OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The Salvation Army in Omaha has kicked off its annual Tree of Light holiday charity campaign. The public turned out Friday at midtown Omaha’s American National Bank for the lighting ceremony of the giant Christmas tree. A day earlier, the Salvation Army held another tree-lighting ceremony at American National Bank in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The ceremonies kicked off the Salvation Army’s red kettle driver, when bell ringers man the red collection kettles outside businesses in Omaha and Council Bluffs.

The campaign continues through Dec. 23. The money collected during the six-week campaign supports Salvation Army programs and services throughout the year, including food pantries, housing, utility assistance, behavioral health services and education. All money raised through the Red Kettle Drive stays in the community where the funds are collected.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The Omaha Police Department is looking to hire new officers over the next two years. Applications will be accepted beginning Monday through Dec. 28. The city says it could hire nearly 100 new officers over the next two years as the city expands and a fifth precinct is added. Applicants must be at least 21 before the completion of training and must have a valid current driver’s license. Qualified applicants must have graduated from high school or obtained a GED certificate and must be able to perform the physical requirements of the position. Mental and physical fitness will be determined by examination.

The department says new hires must work as uniform patrol officers for three years before becoming eligible for other opportunities.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (AP) — The Cedar Falls Police Department is now accepting applications for a public safety officer. The northeastern Iowa city is seeking qualified candidates to test for the position, which has a starting annual pay of $51,000, while police academy certified candidates begin at more than $56,000. The maximum pay is more than $74,000. Applicants must have two years of post-high school education consisting of 60 semester or 90-quarter hours from an accredited college or university. Candidates must also meet the minimum hiring standards of the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.

Testing will be conducted in Cedar Falls on Dec. 2. The deadline for applications is Wednesday. Those interested may email jobs@cedarfalls.com or contact the Cedar Falls Police Department at 319-273-8612.

Gasoline prices at Iowa service stations have risen by as much as a dime a gallon in recent weeks. Mark Peterson, at Triple-A-Iowa, says that’s bucking the norm as prices are usually relatively stable or falling during mid-autumn. “It’s kind of interesting for this time of year, we actually saw a little bit last year as well,” Peterson says. “The price volatility can be attributed to a new trend that’s emerged during October in the last few years and that’s an unexpectedly steady demand for gasoline at the end of the driving season. With prices still being somewhat reasonable, you’re seeing a lot more people starting to travel.”

Gas prices in Iowa are averaging two-52 a gallon, which is two cents below the national average. Peterson says, “What we’ve got right now still could trend up a little bit but I think you’re going to see it start to decrease a little as we get closer to the holidays and some of that traveling starts to decrease with the weather.”

While refineries are making the switch from summer to winter grades of fuel about now, several other factors are involved that will impact pump prices. “OPEC continues to push some prices a little higher because they’re maintaining their production and we are exporting a little bit more than we have in the past,” Peterson says. “Because of that, we’re seeing some modest price increases.”

The state’s most expensive gas is in Cedar Rapids at two-58 a gallon while the Quad Cities and Sioux City are tied for the cheapest gas at two-48.

(Radio Iowa)