decided to pick up the piano hobby again. “I can still play the piano,” Havenhill said. “I can play songs by Coldplay, Maroon 5 and ‘Fast Car’ by Tracy Chapman.”
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Once this fall semester began, Havenhill was back to enjoying the soccer field. Havenhill has been competing in soccer ever since her mother, Debbie, signed her up for a recreational team called the Red Hots. “She started soccer at four years old,” Debbie said. “She played basketball, volleyball and even participated in theatre and dance, but soccer started to become number one over time.” Her ability caught the attention of Assistant Coach Link Scoggins, who has been a part of the Texas State soccer program for the past four seasons. “I met Link at a recruiting session, and Coach Kat Conner came to some of our games,” Havenhill said. “When I looked into the program and visited the campus, I fell in love.” Havenhill’s athleticism runs in the family. Her father played tennis, her mother played volleyball and her brother, Eric, played soccer and the piano. Eric and Elizabeth grew up with the same interests and competitive nature. Watching her older brother play soccer sparked Havenhill’s interest growing up. Eric stopped playing soccer his junior year at UT-Arlington, but he continues to compete at the piano. “I think that I play piano a little bit better since I have more time to practice with her being busy with soccer,” Eric said. “She is definitely a close second with a little bit of catching up to do.” As Havenhill continues her freshman season, her family is still present at every home game. “Even as a toddler, Elizabeth could just run forever and had a desire to win,” Debbie said. “She puts 150 percent into everything she does and strives to exceed her best.”
She started soccer at four years old. She played basketball, volleyball and even participated in theatre and dance, but soccer started to become number one over time.” —Debbie Havenhill, Elizabeth’s mom
