Category: Megan Holt
San Marcos Police Department officers are attempting to ease tension in the city after the recent shootings.
Chief Howard Williams held a neighborhood meeting Tuesday evening to discuss the recent rise in violent crimes.
“People have gotten a twisted perception of what’s going on in this town from the headlines,” Williams said. “We’re one of the safest college cities in the state.”
The first homicide happened Aug. 26 at Kelsea’s Place Apartments. Victim Byron Burse, 30, was shot in his home after two men kicked in his front door.
Drivers are not scheduled to receive train relief on Aquarena Springs Drive for a while.
Sabas Avila, city assistant director of Public Transportation, said a four-lane overpass with a one or two lane frontage road is being designed by the Texas Department of Transportation. The overpass will cross over the Aquarena Springs Drive Union Pacific railroad tracks.
Crickets’ time in the spotlight is over.
“We’ve realized crickets are drawn to lights and high places,” said Richard Cheatham, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication. “Old Main is one of the highest spots on campus, so they are finding their way over here.”
Old Main’s lights have been turned off at night during cricket season for the last five or six years according to Joseph Ellis, assistant director of Facilities Management.
The sounds of simulated gunfire drifted through the trees as the Texas State Reserve Officer Training Corps ambushed the enemy bunker.
“This is our fall field-training exercise,” said Jake Wright, Battalion Commander and criminal justice graduate student. “We send them through eight total drills this weekend. Each tactic focuses on a different aspect of battle.”
Approximately 60 ROTC cadets practiced field-training exercises last weekend at Freeman Ranch.
The Clarewood route will no longer be available for the coming spring semester.
Paul Hamilton, director of Auxiliary Services, discussed an alternative to the Clarewood Route with the members of the Associated Student Government Monday.
“We are looking to get rid of the on-campus Bobcat Tram service to Clarewood apartments,” Hamilton said. “The ridership is low on that route. We will refer folks to the C.A.R.T.S. bus system.”
Sara Strick/Star photo
The possibility of two-way roads could be in store for downtown, according to a city official.
Steve Guajardo, San Marcos project manager, discussed plans for improved roads, sidewalks and a reduced speed limit with the Downtown Association and local residents Wednesday evening.
The property manager at the Villagio Apartments believes significant progress is being made resolving unfair leasing practices by her predecesor.
It has been six months since the Office for the Attorney for Students filed 12 complaints against the Villagio Apartments for unfair leasing practices.
“I haven’t heard anything from anyone, the campus attorney or the Villagio, in months,” said Stephen Sanders, exercise and sports science senior. “I wasn’t even aware I still owed money to (the collection agency).”
Stacie Andrews/Star Photo
Pedestrians are still fearful of being hit by a car at the intersection of Aquarena Springs and Sessom drives, despite yield signs and state law.
Christopher Bolfing, philosophy senior, authored a petition last semester asking city officials to make the intersection more pedestrian-friendly. He has collected nearly 550 signatures from San Marcos residents since circulating the petition.
Bobby Scheidemann/Star Photo
Two weeks have passed since the Alkek Library, Agriculture Building and McCoy Hall were vandalized, and the suspects have not been identified or caught.
UPD Officer Otto Glenewinkle said two men entered the Alkek between 8:25 p.m. and 9 p.m. Sept. 20, and tagged the walls, stairwells and glass. The suspects broke the two front door glass panels in McCoy and damaged a water fountain in the Agriculture Building with a sledgehammer later that evening.
