Pella man accused of sexual assault
A Pella man is accused of sexual assault. Lieutenant Dave Beukelman with the Pella Police Department says 46-year-old Andre M. Staples is charged with sexual assault in the third-degree, a class C felony. The charge stems from an alleged incident in October of 2008. Buekelman says Staples was being held on $10,000 bond at the Marion County Jail and that a preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 6 at 9:30 a.m. at the Marion County Courthouse.
K-9 name deadline approaches
Residents have from now until Monday morning at 8 a.m. to suggest a name for Knoxvilles new K-9 Police Dog. Thats according to Knoxville Police chief Dan Losada. He says he hopes to announce the winning name at Mondays City Council meeting. The department has received 87 names so far, and residents can call the police station or e-mail names to chief Losada at policechief@cityofknoxville.us.
Carjacking suspect in custody
A suspect in a Thursday carjacking near Bussey is in custody, with charges pending and the car still missing. Mahaska County Sheriffs Deputy Doug McMillan tells KNIA/KRLS News that 24-year-old Joseph Goemaat of Marion County was apprehended Friday afternoon, and three felony charges of robbery, burglary and theft are pending. The four-door gray Buick is still missing, and McMillan says anyone with information on the vehicle should contact local law enforcement. The Marion County and Mahaska Sheriffs deputies responded to Thursdays call.
Assault investigation at Central
Authorities are investigating a report of an assault on the Central College campus Thursday night. According to the Pella Police Department, a female student reported being accosted by an unknown male near Pietenpol Residence Hall. Lieutenant Dave Beukelman says the student was able to escape unharmed. The suspect is described as a Caucasian male, 20-to-30 years of age, between 58 and 510 in height, and having a medium build. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Pella Police Department at 628-4921.
New court furloughs
The Iowa Supreme Court is ordering all court offices closed for seven days because of an expected $3.8 million budget cut. The first scheduled furlough day is set for March 20th. In addition, the Marion County courthouse will be closed at 2:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday beginning March 24th until further notice.
Local scholarships available next week
Knoxville high school students can begin filling out the applications for over 30 local scholarships starting next week. Thats according to guidance councilor Cheryl McCaskey. In related news, every year KNIA/KRLS awards two Business and Broadcasting scholarships to two graduating seniors
Search for new Central president
A Washington D.C. firm is hired to conduct a nationwide search for a new Central College president. Thats according to Central College Board of Trustees Chairman David Wesselink. He says the firm Academic Search specializes in finding senior executives for private colleges and universities. Current President Dr. David Roe has announced he will retire in June 2010.
Watch out for scams
Marion County residents should be on guard against phone, online and mail scams, and never give out their personal or financial information. Marion County Sheriffs Deputy Brian Bigaouette says one scam involves the scammer wanting to buy an item from the resident online, but they send the resident a check significantly over the item value, and ask the resident to cash the check and send back the difference. By the time the resident sends the items and cashes the check, they find out the scammers check bounces and they have disappeared with the residents money.
Pella Forte Spring Show
Everybody dance now. Several dance squads will perform tonight at the Pella Forte Spring Show. Varsity coach Melissa Wimmer says the theme of the evening is Lights, Camera, Action. The audience will have the opportunity to see award-winning routines from the varsity and junior varsity squads and others. The show starts at 7:00 p.m. at the Pella Community High School. Admission is $5.
Pella Christian Basketball tonight
The Pella Christian boys basketball team plays tonight for the right to go to state. Pella Christian will face Des Moines Christian in the Class 2A sub state in Johnston. You can hear the play-by-play live on 92.1 KRLS at 6:45 or tune in online at kniakrls.com by clicking radio-plus.