State Cuts Could Affect County Empowerment Board
State funding cuts loom for the county board of empowerment. Martha Popson is the Marion County Empowerment coordinator and says they could face a cut of $22,000. While the full impact of this funding reduction is still unknown, Popson says it could affect their preschool tuition assistance program. Marion County Empowerment received about $500,000 this fiscal-year, according to Popson. The citizen-led board funds about 21 programs including preschool, parent-education, and early-childhood literacy. Empowerment receives both state and federal funds.
KNIA/KRLS Home Shopping Extravaganza Kicks Off Tuesday
The KNIA/KRLS Home Shopping Extravaganza kicks-off Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. with over $180,000 worth of merchandise and gift certificates available. KNIA/KRLS General Manager Jim Butler says there is merchandise ranging from restaurants and overnight stays to golfing packages and carwash certificates, among numerous other items. Paying by credit card is also an option for those participating in the Extravaganza. Butler says residents can get a complete list of items by visiting kniakrls.com.
Pella Students Raise Money for Cancer Society
Students at Pella Community High School have raised over $3,000 for the American Cancer Society. Thats according to Assistant Principal Eric Nelson. The National Honors Society participates in Daffodil Days, which is an annual fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Spokeswoman Tori DeRonde says daffodils are a symbol of hope to cancer patients. The flowers will be distributed next month.
Red Rock Retro Radio Theatre Airs Tonight on KNIA/KRLS
Marion County residents can hear the colorful characters, good music, and laughs of the Red Rock Retro Radio Theatres Cruising Lake Red Rock production during a re-broadcast on KNIA/KRLS today from 5 to 6 p.m. The performancewhich features a diverse cast on board a fictitious 300-foot cruise boat–will also be re-broadcast on KNIA/KRLS Sunday, February 22nd at 5 p.m., and is available for download online at knaikrls.com by clicking on Community Content Connector.
Crime Drops in Pella
The crime rate dropped last year in Pella. Overall crime in the city was down three percent in 2008. Thats according to statistics recently compiled by the Pella Police Department. Police Chief Michael Marcinkowski says total calls for service dropped one percent last year. The department handled 6,591 calls for service in 2008. Marcinkowski says they did see a 20 percent increase in the number of motor vehicle accidents. That was up from 244 in 2007 to 306 in 2008. Marcinkowski says when they examine the statistics, they can identify which types of crimes have either increased or declined in a given year. He says the department can then focus manpower accordingly.
3M Closing Areas on Fridays to Cut Costs
3M Co. in Knoxville will be closing certain parts of its plant on Fridays through the end of March to cut costs amid a slowing economy. That’s according to 3M spokesman Jeff Horacek He says the changes – which will close certain areas and departments on Fridays – are in reaction to the worldwide economy, and the company has no plans at the time to reduce the number of workers.
Pella Regional Health Center Adds $35.1 Million to Local Economy
A new report from the Iowa Hospital Association highlights the economic impact Pella Regional Health Center has on the area. According to the report, Pella Regional produces 827 jobs that add over $35.1 million to the Marion County economy. In addition, hospital employees contribute over $8.3 million in taxable retail sales. The Iowa Hospital Association study examined the jobs, income, retail sales and sales tax produced by hospitals and the rest of the states health care sector.