Around Town

3 seats open on Holyoke City Council; nomination petitions due Jan. 22
    Nomination petitions for Holyoke City Council positions are now available at the City Clerk’s Office. The deadline to file is Monday, Jan. 22, and the election will be held April 3.  
    Three seats are open for four-year terms. Council member Brian Akey is seeking re-election, and Steve Moore and Gene Bittner are undecided.
    Candidates must be at least 18 years old, have resided in Holyoke for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the date of election, and be registered to vote. Each nomination petition must be signed by at least 25 registered electors residing in Holyoke.
    
Nominations sought for community excellence
    The 24th annual Holyoke Chamber Gala and Awards Banquet is set for Monday, Feb. 5, and nominations are needed for the community excellence awards that will be presented that evening. Categories are Youth of the Year, Business of the Year, Employee of the Year, Citizen of the Year and Citizen of the Years. Include the nomination form found inside this edition of the newspaper along with a short explanation for each nomination to aid in the selection process. Nominations are due Friday, Jan. 12.
    A Star Award will also be presented by the chamber to a dedicated member.
    The Feb. 5 gala will start with a social at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. at Phillips County Event Center. RSVPs are due Wednesday, Jan. 24. Contact 970-854-3517 or director@holyoke chamber.org.
    
Sign up for 4-H by Jan. 15
    The enrollment deadline for kids to sign up for 4-H is Monday, Jan. 15. Contact Phillips County Extension office at 970-854-3616.