Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How are Wichita middle schoolers already being trained to use AI?

You won't want to miss Winter Solstice Spirit Fair on the Wichita Patch calendar

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Thursday December 18th Patch AM
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Hi there, Wichita! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How are Wichita middle schoolers already being trained to use AI?
  • How did $1.3 million in property sale funds go missing?
  • How can Wichita collectors avoid getting burned by fake autographs?

Also on today's calendar: Winter Solstice Spirit Fair and 5 more events.

Find out what's happening in Wichitafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Wichitafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Windy with plenty of sunshine, with a high of 54 and low of 26 degrees.
  • Friday: Partly sunny and breezy, temps: high: 52, low: 36.
  • Saturday: Sun and clouds, with a high of 56 and low of 29 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Wichita middle school teaches students responsible AI usage (ksn.com) — Students at Truesdell Middle School in Wichita are getting hands-on lessons in how to use artificial intelligence tools like Canva AI responsibly and ethically. District staff walked kids through fair use, copyright, and critical thinking, marking the first time Wichita’s USD 259 has run this kind of AI-focused activity for middle schoolers.
   

2. Commission approves district court reimbursement following $1.3M theft report against online auction company (kwch.com) — Sedgwick County leaders are moving quickly to protect local taxpayers after reporting that an online auction vendor failed to turn over about $1.3 million from foreclosed property sales owed to the district court in Wichita. Commissioners have approved funding to reimburse the court so people due money can still be paid, while law enforcement and county attorneys pursue every legal option to recover the missing funds.
   

3. Wichita store owner warns of rising fake sports collectibles (kwch.com) — Fake sports collectibles are increasingly showing up in the Wichita market, and a local shop owner is urging collectors to verify autographs before they buy. Oliver’s Sports relies on professional authentication and pulls suspected fakes from circulation, even marking them so they can’t be resold. Unsure buyers are invited to bring items in for a closer look.
   

4. ‘Talk to your loved ones': DEA campaign aims to reduce fentanyl use (ksn.com) — Federal drug agents say fentanyl remains a serious threat here, noting roughly 9,000 fentanyl pills have already been seized from Wichita streets this year. A new DEA “Fentanyl Free America” campaign urges residents to talk openly with kids, friends, and coworkers about the dangers of counterfeit pills and other illicit drugs, and to seek help if they see warning signs of addiction.
   

5. Kansas veteran makes her mother proud before retiring to lay her to rest (ksn.com) — A retired Air Force master sergeant who now lives in Derby says Wichita has become a welcoming home for her life after service. After deployments, base assignments and caring for her ailing mother, she’s built a new career in human resources and praises how Wichita treats its veterans with respect and appreciation.
   

📸 Around Wichita

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Wichita

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📣 Wichita Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Thursday December 18
  • AB Preschool AM Holiday Room Activities
    Abilene Elem Valley Center, KS 67147
    11:00 am
  • WH Holiday Room Activities
    Wheatland Elem Valley Center, KS 67147
    2:45 pm
  • AB Holiday Room Activities
    Abilene Elem Valley Center, KS 67147
    3:00 pm
  • AB Preschool PM Holiday Room Activities
    Abilene Elem Valley Center, KS 67147
    3:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I'm available to give people rides as needed, primarily to people whom don't own a car.
    I'm off of work at 4:30pm everyday, sometimes 3:30pm. Available to give rides to food pantry or blessing box. Monday United Methodist Open Door … (Nextdoor Crestview Heights)
  • Update: Pet Reunited
    Nami, a cat who went missing in Wichita, KS, has been safely reunited with their family after 53 minutes. Message from Owner: "My sweet old lady got… (Nextdoor Mccormick)
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Merchandise and Stocking Associate in Wichita. Apply here.
  • Jimmy John's Franchise, LLC posted a job opening for Assistant Manager #1402 in Wichita. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Wichita here.

Ok Wichita! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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