CHEYENNE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 5p.m. Thursday in Cheyenne County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Peterbilt semi driven by&nbsp;William H.&nbsp;Troyer, 27, Wilburton, Oklahoma, was northbound on Kansas Highway 27 at the County Road 7 Junction.

The semi began to pass a northbound Subaru Outback driven by Sara Mullins, 36, St. Francis, just as she was making a left turn onto County Road J. 

The semi struck the SUV. Both vehicles came to rest on the east shoulder of the highway.

EMS transported Mullins to the Cheyenne County Hospital.&nbsp;Troyer was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

CHEYENNE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 5p.m. Thursday in Cheyenne County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Peterbilt semi driven by&nbsp;William H.&nbsp;Troyer, 27, Wilburton, Oklahoma, was northbound on Kansas Highway 27 at the County Road 7 Junction.The semi began to pass a northbound Subaru Outback driven by Sara Mullins, 36, St. Francis, just as she was making a left turn onto County Road J. The semi struck the SUV. Both vehicles came to rest on the east shoulder of the highway.EMS transported Mullins to the Cheyenne County Hospital.&nbsp;Troyer was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

NW Kansas woman hospitalized after semi, SUV crash

FHSU crime log Sept. 6-12, 2024

On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, <a href="http://www.ipifinancialservices.com/" target="_blank">IPI Financial Services</a> account executive Brian Weimer discusses multi-year guaranteed annuities with <a href="https://hayspost.com/" target="_blank">Hays Post</a> reporter Becky Kiser.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Multi-year guaranteed annuities explained with IPI Financial Services" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=9bqpt-16ce232-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, <a href="http://www.ipifinancialservices.com/" target="_blank">IPI Financial Services</a> account executive Brian Weimer discusses multi-year guaranteed annuities with <a href="https://hayspost.com/" target="_blank">Hays Post</a> reporter Becky Kiser.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Multi-year guaranteed annuities explained with IPI Financial Services

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Spending on Kansas’ cash assistance program for low-income families has dwindled by nearly 40% in the past 14 years while lawmakers limited eligibility and inflation surged, according to a new audit.

State auditors presented findings to legislators Tuesday that show spending on cash assistance decreased from about $15.2 million in 2009 to $9.4 million in 2023. Spending on foster care and preventative services increased by an estimated $25 million over the same timespan, according to the audit, which involved reviewing five financial reports created between fiscal years 2009 and 2023.

Kansas families with children or an expectant mother who make an insufficient income qualify for cash assistance, which is accessed through electronic benefit transfer cards, or EBT. The state’s cash assistance program is funded by the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF, program, which also funds other state initiatives including employment support and child care assistance. The Kansas Department for Children and Families administers TANF funds and the cash assistance program.

Legislative involvement in regulating cash assistance has been limited since the 2015 Hope, Opportunity and Prosperity for Everyone, or HOPE, Act, which restricted access to Kansas’ program. The federal government allows people to receive cash assistance for up to 60 months in their lifetime. Kansas’ maximum was 48 months, but the HOPE Act reduced it to 36 months. The Legislature reduced the maximum again in 2016 to 24 months.

As of 2023, DCF handled 2,900 cash assistance cases per month. In 2009, average monthly caseloads totaled around 12,600 cases, according to the audit.

The decrease could be attributed to eligibility changes under the HOPE Act and a general increase in wages and inflation, said Sam Dadds, a senior auditor with the Kansas Legislative Division of Post Audit, at the meeting with lawmakers Tuesday. Kansas’ standards for eligibility requirements and benefit amounts have not been changed since 1997. With that, comes the diminished purchasing power of cash assistance, which could be a deterrent for families considering applying, Dadds said.

“What this means is that it’s harder to qualify for TANF in 2023 because families are being measured against what was considered in-need in 1997,” Dadds said.

Since the inception of Kansas’ cash assistance program in 1996, the purchasing power of EBT has decreased by nearly 50%, he said.

Rep. Jason Probst, D-Hutchinson, said Kansas lacks a functional system.

“We do have a system, also, that has a very hard line once people hit a certain income level, as they’re working their way through poverty, where we then pull the rug right out from underneath them,” he said.

He called it “<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/06/27/hutchinson-working-with-mit-to-break-poverty-shackles-of-the-cliff-effect/">the cliff effect</a>,” a term for when low-income individuals get a modest increase in income but end up with fewer resources because they no longer qualify for government aid. Probst, Sen. Mary Ware, D-Wichita, and Sen. Caryn Tyson, R-Parker, among others, expressed an interest in combating the cliff effect through legislation.

Tyson, who voted for the HOPE Act&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li_2016/b2015_16/measures/vote_view/je_20150402145556_312693/" target="_blank">in 2015</a>&nbsp;and further restrictions&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li_2016/b2015_16/measures/vote_view/je_20160502013756_548975/" target="_blank">in 2016</a>, was dismayed by data limitations and omissions within the audit. Some data was completely unavailable for the audit because of new staff at DCF and a lack of cohesion between old and new computer systems.

“I don’t even know what to say to that,” she said at the meeting.

Carla Whiteside-Hicks, the DCF’s director of economic services, said the agency is actively working to address inefficiencies throughout the agency and make it easier for families to meet the federal and state requirements needed to receive cash assistance. Whiteside-Hicks is scheduled to return to the post-audit committee at its next meeting to provide additional data and information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726089897610.png" alt="Rep. James Probst, a Hutchinson-area Republican, said Kansas' cash assistance program isn't functional at a September 10, 2024, meeting of the Legislative Post Audit Committee. He is pictured here on the House floor on June 18, 2024. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. James Probst, a Hutchinson-area Republican, said Kansas' cash assistance program isn't functional at a September 10, 2024, meeting of the Legislative Post Audit Committee. He is pictured here on the House floor on June 18, 2024. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Spending on Kansas’ cash assistance program for low-income families has dwindled by nearly 40% in the past 14 years while lawmakers limited eligibility and inflation surged, according to a new audit.State auditors presented findings to legislators Tuesday that show spending on cash assistance decreased from about $15.2 million in 2009 to $9.4 million in 2023. Spending on foster care and preventative services increased by an estimated $25 million over the same timespan, according to the audit, which involved reviewing five financial reports created between fiscal years 2009 and 2023.Kansas families with children or an expectant mother who make an insufficient income qualify for cash assistance, which is accessed through electronic benefit transfer cards, or EBT. The state’s cash assistance program is funded by the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF, program, which also funds other state initiatives including employment support and child care assistance. The Kansas Department for Children and Families administers TANF funds and the cash assistance program.Legislative involvement in regulating cash assistance has been limited since the 2015 Hope, Opportunity and Prosperity for Everyone, or HOPE, Act, which restricted access to Kansas’ program. The federal government allows people to receive cash assistance for up to 60 months in their lifetime. Kansas’ maximum was 48 months, but the HOPE Act reduced it to 36 months. The Legislature reduced the maximum again in 2016 to 24 months.As of 2023, DCF handled 2,900 cash assistance cases per month. In 2009, average monthly caseloads totaled around 12,600 cases, according to the audit.The decrease could be attributed to eligibility changes under the HOPE Act and a general increase in wages and inflation, said Sam Dadds, a senior auditor with the Kansas Legislative Division of Post Audit, at the meeting with lawmakers Tuesday. Kansas’ standards for eligibility requirements and benefit amounts have not been changed since 1997. With that, comes the diminished purchasing power of cash assistance, which could be a deterrent for families considering applying, Dadds said.“What this means is that it’s harder to qualify for TANF in 2023 because families are being measured against what was considered in-need in 1997,” Dadds said.Since the inception of Kansas’ cash assistance program in 1996, the purchasing power of EBT has decreased by nearly 50%, he said.Rep. Jason Probst, D-Hutchinson, said Kansas lacks a functional system.“We do have a system, also, that has a very hard line once people hit a certain income level, as they’re working their way through poverty, where we then pull the rug right out from underneath them,” he said.He called it “<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/06/27/hutchinson-working-with-mit-to-break-poverty-shackles-of-the-cliff-effect/">the cliff effect</a>,” a term for when low-income individuals get a modest increase in income but end up with fewer resources because they no longer qualify for government aid. Probst, Sen. Mary Ware, D-Wichita, and Sen. Caryn Tyson, R-Parker, among others, expressed an interest in combating the cliff effect through legislation.Tyson, who voted for the HOPE Act&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li_2016/b2015_16/measures/vote_view/je_20150402145556_312693/" target="_blank">in 2015</a>&nbsp;and further restrictions&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li_2016/b2015_16/measures/vote_view/je_20160502013756_548975/" target="_blank">in 2016</a>, was dismayed by data limitations and omissions within the audit. Some data was completely unavailable for the audit because of new staff at DCF and a lack of cohesion between old and new computer systems.“I don’t even know what to say to that,” she said at the meeting.Carla Whiteside-Hicks, the DCF’s director of economic services, said the agency is actively working to address inefficiencies throughout the agency and make it easier for families to meet the federal and state requirements needed to receive cash assistance. Whiteside-Hicks is scheduled to return to the post-audit committee at its next meeting to provide additional data and information.

Kansas audit examines impact of restricting access to cash assistance for low-income families

🎥 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The Hays Virtual School, which was started by USD 489 as an adult learning center for diploma completion, will celebrate its 25th year in January 2025.

It's one of the oldest virtual schools in Kansas, securing its state virtual licensure in the early 2000s.&nbsp;

Expansion and changes during the years brought the need for a virtual high school, said Sondra Hickert, lead educator.

"Fred Kaufman (former superintendent) and Mark Hauptman (former assistant superintendent) were dedicated to [starting] a USD 489 virtual school," she said.&nbsp;

What was formerly known as The Learning Center of Ellis County is now housed in the Hadley Center, 205 E. Seventh St.

The school transitioned from an adult learning center to a traditional high school with students ages 14-19.

"We were able to offer them a web-based program where they could complete their high school diploma,"&nbsp;Hickert said.

"The state of Kansas requires they come through our doors for final exams in person for the program's integrity to be maintained, ensuring that it is that person who did the work," she said.&nbsp;

Last year, the program had 117 students. Seventy-one students started this academic year in August, and Hickert expects the number of students to increase.

Each student who enrolls is unique, she said.&nbsp;

"Our individual plan of study for each student is pivotal. It's the opportunity for them to have an education tailored to their lives, their needs and their expectations."

The reasons why students enroll in Hays Virtual School are varied.

"Maybe the student has given up on the idea of being a successful high school graduate at a traditional high school, regardless of where they might have attended," Hickert said.

"It may be that they want to accelerate their education," she said. "We've had students who want to go study in China, so they get some necessary high school credits out of the way."

Other students may have experienced trauma, such as losing a parent.&nbsp;

"It's a life-changing event," Hickert said, "and we can offer that student just a moment to recognize who they are and what they've been through and then begin to build their individual plan of study from their own life experiences."

The Fort Hays State University Department of Social Work put a master's level practicum position in the virtual school four years ago.&nbsp;

"That FHSU student comes alongside our students and helps them with education, everyday challenges and mental health. If there's a need that's keeping them from advancing academically, we get that need taken care of," Hickert said.&nbsp;

Students also utilize community resources partnered with the school, including transitional housing, life skills counseling and mentorships, food pantry and hygiene pack availability, apprenticeships, employment programs, and medical assistance programs.&nbsp;

Hickert said retaining these "vibrant, young, educated" individuals is important to the regional economy.&nbsp;

"Providing an opportunity for a high school diploma changes the workforce for our area, [with] local people doing regional work," she said. "We're keeping the life of our surrounding communities going."

Graduating students are prepared for college or career readiness.&nbsp;

Numerous graduates have qualified for career and technical education scholarships from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation in Logan or the O'Brate Foundation in Garden City. One student even was awarded a physics and engineering scholarship from NASA.

Many of the graduates go on to complete programs at FHSU, Fort Hays Tech-North Central, Hays Academy of Hair Design and Barton Community College. Others begin immediately working in skilled trades.

Hickert said the Hays Virtual School students are taught how to learn.

"Our structure is a triangle," she said. "At the top apex is student needs. What does that student need to become a successful high school graduate?"&nbsp;

The lower two apexes are meeting standards to have a graduate either career-ready or college-ready and to graduate within four years as required by the U.S. Department of Education.&nbsp;

"We are a champion for our school in support of the USD 489 mission to provide a quality learning experience for every student in every classroom every day," Hickert said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725912241917.jpeg" alt="Hays Virtual School graduates. Courtesy file photo" />
 <figcaption>Hays Virtual School graduates. Courtesy file photo</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="USD 489 Hays Virtual School to celebrate 25th year in January" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=kwg7x-16ce8c6-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe Hays Virtual School, which was started by USD 489 as an adult learning center for diploma completion, will celebrate its 25th year in January 2025.It's one of the oldest virtual schools in Kansas, securing its state virtual licensure in the early 2000s.&nbsp;Expansion and changes during the years brought the need for a virtual high school, said Sondra Hickert, lead educator."Fred Kaufman (former superintendent) and Mark Hauptman (former assistant superintendent) were dedicated to [starting] a USD 489 virtual school," she said.&nbsp;What was formerly known as The Learning Center of Ellis County is now housed in the Hadley Center, 205 E. Seventh St.The school transitioned from an adult learning center to a traditional high school with students ages 14-19."We were able to offer them a web-based program where they could complete their high school diploma,"&nbsp;Hickert said."The state of Kansas requires they come through our doors for final exams in person for the program's integrity to be maintained, ensuring that it is that person who did the work," she said.&nbsp;Last year, the program had 117 students. Seventy-one students started this academic year in August, and Hickert expects the number of students to increase.Each student who enrolls is unique, she said.&nbsp;"Our individual plan of study for each student is pivotal. It's the opportunity for them to have an education tailored to their lives, their needs and their expectations."The reasons why students enroll in Hays Virtual School are varied."Maybe the student has given up on the idea of being a successful high school graduate at a traditional high school, regardless of where they might have attended," Hickert said.Many students are from outside of Hays."It may be that they want to accelerate their education," she said. "We've had students who want to go study in China, so they get some necessary high school credits out of the way."Other students may have experienced trauma, such as losing a parent.&nbsp;"It's a life-changing event," Hickert said, "and we can offer that student just a moment to recognize who they are and what they've been through and then begin to build their individual plan of study from their own life experiences."The Fort Hays State University Department of Social Work put a master's level practicum position in the virtual school four years ago.&nbsp;"That FHSU student comes alongside our students and helps them with education, everyday challenges and mental health. If there's a need that's keeping them from advancing academically, we get that need taken care of," Hickert said.&nbsp;Students also utilize community resources partnered with the school, including transitional housing, life skills counseling and mentorships, food pantry and hygiene pack availability, apprenticeships, employment programs, and medical assistance programs.&nbsp;Hickert said retaining these "vibrant, young, educated" individuals is important to the regional economy.&nbsp;"Providing an opportunity for a high school diploma changes the workforce for our area, [with] local people doing regional work," she said. "We're keeping the life of our surrounding communities going."Graduating students are prepared for college or career readiness.&nbsp;Numerous graduates have qualified for career and technical education scholarships from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation in Logan or the O'Brate Foundation in Garden City. One student even was awarded a physics and engineering scholarship from NASA.Many of the graduates go on to complete programs at FHSU, Fort Hays Tech-North Central, Hays Academy of Hair Design and Barton Community College. Others begin immediately working in skilled trades.Hickert said the Hays Virtual School students are taught how to learn."Our structure is a triangle," she said. "At the top apex is student needs. What does that student need to become a successful high school graduate?"&nbsp;The lower two apexes are meeting standards to have a graduate either career-ready or college-ready and to graduate within four years as required by the U.S. Department of Education.&nbsp;"We are a champion for our school in support of the USD 489 mission to provide a quality learning experience for every student in every classroom every day," Hickert said.

🎙 USD 489 Hays Virtual School to celebrate 25th year in January 

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Nabholz Construction told the Hays school board on Monday that construction on the Roosevelt Elementary School addition will be complete within about six weeks.

Nabholz gave updates on the Roosevelt and Hays High School construction projects at the meeting.

Nabholz has until December to finish the project under its contract, but representatives think they will be done sooner.

Last school year, the school used portable classrooms during the construction. However, those had to be removed to allow for the construction of new pick-up and drop-off lanes at the rear of the school.

USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson said he hopes to have the students in the new classrooms after Thanksgiving break.

Until that move, Wilson said the school is making the best use of the room it has available.

The corridor for the new wing and the learning cave, which will be a reading room with soft seating in the media center, have been finished.

New sidewalks have been installed adjacent to the addition.

The Roosevelt project is on budget, with the exception of one previously approved change order. The project's total cost is $22.1 million.

The new Hays High School building is also on schedule and budget.

It is scheduled to be complete by the start of school in fall 2025.

The roof will soon go on the performing arts section of the school.

Flooring for the main and secondary gyms was poured about a week ago.

Construction workers are already installing drywall in some areas of the building, and windows will be coming in for some parts of the building by the end of the month.

The work on the softball fields should begin at the end of the month.

The Nabholz representatives said once the roofs are on the buildings, they start gaining a lot of ground on the construction. Once parts of the building are enclosed, they are less likely to be delayed by weather.

Plans for the addition and renovation at O'Loughlin Elementary School have been finished, but the school board tabled a motion to accept Nabholz's guaranteed maximum price at its meeting on Monday.

<a href="https://go.boarddocs.com/ks/usd489/Board.nsf/files/D8YHWP4A81BA/$file/9.9.24_Board%20Update%20Handout.pdf">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays USD 489 board scrutinizes bond budget</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726066010732.png" alt="On the left is the new parking lot and pick up and drop off area for Roosevelt Elementary School. On the right is the new gym." />
 <figcaption>On the left is the new parking lot and pick up and drop off area for Roosevelt Elementary School. On the right is the new gym.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostNabholz Construction told the Hays school board on Monday that construction on the Roosevelt Elementary School addition will be complete within about six weeks.Nabholz gave updates on the Roosevelt and Hays High School construction projects at the meeting.Nabholz has until December to finish the project under its contract, but representatives think they will be done sooner.Last school year, the school used portable classrooms during the construction. However, those had to be removed to allow for the construction of new pick-up and drop-off lanes at the rear of the school.USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson said he hopes to have the students in the new classrooms after Thanksgiving break.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726070638667.png" alt="On the left is an overhead view of Roosevelt Elementary School. The new addition is on the north side of the building. On the right is the new media center, including the new learning cave, which is a reading area with soft seating." />
 <figcaption>On the left is an overhead view of Roosevelt Elementary School. The new addition is on the north side of the building. On the right is the new media center, including the new learning cave, which is a reading area with soft seating.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726071199039.png" alt="Roosevelt Elementary School construction budget" />
 <figcaption>Roosevelt Elementary School construction budget</figcaption>
 </figure>Until that move, Wilson said the school is making the best use of the room it has available.The corridor for the new wing and the learning cave, which will be a reading room with soft seating in the media center, have been finished.New sidewalks have been installed adjacent to the addition.The Roosevelt project is on budget, with the exception of one previously approved change order. The project's total cost is $22.1 million.<h2>Hays High</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726070838998.png" alt="The photo on the right shows the main gym.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The photo on the right shows the main gym.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726070948344.png" alt="On the left, you can see the learning stairs, which will be part of the commons. On the right, a second-floor corridor above the commons connects the two academic wings. The football field can be seen in the distance." />
 <figcaption>On the left, you can see the learning stairs, which will be part of the commons. On the right, a second-floor corridor above the commons connects the two academic wings. The football field can be seen in the distance.</figcaption>
 </figure>The new Hays High School building is also on schedule and budget.It is scheduled to be complete by the start of school in fall 2025.The roof will soon go on the performing arts section of the school.Flooring for the main and secondary gyms was poured about a week ago.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726071070420.png" alt="A conceptual drawing of the entrance to Hays High School. The commons will be in the middle, with academic wings on either side." />
 <figcaption>A conceptual drawing of the entrance to Hays High School. The commons will be in the middle, with academic wings on either side.</figcaption>
 </figure>Construction workers are already installing drywall in some areas of the building, and windows will be coming in for some parts of the building by the end of the month.The work on the softball fields should begin at the end of the month.The Nabholz representatives said once the roofs are on the buildings, they start gaining a lot of ground on the construction. Once parts of the building are enclosed, they are less likely to be delayed by weather.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726070803382.png" alt="New Hays High School construction budget" />
 <figcaption>New Hays High School construction budget</figcaption>
 </figure>Plans for the addition and renovation at O'Loughlin Elementary School have been finished, but the school board tabled a motion to accept Nabholz's guaranteed maximum price at its meeting on Monday.<a href="https://go.boarddocs.com/ks/usd489/Board.nsf/files/D8YHWP4A81BA/$file/9.9.24_Board%20Update%20Handout.pdf">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays USD 489 board scrutinizes bond budget</a>

Hays USD 489 BOE hears report on Roosevelt, HHS bond projects

THOMAS COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 4p.m. Wednesday in Thomas County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Jeep Cherokee driven by Kimberly K. Munk, 49, Oakley, was northbound on U.S. 83 approximately two miles north of U.S. 40&nbsp;

The Jeep was turning left into a&nbsp;&nbsp;private driveway. A southbound 2011 Dodge Charger driven by Sara Wilson, 33,&nbsp;Escanaba, Michigan, and the Jeep collided.

EMS transported Wilson and passengers in the Dodge&nbsp; Susan L. Englert, 68, Rochelle, Illinois; Sharon Wilson, 62, Lamar, Colorado and Levi Wilson, 2,&nbsp;Escanaba, Michigan, to Citizen's Medical Center where Englert was pronounced deceased.

EMS transported Munk and passengers in the Jeep, an 8-year-old boy and 10-year-old girl, to the Logan County Hospital. All seven were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

THOMAS COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 4p.m. Wednesday in Thomas County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Jeep Cherokee driven by Kimberly K. Munk, 49, Oakley, was northbound on U.S. 83 approximately two miles north of U.S. 40&nbsp;The Jeep was turning left into a&nbsp;&nbsp;private driveway. A southbound 2011 Dodge Charger driven by Sara Wilson, 33,&nbsp;Escanaba, Michigan, and the Jeep collided.EMS transported Wilson and passengers in the Dodge&nbsp; Susan L. Englert, 68, Rochelle, Illinois; Sharon Wilson, 62, Lamar, Colorado and Levi Wilson, 2,&nbsp;Escanaba, Michigan, to Citizen's Medical Center where Englert was pronounced deceased.EMS transported Munk and passengers in the Jeep, an 8-year-old boy and 10-year-old girl, to the Logan County Hospital. All seven were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Woman dead, 3 adults and 3 children injured in NW Kan. crash

After 100 years, Lincoln Elementary School will close at the end of this school year.

The Hays USD 489 school board voted to close the school at its board meeting on Monday.

Voters passed a $143 million bond issue in 2022. Lincoln is the oldest operating school in the district and needs significant repairs.

When the committee that recommended the bond reviewed the district schools and their future needs, the members determined that renovating Lincoln would be too costly.

The district is building a new high school, renovating the current high school into a middle school and converting the current middle school into a new elementary school.

O'Loughlin Elementary School is being expanded and remodeled. An addition and renovations at Roosevelt Elementary School are almost complete.

Wilson Elementary School is set to be closed as an elementary school at the end of the 2025-26 school year. Rockwell Administration Center will also close, and those offices will likely relocate to Wilson.

The students attending Lincoln and Wilson will be relocated to the other schools in the district.

District leaders have expressed intent to sell Lincoln and Rockwell once they are vacated. However, the board has not made any final decisions on the fate of those two buildings.

Revenue from the sale of those buildings could go back into bond projects or be used to pay down the bond.

Board member Allen Park voted against the closure. He said he wished to retain neighborhood schools.

Park said he feared families would leave the district because they didn't want their children to attend larger schools.

Roosevelt and Felten Elementary School, which will be in the former middle school, will both be able to accommodate four classes of each grade. O'Loughlin will remain a three-section school. Lincoln is only a two-section school.

Park suggested Lincoln be used for a magnet school.

However, board member Ruth Ruder said the district doesn't have the money to hire more teachers to staff Lincoln or for the utilities and insurance to keep the building open.

"Moving forward, it's not feasible," she said. ... "Keeping Lincoln open was never part of the plan, to my understanding."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726087259727.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAfter 100 years, Lincoln Elementary School will close at the end of this school year.The Hays USD 489 school board voted to close the school at its board meeting on Monday.Voters passed a $143 million bond issue in 2022. Lincoln is the oldest operating school in the district and needs significant repairs.When the committee that recommended the bond reviewed the district schools and their future needs, the members determined that renovating Lincoln would be too costly.The district is building a new high school, renovating the current high school into a middle school and converting the current middle school into a new elementary school.O'Loughlin Elementary School is being expanded and remodeled. An addition and renovations at Roosevelt Elementary School are almost complete.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726087306663.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Wilson Elementary School is set to be closed as an elementary school at the end of the 2025-26 school year. Rockwell Administration Center will also close, and those offices will likely relocate to Wilson.The students attending Lincoln and Wilson will be relocated to the other schools in the district.District leaders have expressed intent to sell Lincoln and Rockwell once they are vacated. However, the board has not made any final decisions on the fate of those two buildings.Revenue from the sale of those buildings could go back into bond projects or be used to pay down the bond.Board member Allen Park voted against the closure. He said he wished to retain neighborhood schools.Park said he feared families would leave the district because they didn't want their children to attend larger schools.Roosevelt and Felten Elementary School, which will be in the former middle school, will both be able to accommodate four classes of each grade. O'Loughlin will remain a three-section school. Lincoln is only a two-section school.Park suggested Lincoln be used for a magnet school.However, board member Ruth Ruder said the district doesn't have the money to hire more teachers to staff Lincoln or for the utilities and insurance to keep the building open."Moving forward, it's not feasible," she said. ... "Keeping Lincoln open was never part of the plan, to my understanding."

Hays USD 489 board votes to close Lincoln Elementary School

My hubs and I follow the build a life you don’t need a vacation from philosophy. Our interests relate to the outdoors so we plant gardens and set out water to attract birds and insects we enjoy watching. To triple our fun, we feed squirrels and bunnies and search for yard art that tickles our funny bone. With so much happening outside, we spend hours enjoying nature’s miracles and murders. Depending on evidence left behind, I borrow techniques from Columbo, a favorite TV character, to solve those crimes.

You read MURDER right. We plan our garden so it has plenty of plants to hide birds when the neighborhood cooper’s hawk dashes in to dine. Quick access to get-away-tunnels usually protects our yard birds so she (yes, she--based on size) rarely snags a meal. Sadly, occasional feather piles tell us she periodically fills her belly.

She’s not the only killer in our Hood. We have spiders that weave traps designed to capture crawling and flying insects we then spy struggling in silken snares. Every now and then, we do our own frantic web-wiping dance trying to escape one we walked into while paying attention to something else.

This summer, we’ve watched cicada killers, which look like huge wasps, hovering near the ash tree while awaiting inattentive targets. We once spied one snag a cicada and wrestle it to the ground. Once down, these killers carry their catch to a den in the lawn. I researched what happens after that, which resulted in new nightmares. After the lumbering wasp transfers her tranquilized victim underground, it deposits eggs on the still-living cicada to feed larvae maturing into future cicada killers.

My current challenge involves explaining three cicada carcasses recently deposited on my deck. Each one had its head ripped off and placed adjacent to a hollowed-out body with wings and legs left intact. My hero Columbo would have sought a killer that consumed victims’ innards. As I followed his procedural, I eliminated cicada killers since they require a living food source to nurture larvae. What other vicious monster resides near us and our cicada chorus?

Following additional research, I hollered Eureka! Multiple praying mantises occupy our flower pots and gardens. They have both jaws and strength to wreak the havoc observed outside our back door. Sure enough, sources document that mantises devour cicadas. Mulling this circumstantial evidence, I then witnessed a mantis murder in progress.

While removing dried lily stems, what did I spy? A mantis gnawing a hummingbird moth beside my hand. Those powerful jaws don’t go for hors d’ oeuvres; they desire a Thanksgiving feast. Because the moth had expired, I didn’t interrupt the predator’s meal. Besides, one less moth means I’ll find fewer tomato worms in my vegetable garden. Witnessing this event upped the odds that a mantis left those headless carcasses behind.

Like Columbo, I’m muddling through clues. However, after watching that mantis consume a huge moth, I’d put a dollar on my suspicions. Who’da thunk in our life that doesn’t require vacations, we’d play detective every now and then.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725481033221.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINMy hubs and I follow the build a life you don’t need a vacation from philosophy. Our interests relate to the outdoors so we plant gardens and set out water to attract birds and insects we enjoy watching. To triple our fun, we feed squirrels and bunnies and search for yard art that tickles our funny bone. With so much happening outside, we spend hours enjoying nature’s miracles and murders. Depending on evidence left behind, I borrow techniques from Columbo, a favorite TV character, to solve those crimes.You read MURDER right. We plan our garden so it has plenty of plants to hide birds when the neighborhood cooper’s hawk dashes in to dine. Quick access to get-away-tunnels usually protects our yard birds so she (yes, she--based on size) rarely snags a meal. Sadly, occasional feather piles tell us she periodically fills her belly.She’s not the only killer in our Hood. We have spiders that weave traps designed to capture crawling and flying insects we then spy struggling in silken snares. Every now and then, we do our own frantic web-wiping dance trying to escape one we walked into while paying attention to something else.This summer, we’ve watched cicada killers, which look like huge wasps, hovering near the ash tree while awaiting inattentive targets. We once spied one snag a cicada and wrestle it to the ground. Once down, these killers carry their catch to a den in the lawn. I researched what happens after that, which resulted in new nightmares. After the lumbering wasp transfers her tranquilized victim underground, it deposits eggs on the still-living cicada to feed larvae maturing into future cicada killers.My current challenge involves explaining three cicada carcasses recently deposited on my deck. Each one had its head ripped off and placed adjacent to a hollowed-out body with wings and legs left intact. My hero Columbo would have sought a killer that consumed victims’ innards. As I followed his procedural, I eliminated cicada killers since they require a living food source to nurture larvae. What other vicious monster resides near us and our cicada chorus?Following additional research, I hollered Eureka! Multiple praying mantises occupy our flower pots and gardens. They have both jaws and strength to wreak the havoc observed outside our back door. Sure enough, sources document that mantises devour cicadas. Mulling this circumstantial evidence, I then witnessed a mantis murder in progress.While removing dried lily stems, what did I spy? A mantis gnawing a hummingbird moth beside my hand. Those powerful jaws don’t go for hors d’ oeuvres; they desire a Thanksgiving feast. Because the moth had expired, I didn’t interrupt the predator’s meal. Besides, one less moth means I’ll find fewer tomato worms in my vegetable garden. Witnessing this event upped the odds that a mantis left those headless carcasses behind.Like Columbo, I’m muddling through clues. However, after watching that mantis consume a huge moth, I’d put a dollar on my suspicions. Who’da thunk in our life that doesn’t require vacations, we’d play detective every now and then.

MADORIN: Murder on the deck – playing Columbo in my backyard

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726078701619.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

Hays Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/45c326ac-a856-480a-b491-0312e5d43c5c">Find our obituary posting policy by clicking here.</a>

<div></div>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.Hays Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1561995642681.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/45c326ac-a856-480a-b491-0312e5d43c5c">Find our obituary posting policy by clicking here.</a>

Recent obituaries and service times

First Care Clinic, Inc. is pleased to announce that Dustin Smith, PharmD, has joined its First Care Pharmacy staff. Dustin earned his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Kansas. He is a Board-Certified Pharmacist, with nearly seventeen years of Pharmacy experience.

Eric Flax, First Care Clinic CEO said, “We are thrilled to see that our Pharmacy has continued to expand since its opening in October of 2023. A main contributor to this is our talented and caring pharmacy staff, and Dustin will make an excellent addition to the team!”

Pharmacy Director, Tami Zimmerman stated, “As our Pharmacy practice continues to grow, having Dustin on board with us will allow us to continue providing that quick and friendly experience you can expect from First Care Pharmacy - one you have hopefully already experienced with us!“

First Care Pharmacy is located inside the entrance of Express Care, at the corner of 13th and Main in downtown Hays. Providing convenient, fast, and friendly service, and offering free local delivery. Patients can experience the benefit of getting their prescriptions filled at the same time as their medical, dental, and/or behavioral health appointment. For assistance with transferring prescriptions to First Care Pharmacy, patients can call our pharmacy directly at (785) 301-9390.

First Care Clinic is a federally qualified health center, with three locations in Hays, providing services for people of all ages, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. They provide family medicine, express care, pharmaceutical, behavioral health, and family dentistry services.

First Care Clinic welcomes all patients and accepts all major insurances. A sliding fee scale discount is also available to those who qualify. Patients can schedule an appointment by calling First Care Clinic at (785) 621-4990. For same-day, or acute issues, patients can book a time &amp; skip the line by self-scheduling with Express Care at firstcareclinic.com.

“First Care Clinic. The region’s premiere medical home, dedicated to providing access to compassionate, quality care for all.”

For more information contact Danielle Windholz, Director of Operations, at First Care Clinic (785-621-4990).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726076618364.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedFirst Care Clinic, Inc. is pleased to announce that Dustin Smith, PharmD, has joined its First Care Pharmacy staff. Dustin earned his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Kansas. He is a Board-Certified Pharmacist, with nearly seventeen years of Pharmacy experience.Eric Flax, First Care Clinic CEO said, “We are thrilled to see that our Pharmacy has continued to expand since its opening in October of 2023. A main contributor to this is our talented and caring pharmacy staff, and Dustin will make an excellent addition to the team!”Pharmacy Director, Tami Zimmerman stated, “As our Pharmacy practice continues to grow, having Dustin on board with us will allow us to continue providing that quick and friendly experience you can expect from First Care Pharmacy - one you have hopefully already experienced with us!“First Care Pharmacy is located inside the entrance of Express Care, at the corner of 13th and Main in downtown Hays. Providing convenient, fast, and friendly service, and offering free local delivery. Patients can experience the benefit of getting their prescriptions filled at the same time as their medical, dental, and/or behavioral health appointment. For assistance with transferring prescriptions to First Care Pharmacy, patients can call our pharmacy directly at (785) 301-9390.ABOUT FIRST CARE CLINIC, INC.First Care Clinic is a federally qualified health center, with three locations in Hays, providing services for people of all ages, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. They provide family medicine, express care, pharmaceutical, behavioral health, and family dentistry services.First Care Clinic welcomes all patients and accepts all major insurances. A sliding fee scale discount is also available to those who qualify. Patients can schedule an appointment by calling First Care Clinic at (785) 621-4990. For same-day, or acute issues, patients can book a time &amp; skip the line by self-scheduling with Express Care at firstcareclinic.com.“First Care Clinic. The region’s premiere medical home, dedicated to providing access to compassionate, quality care for all.”For more information contact Danielle Windholz, Director of Operations, at First Care Clinic (785-621-4990).

Hays parents get year of probation in 4-month-old's death

The Hays Area Bicyclists recently distributed the proceeds from their Tour die Kapellen (<a href="https://tourdiekapellen.com/">TourDieKapellen.com/</a>) bike ride and bus tour, held on July 13th, to the following Ellis County organizations:

2024 marked the fifth year of Tour die Kapellen, an organized cycling event launched to bring more tourists to the Hays area, encourage fitness, promote the Volga-German ethnic culture and the Hays Symphony, and showcase the historical limestone churches in the area.&nbsp; The event is a joint venture between the churches and the Hays Symphony.&nbsp; The event was conceived as a 5-year trial, with the plan to donate the bulk of the profits each year to one of the partner organizations and smaller amounts going to the other organizations.&nbsp; Primary recipients are responsible for providing the meal after the ride/bus tour and in past years were:&nbsp;&nbsp;

Through 2024, over $73,000 has been distributed to seven organizations in Ellis County in recognition for their invaluable assistance to Tour die Kapellen.&nbsp; “Each year, proceeds are raised from a combination of registration fees from the approximately 280 participants and donations from area businesses, organizations, individuals, and foundations”, said Kay Werth, President of the Hays Area Bicyclists.&nbsp; “We are also grateful to other local organizations including the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, Hays Police Department, and Ellis County Sheriff’s Department, as well as 90-100 volunteers, who help us put on this event.”

Next year’s Tour die Kapellen will be held on July 12, 2025.

Hays Area Bicyclists is a 501(c)3 organization which supports wellness through cycling.&nbsp;

Formed in 2019, its mission is to broaden awareness of the local biking community, encourage health and wellness, capitalize on the many treasures of our local area, and explore the rural terrain.&nbsp;

By increasing the numbers in the cycling community, we promote a healthy lifestyle.&nbsp;

We are advocates for designated bike lanes, better signage on shared roads, and friendly acknowledgement of commuting cyclists.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726003772500.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Hays Area Bicyclists recently distributed the proceeds from their Tour die Kapellen (<a href="https://tourdiekapellen.com/">TourDieKapellen.com/</a>) bike ride and bus tour, held on July 13th, to the following Ellis County organizations:<ul>
 <li>$13,000 to the Hays Symphony</li><li>$3,750 to Cathedral of Plains in Victoria</li><li>$2,000 to St. Catharine Catholic Church in Catherine</li><li>$750 to St. Francis Church in Munjor</li><li>$500 to Holy Cross Church in Pfeifer</li><li>$100 to Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church in Antonino</li><li>$100 to St. Anthony Church in Schoenchen</li>
 </ul>2024 marked the fifth year of Tour die Kapellen, an organized cycling event launched to bring more tourists to the Hays area, encourage fitness, promote the Volga-German ethnic culture and the Hays Symphony, and showcase the historical limestone churches in the area.&nbsp; The event is a joint venture between the churches and the Hays Symphony.&nbsp; The event was conceived as a 5-year trial, with the plan to donate the bulk of the profits each year to one of the partner organizations and smaller amounts going to the other organizations.&nbsp; Primary recipients are responsible for providing the meal after the ride/bus tour and in past years were:&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>2019 - Cathedral of Plains in Victoria to assist in fully remodeling the church.</li><li>2020 - No event because of Covid.</li><li>2021 - St. Catharine Church for repainting the interior of the church.&nbsp;</li><li>2022 - St. Francis Church in Munjor for general maintenance of the church.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>2023 - Holy Cross Church in Pfeifer to assist with the church’s roof repairs.</li>
 </ul>Through 2024, over $73,000 has been distributed to seven organizations in Ellis County in recognition for their invaluable assistance to Tour die Kapellen.&nbsp; “Each year, proceeds are raised from a combination of registration fees from the approximately 280 participants and donations from area businesses, organizations, individuals, and foundations”, said Kay Werth, President of the Hays Area Bicyclists.&nbsp; “We are also grateful to other local organizations including the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, Hays Police Department, and Ellis County Sheriff’s Department, as well as 90-100 volunteers, who help us put on this event.”Next year’s Tour die Kapellen will be held on July 12, 2025.Hays Area Bicyclists is a 501(c)3 organization which supports wellness through cycling.&nbsp; Formed in 2019, its mission is to broaden awareness of the local biking community, encourage health and wellness, capitalize on the many treasures of our local area, and explore the rural terrain.&nbsp; By increasing the numbers in the cycling community, we promote a healthy lifestyle.&nbsp; We are advocates for designated bike lanes, better signage on shared roads, and friendly acknowledgement of commuting cyclists.

Hays Area Bicyclists makes donations to local organizations

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Fort Hays State University has unveiled a new website that provides resources on&nbsp;artificial intelligence for staff and students as it seeks to be at&nbsp;the forefront of AI in Kansas.

Andrew Feldstein, FHSU assistant provost of teaching innovation and learning technologies, said AI has had a greater impact than other technological advancements.

"Nothing has ever been adopted at the rate of generative artificial intelligence. It exploded into this world," he said.

AI is a rapidly emerging technology that can benefit communities like Hays. FHSU acknowledges the importance of integrating it into classrooms thoughtfully and responsibly with resources,&nbsp;Feldstein said.

"In order for our students to be successful in the world, this is something they're going to need to be able to work with and understand," Feldstein said.

Instructional Technologist and Chairwoman of the FHSU Generative AI Task Force Magdalene Moy works with Feldstein to increase awareness and guide faculty and students on the benefits and challenges of generative AI.

"Part of our goal is to educate faculty on how to use it appropriately and to be transparent with our stakeholders, staff and students on how we should use it and its importance," Moy said.

The task force launched an AI website with resources and tools for faculty and students in and out of the classroom.

Students, faculty, and staff can use Microsoft CoPilot for free. It is an AI chat platform powered by OpenAI's ChatGPT-4 and DALL-E that generates text and image responses.

The website also provides the latest information on AI, how to incorporate AI in teaching and learning, and writing in this new age of tech and workshops.&nbsp;

You can visit the Generative AI Task Force's new website <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/ai/">here</a>.

Moy said FHSU faculty and staff have mixed opinions on AI in classrooms. Some discourage its use, while others recognize its potential.

One concern among faculty is that AI is viewed as a form of cheating. Some students hesitate to use it for class assignments, while others find it helpful.

The potential benefits of incorporating AI in education are increased efficiency, time-saving and personalized learning for faculty and staff.

AI can also be beneficial for brainstorming and career preparation. FHSU student Staton Clark said he uses it to assist with studying math and writing essays.

"I ask for similar questions to my homework. I copy and paste questions and say, 'Give me another one like this,'" Clark said. "It helps me with essays like 'give me a topic to discuss' and 'revise my text to see what you can improve.'"

FHSU student Damaris Castro said AI enhances her study habits by helping generate ideas and verify answers but hesitates to use it for writing due to ethical concerns.

"I try not to use AI for big essays," she said. "When you're writing an essay, you want to make sure you're being fully original."

&nbsp;Feldstein said one way teachers can identify AI in writing assignments is by being familiar with their students' writing styles.

Moy said using AI is different from plagiarism, and detection tools for identifying AI-generated content are unreliable. They often incorrectly flag the work of individuals whose English is not their first language.

"The truth of the matter is that any tool that is programmed to detect AI is problematic," she said. "We would encourage faculty to talk with students to discuss whether or not they're using it."&nbsp;

Potential negatives are concerns about cheating, job displacement, data and ethical use, and bias in data training.

Moy said AI is pervasive, and establishing guidelines would be more effective than creating policies, especially since FHSU already has a policy addressing cheating.

"One of the reasons for making guidelines and not policies is we already have a policy on cheating. We can tell students 'hey, if you didn't write this paper, that's cheating,'" she said.

According to <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/judicial/academic-misconduct/">FHSU's Office of Student Affairs</a>, examples of plagiarism include but are not limited to presenting someone else's work as your own and using another person’s computer program or document.

Faculty are encouraged to include disciplinary or class-specific definitions in course syllabi.

"Because AI is in use everywhere, you are often not aware that you are using it. It is embedded in Google Chrome, Snapchat, your smartphone and countless other places. It's in these tools that we already have access to," Moy said.

Feldstein said major international companies like <a href="https://www.ibm.com/us-en">International Business Machines</a>, a global leader in AI advancements, are holding thousands of job vacancies open while determining how many can be replaced by AI.

He said AI won't fully replace humans, as generative AI is derivative and can only remix existing information and ideas. This leaves creativity and the ability to understand context as distinct human strengths.

According to <a href="https://www.goldmansachs.com/">Goldman Sachs</a>, Generative AI will affect 300 million full-time jobs worldwide, and AI will take over between 25% and 50% of the workload.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726004923309.jpeg" alt="Courtesy Image" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Image</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostFort Hays State University has unveiled a new website that provides resources on&nbsp;artificial intelligence for staff and students as it seeks to be at&nbsp;the forefront of AI in Kansas.Andrew Feldstein, FHSU assistant provost of teaching innovation and learning technologies, said AI has had a greater impact than other technological advancements."Nothing has ever been adopted at the rate of generative artificial intelligence. It exploded into this world," he said.AI is a rapidly emerging technology that can benefit communities like Hays. FHSU acknowledges the importance of integrating it into classrooms thoughtfully and responsibly with resources,&nbsp;Feldstein said."In order for our students to be successful in the world, this is something they're going to need to be able to work with and understand," Feldstein said.Instructional Technologist and Chairwoman of the FHSU Generative AI Task Force Magdalene Moy works with Feldstein to increase awareness and guide faculty and students on the benefits and challenges of generative AI."Part of our goal is to educate faculty on how to use it appropriately and to be transparent with our stakeholders, staff and students on how we should use it and its importance," Moy said.The task force launched an AI website with resources and tools for faculty and students in and out of the classroom.Students, faculty, and staff can use Microsoft CoPilot for free. It is an AI chat platform powered by OpenAI's ChatGPT-4 and DALL-E that generates text and image responses.The website also provides the latest information on AI, how to incorporate AI in teaching and learning, and writing in this new age of tech and workshops.&nbsp;You can visit the Generative AI Task Force's new website <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/ai/">here</a>.Moy said FHSU faculty and staff have mixed opinions on AI in classrooms. Some discourage its use, while others recognize its potential.One concern among faculty is that AI is viewed as a form of cheating. Some students hesitate to use it for class assignments, while others find it helpful.The potential benefits of incorporating AI in education are increased efficiency, time-saving and personalized learning for faculty and staff.AI can also be beneficial for brainstorming and career preparation. FHSU student Staton Clark said he uses it to assist with studying math and writing essays."I ask for similar questions to my homework. I copy and paste questions and say, 'Give me another one like this,'" Clark said. "It helps me with essays like 'give me a topic to discuss' and 'revise my text to see what you can improve.'"FHSU student Damaris Castro said AI enhances her study habits by helping generate ideas and verify answers but hesitates to use it for writing due to ethical concerns."I try not to use AI for big essays," she said. "When you're writing an essay, you want to make sure you're being fully original."&nbsp;Feldstein said one way teachers can identify AI in writing assignments is by being familiar with their students' writing styles.Moy said using AI is different from plagiarism, and detection tools for identifying AI-generated content are unreliable. They often incorrectly flag the work of individuals whose English is not their first language."The truth of the matter is that any tool that is programmed to detect AI is problematic," she said. "We would encourage faculty to talk with students to discuss whether or not they're using it."&nbsp;Potential negatives are concerns about cheating, job displacement, data and ethical use, and bias in data training. These issues are not new to education.Moy said AI is pervasive, and establishing guidelines would be more effective than creating policies, especially since FHSU already has a policy addressing cheating."One of the reasons for making guidelines and not policies is we already have a policy on cheating. We can tell students 'hey, if you didn't write this paper, that's cheating,'" she said.According to <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/judicial/academic-misconduct/">FHSU's Office of Student Affairs</a>, examples of plagiarism include but are not limited to presenting someone else's work as your own and using another person’s computer program or document.Faculty are encouraged to include disciplinary or class-specific definitions in course syllabi."Because AI is in use everywhere, you are often not aware that you are using it. It is embedded in Google Chrome, Snapchat, your smartphone and countless other places. It's in these tools that we already have access to," Moy said.Feldstein said major international companies like <a href="https://www.ibm.com/us-en">International Business Machines</a>, a global leader in AI advancements, are holding thousands of job vacancies open while determining how many can be replaced by AI.He said AI won't fully replace humans, as generative AI is derivative and can only remix existing information and ideas. This leaves creativity and the ability to understand context as distinct human strengths.According to <a href="https://www.goldmansachs.com/">Goldman Sachs</a>, Generative AI will affect 300 million full-time jobs worldwide, and AI will take over between 25% and 50% of the workload.65% of skills in the workforce are also expected to change by 2030 because of AI, according to Linkedin.With AI taking on a large workload, people can devote their time and effort to other skills, such as leadership and management, critical thinking, and emotional and social intelligence."In order for our students to be successful in the world, this is something they're going to need to work with and understand because a large percentage of jobs require students to know how to use generative AI," he said.Moy said Hays adopts new technology at a more gradual pace than other cities. These skills are often underutilized due to the limited job opportunities that require them.Moy sees the potential to integrate AI into the community in specific careers and fields."Because we're located in northwest Kansas, Fort Hays is well positioned to bridge AI and agriculture, AI in nursing and AI in education," she said.FHSU is leading the way in AI compared to other Kansas institutions, such as the University of Kansas and Kansas State University, FHSU President Tisa Mason said."We're really excited to be on the forefront of AI," Mason said. "I use AI a lot in my role as president."Feldstein and Moy said there is a time and place to use generative AI as it may not be beneficial to include AI-based activities in every classroom.Their goal is not simply to promote AI but to increase awareness of the proper and ethical uses of generative AI in the classroom, research and in general.In the spring 2024 semester, the AI Task Force organized a seminar for teachers and staff on AI.The sessions covered topics such as Philosophy for AI, creating custom textbooks, AI in research methodologies, AI applications for image enhancement and creation, and comparing different generative AI platforms.On March 18, the Generative AI Task Force will host an AI fair at the Memorial Union, which will be open to the Hays community.The event will feature AI workshops and exhibits, including voice modulation, prompting challenges and demonstrations of general AI tools."We've always had a spirit of innovation, and we are thrilled with the leadership [of Teaching Innovation and Learning Technologies staff]," Mason said.The Generative AI Task Force is looking for new students to join its team. More information is available on its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/ai/ai-certificates-and-microcredentials">website</a>.

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