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.

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>.

<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>.

FHSU offers student resources on artificial intelligence

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school board voted to table a motion to accept the maximum guaranteed price for renovations and additions to O'Loughlin Elementary School at its meeting on Monday.

Nabholz Construction has bid the project, and the board was set to approve the maximum price of $14.49 million at Monday's meeting. The bids came in about $172,000 under budget.

The O'Loughlin project is the last major renovation project to be paid for through a $143 million bond issue.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6ad3de3f-ac12-4721-b09f-f8c2367b44a3">The designs for the O'Loughlin project were approved at a prior meeting.</a>

Nabholz said 31 percent of the bids came from local contractors, which they said was very good for a project like this.

The current Hays High School is set to be remodeled into a middle school, and the current middle school is set to be remodeled into an elementary school.

Board member Derek Yarmer said he did not want to approve the O'Loughlin project until he had the prices for the Hays Middle and Hays High remodeling projects.

"We're putting money in here without knowing what is needed for the rest of the bond. There's been no talk or deciding what needs to be done at the other buildings, so we don't run out of money for those," he said.

The district has budgeted $3.6 million for the renovation of the current Hays High School building into a middle school. The budget has an additional $4.5 million in unallocated funds. Superintendent Ron Wilson estimated that work at the current middle school will cost less than $2 million.

As part of the bond projects, a new high school is being built, and Roosevelt Elementary School is being expanded and remodeled. The high school is on budget, and Roosevelt is on budget with the exception of a previously approved change order.

Wilson said both the current Hays High School and Hays Middle School&nbsp;buildings will only need light renovations-paint, carpet and moving a wall or two.

Both schools are more than large enough to accommodate the number of students who will be using those schools, he said.

The greatest expense will be the addition of bathrooms for the kindergarten rooms in the current middle school, he said.&nbsp;

The Nabholz representatives said they could not have the exact costs of the renovations until the district's architects drew the plans and the contracts were bid.

Wilson said, "We could actually tomorrow move kids across the street from Wilson to Felten and hold school there other than except for a couple of classrooms for kindergarten classrooms."

Yarmer said, based on the cost of some of the other projects, he thought the district would be short on funds to cover the rest of the renovations.

Wilson said the district is not building new structures or adding space at the new middle or elementary school sites.

Yarmer questioned the plumbing at the current Hays High School.

"I think we should have an idea of what all we should be doing before we approve this," he said.

Board member Ruth Ruder asked if the sale of Lincoln Elementary School and Rockwell Administration Center could be used to pay for bond projects.

Board member Jayme Goetz said she would at least like to know the cost of adding the bathrooms at the new elementary school before voting on the O'Loughlin project.

Board members Yarmer, Curt Vajnar, Ruder, Goetz and Allen Park voted to table the O'Loughlin project until the next school board meeting so more information could be presented on the cost of the remaining bond work.

Board members Ken Brooks and Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp voted against the motion to table. They both expressed a desire to approve the project's cost Monday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726001868374.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board voted to table a motion to accept the maximum guaranteed price for renovations and additions to O'Loughlin Elementary School at its meeting on Monday.Nabholz Construction has bid the project, and the board was set to approve the maximum price of $14.49 million at Monday's meeting. The bids came in about $172,000 under budget.The O'Loughlin project is the last major renovation project to be paid for through a $143 million bond issue.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6ad3de3f-ac12-4721-b09f-f8c2367b44a3">The designs for the O'Loughlin project were approved at a prior meeting.</a>Nabholz said 31 percent of the bids came from local contractors, which they said was very good for a project like this.The current Hays High School is set to be remodeled into a middle school, and the current middle school is set to be remodeled into an elementary school.Board member Derek Yarmer said he did not want to approve the O'Loughlin project until he had the prices for the Hays Middle and Hays High remodeling projects."We're putting money in here without knowing what is needed for the rest of the bond. There's been no talk or deciding what needs to be done at the other buildings, so we don't run out of money for those," he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725997670101.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The district has budgeted $3.6 million for the renovation of the current Hays High School building into a middle school. The budget has an additional $4.5 million in unallocated funds. Superintendent Ron Wilson estimated that work at the current middle school will cost less than $2 million.As part of the bond projects, a new high school is being built, and Roosevelt Elementary School is being expanded and remodeled. The high school is on budget, and Roosevelt is on budget with the exception of a previously approved change order.Wilson said both the current Hays High School and Hays Middle School&nbsp;buildings will only need light renovations-paint, carpet and moving a wall or two.Both schools are more than large enough to accommodate the number of students who will be using those schools, he said.The greatest expense will be the addition of bathrooms for the kindergarten rooms in the current middle school, he said.&nbsp;The Nabholz representatives said they could not have the exact costs of the renovations until the district's architects drew the plans and the contracts were bid.Wilson said, "We could actually tomorrow move kids across the street from Wilson to Felten and hold school there other than except for a couple of classrooms for kindergarten classrooms."Yarmer said, based on the cost of some of the other projects, he thought the district would be short on funds to cover the rest of the renovations.Wilson said the district is not building new structures or adding space at the new middle or elementary school sites.Yarmer questioned the plumbing at the current Hays High School."I think we should have an idea of what all we should be doing before we approve this," he said.Board member Ruth Ruder asked if the sale of Lincoln Elementary School and Rockwell Administration Center could be used to pay for bond projects.Wilson said yes.Board member Jayme Goetz said she would at least like to know the cost of adding the bathrooms at the new elementary school before voting on the O'Loughlin project.Board members Yarmer, Curt Vajnar, Ruder, Goetz and Allen Park voted to table the O'Loughlin project until the next school board meeting so more information could be presented on the cost of the remaining bond work.Board members Ken Brooks and Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp voted against the motion to table. They both expressed a desire to approve the project's cost Monday night.

Hays USD 489 board scrutinizes bond budget

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

As part of the governing body reorganization, a new mayor and vice mayor will be elected for Hays at Thursday's city commission meeting.

Shaun Musil currently serves as mayor, while Sandy Jacobs is the vice mayor.&nbsp;

Three public hearings will be conducted, including two regarding the 2025 budget.

A public hearing will be conducted, followed by a resolution to exceed the revenue-neutral rate of 24.116 mills in its property tax levy for the tax year of 2024. The mill levy for 2025 is 25 mills.

The budget public hearing will then be conducted, followed by its approval.

The Kansas Legislature enacted a statute requiring any local taxing body to inform the public if the taxes it collects increase. This requires taxing bodies to conduct a "revenue-neutral hearing" if the tax collected will increase.

The third public hearing is for the establishment of a reinvestment housing incentive district for The Grove housing development north of HaysMed.

An ordinance establishing the district and adopting a development plan will follow.

A memorandum of understanding will be presented between the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the city for the award of a technical assistance grant in applying for federal financial assistance for the R9 long-term water supply project for Hays and Russell.

Hays was the only city in Kansas to receive the FEMA technical grant.

Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler will review three changes to the 2024 Uniform Public Offense Code and Standard Traffic Ordinance for Kansas cities. Changes in state statute prompted all three changes.

Changes to the Uniform Public Offense Code:

Disorderly Conduct&nbsp;—&nbsp;The portion that made engaging in noisy conduct tending reasonably to arouse alarm, anger or resentment in others a violation of the law has been removed. The Kansas Supreme Court recently ruled this portion of the section was unconstitutional.&nbsp;

Possession of Marijuana, Drug Paraphernalia, Controlled Substances —&nbsp;Amended to give people immunity from prosecution for simple possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia when rendering aid to an overdose victim.

Changes to the Standard Traffic Ordinance:

&nbsp;Failure to Comply with Traffic Citation&nbsp;—&nbsp;Changes are designed to reduce suspensions of driving privileges and allow people to have a restricted license. The new law also limits license reinstatement surcharge to a single fee of $100 and increases the number of non-driving violations for which a license may be suspended or restricted.&nbsp;

The complete Sept. 12, 2024 agenda is available <a href="https://haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09122024-1501">here</a>.&nbsp;

The meeting starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715352182108.jpeg" alt="Hays city commission with City Manager Toby Dougherty at left. File photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays city commission with City Manager Toby Dougherty at left. File photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostAs part of the governing body reorganization, a new mayor and vice mayor will be elected for Hays at Thursday's city commission meeting.Shaun Musil currently serves as mayor, while Sandy Jacobs is the vice mayor.&nbsp;Three public hearings will be conducted, including two regarding the 2025 budget.A public hearing will be conducted, followed by a resolution to exceed the revenue-neutral rate of 24.116 mills in its property tax levy for the tax year of 2024. The mill levy for 2025 is 25 mills.The budget public hearing will then be conducted, followed by its approval.The proposed 2025 budget is $55,490,518.The Kansas Legislature enacted a statute requiring any local taxing body to inform the public if the taxes it collects increase. This requires taxing bodies to conduct a "revenue-neutral hearing" if the tax collected will increase.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725635074107.png" alt="The Grove reinvestment housing incentive district. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>The Grove reinvestment housing incentive district. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>The third public hearing is for the establishment of a reinvestment housing incentive district for The Grove housing development north of HaysMed.An ordinance establishing the district and adopting a development plan will follow.A memorandum of understanding will be presented between the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the city for the award of a technical assistance grant in applying for federal financial assistance for the R9 long-term water supply project for Hays and Russell.Hays was the only city in Kansas to receive the FEMA technical grant.Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler will review three changes to the 2024 Uniform Public Offense Code and Standard Traffic Ordinance for Kansas cities. Changes in state statute prompted all three changes.Changes to the Uniform Public Offense Code:Disorderly Conduct&nbsp;—&nbsp;The portion that made engaging in noisy conduct tending reasonably to arouse alarm, anger or resentment in others a violation of the law has been removed. The Kansas Supreme Court recently ruled this portion of the section was unconstitutional.&nbsp;Possession of Marijuana, Drug Paraphernalia, Controlled Substances —&nbsp;Amended to give people immunity from prosecution for simple possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia when rendering aid to an overdose victim.Changes to the Standard Traffic Ordinance:&nbsp;Failure to Comply with Traffic Citation&nbsp;—&nbsp;Changes are designed to reduce suspensions of driving privileges and allow people to have a restricted license. The new law also limits license reinstatement surcharge to a single fee of $100 and increases the number of non-driving violations for which a license may be suspended or restricted.&nbsp;The complete Sept. 12, 2024 agenda is available <a href="https://haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09122024-1501">here</a>.&nbsp;The meeting starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

Hays sets 2025 budget hearing for Thursday

HAYS - The TMP-Marian volleyball team swept Plainville 25-7, 25-9, 25-14 in their homer opener Tuesday at Al Billinger Fieldhouse.

The Monarchs snap a five-match losing streak and improve to 4-7 on the season.

Hays PostHAYS - The TMP-Marian volleyball team swept Plainville 25-7, 25-9, 25-14 in their homer opener Tuesday at Al Billinger Fieldhouse.The Monarchs snap a five-match losing streak and improve to 4-7 on the season.

🏐 Monarchs sweep Plainville in home opener

LINDSBORG -&nbsp; In their first action since hosting their own Maroon and Gold Invitational at the end of August, the Hays High volleyball team went 1-1 at a triangular hosted by Smoky Valley high school Tuesday.

The Indians lost their opener to the host Vikings 25-20, 13-25, 25-27 then came back to beat Nickerson 25-22, 25-13.

The Indians are now 4-3 on the season. They travel to Dodge City to begin WAC play Thursday.

Hays PostLINDSBORG -&nbsp; In their first action since hosting their own Maroon and Gold Invitational at the end of August, the Hays High volleyball team went 1-1 at a triangular hosted by Smoky Valley high school Tuesday.The Indians lost their opener to the host Vikings 25-20, 13-25, 25-27 then came back to beat Nickerson 25-22, 25-13.The Indians are now 4-3 on the season. They travel to Dodge City to begin WAC play Thursday.

🏐 HHS goes 1-1 at Smoky Valley triangular

Fort Hays State Tiger football coach Chris Brown, tight end Cale Cormaney and safety Sam Brandt spoke to the media Tuesday before the Tigers travel to Northwest Missouri State on Saturday.

Hays PostFort Hays State Tiger football coach Chris Brown, tight end Cale Cormaney and safety Sam Brandt spoke to the media Tuesday before the Tigers travel to Northwest Missouri State on Saturday.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/v6qAFcVXxes?si=1yI-6o8c4f7Niuy6" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bU-5lMikjv4?si=G4oLHnwvTMaBh2b7" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9TLrDCMm1gs?si=Bq4QIgOyaBySrBj4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🏈📹 FHSU weekly press conference 

SALINA -&nbsp; The Hays High girls golf team shot a 425 and finished seventh at Salina Central Invitational Tuesday at the Salina Municipal Golf Course.


Kinley Pfannenstiel shot a 96 and and led the Indians with a 25th place finish. Liz Cunningham shot a 99 and placed 26th.

Manhattan won the team title with a 301. Bishop Carroll placed second with a 342.

Newton's Naomi Koontz was the top individual with a 5-under par 65.

Hays PostSALINA -&nbsp; The Hays High girls golf team shot a 425 and finished seventh at Salina Central Invitational Tuesday at the Salina Municipal Golf Course.
Kinley Pfannenstiel shot a 96 and and led the Indians with a 25th place finish. Liz Cunningham shot a 99 and placed 26th.Manhattan won the team title with a 301. Bishop Carroll placed second with a 342.Newton's Naomi Koontz was the top individual with a 5-under par 65.

⛳ HHS girls' seventh in Salina

WARRENSBURG, Mo. - The Fort Hays State men's golf team secured a seventh-place finish at The Mule, hosted at Mules National Golf Club in Warrensburg, Mo. The par-70 course saw standout performances from several Tigers, led by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/cooper-scheck/8548">Cooper Scheck</a>, who delivered an impressive third-place individual finish.

Scheck concluded the tournament 4-under par, shooting a total of 206 across three rounds (74, 67, 65). His stellar performance in the final two rounds, going 8-under par, included a remarkable 65 in the third round, the lowest individual round for a Fort Hays State golfer since at least 2010. Scheck's 65 also tied for the second-lowest round of the tournament. He finished third overall among MIAA opponents, earning 13 individual conference points.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/cole-streck/8549">Cole Streck</a>&nbsp;also had a solid showing, tying for 22nd place overall. Streck posted his best round of the tournament in round one with a 71, securing a tie for 13th among MIAA competitors and receiving two individual conference points.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/jacob-george/8545">Jacob George</a>&nbsp;tied for 33rd place, shooting rounds of 72, 78, and an even-par 70 to close out the tournament.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/jackson-rader/8547">Jackson Rader</a>&nbsp;finished in a tie for 85th with rounds of 78, 80, and 74.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/ashton-dowell/8544">Ashton Dowell</a>&nbsp;found his best form in the third round, finishing 6-over par and recording two birdies in the round.

The Tigers made history with their final round at Mules National Golf Club, posting a 2-over par, marking the lowest round ever recorded by the program at this course. Their performance in the final round was tied for the fourth-best round of the week in the field, and the team finished fourth out of 11 teams in the conference standings. This marks Fort Hays State's best conference finish at an MIAA event since tying for fourth at the 2013 UCM Heart of America Invitational.

Central Oklahoma claimed the team title, finishing as the only team to post a sub-par score for the tournament. UCO ended one stroke under par, defeating second-place Central Missouri (A) by 14 strokes. The Bronchos shot a 277 in the third round, tying for the best round of the tournament. UCO had three players finish in the top 10 individually, including the top two overall finishers.

Nicholas Canales from UCO won the individual title, finishing 6-under par, with an impressive 7-under par final round. His teammate Jordan Wilson finished second, holding the best score in the first two rounds.

The Tigers will return to action next Monday and Tuesday, September 16-17, when they travel to Tahlequah, Okla., for the NSU Men's Golf Classic.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726049246844.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Seth Kincaid" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Seth Kincaid</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsWARRENSBURG, Mo. - The Fort Hays State men's golf team secured a seventh-place finish at The Mule, hosted at Mules National Golf Club in Warrensburg, Mo. The par-70 course saw standout performances from several Tigers, led by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/cooper-scheck/8548">Cooper Scheck</a>, who delivered an impressive third-place individual finish.Scheck concluded the tournament 4-under par, shooting a total of 206 across three rounds (74, 67, 65). His stellar performance in the final two rounds, going 8-under par, included a remarkable 65 in the third round, the lowest individual round for a Fort Hays State golfer since at least 2010. Scheck's 65 also tied for the second-lowest round of the tournament. He finished third overall among MIAA opponents, earning 13 individual conference points.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/cole-streck/8549">Cole Streck</a>&nbsp;also had a solid showing, tying for 22nd place overall. Streck posted his best round of the tournament in round one with a 71, securing a tie for 13th among MIAA competitors and receiving two individual conference points.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/jacob-george/8545">Jacob George</a>&nbsp;tied for 33rd place, shooting rounds of 72, 78, and an even-par 70 to close out the tournament.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/jackson-rader/8547">Jackson Rader</a>&nbsp;finished in a tie for 85th with rounds of 78, 80, and 74.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/ashton-dowell/8544">Ashton Dowell</a>&nbsp;found his best form in the third round, finishing 6-over par and recording two birdies in the round.The Tigers made history with their final round at Mules National Golf Club, posting a 2-over par, marking the lowest round ever recorded by the program at this course. Their performance in the final round was tied for the fourth-best round of the week in the field, and the team finished fourth out of 11 teams in the conference standings. This marks Fort Hays State's best conference finish at an MIAA event since tying for fourth at the 2013 UCM Heart of America Invitational.Central Oklahoma claimed the team title, finishing as the only team to post a sub-par score for the tournament. UCO ended one stroke under par, defeating second-place Central Missouri (A) by 14 strokes. The Bronchos shot a 277 in the third round, tying for the best round of the tournament. UCO had three players finish in the top 10 individually, including the top two overall finishers.Nicholas Canales from UCO won the individual title, finishing 6-under par, with an impressive 7-under par final round. His teammate Jordan Wilson finished second, holding the best score in the first two rounds.UP NEXTThe Tigers will return to action next Monday and Tuesday, September 16-17, when they travel to Tahlequah, Okla., for the NSU Men's Golf Classic.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⛳ FHSU men seventh in Warrensburg, Scheck finishes third

A man arrested in Hays on Aug. 25 on a charge of rape and kidnapping was released on bond with an ankle monitor.

According to court records, 20-year-old Tucker James Eisenhauer was arrested and booked into the Ellis County Jail on charges of alleged rape, kidnapping, aggravated burglary and criminal deprivation of property.

According to court records,&nbsp;Eisenhauer was a Manhattan Area Technical College student.

The incident on Aug. 25 allegedly involved Eisenhauer forcing the victim into his truck, locking the doors and driving away to prevent escape, according to court records. The victim has since obtained a restraining order against Eisenhauer.

Eisenhauer was released on bond by the Ellis County District Court and placed under house arrest in Pratt County after the bond was reduced from $250,000 to $25,000.

According to court records, he is being supervised by his parents and the Pratt County Court Services Office through electronic monitoring.

Eisenhauer's next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 8.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726060645545.png" alt="Eisenhauer photo Ellis Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Eisenhauer photo Ellis Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostA man arrested in Hays on Aug. 25 on a charge of rape and kidnapping was released on bond with an ankle monitor.According to court records, 20-year-old Tucker James Eisenhauer was arrested and booked into the Ellis County Jail on charges of alleged rape, kidnapping, aggravated burglary and criminal deprivation of property.According to court records,&nbsp;Eisenhauer was a Manhattan Area Technical College student.The incident on Aug. 25 allegedly involved Eisenhauer forcing the victim into his truck, locking the doors and driving away to prevent escape, according to court records. The victim has since obtained a restraining order against Eisenhauer.Eisenhauer was released on bond by the Ellis County District Court and placed under house arrest in Pratt County after the bond was reduced from $250,000 to $25,000.According to court records, he is being supervised by his parents and the Pratt County Court Services Office through electronic monitoring.Eisenhauer's next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 8.

Man arrested in Hays on charges of rape, kidnapping out on bond

SALINA - The Hays High boys soccer team defeated Topeka High 2-0 Tuesday in their opening match at the Salina South Invitational.

The Indians will play Emporia in the semifinals Thursday at 5 p.m. The Spartans shutout Salina Central 8-0

Hays PostSALINA - The Hays High boys soccer team defeated Topeka High 2-0 Tuesday in their opening match at the Salina South Invitational.The Indians will play Emporia in the semifinals Thursday at 5 p.m. The Spartans shutout Salina Central 8-0

⚽ HHS boys win Salina Invitational opener

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – After a 2-0 start to the season, Fort Hays State Men's Soccer moved into the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 on Tuesday. The Tigers are ranked No. 22 in the first regular season poll of the season.

This is the first appearance in the Top 25 for the Tigers since the 2022 season, when they held a No. 16 ranking on October 11, 2022. The Tigers were receiving votes in the preseason national poll before jumping into the Top 25 after a week of play.

This Thursday in Kansas City the Tigers will face Maryville University in a neutral site match. Maryville was in the Preseason Top 25 at No. 12, but fell out of the poll this week after going 0-1-1 in the first week of the season. Maryville reached the national quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament last year.

Southern Nazarene (No. 14) and FHSU (No. 22) represent the GAC in this week's Top 25. Rogers State is among the teams receiving votes.

United Soccer Coaches Top 25 for September 10, 2024. Rank - School - Prev - W-L-T 1 - Franklin Pierce - 1 - 2-0-0 2 - Colorado State-Pueblo - 2 - 2-0-0 3 - California State-Los Angeles - 5 - 1-0-0 4 - Lynn - 19 - 2-0-0 5 - Wingate - 20 - 2-0-0 6 - Auburn Montgomery - NR - 2-0-0 7 - Midwestern State - 8 - 1-0-1 8 - Purdue Northwest - NR - 2-0-0 9 - Point Loma Nazarene - RV - 1-0-1 10 - Coker - NR - 2-0-0 11 - Tiffin - 22 - 1-0-1 12 - California State-San Bernardino - NR - 1-0-1 13 - Mississippi College - RV - 2-0-0 14 - Southern Nazarene 23 - 1-1-0 15 - Fort Lewis College - 21 - 1-0-1 16 - Assumption - NR - 2-0-0 17 - McKendree - 24 - 2-0-0 18 - Florida Tech - 3 - 1-1-0 19 - University of Charleston - 9 - 1-0-1 20 - Lincoln Memorial - RV - 2-0-0 21 - Cal Poly Pomona - 10 - 2-1-0 22 - Fort Hays State - RV - 2-0-0 23 - Post - 14 - 1-0-1 24 - UC-Colorado Springs - NR - 1-0-1 25 - Lewis 4 - 0-1-1

Receiving Votes: West Chester, Saginaw Valley State, Limestone, Rogers State, Adelphi, Young Harris College, West Alabama, Hawai'i-Hilo, Gannon, Millersville.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725998247577.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – After a 2-0 start to the season, Fort Hays State Men's Soccer moved into the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 on Tuesday. The Tigers are ranked No. 22 in the first regular season poll of the season.This is the first appearance in the Top 25 for the Tigers since the 2022 season, when they held a No. 16 ranking on October 11, 2022. The Tigers were receiving votes in the preseason national poll before jumping into the Top 25 after a week of play.This Thursday in Kansas City the Tigers will face Maryville University in a neutral site match. Maryville was in the Preseason Top 25 at No. 12, but fell out of the poll this week after going 0-1-1 in the first week of the season. Maryville reached the national quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament last year.Southern Nazarene (No. 14) and FHSU (No. 22) represent the GAC in this week's Top 25. Rogers State is among the teams receiving votes.United Soccer Coaches Top 25 for September 10, 2024. Rank - School - Prev - W-L-T 1 - Franklin Pierce - 1 - 2-0-0 2 - Colorado State-Pueblo - 2 - 2-0-0 3 - California State-Los Angeles - 5 - 1-0-0 4 - Lynn - 19 - 2-0-0 5 - Wingate - 20 - 2-0-0 6 - Auburn Montgomery - NR - 2-0-0 7 - Midwestern State - 8 - 1-0-1 8 - Purdue Northwest - NR - 2-0-0 9 - Point Loma Nazarene - RV - 1-0-1 10 - Coker - NR - 2-0-0 11 - Tiffin - 22 - 1-0-1 12 - California State-San Bernardino - NR - 1-0-1 13 - Mississippi College - RV - 2-0-0 14 - Southern Nazarene 23 - 1-1-0 15 - Fort Lewis College - 21 - 1-0-1 16 - Assumption - NR - 2-0-0 17 - McKendree - 24 - 2-0-0 18 - Florida Tech - 3 - 1-1-0 19 - University of Charleston - 9 - 1-0-1 20 - Lincoln Memorial - RV - 2-0-0 21 - Cal Poly Pomona - 10 - 2-1-0 22 - Fort Hays State - RV - 2-0-0 23 - Post - 14 - 1-0-1 24 - UC-Colorado Springs - NR - 1-0-1 25 - Lewis 4 - 0-1-1Receiving Votes: West Chester, Saginaw Valley State, Limestone, Rogers State, Adelphi, Young Harris College, West Alabama, Hawai'i-Hilo, Gannon, Millersville.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚽ FHSU men jump into United Soccer Coaches Top 25

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22SUMMER%20BALLENTINE%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By SUMMER BALLENTINE Associated Press</a>

KANSAS&nbsp; CITY, Mo. (AP) —&nbsp; A measure undoing Missouri’s near-total abortion ban will appear on the ballot in November, the state’s high court ruled Tuesday, marking the latest victory in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/abortion">a nationwide fight</a>&nbsp;to have voters weigh in on abortion laws since federal rights to the procedure ended in 2022.

If passed, the proposal would enshrine abortion rights in the constitution and is expected to broadly supplant the state’s near-total abortion ban. Judges ruled hours before the Tuesday deadline for changes to be made to the November ballot.

Supreme Court judges ordered Republican Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft to put the measure back on the ballot. He had removed it Monday following a county circuit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-constitutional-amendment-4f40c97177cdeaea6aec3fca59c2f99e">judge’s ruling Friday</a>.

The order also directs Ashcroft, an abortion opponent, to “take all steps necessary to ensure that it is on said ballot.”

Secretary of State's Office spokesman JoDonn Chaney in an email said the Secretary of State's Office is putting the amendment on the ballot, although Ashcroft in a statement said he's “disappointed” with the ruling.

The court's full opinion on the case was not immediately released Tuesday.

Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, the campaign backing the measure, lauded the decision.

“Missourians overwhelmingly support reproductive rights, including access to abortion, birth control, and miscarriage care,” campaign manager Rachel Sweet said in a statement. “Now, they will have the chance to enshrine these protections in the Missouri Constitution on November 5.”

Mary Catherine Martin, a lawyer for a group of GOP lawmakers and abortion opponents suing to remove the amendment, had told Supreme Court judges during rushed Tuesday arguments that the initiative petition “misled voters” by not listing all the laws restricting abortion that it would effectively repeal.

“This Missouri Supreme Court turned a blind eye and ruled Missourians don’t have to be fully informed about the laws their votes may overturn before signing initiative petitions,” the plaintiffs said in a statement after the decision.

Missouri banned almost all abortions immediately after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.

Eight other states will consider constitutional amendments&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-election-2024-roe-ballot-4403190b898e501b0834053c3417d072">enshrining abortion rights</a>, including Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada and South Dakota. Most would guarantee a right to abortion until fetal viability and allow it later for the health of the pregnant woman, which is what the Missouri proposal would do.

New York also has a ballot measure that proponents say would protect abortion rights, though there’s a dispute about its impact.

Voting on the polarizing issue could draw more people to the polls, potentially impacting results for the presidency in swing states, control of Congress and the outcomes for closely contested state offices. Missouri Democrats, for instance, hope to get a boost from abortion-rights supporters during the November election.

Legal fights have sprung up across the country over whether to allow voters to decide these questions — and over the exact wording used on the ballots and explanatory material. In August, Arkansas’ highest court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ballot-arkansas-supreme-court-48c208d49d82b467fbcc4b9c2724617a">upheld a decision</a>&nbsp;to keep an abortion rights initiative off the state’s November ballot, agreeing with election officials that the group behind the measure did not properly submit documentation regarding the signature gatherers it hired.

Voters in all seven states that have had abortion questions on their ballots since Roe was overturned have sided with abortion-rights supporters.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725997401102.png" alt=" The Missouri Supreme Court takes the bench on Tuesday in Jefferson City to hear a case questioning whether an amendment to overturn the state’s abortion ban will remain on the state’s November ballot. From left are Judges Kelly C. Broniec, Robin Ransom, W. Brent Powell, Chief Justice Mary R. Russell, Zel. M. Fischer, Paul C. Wilson and Ginger K. Gooch (Pool photo by Robert Cohen/St. Louis Post-Dispatch)." />
 <figcaption> The Missouri Supreme Court takes the bench on Tuesday in Jefferson City to hear a case questioning whether an amendment to overturn the state’s abortion ban will remain on the state’s November ballot. From left are Judges Kelly C. Broniec, Robin Ransom, W. Brent Powell, Chief Justice Mary R. Russell, Zel. M. Fischer, Paul C. Wilson and Ginger K. Gooch (Pool photo by Robert Cohen/St. Louis Post-Dispatch).</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22SUMMER%20BALLENTINE%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By SUMMER BALLENTINE Associated Press</a>KANSAS&nbsp; CITY, Mo. (AP) —&nbsp; A measure undoing Missouri’s near-total abortion ban will appear on the ballot in November, the state’s high court ruled Tuesday, marking the latest victory in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/abortion">a nationwide fight</a>&nbsp;to have voters weigh in on abortion laws since federal rights to the procedure ended in 2022.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725989310270.png" alt=" Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, anti-abortion activist Kathy Forck, Thomas More Society attorney Mary Catherine Martin and state Rep. Hannah Kelly stand on the steps of the Missouri Supreme Court following oral arguments in a case involving the abortion-rights amendment on Tuesday photo by Anna Spoerre" />
 <figcaption> Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, anti-abortion activist Kathy Forck, Thomas More Society attorney Mary Catherine Martin and state Rep. Hannah Kelly stand on the steps of the Missouri Supreme Court following oral arguments in a case involving the abortion-rights amendment on Tuesday photo by Anna Spoerre</figcaption>
 </figure>If passed, the proposal would enshrine abortion rights in the constitution and is expected to broadly supplant the state’s near-total abortion ban. Judges ruled hours before the Tuesday deadline for changes to be made to the November ballot.Supreme Court judges ordered Republican Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft to put the measure back on the ballot. He had removed it Monday following a county circuit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-constitutional-amendment-4f40c97177cdeaea6aec3fca59c2f99e">judge’s ruling Friday</a>.The order also directs Ashcroft, an abortion opponent, to “take all steps necessary to ensure that it is on said ballot.”Secretary of State's Office spokesman JoDonn Chaney in an email said the Secretary of State's Office is putting the amendment on the ballot, although Ashcroft in a statement said he's “disappointed” with the ruling.The court's full opinion on the case was not immediately released Tuesday.Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, the campaign backing the measure, lauded the decision.“Missourians overwhelmingly support reproductive rights, including access to abortion, birth control, and miscarriage care,” campaign manager Rachel Sweet said in a statement. “Now, they will have the chance to enshrine these protections in the Missouri Constitution on November 5.”Mary Catherine Martin, a lawyer for a group of GOP lawmakers and abortion opponents suing to remove the amendment, had told Supreme Court judges during rushed Tuesday arguments that the initiative petition “misled voters” by not listing all the laws restricting abortion that it would effectively repeal.“This Missouri Supreme Court turned a blind eye and ruled Missourians don’t have to be fully informed about the laws their votes may overturn before signing initiative petitions,” the plaintiffs said in a statement after the decision.Missouri banned almost all abortions immediately after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.Eight other states will consider constitutional amendments&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-election-2024-roe-ballot-4403190b898e501b0834053c3417d072">enshrining abortion rights</a>, including Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada and South Dakota. Most would guarantee a right to abortion until fetal viability and allow it later for the health of the pregnant woman, which is what the Missouri proposal would do.New York also has a ballot measure that proponents say would protect abortion rights, though there’s a dispute about its impact.Voting on the polarizing issue could draw more people to the polls, potentially impacting results for the presidency in swing states, control of Congress and the outcomes for closely contested state offices. Missouri Democrats, for instance, hope to get a boost from abortion-rights supporters during the November election.Legal fights have sprung up across the country over whether to allow voters to decide these questions — and over the exact wording used on the ballots and explanatory material. In August, Arkansas’ highest court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ballot-arkansas-supreme-court-48c208d49d82b467fbcc4b9c2724617a">upheld a decision</a>&nbsp;to keep an abortion rights initiative off the state’s November ballot, agreeing with election officials that the group behind the measure did not properly submit documentation regarding the signature gatherers it hired.Voters in all seven states that have had abortion questions on their ballots since Roe was overturned have sided with abortion-rights supporters.

 Court rules abortion-rights measure will be on Missouri's Nov. ballot

&nbsp;2024 HOMECOMING WEEK ACTIVITIES THEME: WE GOT GAME&nbsp;

Seniors-Monopoly Juniors- Candy Land&nbsp;

Sophomores-Hungry Hippos Freshmen-Rock ‘em Sock ‘em&nbsp;

MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 16TH - 20TH)&nbsp;

Monday: Candy Land (Sweet Dreams)- Pajama Day&nbsp;

Tuesday: Battleship vs. Monopoly Millionaire- Camo vs. Preppy&nbsp;

Wednesday: Scrabble- Anything but a backpack&nbsp;

Seniors- Blue, Juniors- Green, Sophomores- Pink, Freshmen- Purple, JH – Yellow, Faculty - Red Friday: Sorry (not sorry)- Orange and Black Spirit Day&nbsp;

THURSDAY, SEPETEMBER 19TH&nbsp;

At approximately 8:00 PM, students meet at the basketball courts to walk to bonfire.&nbsp;

Bonfire will take place at approximately 8:30 PM at the North Campus Parking Lot (Old High School).&nbsp;

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20TH 10:30–11:30 AM&nbsp;

On Friday morning, the plan is to split each class in half for two different activities.&nbsp;

Group 1 will play dodgeball/kickball and switch after 15 minutes of each to take up 30 minutes.&nbsp;

Group 2 will be doing different scavenger hunts.&nbsp;

The groups will switch so everyone gets to do every activity.&nbsp;

11:30 AM–12:00 PM-STUCO BBQ @ EHS&nbsp;

12:00–1:30 PM-Powder puff @ FB Field&nbsp;

1:30–2:30 PM-Parade Line-up @ North Campus (Old High School) parking lot&nbsp;

2:30–3:15 PM-Parade and Pep Rally&nbsp;

Parade will leave the North Campus (Old High School), going East on 10th Street to the stop lights.&nbsp;

They will turn North on Washington St., by Equity Bank.&nbsp;

They will continue North on Washington to the Bukovina Society and turn West on 8th Street.&nbsp;

They will then go West on 8th Street to Jefferson Street and turn South, by the Ellis Post Office.&nbsp;

They will then head South on Jefferson Street turning East on 9th Street. Parade will end.&nbsp;

Pep Rally: Memorial Park @ Jefferson and 9th Street&nbsp;

5:30-7:00 PM–Homecoming BBQ, sponsored by Booster Club

7:00-9:40 PM-Football Game (Ellis vs. Hoxie)&nbsp;

10:00 PM-12:00 AM (time will vary depending on game conclusion)-Homecoming Dance&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725987325317.jpeg" alt="2024 Ellis High School Homecoming Royalty&nbsp;(Back Row L to R): Chance Jimenez, son of Javi and Jessica Jimenez; Kamden Keller, son of Todd and Amy Keller; Toby Honas, son of Randy and Wendy Honas.&nbsp;(Front Row L to R): Brooke Starns, daughter of Eric and Libby Starns; Isabella Eck, daughter of Mark and Sarah Eck; Natalee North, daughter of Travis and Ava North." />
 <figcaption>2024 Ellis High School Homecoming Royalty&nbsp;(Back Row L to R): Chance Jimenez, son of Javi and Jessica Jimenez; Kamden Keller, son of Todd and Amy Keller; Toby Honas, son of Randy and Wendy Honas.&nbsp;(Front Row L to R): Brooke Starns, daughter of Eric and Libby Starns; Isabella Eck, daughter of Mark and Sarah Eck; Natalee North, daughter of Travis and Ava North.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;2024 HOMECOMING WEEK ACTIVITIES THEME: WE GOT GAME&nbsp;Class Float Themes: Games&nbsp;Seniors-Monopoly Juniors- Candy Land&nbsp;Sophomores-Hungry Hippos Freshmen-Rock ‘em Sock ‘em&nbsp;MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 16TH - 20TH)&nbsp;Monday: Candy Land (Sweet Dreams)- Pajama Day&nbsp;Tuesday: Battleship vs. Monopoly Millionaire- Camo vs. Preppy&nbsp;Wednesday: Scrabble- Anything but a backpack&nbsp;Thursday: Class Color Day&nbsp;Seniors- Blue, Juniors- Green, Sophomores- Pink, Freshmen- Purple, JH – Yellow, Faculty - Red Friday: Sorry (not sorry)- Orange and Black Spirit Day&nbsp;THURSDAY, SEPETEMBER 19TH&nbsp;Bonfire&nbsp;At approximately 8:00 PM, students meet at the basketball courts to walk to bonfire.&nbsp;Bonfire will take place at approximately 8:30 PM at the North Campus Parking Lot (Old High School).&nbsp;FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20TH 10:30–11:30 AM&nbsp;On Friday morning, the plan is to split each class in half for two different activities.&nbsp;Group 1 will play dodgeball/kickball and switch after 15 minutes of each to take up 30 minutes.&nbsp;Group 2 will be doing different scavenger hunts.&nbsp;The groups will switch so everyone gets to do every activity.&nbsp;11:30 AM–12:00 PM-STUCO BBQ @ EHS&nbsp;12:00–1:30 PM-Powder puff @ FB Field&nbsp;SR v. JR and SO v. FR&nbsp;Staff vs. Students Volleyball&nbsp;Dismiss EHS students @ 1:30 PM&nbsp;1:30–2:30 PM-Parade Line-up @ North Campus (Old High School) parking lot&nbsp;2:30–3:15 PM-Parade and Pep Rally&nbsp;Parade Route:&nbsp;Parade will leave the North Campus (Old High School), going East on 10th Street to the stop lights.&nbsp;They will turn North on Washington St., by Equity Bank.&nbsp;They will continue North on Washington to the Bukovina Society and turn West on 8th Street.&nbsp;They will then go West on 8th Street to Jefferson Street and turn South, by the Ellis Post Office.&nbsp;They will then head South on Jefferson Street turning East on 9th Street. Parade will end.&nbsp;Pep Rally: Memorial Park @ Jefferson and 9th Street&nbsp;5:30-7:00 PM–Homecoming BBQ, sponsored by Booster Club6:30 PM-Crowning&nbsp;7:00-9:40 PM-Football Game (Ellis vs. Hoxie)&nbsp;10:00 PM-12:00 AM (time will vary depending on game conclusion)-Homecoming Dance&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725987672902.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725987768686.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Ellis High School fall 2024 Homecoming

RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — The Israeli military said Tuesday an American activist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/turkish-american-palestinian-activist-funeral-israel-palestinians-ff3ed17b295793bce4631fdb2a35332c">killed in the West Bank</a>&nbsp;last week was likely shot “indirectly and unintentionally” by soldiers firing upon participants in a demonstration against settlements that turned violent. The acknowledgement drew a strong rebuke from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the activist's family.

Israel expressed its “deepest regret” for the death of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/american-shot-killed-west-bank-israel-palestinians-b2f1c741cea3d56eb1a339240dbf036e">Aysenur Ezgi Eygi,</a>&nbsp;a 26-year-old activist from Seattle who also held Turkish citizenship, and said a criminal investigation has been launched.

Blinken condemned the “unprovoked and unjustified” killing when asked about the Israeli inquiry at a news conference in London. “No one should be shot while attending a protest,” he said. “The Israeli security forces need to make some fundamental changes in the way they operate in the West Bank.”

Eygi's family in the U.S. released a statement saying “we are deeply offended by the suggestion that her killing by a trained sniper was in any way unintentional. The disregard shown for human life in the inquiry is appalling.”

An Israeli protester who witnessed the shooting, Jonathan Pollak, said Eygi was killed about half an hour after clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces had subsided, in an area several hundred meters (yards) from where the demonstration took place. Pollak said he saw two Israeli soldiers mount the roof of a nearby home, train a gun in the group’s direction and fire, with one of the bullets striking Eygi in the head.

Israel said its inquiry into Eygi’s killing “found that it is highly likely that she was hit indirectly and unintentionally by (Israeli army) fire which was not aimed at her, but aimed at the key instigator of the riot.”

RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — The Israeli military said Tuesday an American activist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/turkish-american-palestinian-activist-funeral-israel-palestinians-ff3ed17b295793bce4631fdb2a35332c">killed in the West Bank</a>&nbsp;last week was likely shot “indirectly and unintentionally” by soldiers firing upon participants in a demonstration against settlements that turned violent. The acknowledgement drew a strong rebuke from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the activist's family.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Aysenur Ezgi Eygi should be alive today. Instead, she was shot in the head and killed by the IDF while protesting Israel’s illegal occupation of the West Bank. She was an American citizen. There must be accountability and a thorough, independent investigation. <a href="https://t.co/FQuPq3Sf9R">pic.twitter.com/FQuPq3Sf9R</a>&mdash; Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (@RepPressley) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepPressley/status/1833255569530225068?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Israel expressed its “deepest regret” for the death of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/american-shot-killed-west-bank-israel-palestinians-b2f1c741cea3d56eb1a339240dbf036e">Aysenur Ezgi Eygi,</a>&nbsp;a 26-year-old activist from Seattle who also held Turkish citizenship, and said a criminal investigation has been launched.Blinken condemned the “unprovoked and unjustified” killing when asked about the Israeli inquiry at a news conference in London. “No one should be shot while attending a protest,” he said. “The Israeli security forces need to make some fundamental changes in the way they operate in the West Bank.”Eygi's family in the U.S. released a statement saying “we are deeply offended by the suggestion that her killing by a trained sniper was in any way unintentional. The disregard shown for human life in the inquiry is appalling.”An Israeli protester who witnessed the shooting, Jonathan Pollak, said Eygi was killed about half an hour after clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces had subsided, in an area several hundred meters (yards) from where the demonstration took place. Pollak said he saw two Israeli soldiers mount the roof of a nearby home, train a gun in the group’s direction and fire, with one of the bullets striking Eygi in the head.Israel said its inquiry into Eygi’s killing “found that it is highly likely that she was hit indirectly and unintentionally by (Israeli army) fire which was not aimed at her, but aimed at the key instigator of the riot.”The killing came amid a surge of violence in the West Bank since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;began in October, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-west-bank-jenin-hamas-militants-c1618cc024d8a5269486e266593b5434">increasing Israeli raids</a>, attacks by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-west-bank-raids-bc3383024400ee42518e41f3660acbd4">Palestinian militants</a>&nbsp;on Israelis,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/west-bank-israel-palestinians-settler-violence-ffa6e84c39861c224f685e660c53a82d">attacks by Israeli settlers</a>&nbsp;on Palestinians and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-6-september-2024-29705c9c6cc59054d74b1dbcd29497df">heavier military crackdowns</a>&nbsp;on Palestinian protests.Israel says it thoroughly investigates allegations of its forces killing civilians and holds them accountable. It says soldiers often have to make split-second decisions while operating in areas where militants hide among civilians. But even in the most shocking cases — and those captured on video — soldiers often get relatively light sentences.The Palestinian Authority held a funeral procession for Eygi in the West Bank city of Nablus on Monday. Turkish authorities said they are working on repatriating her body to Turkey for burial in the Aegean coastal town of Didim, as per her family’s wishes.Eygi was a volunteer with the activist group International Solidarity Movement. But Eygi's uncle said in an interview with the Turkish TV channel HaberTurk that she kept her visit to the West Bank secret from at least some of her family members. She said she was traveling to Jordan to help Palestinians there, he said."She hid the fact that she was going to Palestine. She blocked us from her social media posts so that we would not see them,” Yilmaz Eygi said.The deaths of American citizens in the West Bank have drawn international attention, such as the fatal shooting of a prominent Palestinian-American journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh, in 2022 in the Jenin refugee camp.Several independent investigations and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-west-bank-middle-east-israel-8df6c999627efcef2fe0ca2b401e7a2c">reporting by The Associated Press</a>&nbsp;shortly after the killing determined that Abu Akleh was likely killed by Israeli fire. Months later, the military said there was a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-israel-journalists-veterans-al-jazeera-0e33ab0025cf06ee498ab83445e39733">“high probablility”</a>&nbsp;one of its soldiers had mistakenly killed her but that no one would be punished.Earlier in 2022, Israel’s military said it would punish a senior officer and remove two others from their posts over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-israel-2569b996a0d596a5981d09ef811783f4">the death of Omar Assad, 78</a>, a Palestinian-American who was dragged from a car by Israeli troops, bound and blindfolded after being stopped at a checkpoint.The military later said the soldiers believed Assad was asleep when they cut his zip-ties and left him face-down in an abandoned building where he had been detained with three other Palestinians.The deaths of Palestinians who do not have dual nationality rarely receive the same scrutiny.Human rights groups say Israel rarely holds soldiers accountable for killing Palestinians and that any resulting military investigations often reflect a pattern of impunity. B’Tselem, a leading Israeli watchdog, became so frustrated with the system that in 2016 it dismissed the probes as a whitewash and halted its decades-long practice of assisting investigations.Last year, an Israeli court acquitted a member of the paramilitary Border Police who had been charged with reckless manslaughter in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinian-autistic-court-jerusalem-shooting-acquitted-cddd8df0d1f9fd2925a5a3ea011655f4">the deadly shooting of 32-year-old Eyad Hallaq</a>, an autistic Palestinian man in Jerusalem’s Old City in 2020. The case had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-middle-east-shootings-863c927ae5a5e2eae21b1dff3bc36c4b">drawn comparisons to the police killing</a>&nbsp;of George Floyd in the United States.In 2017, Israeli soldier Elor Azaria was convicted for manslaughter and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-90c06663250747a68b6d77e3199d136b">served nine months after he killed a wounded</a>, incapacitated Palestinian attacker in the West Bank city of Hebron. The combat medic was caught on video fatally shooting Abdel Fattah al-Sharif, who was lying motionless on the ground.That case&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-cf98215495194f37b283dc11d3ff7fd3">deeply divided Israelis</a>, with the military saying Azaria had clearly violated its code of ethics, while many Israelis — particularly on the nationalist right — defended his actions and accused military brass of second-guessing a soldier operating in dangerous conditions.