Pg 2
WHAT’S INSIDE? Government could shut down over GOP tactic Editor-in-Chief: SGA can’t represent anyone Review: ‘Blacklist’ brings back series glory
P2 P3 P4
TOMORROW’S FORECAST
HI: LOW:
Hundreds gather for Hackathon in Michigan
91o 61o
Provided by Hackathon
Chance of Rain: www.HoustonianOnline.com
Volume 124/ Issue 8
Facebook.com/ TheHoustonian
Follow us today! @TheHoustonian
0%
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
New ag arena pushed back CAMPUS
Department searches for gifts to fund project MOLLY WADDELL Associate Editor
The $20 million fundraising effort needed to build the new Gibbs Ranch Agricultural Arena that was projected to begin construction in 2014 has not yet been met, officials said. The Texas State University System Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) had projected the arena to be built in 2014. Without the money this won’t happen, according to Stanley Kelley, Ph.D., chair of the animal science department. “I don’t see it happening anytime soon,” Kelley said. Kelley said that the department is working with the Development Office to get donations for the arena. Julia May, director of SHSU communications, said the university will continue to solicit and accept donations for the construction project. The arena will serve as a place of education for agricultural
students, specifically students studying animal science, according to Kelley. The education that will take place in the arena will focus on equine (horses) science as well as working with livestock, specifically cattle. “It will also serve as a practice arena for the college rodeo team,” Kelley said. “The rodeo team will also host college rodeos here.” Kelley said that the arena could be used by the community and surrounding areas as well. According to the CIP the arena complex will serve the “University’s need for enhanced educational opportunities, provide a facility with high revenuegenerating potential, and serve as a fitting home for the University’s championship rodeo team.” The arena will provide seating for 5,000 and will eventually include a covered connector building, a stall barn, an RV parking area, parking for 750 cars, and a horticultural center with classrooms, a floral design lab and greenhouses. Provided by SHSU
Give me the rock
KEY
71 69 54
15 15 10
RE C O R D BR C EA SL
64
109.5 109.6
Touchdowns O R D BR EA RE C
94 288 298
KI
172
N
G
C SL
Long
Game Average: 121.5 Games Played:4 Carries: 62 Yards: 486 Touchdowns: 7 Long: 68
NG
Visit our website! www.HoustonianOnline.com
2013 Stats
KI
Bonds have not yet been sold to fund a series of construction projects at Sam Houston State University as part of an upcoming, system-wide Capital Improvements Program, according to an official with the Texas State University System. The projects designated to be funded via TSUS bond sales on a financial report on the TSUS website include the Central Plant expansion, the South Residential District and the Lowman Student Center expansion. TSUS Director of Communications Mike Wintemute explained that because the projects are still at the conceptual level, the bond issue would be resolved at some point in the future. “These improvements are all currently in planning stages,” Wintemute said. “When we move further along (in the building process), funding will be addressed through the sale of bonds.” Though projects such as the $35 million structure to house the Correctional Management Institute of Texas, the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas and the Police Research Center are slated to begin next year, they still must be green-lit by governing bodies before bonds can be issued. “Approval is a multi-step process involving the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) and the TSUS regents,” Wintemute said. The issuance of TSUS bonds to fund capital improvements is not a new development. In 2011, TSUS sold more than $86 million in bonds, part of which financed new instructional facilities at the SHSU University Center in The Woodlands, Texas. According to Wintmute, there’s no firm timetable on the future sale of bonds, but he did anticipate approval from both the TSUS Board of Regents and the THECB once both bodies formally address the issue.
2012 2011 2010
Games Played
Assistant News Editor
Game Average
COLIN HARRIS
2010- 2012 STATS
Carries
TIMOTHY FLANDERS
4,720 career yards
1642 1644 948 17 22 13
Yards
TSUS bonds need approval
Touchdowns
CAMPUS
Kassidy Turnpaugh | The Houstonian
R
unning back Timothy Flanders is the new Southland Conference all-time career rushing leader after surpassing Claude Mathis’ 4,694 career yards. Flanders currently holds the record with 4,720 career yards through week four. Read the whole story on page 5.
Be sure to check out the Houstonian Orientation Guide located around campus and the City of Huntsville! Can’t find one? Let us know and we’ll get you a copy.