Salina Regional Health Center (SRHC) along with their affiliates in Concordia, Abilene and Lindsborg are all considered rural hospitals, which means they are awaiting the approval process to see if they will benefit from the over $200,000,000 through the <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/cms-rural-health-transformation-program-50-billion.html#:~:text=The%20Rural%20Health%20Transformation%20Program,facilities%2C%20providers%2C%20and%20patients.">Rural Health Transformation Program</a> (RHTP).

On Monday Kansas Senators Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran along with Governor Laura Kelly, applauded the Trump Administration’s announcement of funding awards through the (RHTP), including a total of $221,898,008 for Kansas.

The RHTP invites all 50 states to apply for funding to address each state’s specific rural health challenges through 2026-2030. This is known as a $50 billion federal investment under the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/one-big-beautiful-bill-provisions">One Big Beautiful Bill&nbsp;Act</a> to improve, sustain and modernize healthcare in rural America.&nbsp;

RHTP is administered by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/">Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services</a>&nbsp;(CMS), which provides grants to states for innovative care delivery, workforce recruitment, and technology upgrades to address root causes of disease and health disparities.

Here is what the state of Kansas commented:

“Access to quality health care shouldn’t depend on your zip code, and thanks to President Trump’s leadership, this historic investment will transform rural care for Kansas families,”&nbsp;said Sen. Marshall.&nbsp;“This funding will help keep hospitals open, recruit and retain providers, expand access to specialty care, and modernize critical infrastructure. The Trump Administration is putting rural America first and delivering real results for the communities that feed, fuel, and defend this nation.”

“The Rural Health Transformation Program is a significant investment in rural health care and will help improve outcomes for struggling hospitals, invest in new technology and bolster rural communities,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“I worked with my colleagues to establish this fund, and these resources will now be tailored to meet the individual needs of rural health care in each state&nbsp;with no match required by the state. I look forward to working with our health care leaders and state leaders to make certain Kansas providers are able to use these resources to improve the long-term success of rural providers.”

“This funding for Kansas will go a long way in fundamentally changing the healthcare delivery system for rural communities across the state,” said&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly. “I want to thank the Kansas Rural Health Innovation Alliance for their input on the application development, KDHE, KDADS, and the team at the University of Kansas Health Care Collaborative, who partnered with the State in the development and submission of the plan to CMS.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas’ award will support projects that:

- Expand Primary and Secondary Prevention Programs.

- Build a Sustainable Rural Health Workforce.

Half of the total funds ($25 billion over five years, or $5 billion annually) is distributed equally among all states with a CMS-approved application. All 50 states are approved, which means each state receives approximately $100 million annually from this portion.

The remaining half of the funds is allocated at the discretion of the CMS Administrator. This includes:

- The percentage of the state's population in a rural census tract.

- The proportion of rural health facilities in the state relative to the national count.

- The situation and needs of hospitals that serve a high proportion of low-income patients (Disproportionate Share Hospitals).

- Other relevant factors identified by CMS.&nbsp;

Funds for each state must be used by the end of the fiscal year, following the fiscal year in which the funds were allotted ranging from 2026-2030.&nbsp;

For example&nbsp;funds distributed in FY 2026 must be used by the end of FY 2027. By March 31, 2028 CMS will annually determine the amount of funds that are unused by states and redistribute such funds. 

Any unused funds left as of October 1, 2032 will be returned to the Treasury.

Moreover, if CMS determined a state misused funds, it may withhold payments, reduce payments or recover payments from the state. No more than 10% of the funds can be used for administrative expenses.

Salina Regional Health Center and affiliates awaiting approval

SRHC and their affiliates are currently awaiting the approval conclusion.&nbsp;

"We are optimistic about our chances of receiving funds," said Executive Director of Government Affairs and Marketing, Ashley Hutchinson.

Hutchinson confirmed SRHC submitted several ideas to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) when they were putting together their application, and some of those ideas were present in their initial application.

The KDHE's application looked to address the following:

Improve rural Kansans’ health outcomes and transform the delivery system by implementing and sustaining initiatives that promote preventive health care and address root causes of diseases;

- Enhance rural health care providers’ efficiency and sustainability;

- Attract and retain a high-skilled health care workforce;

- Spark growth of innovative care models in rural communities that improve quality of care while reducing costs; and

- Foster the use of innovative technologies to increase access to care for rural Kansans.

"KDHE has spent time negotiating the application with CMS," said Hutchinson. "We are not aware of the approved application details, but understand these details will be forthcoming in the next two weeks. We will also be learning how we and other rural hospitals in Kansas can apply for these funds."

All Kansas counties with the exception of those located in Metropolitan Statistical Areas such as (Johnson, Wyandotte, Leavenworth, Miami, Linn, Douglas, Shawnee, Jefferson, Osage, Jackson, Wabaunsee, Riley, Geary, Pottawatomie, Sedgwick, Butler, Harvey, and Sumner) will be affected by the RHTP.

Salina Regional and affiliates "optimistic" on approval: Kansas rural hospitals to receive over $200,000,000 in federal healthcare funding

Following is recent booking activity for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salinecountyks.gov/Sheriff-Office/Online-search/Booking-Activities">Saline County Jail</a>, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Value Unknown

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Agg interfere w/ parental custody; Impede return

NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Nelson, Tiffany Nicole

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor and Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit, Failure to appear, Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body, Driving While Suspended, Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant and Taxation; Drugs; No drug tax stamp for marijuana or cont substance

NAME:&nbsp;Schneider, Devon Michael

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit and Interference with LEO; knowingly flee by means other than motor vehicle for misdemeanor case

NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Sierminski, Lawrence Nelson

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption and Viol protection order; Pre-trial order

Saline County Jail Bookings, December 31

The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) has released its Christmas Holiday Activity Report. 

The reporting period for the holiday ran from 6:00 pm on Wednesday, December 24, through 11:59 pm on Sunday, December 28.

The Kansas Highway Patrol worked one fatal non-DUI&nbsp;related crash involving one non-DUI&nbsp;related fatality over the holiday. 

The fatal crash occurred in Ellsworth County on December 27. 

Preliminary crash log information can be found here:

One fatality crash reported on Kansas Highway Patrol Christmas activity report

<a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Salina&amp;state=KS&amp;site=ICT&amp;lat=38.8158&amp;lon=-97.6178">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Monitor local weather updates frequently in multiple ways by listening to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/nwr/">NOAA Weather Radio</a>, checking local news and emergency notifications. You can also stay informed by following Saline County and the National Weather Service on social media.

Three day weather forecast Salina: New Years Eve & Day, Jan 2.

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.

Salina Post obituary policy (subject to change)

Salina Post understands the importance of honoring the deceased and welcomes all submissions of obituaries with a full summary of their life, survivors, services, website of the funeral home and a photo.

Salina Post accepts all obituaries&nbsp;free of charge (subject to change)&nbsp;and you can email all obituaries:&nbsp;<a href="https://newstips@salinapost.com/">newstips@salinapost.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com">nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com</a>&nbsp;and will be posted on the website within 24 business hours.

If you have an issue outside of business hours, if your obituary has not been published within 24 business hours, or if have any questions, please email:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://newstips@salinapost.com/">newstips@salinapost.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com">nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com</a>

Recent obituaries and service times, how to submit an obituary

ELLSWORTH COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 2p.m. Tuesday in Ellsworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Hyundai Elantra driven by Sithandra A.&nbsp;Bell, 17, Topeka, was westbound on Interstate 70 one mile east of Kansas 156. The driver looked at her phone and the car entered the median and rolled&nbsp;

EMS transported Bell to the hospital in Ellsworth. She was also not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kan. teen who looked at her phone injured in I-70 accident

SALINE COUNTY —One of two vehicles stolen in Salina over the Christmas holiday is back with its owner.

According to Salina Police Lt. Andrew Ziegler,&nbsp;&nbsp;the stolen Kia Sportage&nbsp; was recovered in the parking lot at&nbsp;1634 Sunflower Lane, the former Jump’n Joes.&nbsp; The vehicle was unoccupied when it was discovered by officers.&nbsp; It was turned back over to the owner after it was processed.&nbsp;

SALINE COUNTY —Salina PD are currently investigating incidents where two vehicles were stolen over the Christmas holiday.

According to the Salina Police Department the first one was stolen on Christmas Day at around 10:00 am in the 1400 block of Teakwood.

The vehicle was a&nbsp;gray 2011 Hyundai Sonata,&nbsp;KS tag: 2454ALC.&nbsp;The owner stated the keys were not inside when the vehicle was stolen

The second vehicle was stolen on Saturday in the&nbsp;1300 block of Winona at around 7:00 pm. The report was made the following day at 9:00 am.

Stolen was a&nbsp;white 2017 Kia Sportage, KS tag:&nbsp;7468ACE

The victim did not leave the keys inside the vehicle as well.

Police recover 1 of 2 vehicles stolen over Christmas holiday

NAME:&nbsp;Mitchell, Scott Richard

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body amd Poss of marijuana

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Liquor; Purch/poss/consume 18-20 yrs; unkn conv and Outside warrant/NCIC hit

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Domestic Battery: rude physical contact and Interference with LEO; knowingly flee by means other than motor vehicle for misdemeanor case

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation, Outside warrant/NCIC hit and Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Thomas, Jere Marcellous

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Domestic Battery: rude physical contact

NAME:&nbsp;Whitley, Xanadu Alexandria

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

Saline County Jail Bookings, December 30

As many individuals and families focus on healthier habits and fresh starts in the new year, Salina Regional Health Center is inviting community members to take part in a community survey designed to help strengthen the future of local health care.

The confidential survey gives residents across central Kansas an opportunity to share their thoughts on issues like health care access, quality of care, service offerings and the challenges they face when seeking care. Community input gathered through the survey will help guide future planning, priorities and investments at Salina Regional Health Center.

“Each new year is a time to reflect on what matters most, including our health,” said Ashley Hutchinson, Marketing/Governmental Affairs executive director at Salina Regional Health Center. “Hearing directly from people in the communities we serve allows us to tailor services, strengthen access and better support the health of our region. Every response truly makes a difference.”

The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete, and it’s available online: <a href="https://bit.ly/SRHCsurvey">https://bit.ly/SRHCsurvey</a>

“We encourage every community member to complete the survey as soon as possible – and to share the link with friends, family and neighbors to help ensure a wide range of voices are heard,” Hutchinson said. “Whether you’ve been a long-time patient, visited occasionally or never used our services, your perspective is very valuable to us.

Salina Regional Health Center launches community-wide survey to help shape local health care

A Salina man was arrested for a warrant and being intoxicated at the Freddy's restaurant drive-thru.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD), officers were dispatched to Freddy's Frozen Custard &amp; Steakburgers on S. 9th for the report of an intoxicated man inside a vehicle at the drive-thru

Officers were able to identify the driver as Eric Lawson (48). He refused to exit the vehicle after being advised he was under arrest.

Lawson was then removed from the vehicle and struggle ensued between him and the officers. A taser was deployed onto Lawson and was then body wrapped, before he was successfully taken into custody.

Lawson was transported to Salina Regional Health Center, where he was cleared for confinement. He was then booked into the Saline County Jail for the requested charges of:&nbsp;

DUI, Interference with Law Enforcement, Driving While Suspended and a Saline County District Court warrant for Contempt of Court.

Man arrested for warrant and DUI at Freddy's drive-thru

A trailer with items valued over $10,000 was reportedly stolen in Salina.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD), a trailer was stolen in the 600 block of S. Ohio. It was last seen by the victim on December 26 at around 7:00 am and the victim discovered the trailer was missing on Sunday.

The victim stated the trailer had a lock on it.

The enclosed box trailer is identified as a&nbsp;white&nbsp;2001 Avenger and is 14 feet, KS tag: 6370AKE.

The trailer contained several items as well and total value was $11,500.

FLOCK indicated the trailer was last seen near the Oklahoma, Kansas border.

Trailer with several items valued over $10,000 stolen in Salina

For the latest forecast updates, visit the National Weather Service Wichita office at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/">https://www.weather.gov/ict/</a>. To check forecasts frequently, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">weather.gov</a>.

Three day weather forecast Salina, December 29 - New Years Eve

As Sunday's heavy snow activity has ended in Salina, light snow is expected to continue throughout central Kansas

Original:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/b3728be6-8a12-4850-9531-978104a03ede">Be vigilant: Activity of snow has arrived throughout central Kansas</a>

According to the US National Weather Service, moderate to heavy snow has quickly come to an end, and only pockets of light snow are expected over the next couple of hours throughout the region. 

Even with road conditions improving quickly, continue to exercise caution as roads could be slick through tonight.

Areas of snow will remain through the late afternoon for locations generally along and just southeast of the Kansas Turnpike with little if any accumulation anticipated.

  Some locations may see visibility reduced to less than 3 miles at times.  There maybe a few slick spots on bridges and overpasses.

Salina is under a wind advisory until 6:00 pm Sunday.

The Emergency&nbsp;Accident Reporting Plan the Salina Police Department issued earlier on Sunday has been cancelled as well.

Monday's weather in Salina is expected to have a morning wind chill in the single digits to around zero. Afternoon highs are forecasted to be in the low 30s.

Stay updated with local weather on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NWSWichita">US National Weather Service Wichita Kansas</a>&nbsp;Facebook page.

&nbsp;For the latest forecast updates, visit the National Weather Service Wichita office at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/">https://www.weather.gov/ict/</a>. To check forecasts frequently, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">weather.gov</a>.

UPDATE: Heavy snow ends in Salina, pockets of light snow expected throughout central Kansas

Be aware, take precaution on the roads and prepare, as a fast band of snow has worked its way quickly through Salina and central Kansas.&nbsp;

According to the US National Weather Service, snow will combine with strong winds to reduced visibility to less than a mile at times. Those traveling along I-70 should expect rapid reductions in visibility as they head west.

Those traveling between Wichita and Salina need to be prepared for rapidly deteriorating conditions along I-135 and surrounding roadways. Slick spots on elevated surfaces and visibility under 1/2 mile are anticipated.

The National Weather Service expects the snow to continue until 3:00 pm on Sunday.&nbsp;

Moreover, a cold front will move across the area bringing strong northwest winds. Wind gusts in the 45 to 55 mph range will be common across the region.

Be sure to secure any loose outdoor items.

Salina has been issued to be under a wind advisory until 6:00 pm on Sunday.

SPD implements Emergency Accident Reporting Plan

The Salina Police Department has announced that the Emergency Accident Reporting Plan has been implemented due to severe weather and/or hazardous driving conditions, as the number of motor vehicle accidents exceeds the Department’s ability to respond in a timely manner.

Any non-hit and run, non-personal injury motor vehicle accident that does not require towing, and does not involve alcohol or drugs.

 Exchange personal information with the other driver(s) involved or property owner. 

Complete an Emergency Accident Reporting Plan accident report form as completely as possible and mail or deliver the completed report to the Salina Police Department within 48 hours.

Emergency Accident Reporting Plan forms are available at the Salina Police Department. They are also available online <a href="https://www.salina-ks.gov/media/Police%20Department%20doc/Downloadable%20Forms/Emergency_Accident_Report.pdf">here</a>.

On Monday, it is expected Salina to have a morning wind chill in the single digits to around zero. Afternoon highs on Monday are forecasted to be in the low 30s.

Visit this article periodically to view updates if the snow will continue past 3:00 pm today.

Be vigilant: Activity of snow has arrived throughout central Kansas

For the latest forecast updates, visit the National Weather Service Wichita office at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/">https://www.weather.gov/ict/</a>. To check fo

Three day weather forecast Salina, December 26 - December 28

With Salina under a Dense Fog Advisory until noon on Christmas Eve, the US National Weather Service is advising the public to be cautious on the roads.

Visibility on Wednesday morning has dropped rapidly in many locations across central Kansas, with less than 1/4 of a mile of visibility range.

Dense fog will gradually dissipate from south to north by around midday on Wednesday, with more dense fog developing again this evening and tonight.

The&nbsp;US National Weather Service advises the public to slow down when traveling, and use low beam headlights.

Dense fog advisory for Christmas Eve in central Kansas, US National Weather Service cautions public

Christmas Eve & Day, Dec. 26 Salina weather forecast

Three day weather forecast Salina, December 22 - December 24

Three day weather forecast Salina, December 19 - December 21

With the current strong windy weather across central Kansas, Saline County Emergency Management issues warnings and I-70 between Colby and Goodland are reportedly closed.&nbsp;

Saline County Emergency Management statement:

Northwest winds will increase and persist through the afternoon, with sustained speeds of 30 to 40 mph and gusts approaching 60 mph. These conditions will create widespread hazards throughout Saline County.

The combination of strong winds and very dry conditions will result in extreme fire danger. Any grass fire that starts could spread rapidly and be difficult to control. Blowing dust may also reduce visibility, particularly along and west of Salina near I-70.

Kansas Department of Transportation statement:

KDOT has closed both directions of I-70 between Goodland and Colby due to reduced visibility from blowing dust as of 10:22 am on Thursday.

This statement comes after the freeway reopened at around 5:00 am, when it was closed late Wednesday evening.

Motorists are advised to delay non-essential travel until conditions improve.

For the latest updates on road closures and conditions, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.kandrive.gov%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0101019b32451255-66bf87ed-2388-4d16-a916-7ad1cd6cb05e-000000/-WTaKRS3IZhaitvuvGXNomZD2QUr6_IU549OuSP-qyY=436">kandrive.gov</a>, or call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas.

Salina Post will provide updates on the reopening of the freeway.

Windy weather and road closures: Saline Co. Emergency Management issues warning, I-70 between Colby & Goodland closed

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said he’s dropping — for now — his push to deploy National Guard troops in Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon, a move that comes after legal roadblocks hung up the effort.

Trump said in a social media post Wednesday that he’s removing the Guard troops for now. “We will come back, perhaps in a much different and stronger form, when crime begins to soar again - Only a question of time!” he wrote.

Troops had already left Los Angeles after the president deployed them earlier this year as part of a broader crackdown on crime and immigration. They had been sent to Chicago and Portland but were never on the streets as legal challenges played out.

The president has made a crackdown on crime in cities&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-crime-cities-central-park-five-88b8ee178bf22e91ba205b32c458d060">a centerpiece of his second term</a>&nbsp;— and has toyed with the idea of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/trump-says-hes-open-to-invoking-the-insurrection-act-if-necessary-d374093d6436410f993c2f10b140277a">invoking the Insurrection Act</a>&nbsp;to stop his opponents from using the courts to block his plans.

He has said he sees his tough-on-crime approach as a winning political issue ahead of next year’s midterm elections.

In November, U.S. Northern Command had said it was ”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-portland-chicago-los-angeles-cd6e585615422461d7088b8ed04bb974">shifting and/or rightsizing</a>&nbsp;″ operations in Portland, Chicago and Los Angeles, but there would be a “constant, enduring and long-term presence in each city.”

Trump’s push to deploy the troops in Democrat-led cities has been met with legal challenges at nearly every turn.

The Supreme Court in December refused to allow the Trump administration to deploy National Guard troops in the Chicago area as part of its crackdown on immigration. The order was not a final ruling but was a significant and rare setback by the high court for the president’s efforts.

In the nation’s capital, District of Columbia Attorney General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-dc-trump-federal-takeover-national-guard-lawsuit-f2f76ef685676ee0d3bbd81496c74f2e">Brian Schwalb</a>&nbsp;sued to halt the deployments of more than 2,000 guardsmen.

Hundreds of troops from California and Oregon were deployed to Portland, but a federal judge barred them from going on the streets. A judge permanently blocked&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-portland-oregon-national-guard-governor-416b40b480f51baa68a587a0c1fdb54c">the deployment of National Guard troops there</a>&nbsp;in November after a three-day trial.

California National Guard troops were removed from the streets of Los Angeles by Dec. 15 after a court ruling. But an appeals court had paused a separate part of the order that required control of the Guard to return to Gov. Gavin Newsom.

In a Tuesday court filing, the Trump administration said it was no longer seeking a pause in that part of the order. That paves the way for the California National Guard troops to fully return to state control after Trump federalized the Guard in June.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta called the development a “major litigation victory” in a press release Wednesday.

“For six months, California National Guard troops have been used as political pawns by a President desperate to be king,” Bonta said. “There is a reason our founders decided military and civilian affairs must be kept separate; a reason that our military is, by design, apolitical.”

Trump also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-memphis-national-guard-deployment-crime-washington-f678a17a66d3e49b2f67930a6ea70e6b">ordered the deployment</a>&nbsp;of the Tennessee National Guard to Memphis in September to combat crime, a move supported by the state’s Republican Gov. Bill Lee and senators. A Tennessee judge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/memphis-national-guard-trump-88524219125b811fe6f558cdbc870dee">blocked</a>&nbsp;the use of the Guard, siding with Democratic state and local officials who sued.

Associated Press writer Jaimie Ding in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

Trump ends National Guard deployment in 3 cities after Supreme Court loss

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/john-seewer">JOHN SEEWER</a> Associated Press

Why let New York City have all the fun with its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/times-square-new-years-eve-ball-test-ffc39fae74a728a384fdafc4cb3bf0db">Times Square ball drop</a>&nbsp;on New Year’s Eve?

Dozens of places across the U.S. will ring in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/the-2-0-2-6-numerals-arrive-in-times-square-ahead-of-the-new-years-eve-ball-drop-181fd52d0bb84098bda2b73673bb6921">2026</a>&nbsp;by dropping a quirky assortment of fruits, vegetables, sea creatures and balls of all shapes and sizes.

There’s the giant cheese wedge in Plymouth, Wisconsin, a chile pepper in Las Cruces, New Mexico, a pinecone in Flagstaff, Arizona, and a conch shell in Key West, Florida.

Pennsylvania is home to a bonanza of bizarre New Year’s Eve events — the bologna drop in Lebanon, the pickle drop in Dillsburg and the potato chip drop in Lewistown.

It’s a New Year’s tradition that goes back to 1907 when a 700-pound (318-kilogram) ball measuring five feet (1.5 meters) in diameter debuted in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-years-eve-confetti-times-square-6357d75281232756e5a9016ac2cdeb3c">Times Square</a>. Copycat celebrations have surged coast to coast over the past few decades and around the beginning of the new millennium.

Here’s a look at some of those events around the nation:

It’s said in some cultures that eating fruit on New Year’s Eve brings luck and wealth. Perhaps that’s why many cities mix fruit into their celebrations. Miami has its “Big Orange” drop, while Sarasota, Florida, features a pineapple. There are cherry drops in Milwaukie, Oregon, and Traverse City, Michigan. Brightly lit grapes plunge from above in Temecula, California. Atlanta this year is replacing its peach drop with a “digital drone peach in the sky.”

It’s tough to beat ringing in the year while watching a pair of sparkly flip-flops diving into Folly Beach, South Carolina. In Panama City Beach, Florida, there’s an evening-long bash where 15,000 beach balls are dropped above revelers just hours before a giant beach ball descends a tower at midnight.

What could be better than seeing a 600-pound (272 kilograms) MoonPie make a 60-second descent in Mobile, Alabama? How about getting a slice of MoonPie cake at the city’s biggest event of the year? Not sweet enough? Check out the 400-pound (181 kilograms)&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/peeps-easter-candy-marshmallow-love-hate-5712b5cad525a0da50622ff8f8c86b73">yellow Peep chick</a>&nbsp;that drops into Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Waterfront cities celebrate the sea on New Year’s Eve. Brunswick, Georgia, has the shrimp drop, while Easton, Maryland, serves up its annual crab drop. The oyster drop is the main event in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The biggest catch might be in Port Clinton, Ohio, along Lake Erie, home to a 600-pound (272-kilogram) walleye named Wylie. The original papier-mache version debuted 30 years ago and has given way to a menacing fiberglass fish.

There’s definitely a food theme to these New Year’s drops. Just outside Chicago, watch out for a 10-foot (3 meters) pierogi in Whiting, Indiana. The Idaho Potato Drop in Boise has been going for more than a decade, and Mt. Olive, North Carolina, celebrates its hometown pickle brand by dropping a glittery green pickle that’s close to 6 feet (1.8 meters) long.

All of these events are meant to be fun, boost civic pride and attract tourists. But one created such a stir that it ended up in court. Residents in western North Carolina no longer lower a live possum inside a glass box at midnight, calling off the event in 2019 after years of protests and legal challenges. There is still a possum drop in Tallapoosa, Georgia, which was long ago known as Possum Snout. That one, though, stars a stuffed possum named Spencer.

Where are the wackiest New Year’s Eve drops in the US?

ST. LOUIS COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just before 10:30p.m. Tuesday in St. Louis County, Missouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Ford Explorer driven by a 39-year-old St. Louis woman who was westbound on Interstate 70 at MO 115.

The SUV s truck a pedestrian identified as a 40-year-old Topeka, Kansas, man. Fire personnel pronounced the him deceased just before 11p.m. The SUV driver was not injured and properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Kansas man dies after struck by SUV on I-70

From Pope Francis to Charlie Kirk, many deaths in 2025 had a wide impact

MANHATTAN, KAN. – The Riley County Police Department arrested three individuals on drug-related charges following the execution of two search warrants on Tuesday, stemming from an ongoing investigation.

Scott Marchand, 48, of Manhattan, was arrested at approximately 12:34 p.m. in the 3200 block of Fort Riley Blvd. Marchand is in the Riley County jail on a&nbsp; $156,000 bond on requested charges that include four counts of distributing or possessing with intent to distribute heroin/fentanyl within 1000 feet of a school, two counts of distribution of opiate/narcotic/certain stimulant/heroin within 1000 feet of a school, two counts of use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia, one count of criminal use of weapons, one count possession of an opiate/opium/narcotic or certain stimulant and one count of manufacture/plant/cultivate a controlled substance. Marchand was issued a total bond of $156,000 and remains confined in the Riley County Jail.

Angeli Moragne, 39, of Ogden, was arrested at approximately 1:40 p.m. in the 2400 block of Walden Lane. Moragne is being held on a $25,000 bond on requested charges of distribution or possession with intent to distribute heroin/fentanyl within 1000 feet of a school and use/possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia.s

David Labombarbe, 39, of Manhattan, was arrested at approximately 9:48 p.m. in the 1600 block of Woodcrest Drive. Labombarbe is being held on a&nbsp; $150,000 bond on requested charges of possession opiate/opium/narcotic or certain stimulant, two counts of distribute or possess with intent to distribute heroin/fentanyl within 1000 feet of a school, one count distribution of opiate/narcotic/certain stimulant/heroin within 1000 feet of a school, one of count of distribution of certain depressant withing 1000 feet of a school, one count of possession of substance in KSA 65-4105(h) [opiates], one count of use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia, one count of manufacture/plant/cultivate a controlled substance and one count of criminal use of weapons.&nbsp;

Police: 3 jailed in Manhattan for allegedly selling fentanyl

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has concluded its investigation of the murder of Hays Police Department Sergeant Scott Heimann that occurred on Sept. 28th, 2025. The investigative report included over 100 reports from various law enforcement agencies, photo evidence, and multiple hours of audio and video discovery.

Based on review of all provided discovery, Ellis County Attorney Aaron Cunningham has composed a comprehensive summation of what occurred during the weekend of Sept. 26-28, 2025, concerning the murder of Sergeant Scott Heimann. The investigation also included evidence from the aggravated battery/attempted murder incident that occurred on Sept. 27, 2025, with the same suspect and an ex-girlfriend. What follows is what the Ellis County Attorney’s Office can release at this time.

On Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, suspect Zane Wickham attempted to make contact with an ex-girlfriend in a harassing manner. The following morning, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, Wickham began messaging the ex-girlfriend again throughout the day, informing her he was suicidal and threatening to come to her house uninvited.

At 7:15 p.m., Wickham showed up to the ex-girlfriend’s residence and can be observed on doorbell camera footage standing on the porch with a semi-automatic handgun. Wickham attempted to force his way into the victim’s residence after discovering her front door was locked. The ex-girlfriend, who was inside the house, spoke to Wickham by phone and convinced him that she was not home. Wickham eventually left her residence.

Concerned for her own safety, the victim contacted Wickham’s parents in an attempt to get the suspect to calm down. She also elected to drive around Hays in an effort to hide from Wickham. It is believed Wickham used an On Star tracking feature in their shared vehicle to locate the victim’s whereabouts.

At approximately 10:50 p.m., the victim received around 20 phone calls from Wickham. While driving west on 22nd Street in Hays, the victim observed Wickham’s Chevy Silverado behind her with Wickham driving. She attempted to flee from Wickham, but he chased after her and began ramming her vehicle. Wickham rammed his truck into the victim’s vehicle a total of three times, ultimately pushing her vehicle off the road and into a tree in a residential neighborhood.

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