Thursday News Rundown (10-30-2014)

By Nestor Vazquez
News Web Editor

Texas State has been named one of the top 50 universities for Hispanic students in the United States by bestcolleges.com. Texas State was ranked number 17 on a ranking system based on academics and the number of Hispanic students in attendance. Each college on the list has a cultural center and degree programs or scholarships that enhance the experiences of Hispanic students. For the fall 2014 semester alone, Texas State University holds a Hispanic population of 11,626 students, attributing to 32% of the student body.

A high school student has been arrested and is being charged with terroristic threats after threatening to bring a gun to school. Hays County School District first received reports from a student that saying he overheard another student saying he might bring a gun to school. Public Information Officer Tim Savory said the situation was handled effectively.

“What’s important in this situation is that the students did report this to us so we could take action and that’s one of your best first lines in dispense, especially security in line at a campus and that’s all of the eyes and ears on campus and we were able to have it taken care of before school started today,” Savory said.

After the threat was made parents were sent a warning letter. As of now, the school district has not scheduled any changes or closures. No other details including the name of the suspect have been released at this time.

The San Marcos Police Department are still investigating a body that was found on the 800 block of Chestnut Street after responding to a welfare call made on Wednesday around 11:30 am. The victim has been identified as Gregg G. Candelora. Candelora was reported missing by his brother and ex-girlfriend. The area was then reported as a crime scene in accordance with the police department standard operating procedures. San Marcos Police Department have classified it as a suspicious death and are ongoing with this investigation. No further information has been released

San Marcos is asking the public to help in reporting water theft from fire hydrants involving commercial vehicles drawing water directly from hydrants without using city-installed temporary water meters. Temporary water meters, or fire hydrant meters, accurately gauge water use for billing purposes and have backflow prevention devices to keep contaminated water from entering the city water distribution system. The city urges that taking the water directly without one of these meters is considered theft and endangers the water supply. To report a suspected theft, call the City of San Marcos Water/Wastewater Utility.

The Texas Department of Public Safety is reminding citizens to make safety a priority during Halloween celebrations. Drivers are cautioned to be prepared for children and adults walking along streets tomorrow night. Texans are also advised to not drink and drive or use their mobile devices while driving. Other Halloween safety tips released by the DPS encourage Texans to travel in groups with adult supervision when trick-or-treating and avoid homes without a visible porchlight. Parents are advised to make sure children know their home phone number and 911 and to inspect treats taken home before consumption. The DPS also offers a free mobile app for both iPhone and Android users to check the Texas Public Sex Offender Registry. The app can also be used to report suspicious or criminal activity.

San Marcos will have multiple projects affecting traffic beginning Sunday. The west half of the intersection of LBJ at University Drive will be closed for the next four weeks for construction. The eastbound lane on University from LBJ to CM Allen will be closed full-time until November 28th for sidewalk, curb and gutter replacement along University. East-bound Hutchinson street will also be closed to extend the fire line starting Sunday through Tuesday from 6:30 AM to 5 PM. Finally, half a block of East San Antonio Street will be closed from the alley to North LBJ street for the Farmers Market on the Square every Saturday from 8 AM to 3 PM. Drivers are advised to use caution in these work zones and to obey all traffic signage and control flaggers that are placed.