By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
For the last 59 years, the Hoisington Chamber of Commerce has recognized that special person that lives or works in the community as its Citizen of the Year. The chamber is again accepting nominations through noon on Jan. 25, and Chamber Director Karen Baldyga said they are looking for someone who goes above and beyond.
"They just need to think of someone in the community that has done a lot of volunteer work, that goes above and beyond the call of their normal job," she said. "Somebody that's great at their job, that's great, but we're not looking for that. We're looking for somebody that takes what they do for a job and expands it out into the community and finds a way to help people."
The chamber has handed out the honor every year since 1963, except inexplicably, in 1977. Nominations may be for individuals or couples who live in work in Hoisington, or even organizations. In 2001, volunteers and tornado victims won the honor, and the Hoisington Fire Department has also been recognized. Previous Citizens of the Year are not eligible, but Labor Day Parade grand marshals are.
"In the last couple years, I've actually received quite a few nominations," Baldyga said. "It's great to see the community recognize individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty."
Nominations can be delivered to the chamber or made online by clicking the Citizen of the Year tab by CLICKING HERE. The chamber will host a coffee on Jan. 26, where the nominees will be announced. Voting will take place after the coffee and through noon on Feb. 3, and the winner will be announced at the Chamber Banquet on Feb. 11. Votes may be placed in person, online, or by contacting the chamber.