Good morning, Erie.

Erie will honor Martin Luther King Jr. with events this week.

The MLK Memorial March starts Jan. 19 at Perry Square before a wreath ceremony at the MLK Center, Mercyhurst University holds a film festival on Jan. 18, and Penn State Behrend offers a performance on Jan. 20.

The annual Groundhog Day event is set for Feb.

2, with Punxsutawney Phil scheduled to share his weather prediction at 7:25 a.m. Celebrations begin on Feb. 1 in Punxsutawney (south of Erie), echoing a tradition that started with German Candlemas celebrations.

King's Rook Club is hosting a full January lineup with concerts, trivia nights, speed dating, and gaming events (more than music) to offer Erie locals diverse entertainment options throughout the month.

The Erie Reader Book Club has published its January 2026 schedule featuring book discussions, author talks and themed sessions for local readers.

The club will hold events throughout the month at various venues in Erie.

Former Erie police chief Dan Spizarny, who served 36 years including eight as chief, began working at UPMC Hamot as manager of police & security on Jan.

5; he will now oversee shift scheduling and security operations.

Erie County Elections has opened its 'I Voted' sticker design contest for public voting on the county website; voters can cast their vote until Feb.

5 and the winning design will be announced on Feb. 10.

LECOM Health will expand Colonial Family Pharmacies to four stores and plans to open new sites this spring at 210 E.

State St., Albion, and 9040 Wattsburg Road in Greene Township while also purchasing a former Rite Aid building on Peach Street for potential community services.

On Jan. 16, the Erie Otters lost their sixth straight game as they fell 3 to 2 to the Windsor Spitfires at Erie Insurance Arena in their first home match since the trade deadline, with team captain Tristen Trevino & newly-signed Jackson Schouten receiving penalties for roughing.

The NW Pennsylvania High School Sports Awards announced fall nominees for local high school athletes, with winners set to be revealed live in June.

Nominees who RSVP will receive free tickets from the sponsors, and further registration details will be shared soon.

Girard boys basketball beat Fairview 53-44 on Jan.

16 after Kenny Godoy scored 29 points and led a strong third quarter (the teams will meet again Feb. 10).

Pat Grab and Ryan Deimel took over Westwood Racquet Club on Jan.

1 and plan upgrades to the tennis courts, pro shop, and viewing area at 2660 Zuck Road. Renovations to the upstairs viewing area will be completed by March while reserved court rates stay unchanged despite slight increases for lessons and clinics.

GM Dave Brown explained at a Jan.15 town hall at SeaWolves’ stadium club that roster trades will help build the team for the future.

Fans felt optimistic as they learned details ahead of today’s game at Erie Insurance Arena.

Literary Landscapes Workshop

6-7 p.m. — Werner Books and Coffee — $40 — Transform a hollowed-out book into a whimsical succulent garden in a creative and eco-friendly workshop.

Soo Greyhounds vs Erie Otters

7-9 p.m. — Erie Insurance Arena — Watch the 2026 Soo Greyhounds take on the Erie Otters live on FloHockey with streaming available on various platforms.

CRI Fire & Ice Winter Fest

5-10 p.m. — Erie Yacht Club — $40/pp — Enjoy ice sculptures, a DJ, vendors, auctions, drinks, and fireworks at this festive winter celebration.

Ghost Hounds Concert

7-9 p.m. — Warner Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of classic hits with Ghost Hounds and special guest Don Felder of the Eagles.

Rose and Bouquets

Galentine's Day evening — 5:00 - 10:00 p.m. — Two45 Waterfront Grille — $31 to $50 — Sip on rosé while crafting beautiful bouquets for a perfect night out.