The California Highway Patrol (CHP) will soon be accepting online applications from highly motivated individuals who are ready to serve the public and the state of California with pride.

The CHP is recognized all over the world as the leader in traffic safety, and there is no better time than now to become a CHP officer.

If you are interested in diversity, challenges and opportunities, the CHP invites you to apply to become a part of its professional organization.

Applications will be accepted online only during a three-day period that begins Thursday, Jan. 3, and continues through Saturday, Jan. 5.

This brief application period marks the first time in three years that the CHP has accepted applications. Those interested in applying, or seeking additional information, should visit www.chpcareers.com .

To be considered, candidates must be 20 to 35 years old and in good health; have a high school diploma, GED or California High School Proficiency Examination; good moral conduct and no felony convictions; a U.S. citizen or permanent resident immigrant who is eligible and has applied for citizenship, and must be a U.S. citizen at the time of appointment.

Each applicant will be required to complete a selection process including a written test, physical ability test, appraisal panel interview, background investigation, medical/vision evaluation and psychological evaluation.

For more information, contact a CHP Northern Division recruiter at 530-225-2715, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

The CHP’s recruitment Facebook page is www.facebook.com/chp.recruiting .

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Department of Public Works reported that two local roads are closed due to safety issues.

The agency said Holdenried Road at Hill Creek in Kelseyville is closed to all traffic due to a bridge closure.

Also in Kelseyville, Bell Hill Road is closed at the Adobe Creek low water crossing due to flooding.

For more information contact the Lake County Department of Public Works at 707-263-2341.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Democratic Central Committee will hold its first meeting of the new year on Thursday, Jan. 3.

The monthly meeting will take place in Clearlake Oaks at the United Methodist Church beginning at 7 p.m.

The agenda includes reports from representatives for Congressmen Mike Thompson and John Garamendi, Assemblywoman Mariko Yamada and state Sen. Noreen Evans, as well as reports from the Stonewall Democratic Club Chair Mark Wickhamshire and representative from the Lake County Democratic Club Paula Mune.

Meetings are open to the public and committee membership is open to all registered Democrats.

The Lake County Democratic Central Committee is the official governing body of the Democratic Party in Lake County.

Contact the Democratic Party of Lake County at 707-533-4885 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Lake County Youth Center will host a community open house on Saturday, Jan. 5.

The open house will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the center, located at 14750 Golf Ave., Clearlake.

Come see the center’s progress and give input on the project and the center’s programs.

Community members also can support the center by becoming a volunteer or through donations.

For more information contact Joyce Overton at 707-350-2898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A fund is being set up to help a family that lost its father over the weekend.

The fund has been set up at Umpqua Bank to help Elizabeth Smith and her two children. Smith also is pregnant with a third.

The father of her children died on Sunday.

Donations can be made at any Umpqua Bank; the account number is 992733618.

NICE, Calif. – The award-winning Featherbed Railroad is hosting an open house event featuring the incredible gourd art of Linda Kelly, owner of the Gourd Gallery in Lucerne.

The reception will take place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 30.

The event will raise funds to help send the eight graders of Mountain Vista Middle School in Kelseyville to Washington, D.C.

Admission to the event is free but wine tasting will be available for $5 with proceeds benefiting the eighth grade class.

Kelly's gourd art has been seen around the world and her positive, upbeat look on life makes for a wonderful afternoon celebrating this unique art form.

Gourds are great art that can also be practical and is certain to put a smile on one's face.

Featherbed Railroad is located at 2870 Lakeshore Blvd., Nice.

For more information call Featherbed Railroad at 707-274-8378 or visit http://www.featherbedrailroad.com .