By GEMA DE LAS HERAS Federal Trade Commission

Scammers have been targeting Medicare recipients with a fake offer to get “free COVID tests.” They’re calling and running websites, online and television ads to try to convince people to give their Medicare information. But if you give them your information, they’ll bill fraudulent charges to Medicare.

We’re hearing about many Medicare recipients who signed up for these free COVID tests and never got them. And what makes matters worse is that scammers could also bill for other products and services people didn’t need — and didn’t get.

If you or someone you know is covered by Medicare, here’s how to avoid these scams:

●During the COVID-19 public health emergency Medicare does in fact cover&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-diagnostic-tests">8 free COVID-19 tests a month</a>, but no one from Medicare will call you with an offer. If someone calls and says they’re from Medicare and offers you a “free COVID test,” hang up right away.

●The federal government is also offering free COVID-19 tests to every residential household. No insurance information or even your name is required. To order free test kits from the government, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://special.usps.com/testkits">special.usps.com/testkits</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).&nbsp;They’ll&nbsp;be delivered to your home for free. Each order includes 8 tests. Every U.S. household is entitled to place two orders for a total of 16 tests.

●Medicare beneficiaries can get their free tests at participating pharmacies. Find a partial list&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicare.gov/covid-19-tests-participating-pharmacies">here</a>.

●Never give your Medicare or other personal information over the phone to anyone who calls out of the blue, asking for it.

●Fraudulent charges may affect your Medicare coverage. Although the money doesn’t come directly out of your pocket, you may not be able to get medical equipment you need. Check your Medicare Summary Notice to be sure you (and Medicare) are only being charged for services you really got.

●Find out more about Medicare fraud by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://CMS.gov">CMS.gov</a>&nbsp;or calling 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227). Also, read the FTC’s article on&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-medical-identity-theft">medical identity theft</a>.

Spot this or a similar Medicare scam? Report at&nbsp;<a href="http://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>&nbsp;or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661304781875.png" alt="Image courtesy FTC" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy FTC</figcaption>
 </figure>By GEMA DE LAS HERAS Federal Trade CommissionScammers have been targeting Medicare recipients with a fake offer to get “free COVID tests.” They’re calling and running websites, online and television ads to try to convince people to give their Medicare information. But if you give them your information, they’ll bill fraudulent charges to Medicare.We’re hearing about many Medicare recipients who signed up for these free COVID tests and never got them. And what makes matters worse is that scammers could also bill for other products and services people didn’t need — and didn’t get.If you or someone you know is covered by Medicare, here’s how to avoid these scams:●During the COVID-19 public health emergency Medicare does in fact cover&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-diagnostic-tests">8 free COVID-19 tests a month</a>, but no one from Medicare will call you with an offer. If someone calls and says they’re from Medicare and offers you a “free COVID test,” hang up right away.●The federal government is also offering free COVID-19 tests to every residential household. No insurance information or even your name is required. To order free test kits from the government, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://special.usps.com/testkits">special.usps.com/testkits</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).&nbsp;They’ll&nbsp;be delivered to your home for free. Each order includes 8 tests. Every U.S. household is entitled to place two orders for a total of 16 tests.●Medicare beneficiaries can get their free tests at participating pharmacies. Find a partial list&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicare.gov/covid-19-tests-participating-pharmacies">here</a>.●Never give your Medicare or other personal information over the phone to anyone who calls out of the blue, asking for it.●Fraudulent charges may affect your Medicare coverage. Although the money doesn’t come directly out of your pocket, you may not be able to get medical equipment you need. Check your Medicare Summary Notice to be sure you (and Medicare) are only being charged for services you really got.●Find out more about Medicare fraud by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://CMS.gov">CMS.gov</a>&nbsp;or calling 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227). Also, read the FTC’s article on&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-medical-identity-theft">medical identity theft</a>.Spot this or a similar Medicare scam? Report at&nbsp;<a href="http://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>&nbsp;or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).

Free COVID-19 test scam targets people on Medicare

The Kansas Department of Transportation expresses its appreciation for employees celebrating state service anniversaries in September. KDOT is proud to acknowledge them for the long-term dedication they have provided to the state of Kansas.

●Kerry McDonald, Engineering Technician Senior,&nbsp;Topeka

●Jamie Fischer, Administrative Specialist,&nbsp;Claflin. 

●Joyce Poitevint, Engineering Technician Specialist,&nbsp;Oskaloosa. 

●Javier Zarazua, IT Project Manager,&nbsp;Colorado Springs

●Shannon Clarkson, Equipment Operator Senior,&nbsp;Salina. 

●Jeremy McDonald, Highway Maintenance Supervisor,&nbsp;Larned

●John Barker, Regional Geologist Supervisor,&nbsp;Topeka. 

●Tyler Vinzant, Equipment Operator Specialist,&nbsp;Lansing

KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation expresses its appreciation for employees celebrating state service anniversaries in September. KDOT is proud to acknowledge them for the long-term dedication they have provided to the state of Kansas.Those celebrating 40 years:●Kerry McDonald, Engineering Technician Senior,&nbsp;TopekaThose celebrating 30 years:●Jamie Fischer, Administrative Specialist,&nbsp;Claflin. ●Joyce Poitevint, Engineering Technician Specialist,&nbsp;Oskaloosa. ●Javier Zarazua, IT Project Manager,&nbsp;Colorado SpringsThose celebrating 20 years:●Shannon Clarkson, Equipment Operator Senior,&nbsp;Salina. ●Jeremy McDonald, Highway Maintenance Supervisor,&nbsp;LarnedThose celebrating 10 years:●John Barker, Regional Geologist Supervisor,&nbsp;Topeka. ●Tyler Vinzant, Equipment Operator Specialist,&nbsp;Lansing

KDOT employees celebrate service anniversaries

LINDSBORG - A large law enforcement presence at Bethany College in Lindsborg Monday evening turned out to be for naught after a report of an armed individual on campus.

According to information from the Lindsborg Police Department via the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LindsborgPublicSafety">Lindsborg Public Safety Facebook page</a>, the department was advised at approximately 8:25 p.m. Monday of a possible armed person on the Bethan College campus.

Personnel from the Lindsborg Police Department, McPherson County Sheriff's Department, and the Kansas Highway Patrol quickly responded, secured the area, and began investigating the alleged incident.

"Thankfully, the incident turned out to be a false alarm. NO gun was ever seen nor located. After our investigation was complete, it was determined no crime had been committed," the department wrote.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661270933282.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LindsborgPublicSafety">Lindsborg Public Safety Facebook page</a>" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LindsborgPublicSafety">Lindsborg Public Safety Facebook page</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POST LINDSBORG - A large law enforcement presence at Bethany College in Lindsborg Monday evening turned out to be for naught after a report of an armed individual on campus.According to information from the Lindsborg Police Department via the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LindsborgPublicSafety">Lindsborg Public Safety Facebook page</a>, the department was advised at approximately 8:25 p.m. Monday of a possible armed person on the Bethan College campus.Personnel from the Lindsborg Police Department, McPherson County Sheriff's Department, and the Kansas Highway Patrol quickly responded, secured the area, and began investigating the alleged incident."Thankfully, the incident turned out to be a false alarm. NO gun was ever seen nor located. After our investigation was complete, it was determined no crime had been committed," the department wrote.

Police: Report of armed person on Bethany campus 'false alarm'

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=7c09ab04-f576-4f5a-bdb8-f914cdd1f344&amp;ccId=19000101_000001&amp;jobId=444991&amp;lang=en_US&amp;source=EN">HERE</a>&nbsp;to learn more or apply.

Do you want to be part of creating a better experience where you live, work and play? Why not grow with a company where you are not just an employee, but where you can be an owner?

The Salina Media Center at Eagle Communications is seeking an on-air news director to help grow our newsgathering and publishing operations for our local radio properties and market-leading news site. We are looking for a journalist who understands and loves the local relationship with — and responsibility to — their community and audience.

This position will be an integral part of the day-to-day newsgathering operations for the Salina coverage area for our three radio stations and SalinaPost.com. Collaboration is key at Eagle, and the on-air news director will work closely with the digital news director, market manager, marketing consultants, programmers and the video team.

Responsibilities: •&nbsp; &nbsp; Ensure reliable coverage of Salina-area local news, sports and community events •&nbsp; &nbsp; Guide and promote creativity and good programming practices with on-air and digital peers •&nbsp; &nbsp; Broadcast news coverage •&nbsp; &nbsp; Publish text, visual and audio content to SalinaPost.com •&nbsp; &nbsp; Help maintain a growing social media presence

Experience: •&nbsp; &nbsp; News writing and on-air experience preferred. Photography and video skills a plus •&nbsp; &nbsp; Knowledge of social media platforms and ability to learn Eagle’s proprietary content management system •&nbsp; &nbsp; Knowledge of radio production preferred •&nbsp; &nbsp; Excellent communication skills

Compensation: Compensation is commensurate with experience along with a competitive benefits package including health insurance, 401(k), paid vacation and Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

Other Information: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The selected candidate will be required to pass a criminal history background check and motor vehicle check. Eagle Communications is an Employee-Owned company and an EEO employer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587155364471.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=7c09ab04-f576-4f5a-bdb8-f914cdd1f344&amp;ccId=19000101_000001&amp;jobId=444991&amp;lang=en_US&amp;source=EN">HERE</a>&nbsp;to learn more or apply.Do you want to be part of creating a better experience where you live, work and play? Why not grow with a company where you are not just an employee, but where you can be an owner?The Salina Media Center at Eagle Communications is seeking an on-air news director to help grow our newsgathering and publishing operations for our local radio properties and market-leading news site. We are looking for a journalist who understands and loves the local relationship with — and responsibility to — their community and audience.This position will be an integral part of the day-to-day newsgathering operations for the Salina coverage area for our three radio stations and SalinaPost.com. Collaboration is key at Eagle, and the on-air news director will work closely with the digital news director, market manager, marketing consultants, programmers and the video team.Responsibilities: •&nbsp; &nbsp; Ensure reliable coverage of Salina-area local news, sports and community events •&nbsp; &nbsp; Guide and promote creativity and good programming practices with on-air and digital peers •&nbsp; &nbsp; Broadcast news coverage •&nbsp; &nbsp; Publish text, visual and audio content to SalinaPost.com •&nbsp; &nbsp; Help maintain a growing social media presenceExperience: •&nbsp; &nbsp; News writing and on-air experience preferred. Photography and video skills a plus •&nbsp; &nbsp; Knowledge of social media platforms and ability to learn Eagle’s proprietary content management system •&nbsp; &nbsp; Knowledge of radio production preferred •&nbsp; &nbsp; Excellent communication skillsCompensation: Compensation is commensurate with experience along with a competitive benefits package including health insurance, 401(k), paid vacation and Employee Stock Ownership Plan.Other Information: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The selected candidate will be required to pass a criminal history background check and motor vehicle check. Eagle Communications is an Employee-Owned company and an EEO employer.Click&nbsp;<a href="https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=7c09ab04-f576-4f5a-bdb8-f914cdd1f344&amp;ccId=19000101_000001&amp;jobId=444991&amp;lang=en_US&amp;source=EN">HERE</a>&nbsp;to learn more or apply.

Eagle Radio / Salina Post seeks on-air news director

Kansas Wesleyan has announced the hiring of Annie Grevas, longtime Saline County Community Corrections director, for the position of assistant director of grants.

Grevas spent 35 years with Saline County’s Community Corrections team, where she rose to the position of director. There, she was responsible for grant research, development and support that helped fund the agency. She drove legislative and public relations, as well as handling grant expenditures.

“We’re thrilled to add Annie Grevas to our high-performing Advancement team,” said Ken Oliver, executive vice president for Advancement and university operations. “She is one of the region’s foremost authorities on grants, and we believe she will continue the work that’s occurred during the past several years.”

Grevas is a former president of the Kansas Community Corrections Association, where she partnered on grant projects with numerous organizations, including Salina Area United Way, Salina’s Child Advocacy and Parenting Services (CAPS), USD 305 and the Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas (DVACK). She was a 10-year member of the Kansas Sentencing Commission, a National Association of Counties award recipient and winner of an honor from the National Committee for Employer Support of Guard/Reserves.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661269257880.jpeg" alt="Annie Grevas. Photo courtesy KWU" />
 <figcaption>Annie Grevas. Photo courtesy KWU</figcaption>
 </figure>KWUKansas Wesleyan has announced the hiring of Annie Grevas, longtime Saline County Community Corrections director, for the position of assistant director of grants.Grevas spent 35 years with Saline County’s Community Corrections team, where she rose to the position of director. There, she was responsible for grant research, development and support that helped fund the agency. She drove legislative and public relations, as well as handling grant expenditures.“We’re thrilled to add Annie Grevas to our high-performing Advancement team,” said Ken Oliver, executive vice president for Advancement and university operations. “She is one of the region’s foremost authorities on grants, and we believe she will continue the work that’s occurred during the past several years.”Grevas is a former president of the Kansas Community Corrections Association, where she partnered on grant projects with numerous organizations, including Salina Area United Way, Salina’s Child Advocacy and Parenting Services (CAPS), USD 305 and the Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas (DVACK). She was a 10-year member of the Kansas Sentencing Commission, a National Association of Counties award recipient and winner of an honor from the National Committee for Employer Support of Guard/Reserves.

KWU hires Grevas as assistant director of grants

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

Police are looking for the person or persons who damaged an east Salina cemetery late last week.

Sometime between 3:30 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday, someone caused and estimated $355 in damage at Gypsum Hill Cemetery, 2020 E. Iron Avenue, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning.

Items damaged included four block post caps, a steel flower vase, and two aluminum flower vases.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostPolice are looking for the person or persons who damaged an east Salina cemetery late last week.Sometime between 3:30 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday, someone caused and estimated $355 in damage at Gypsum Hill Cemetery, 2020 E. Iron Avenue, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning.Items damaged included four block post caps, a steel flower vase, and two aluminum flower vases.

Police: Items damaged at east Salina cemetery

BAVARIA - The Saline County Road and Bridge Department this morning announced that W. Magnolia Road between Main Street and Midland Road in Bavaria has been reopened to through traffic.

That part of W. Magnolia Road was closed Aug. 15 due to a cross-road structure being damaged.

BAVARIA - The Saline County Road and Bridge Department this morning announced that W. Magnolia Road between Main Street and Midland Road in Bavaria has been reopened to through traffic.That part of W. Magnolia Road was closed Aug. 15 due to a cross-road structure being damaged.

Saline County reopens W. Magnolia Road in Bavaria

By KATHY HAGEMAN Dickinson County public information coordinator

ABILENE - The 2022 Dickinson County Primary Election finished up Thursday after commissioners reviewed and certified tally sheets from the Aug. 16–17 recount of the Republican race between Steve Johnson and Caryn Tyson for state treasurer.

Tyson had asked for a hand recount in six Kansas counties, including Dickinson.

Johnson, who won the state and county race during the Aug. 2 primary, prevailed again during the local hand recount, receiving 2,898 votes to Tyson’s 1,428.

Of those, Johnson had 356 early votes (people who walked into the Dickinson County Courthouse to cast ballots before the primary) and Tyson had 174 votes. In advanced votes that were mailed in, Johnson had 155 to Tyson’s 65. The mail in ballots had to be postmarked by Aug. 2 and received in the county clerk’s office by Aug. 5.

At the polls on election day, Johnson received 2,387 votes to Tyson’s 1,189.

Dickinson County Clerk Jeanne Livingston said the county’s counting board was comprised of five people, both registered Republicans and Democrats – three of the people served on the county board for the election, plus two additional people.

Commission Chairman Lynn Peterson asked how much the recount would cost the county.

Livingston said the amount will be less than expected because only one race was counted.

“We thought we were going to have to recount the treasurer’s race and the (Constitutional Amendment) question,” Livingston said.

The first day of the recount was paid by the Tyson campaign at a cost of $356.88. The cost for the second day was split between the state and the recounting county so it will cost Dickinson County $191.19, Livingston said.

Dickinson County Commissioners met to canvass the Aug. 2 election on Friday, Aug. 12. All Dickinson County races had the same outcome, but some numbers changed slightly.

Of the 150 provisional ballots cast locally during the election, 84 were counted.

A provisional ballot is used to record a vote when there are questions about the voter’s eligibility that must be resolved before the vote can be counted.

Livingston said most of the ballots that were not accepted was due to being late or the person was not registered to vote.

Five mail-in advance ballots were accepted since they were postmarked by Aug. 2 and received in the clerk’s office by Aug. 5. Seven UOCAVA ballots also were accepted. Those ballots are mailed out to servicemen and women serving overseas.

Commissioners counted 17 ballots during the canvass with write-in votes.

Dickinson County had 48.3 percent voter turnout for the Aug. 2 primary.

“Our voter turnout was much higher than expected,” Livingston said. “Seventeen to 20 percent is normal for a primary.”

Turnout was so high in some precincts that poll workers ran out of ballots. That meant ballots for those specific precincts had to be printed off by the Dickinson County Clerk’s staff and driven to the affected polling sites, causing some voters to wait until ballots arrived.

Livingston said this was only the second time this situation has occurred during her 16 years working for the Dickinson County Clerk’s office.

Livingston was elected county clerk in December 2021 by a convention of Dickinson County Republican Committeemen and women, following the retirement of long-time clerk Barb Jones. She ran unopposed during the Aug. 2 primary.

Due to the delay at some polls, voters have questioned why the county doesn’t have a ballot ready for every single voter. The reason is simple: Money.

With 13,708 registered voters in Dickinson County, it would cost more than $38,000 to print a ballot for every voter, Livingston said, “And we’d end up throwing half off them away.”

That’s because many registered voters do not vote in every election – especially in a primary.

“We have an average and based on that average, turnout in a primary is usually 17 to 20 percent. However, we knew with the Constitutional amendment and the (John) Barker (Scott) Hill 70th District House race that turnout would be higher,” Livingston said. “So, we upped the number of ballots we print for a 50 percent turnout -- which is high, especially since the Secretary of State’s office was predicting 36 percent turnout,” Livingston continued.

“Where we got into trouble was in precincts that had 78 percent turnout, but some only had 30 percent turnout,” she explained. “So those precincts with the high turnout were the ones where we were short of ballots.

“We had more than enough ballots, but they weren’t always for the right place,” Livingston added.

Approximately 700 ballots - which were printed when precincts ran out of ballots that could run through the vote counting machine - had to be hand-counted when they came in from the voting sites after the polls closed at 7 p.m. on Aug. 2.

The hand counting continued until 3 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 3. Ballots were locked up and the next morning, election workers returned and resumed counting.

“It took 18½ hours to hand count about 700 ballots,” Livingston noted.

Livingston said Kansas elections are very secure.

The state utilizes a centralized voter registration system known as ELVIS (Election Voter Information System). Livingston said that in order for staff to use the system they first must undergo a background check, must provide two passwords and complete other requirements.

When new county residents register to vote, they must show their photo identification and provide other information. Once the information is entered into the ELVIS, a card – known as a notice of disposition – is sent to the new registered voter.

If that card is returned in the mail, a staff member from the clerk’s office will contact the voter to determine why that occurred.

“The name is not added to our rolls until we can verify it’s validity,” Livingston said.

All voting machines and the counting machine are kept under lock and key except when they are in use.

As for ballots, in order to be machine counted, they are bar coded so they easily can be read by the machine.

Ballots cast during the Aug. 2 election and all elections are locked up from the time they enter the courthouse until they eventually are discarded two years later.

By statute, the ballots are sealed and kept for 22 months.

In the final results for Dickinson County, the Value Them Both Constitutional Amendment passed here with 3,518 yes votes to 2,994 no votes. Statewide, the amendment was voted down.

Incumbent Ron Roller received the Republican nod for 1st District Dickinson County Commissioner with 674 votes, while challengers Annabelle Eaton had 454 votes and Ralph DeZago had 258.

Livingston received 4250 votes for county clerk and Rose Johns had 4174 votes for register of deeds.

In the controversial race for the Republican 70th District House of Representatives seat, newcomer Scott Hill had 2267 votes to defeat incumbent John Barker who had 2073 votes.

By KATHY HAGEMAN Dickinson County public information coordinatorABILENE - The 2022 Dickinson County Primary Election finished up Thursday after commissioners reviewed and certified tally sheets from the Aug. 16–17 recount of the Republican race between Steve Johnson and Caryn Tyson for state treasurer.Tyson had asked for a hand recount in six Kansas counties, including Dickinson.Johnson, who won the state and county race during the Aug. 2 primary, prevailed again during the local hand recount, receiving 2,898 votes to Tyson’s 1,428.Of those, Johnson had 356 early votes (people who walked into the Dickinson County Courthouse to cast ballots before the primary) and Tyson had 174 votes. In advanced votes that were mailed in, Johnson had 155 to Tyson’s 65. The mail in ballots had to be postmarked by Aug. 2 and received in the county clerk’s office by Aug. 5.At the polls on election day, Johnson received 2,387 votes to Tyson’s 1,189.Dickinson County Clerk Jeanne Livingston said the county’s counting board was comprised of five people, both registered Republicans and Democrats – three of the people served on the county board for the election, plus two additional people.Commission Chairman Lynn Peterson asked how much the recount would cost the county.Livingston said the amount will be less than expected because only one race was counted.“We thought we were going to have to recount the treasurer’s race and the (Constitutional Amendment) question,” Livingston said.The first day of the recount was paid by the Tyson campaign at a cost of $356.88. The cost for the second day was split between the state and the recounting county so it will cost Dickinson County $191.19, Livingston said.CanvassDickinson County Commissioners met to canvass the Aug. 2 election on Friday, Aug. 12. All Dickinson County races had the same outcome, but some numbers changed slightly.Of the 150 provisional ballots cast locally during the election, 84 were counted.A provisional ballot is used to record a vote when there are questions about the voter’s eligibility that must be resolved before the vote can be counted.Livingston said most of the ballots that were not accepted was due to being late or the person was not registered to vote.Five mail-in advance ballots were accepted since they were postmarked by Aug. 2 and received in the clerk’s office by Aug. 5. Seven UOCAVA ballots also were accepted. Those ballots are mailed out to servicemen and women serving overseas.Commissioners counted 17 ballots during the canvass with write-in votes.BallotsDickinson County had 48.3 percent voter turnout for the Aug. 2 primary.“Our voter turnout was much higher than expected,” Livingston said. “Seventeen to 20 percent is normal for a primary.”Turnout was so high in some precincts that poll workers ran out of ballots. That meant ballots for those specific precincts had to be printed off by the Dickinson County Clerk’s staff and driven to the affected polling sites, causing some voters to wait until ballots arrived.Livingston said this was only the second time this situation has occurred during her 16 years working for the Dickinson County Clerk’s office.Livingston was elected county clerk in December 2021 by a convention of Dickinson County Republican Committeemen and women, following the retirement of long-time clerk Barb Jones. She ran unopposed during the Aug. 2 primary.Due to the delay at some polls, voters have questioned why the county doesn’t have a ballot ready for every single voter. The reason is simple: Money.With 13,708 registered voters in Dickinson County, it would cost more than $38,000 to print a ballot for every voter, Livingston said, “And we’d end up throwing half off them away.”That’s because many registered voters do not vote in every election – especially in a primary.“We have an average and based on that average, turnout in a primary is usually 17 to 20 percent. However, we knew with the Constitutional amendment and the (John) Barker (Scott) Hill 70th District House race that turnout would be higher,” Livingston said. “So, we upped the number of ballots we print for a 50 percent turnout -- which is high, especially since the Secretary of State’s office was predicting 36 percent turnout,” Livingston continued.“Where we got into trouble was in precincts that had 78 percent turnout, but some only had 30 percent turnout,” she explained. “So those precincts with the high turnout were the ones where we were short of ballots.“We had more than enough ballots, but they weren’t always for the right place,” Livingston added.Hand countingApproximately 700 ballots - which were printed when precincts ran out of ballots that could run through the vote counting machine - had to be hand-counted when they came in from the voting sites after the polls closed at 7 p.m. on Aug. 2.The hand counting continued until 3 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 3. Ballots were locked up and the next morning, election workers returned and resumed counting.“It took 18½ hours to hand count about 700 ballots,” Livingston noted.Election securityLivingston said Kansas elections are very secure.The state utilizes a centralized voter registration system known as ELVIS (Election Voter Information System). Livingston said that in order for staff to use the system they first must undergo a background check, must provide two passwords and complete other requirements.When new county residents register to vote, they must show their photo identification and provide other information. Once the information is entered into the ELVIS, a card – known as a notice of disposition – is sent to the new registered voter.If that card is returned in the mail, a staff member from the clerk’s office will contact the voter to determine why that occurred.“The name is not added to our rolls until we can verify it’s validity,” Livingston said.All voting machines and the counting machine are kept under lock and key except when they are in use.As for ballots, in order to be machine counted, they are bar coded so they easily can be read by the machine.Ballots cast during the Aug. 2 election and all elections are locked up from the time they enter the courthouse until they eventually are discarded two years later.By statute, the ballots are sealed and kept for 22 months.Local resultsIn the final results for Dickinson County, the Value Them Both Constitutional Amendment passed here with 3,518 yes votes to 2,994 no votes. Statewide, the amendment was voted down.Incumbent Ron Roller received the Republican nod for 1st District Dickinson County Commissioner with 674 votes, while challengers Annabelle Eaton had 454 votes and Ralph DeZago had 258.Livingston received 4250 votes for county clerk and Rose Johns had 4174 votes for register of deeds.In the controversial race for the Republican 70th District House of Representatives seat, newcomer Scott Hill had 2267 votes to defeat incumbent John Barker who had 2073 votes.

Dickinson County certifies primary results following recount

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

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

Recent obituaries and service times

APAC Kansas, Incorporated, has been building the heartland from the ground up for more than a century.

From the supply of aggregate materials, hot mix asphalt, and concrete to the construction of roads and bridges, we do it all. You've seen our trucks and now, we want to hire you!

APAC-Salina is growing and we are hiring for all positions. From truck drivers to mechanics to construction laborers, APAC has your next career.

We offer great pay and benefits. APAC Kansas, Incorporated, is an equal opportunity employer.

<a href="https://jobs.crh.com/search/?searchby=location&amp;q=Shears&amp;locationsearch=Kansas">Click here to see available positions and apply</a>!&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617672336149.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>APAC Kansas, Incorporated, has been building the heartland from the ground up for more than a century.From the supply of aggregate materials, hot mix asphalt, and concrete to the construction of roads and bridges, we do it all. You've seen our trucks and now, we want to hire you!APAC-Salina is growing and we are hiring for all positions. From truck drivers to mechanics to construction laborers, APAC has your next career.We offer great pay and benefits. APAC Kansas, Incorporated, is an equal opportunity employer.<a href="https://jobs.crh.com/search/?searchby=location&amp;q=Shears&amp;locationsearch=Kansas">Click here to see available positions and apply</a>!&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today in History - August 23

Multiple budget-related items and several updates are among the items on the Saline County Commission agenda for Tuesday.

Saline County Commission is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 W. Ash Street. The meetings also can be viewed on Saline County’s YouTube channel:

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwZp_cTSJ3Nepp_5rOGevA">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwZp_cTSJ3Nepp_5rOGevA</a>.

To participate in the meetings, citizens will need to use the Zoom link. Use the following link and put in the Meeting ID and passcode:

<a href="https://zoom.us/j/96835819901?pwd=bUEvaExUb2ppMEFaUnd6cUd6MmNMUT09">https://zoom.us/j/96835819901?pwd=bUEvaExUb2ppMEFaUnd6cUd6MmNMUT09</a>

For further information, contact the County Commission’s Office at (785) 309-5825.

Commissioners are scheduled to deal with a number of 2023 budget-related items, including the following public hearings.

●Revenue Neutral Hearing for Saline County Fiscal Year 2023 Budget

●Revenue Neutral Hearing for Rural Fire Districts 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 Fiscal Year 2023 Budgets

●Revenue Neutral Hearing for Smolan Township Fiscal Year 2023 Budget

●Public Hearing for Saline County, Kipp Sewer District, Falun Improvement District and Rural Fire Districts 1-7 Fiscal Year 2023 Budgets

●Public Hearing for Smolan Township Fiscal Year 2023 Budget 

Commissioners also are scheduled to consider adopting the Fiscal Year 2023 budgets for Saline County and special districts and the Fiscal Year 2023 budget for Smolan Township.

Additionally, commissioners are scheduled to consider a request to proclaim September 2022 as National Recovery Month in Saline County. Valarie Hicks, senior recovery coach for CKF Addiction Treatment, is scheduled to read the proclamation.

Other items on the Saline County Commission agenda for Tuesday include the following.

●Consider awarding a bid for repairs to the expo center office roof

●Hear County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes' update

Additionally, commissioners are scheduled to meet in executive session for employer/employee negotiations.

To see the entire Saline County Commission meeting packet for Tuesday (a 118-page pdf), <a href="https://www.saline.org/Portals/0/Content/Commissioners/Documents/Agenda/Current/20220823.pdf?ver=q7gdbyInOy9pjKtzVBacyQ%3d%3d">click here</a>.

By SALINA POSTMultiple budget-related items and several updates are among the items on the Saline County Commission agenda for Tuesday.About the meetingSaline County Commission is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 W. Ash Street. The meetings also can be viewed on Saline County’s YouTube channel:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwZp_cTSJ3Nepp_5rOGevA">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwZp_cTSJ3Nepp_5rOGevA</a>.To participate in the meetings, citizens will need to use the Zoom link. Use the following link and put in the Meeting ID and passcode:<a href="https://zoom.us/j/96835819901?pwd=bUEvaExUb2ppMEFaUnd6cUd6MmNMUT09">https://zoom.us/j/96835819901?pwd=bUEvaExUb2ppMEFaUnd6cUd6MmNMUT09</a>Meeting ID: 968 3581 9901Passcode: 144636For further information, contact the County Commission’s Office at (785) 309-5825.Agenda itemsCommissioners are scheduled to deal with a number of 2023 budget-related items, including the following public hearings.●Revenue Neutral Hearing for Saline County Fiscal Year 2023 Budget●Revenue Neutral Hearing for Rural Fire Districts 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 Fiscal Year 2023 Budgets●Revenue Neutral Hearing for Smolan Township Fiscal Year 2023 Budget●Public Hearing for Saline County, Kipp Sewer District, Falun Improvement District and Rural Fire Districts 1-7 Fiscal Year 2023 Budgets●Public Hearing for Smolan Township Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Commissioners also are scheduled to consider adopting the Fiscal Year 2023 budgets for Saline County and special districts and the Fiscal Year 2023 budget for Smolan Township.Additionally, commissioners are scheduled to consider a request to proclaim September 2022 as National Recovery Month in Saline County. Valarie Hicks, senior recovery coach for CKF Addiction Treatment, is scheduled to read the proclamation.Other items on the Saline County Commission agenda for Tuesday include the following.●Consider awarding a bid for repairs to the expo center office roof●Hear the county appraiser's update●Hear the health department's update●Hear County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes' updateAdditionally, commissioners are scheduled to meet in executive session for employer/employee negotiations.To see the entire Saline County Commission meeting packet for Tuesday (a 118-page pdf), <a href="https://www.saline.org/Portals/0/Content/Commissioners/Documents/Agenda/Current/20220823.pdf?ver=q7gdbyInOy9pjKtzVBacyQ%3d%3d">click here</a>.

Multiple 2023 budget items on Saline County Commission agenda

TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court appointed Leann Johnson and reappointed Cathy Shroeder to three-year terms on the Municipal Court Clerks Education Committee. Johnson is court administrator for the city of Abilene. Shroeder is court clerk for the city of Goddard. They will serve through June 30, 2025. The committee recommends and organizes education and training programs for municipal court clerks and reviews and updates the Municipal Court Clerks Manual.&nbsp; Members include court clerks or administrators, a representative of the Office of Judicial Administration, and the president and past president of the Kansas Association for Court Management.&nbsp;&nbsp;

TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court appointed Leann Johnson and reappointed Cathy Shroeder to three-year terms on the Municipal Court Clerks Education Committee. Johnson is court administrator for the city of Abilene. Shroeder is court clerk for the city of Goddard. They will serve through June 30, 2025. The committee recommends and organizes education and training programs for municipal court clerks and reviews and updates the Municipal Court Clerks Manual.&nbsp; Members include court clerks or administrators, a representative of the Office of Judicial Administration, and the president and past president of the Kansas Association for Court Management.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KS Supreme Court appoints Abilene's Johnson to ed committee

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Drinking three cups of dairy milk a day boosts an antioxidant that helps protect the brain from damage caused by aging. This is according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.811650/full" target="_blank">research published recently by the University of Kansas Medical Center faculty in the international journal Frontiers in Nutrition</a>.

Just like an old car that rusts, the human brain becomes corroded over time by free radicals and other oxidants that are released as the brain converts nutrients into energy. This oxidative stress, as it’s called, is thought to be a major mechanism of brain aging. Drinking dairy milk may fight that rust.&nbsp;

The study, which asked one group of older adults to drink three cups of 1% milk a day and a control group not to change their consumption habits, found that drinking that much milk boosted the intervention group’s level of glutathione (GSH), a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the brain from some of the damage that accompanies aging and aging-related diseases. (The typical American adult over age 60 drinks less than two cups of milk per day, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)&nbsp;

“It's exciting that something as simple as drinking milk can increase GSH because it’s not a drug, it’s just a simple food,” said Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., RD, professor and chair of the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition in the KU School of Health Professions at KU Medical Center and an author on the study. “And the three cups a day is actually what is recommended by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines.”&nbsp;

The study builds on work that Sullivan began over a decade ago with In-Young Choi, Ph.D. a lead author on the study and director of the Metabolic Imaging Unit and the Magnetic Resonance Science Program at the Hoglund Biomedical Imaging Center at KU Medical Center.&nbsp;

Sullivan approached Choi about collaborating and using her brain antioxidant scanning technique to measure how what people eat affects their brain. When they completed their first exploratory study, they were surprised by the results. &nbsp;

“I was thinking fruits and vegetables would be highly correlated with antioxidants in the brain,” remembered Choi. “But instead it was dairy, and among the dairy foods, it was milk. That was really surprising.”&nbsp;

The researchers then applied for and were awarded a grant from the National Dairy Council, which along with a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant that funds the Hoglund Biomedical Imaging Center, supports their work. These funders have no input on the study design, data, the interpretation of the data or the writing the manuscript, Sullivan said.&nbsp;

In 2015, Choi and Sullivan and their team published an observational study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that again found that milk was highly correlated with concentrations of GSH in the brain of older adults. The next step, the current study, was designed to see what would happen to someone’s brain if that person increased their milk consumption. &nbsp;

While there was no change in the levels of GSH in the brains of the participants in the control group, the group that drank three cups of milk a day saw their brain GSH levels increase by an average of nearly 5% overall and by more than 7% in the parietal region of the brain.&nbsp;

Choi noted that earlier findings have shown that GSH levels are lower in older adults about 10%. “So, by drinking milk, it looks like you can catch up some,” she said. &nbsp;

What remains to be discovered is the specific mechanisms by which milk increases levels of GSH in the brain. The researchers know this much: The GSH molecule is made of three amino acids—glycine, glutamate, and cysteine—and milk is a source of all three. Compared with other foods, the whey protein in milk has particularly high levels of cysteine, which is especially important for the body to make more GSH. Milk is also rich in riboflavin and calcium, which are required for GSH maintenance. &nbsp;

More research is needed to determine which of these factors are behind the increase in brain GSH levels. The researchers also plan to conduct a larger study as well as studies including cognitive tests to measure if milk is leading to measurable changes in brain function. They also want to determine if there is an optimal dose of milk and if the amount of milk fat matters.&nbsp;

In the meantime, Sullivan sees no reason to wait to make sure you’re getting your three cups of milk each day. “It’s important for your brain health, your bone health, your muscle health, all of those things,” she said. “That’s the takeaway.” &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661204499466.jpeg" alt="Just like an old car that rusts, the human brain becomes corroded over time by free radicals and other oxidants that are released as the brain converts nutrients into energy. Drinking dairy milk may fight that rust, according to the study.&nbsp; Photo courtesy Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Just like an old car that rusts, the human brain becomes corroded over time by free radicals and other oxidants that are released as the brain converts nutrients into energy. Drinking dairy milk may fight that rust, according to the study.&nbsp; Photo courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>KU Medical Center NewsKANSAS CITY, Kan. — Drinking three cups of dairy milk a day boosts an antioxidant that helps protect the brain from damage caused by aging. This is according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.811650/full" target="_blank">research published recently by the University of Kansas Medical Center faculty in the international journal Frontiers in Nutrition</a>.Just like an old car that rusts, the human brain becomes corroded over time by free radicals and other oxidants that are released as the brain converts nutrients into energy. This oxidative stress, as it’s called, is thought to be a major mechanism of brain aging. Drinking dairy milk may fight that rust.&nbsp;The study, which asked one group of older adults to drink three cups of 1% milk a day and a control group not to change their consumption habits, found that drinking that much milk boosted the intervention group’s level of glutathione (GSH), a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the brain from some of the damage that accompanies aging and aging-related diseases. (The typical American adult over age 60 drinks less than two cups of milk per day, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)&nbsp;“It's exciting that something as simple as drinking milk can increase GSH because it’s not a drug, it’s just a simple food,” said Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., RD, professor and chair of the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition in the KU School of Health Professions at KU Medical Center and an author on the study. “And the three cups a day is actually what is recommended by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines.”&nbsp;The study builds on work that Sullivan began over a decade ago with In-Young Choi, Ph.D. a lead author on the study and director of the Metabolic Imaging Unit and the Magnetic Resonance Science Program at the Hoglund Biomedical Imaging Center at KU Medical Center.&nbsp;Sullivan approached Choi about collaborating and using her brain antioxidant scanning technique to measure how what people eat affects their brain. When they completed their first exploratory study, they were surprised by the results. &nbsp;“I was thinking fruits and vegetables would be highly correlated with antioxidants in the brain,” remembered Choi. “But instead it was dairy, and among the dairy foods, it was milk. That was really surprising.”&nbsp;The researchers then applied for and were awarded a grant from the National Dairy Council, which along with a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant that funds the Hoglund Biomedical Imaging Center, supports their work. These funders have no input on the study design, data, the interpretation of the data or the writing the manuscript, Sullivan said.&nbsp;In 2015, Choi and Sullivan and their team published an observational study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that again found that milk was highly correlated with concentrations of GSH in the brain of older adults. The next step, the current study, was designed to see what would happen to someone’s brain if that person increased their milk consumption. &nbsp;While there was no change in the levels of GSH in the brains of the participants in the control group, the group that drank three cups of milk a day saw their brain GSH levels increase by an average of nearly 5% overall and by more than 7% in the parietal region of the brain.&nbsp;Choi noted that earlier findings have shown that GSH levels are lower in older adults about 10%. “So, by drinking milk, it looks like you can catch up some,” she said. &nbsp;What remains to be discovered is the specific mechanisms by which milk increases levels of GSH in the brain. The researchers know this much: The GSH molecule is made of three amino acids—glycine, glutamate, and cysteine—and milk is a source of all three. Compared with other foods, the whey protein in milk has particularly high levels of cysteine, which is especially important for the body to make more GSH. Milk is also rich in riboflavin and calcium, which are required for GSH maintenance. &nbsp;More research is needed to determine which of these factors are behind the increase in brain GSH levels. The researchers also plan to conduct a larger study as well as studies including cognitive tests to measure if milk is leading to measurable changes in brain function. They also want to determine if there is an optimal dose of milk and if the amount of milk fat matters.&nbsp;In the meantime, Sullivan sees no reason to wait to make sure you’re getting your three cups of milk each day. “It’s important for your brain health, your bone health, your muscle health, all of those things,” she said. “That’s the takeaway.” &nbsp;

KU Med study: Drinking dairy milk can improve brain health in older adults

Thanks to a pair of agreements Salina Area Technical College has signed with Kansas Wesleyan University and Bethany College, it will be easier than ever for Salina Tech students to take classes at the other two colleges.

While Salina Tech students have always been able to take classes at other colleges, these new agreements streamline the process, said Salina Tech President Greg Nichols. Students will no longer have to apply for admission to the other colleges, he said, and tuition will be billed to the student’s home college, where it will be added to their existing bill – so they don’t have to deal with two sets of payments.

Nichols said discussion of creating these agreements started about two years ago as a benefit to students who are interested in taking classes their home college doesn’t offer.

“Our general education offerings are growing, but we don’t have all the options a four-year liberal arts college can offer,” Nichols said. “If one of our students wants to take, for example, an art or music class, that’s now an option.”

The agreement with Bethany was signed on Aug. 15, and the agreement with Kansas Wesleyan was signed Monday. Both were effective immediately.

Nichols said a similar agreement with Kansas State University’s Salina campus is in the works.

Salina TechThanks to a pair of agreements Salina Area Technical College has signed with Kansas Wesleyan University and Bethany College, it will be easier than ever for Salina Tech students to take classes at the other two colleges.While Salina Tech students have always been able to take classes at other colleges, these new agreements streamline the process, said Salina Tech President Greg Nichols. Students will no longer have to apply for admission to the other colleges, he said, and tuition will be billed to the student’s home college, where it will be added to their existing bill – so they don’t have to deal with two sets of payments.Nichols said discussion of creating these agreements started about two years ago as a benefit to students who are interested in taking classes their home college doesn’t offer.“Our general education offerings are growing, but we don’t have all the options a four-year liberal arts college can offer,” Nichols said. “If one of our students wants to take, for example, an art or music class, that’s now an option.”The agreement with Bethany was signed on Aug. 15, and the agreement with Kansas Wesleyan was signed Monday. Both were effective immediately.Nichols said a similar agreement with Kansas State University’s Salina campus is in the works.

Salina Tech signs sharing agreements with KWU, Bethany

Lancaster Construction, a local contractor in the concrete and light commercial construction seeking driven individuals in the areas of concrete, carpentry, and general labor.&nbsp; Individuals successfully gaining employment will be willing and able to assist in any aspect of the project at hand.&nbsp; The willingness to learn and develop a wide range of skills will be imperative.

●Ability to perform general labor tasks, demolition, clean up, shovel/ racking, and material handling.

●Assist project foreman or superintendent with the task at hand.

●Layout, form, place, and finish different type of concrete structures and slabs.

●Layout, frame and constructed different types of structures: wood framing, metal stud framing, metal building, post frame building.

●Follow and abide by all safety rules and regulations.

●Be a valuable team member with a good attitude and strong work ethic.

●Employment is conditional upon successfully passing drug screening.

●Starting wage of $14.00 – 20.00/HR based on experience.

●Employee is eligible for a raise after 90 days, based on attendance/ performance

●After 90 days of successful employment, employee will be eligible health insurance and 401k program

<a href="http://lancasterci.com/">Lancasterci.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660877734883.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Full timeStart Date: ASAPLancaster Construction, a local contractor in the concrete and light commercial construction seeking driven individuals in the areas of concrete, carpentry, and general labor.&nbsp; Individuals successfully gaining employment will be willing and able to assist in any aspect of the project at hand.&nbsp; The willingness to learn and develop a wide range of skills will be imperative.Responsibilities●Ability to perform general labor tasks, demolition, clean up, shovel/ racking, and material handling.●Assist project foreman or superintendent with the task at hand.●Layout, form, place, and finish different type of concrete structures and slabs.●Layout, frame and constructed different types of structures: wood framing, metal stud framing, metal building, post frame building.Requirements●Ability to meet quality expectations●Follow and abide by all safety rules and regulations.●Be a valuable team member with a good attitude and strong work ethic.●Employment is conditional upon successfully passing drug screening.●Basic hand tools and tool pouch.Benefits●Starting wage of $14.00 – 20.00/HR based on experience.●Employee is eligible for a raise after 90 days, based on attendance/ performance●After 90 days of successful employment, employee will be eligible health insurance and 401k programTo apply, please go to:<a href="http://lancasterci.com/">Lancasterci.com</a>