Archive for February, 2009

Warm Week Brings Massive Melting, Few Road Problems

Posted: Saturday, February 7th, 2009 at 7:11 pm

It wasn’t a good week to be a snowman in Marion County.

Everyone else, though, enjoyed high temperatures and sunny skies making their way across the area, which did create some soggy-road problems in Knoxville, such as the construction area of Robinson Street (above photo). Knoxville Police Chief Dan Losada says the freeze and thaw cycle has rendered that area in very poor condition, and encourages residents to avoid the construction zone when driving until the city evaluates the street’s condition.

Always stay tuned to AM-1320 KNIA and FM-92.1 KRLS, and visit kniakrls.com for the most up to date weather and road conditions first, fast and accurately.

Red Rock Retro Radio Theatre 2009 Production: "Cruising Lake Red Rock"

Posted: Saturday, February 7th, 2009 at 6:56 pm

A “dingy” captain. A kooky first mate. A Scottish scientist bent on finding the “Red Rock Mess Monster”.

These were some of the many colorful characters who piled onto a 300-foot cruise boat in the 2009 Red Rock Retro Radio Theater’s 2009 Production: “Cruising Lake Red Rock” at the Swamp Fox in Knoxville. Co-director Pat Schrad says tickets for the Sunday show can be purchased at the door before the show starts.

Two more elements marked the collaboration of directors, actors, musicians and sound crew throughout the Theatre’s third-annual production: lots of applause and laughter.

Legislative Forum

Posted: Saturday, February 7th, 2009 at 6:12 pm

A record number of residents gathered at the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Friday to get an update from our area legislators.

About 20 residents turned out to hear State Senator and Republican minority leader Paul McKinley and State Representative, Republican Jim Van Engelenhoven, discuss issues including keeping healthcare local, sources for infrastructure funding, and meeting sewer mandates from the DNR during the hour-long meeting.

Several city and county officials, local leaders, and residents were in attendance during the forum, which is held the first Friday of each month at 4 p.m. All Marion County residents are invited to attend.

Pella hosts state speech contest

Posted: Saturday, February 7th, 2009 at 6:02 pm

These students do for fun what many people dread. More than 100 Iowa High Schools were represented at the State Large Group Speech contest today at Pella Community High School and Pella Christian High School. Pella Speech Coach and Contest Manager Suzanne Jones says the event went smoothly and estimated the contest drew between 2,000-3,000 people. Other state large group sites were at West Des Moines Valley, Spencer and Decorah.

Legislative Coffee

Posted: Saturday, February 7th, 2009 at 5:53 pm

About 25 people took the opportunity to visit with State Senator Paul McKinley and State Representative Jim Van Engelenhoven at the Pella Pizza Ranch today. The state budget and the economy became two of the main topics of conversation. McKinley told KNIA/KRLS News that Senate Republicans are in the process of drafting what he described as a “market-driven” job-creation package. He expects the proposal to be introduced sometime later this month. The meeting today was sponsored by the Pella League of Women Voters, who traditionally hold a Legislative Coffee each month of the session.

News 2-7-09

Posted: Saturday, February 7th, 2009 at 6:35 am

PHOTOS: Accident scene near Otley, RRRRT Cruising Lake Red Rock performance.

Crash injures one person 
One person is injured in a two-vehicle accident Friday night on Highway 163 near Otley. Authorities say a vehicle collided with a tractor pulling wagons full of firewood. Marion County Sheriff’s Deputy Matt Boender says the incident remains under investigation. Traffic was stalled in the westbound lanes of Highway 163 as crews cleared the scene. 

RRRRT perform 2009 show 
The Red Rock Retro Radio Theaters 2009 production, Cruising Lake Red Rock is being held through Sunday, and tickets for the Sunday show can be purchased today and at the door. Co-director Pat Schrad says tickets can be purchased at the Radio Shack in Knoxville, Swamp Fox in Knoxville and at the Pella Chronicle. 

Legislators participate in Knoxville forum 
Keeping healthcare local, infrastructure funding, and meeting sewer mandates from the DNR were some of the issues residents discussed with State Senator Paul McKinley and State Representative Jim Van Engelenhoven Friday. Approximately 20 people attended the first Legislative Forum in Knoxvilles Chamber of Commerce. McKinley says creating jobs and attracting new business are some of the ways to keep the state competitive in a struggling economy. 

Nomination forms available for Chamber Awards 
Nomination forms for the Chamber of Commerces Annual Awards Banquet can still be picked up at the chamber office. Roxanne Johnson, executive director of the Knoxville Growth Alliance, says the categories this year are Business of the Year, Business Man and Woman of the Year, Educator of the Year, Farmer of the Year, the Matthew C. Job pride in Knoxville Award and the Community Service Award. 

League holds legislative coffee 
The Pella League of Women Voters holds their first Legislative Coffee of the 2009 session today. According to Helen Boertje with the Pella League of Women Voters, the meeting is at 9:30 a.m. at the Pella Pizza Ranch. This gives area residents an opportunity to visit with State Senator Paul McKinley and State Representative Jim Van Engelenhoven.

Pella Christian crowns homecoming King and Queen 
Pella Christian High School named their homecoming King and Queen Friday afternoon. This years king and queen are Tyler Klyn and Kaylee Van Weelden. The coronation followed an afternoon of activities in the gymnasium. Students participated in tug-of-war, a half-court shot contest, a lip-synching competition and others. 

Community theatre group to hold auditions 
The Knoxville Area Community Theatre is holding auditions for their spring production of The Curious Savage February 7th at 10 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church. The first K-ACT production since Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat last year, The Curious Savage auditions are also being held at the church Monday and Thursday at 7 p.m. 

City to test sirens today 
Pella residents should expect to hear the outdoor warning sirens today. The Pella Police Department tests the system on the first Saturday of each month at noon. Communications Supervisor Marcia Slycord says they’ll activate the sirens, the air-horn and the public address system. 

After Prom Committee raising funds 
The Knoxville After Prom Party Committee is having a pop can drive Saturday and on February 21 to help raise money for the After Prom Party being held in April. That’s according to Melody Walters, one of the committee chairs. Residents interested in donating their cans can bring them to the home of Pat Jacks located on 1403 Woodland Drive, or can call 891-4391 for more information. 

Pella hosts speech contest 
Students from more than 100 high schools are in Pella today for the State Large Group Speech Contest. Pella Speech Coach Suzanne Jones says between 2,000-3,000 people are involved in the event. Pella last hosted the contest in 2006. Jones says the Pella Christian High School is also providing space for the one-act and reading performances. 

Highway 163 crash near Otley

Posted: Friday, February 6th, 2009 at 8:48 pm

One person is injured in an accident Friday night on Highway 163 near Otley. Authorities say a vehicle collided with a tractor pulling wagons full of firewood. Marion County Sheriff’s Deputy Matt Boender says the incident remains under investigation. Traffic was stalled in the westbound lanes of Highway 163 as crews cleared the scene. The Marion County Sheriff’s Department, the State Patrol, the Pella Police Department, the Pella Fire Department and Pella Ambulance all responded to the scene.

Pella Christian High School Homecoming

Posted: Friday, February 6th, 2009 at 4:11 pm

Pella Christian High School named their homecoming King and Queen this afternoon. This year’s king and queen are Tyler Klyn and Kaylee Van Weelden. The coronation followed an afternoon of activities in the gymnasium. Students participated in tug-of-war, a half-court shot contest, a lip-synching competition and others.

Oskaloosa Street Fire, Pella Video

Posted: Friday, February 6th, 2009 at 12:03 pm

Posted: Friday, February 6th, 2009 at 10:00 am

Authorities responded to a report of a smoke-filled house on Oskaloosa Street in Pella this morning. When firefighters arrived, the house at 328 Oskaloosa was full of smoke but there were no flames. According to Assistant Fire Chief Joel Braafhart, the smoke was caused by a toaster. No one was injured and there was no damage to the house. Police blocked-off a section of Oskaloosa Street for about 10 minutes as crews tended to the scene. The Pella Fire Department, the Pella Police Department and Pella Ambulance all responded to the scene.

News 2-6-09

Posted: Friday, February 6th, 2009 at 7:08 am

 

 

Vermeer funeral is this morning 
A funeral service is this morning for the founder of Vermeer Corporation. Gary Vermeer passed away Monday at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House at the age of 90. A company funeral service was held yesterday at the Vermeer Global Pavilion Arena. A family and community service is at 10:30 a.m. at Faith Christian Reformed Church in Pella. 

Knoxville native was member of famous ISU team 
A 74-year-old Knoxville native who was the All-American Captain of Iowa State’s Celebrated 1959 “Dirty Thirty” team passed away Monday in Dallas, Texas. Sources say that Dwight Nichols was also a Korean War Veteran before joining the celebrated football team. 

Neighbor helps foil burglary 
A neighbor’s watchfulness helped foil a crime in Knoxville Thursday. Knoxville Police Chief Dan Losada says a neighbor on the north side of town called police when they noticed suspicious activity to the house next door. Losada says because of the residents attentiveness, officers were able to arrive on scene and arrest two suspects on burglary charges. 

Central discusses global climate change 
Central College turned their attention to the issue of global climate change Thursday. For the second consecutive year, the college participated in a national teach-in on the subject. Professor of Biology Russ Benedict spoke about the already noticeable impact of climate change on plants and animals. He says current extinction rates are thought to be equal to those that claimed the dinosaurs. 

Paperwork requirements increase for police departments 
Although 2008 didnt see a significant rise in crime, there has been a rise in time officers spend doing paperwork. Police Chief Dan Losada says although last year’s statistics even show a decrease in some areas- such as in total accidents and total citations issued – new state requirements are making officers spend more time on paperwork.

Local hospitals say flu vaccine still available 
Local hospitals haven’t yet seen a dramatic increase in the amount of influenza cases. That’s according to officials with both Pella Regional Health Center and Knoxville Hospital and Clinics. The last available report from the Iowa Influenza Surveillance Network described activity in the state as sporadic. Both hospitals say flu vaccinations are still available.

McKay-Ziller joins hospital board 
Another community leader with years of experience has joined the Knoxville Hospital & Clinics board of trustees. Hospital spokeswoman Katrina Nelson says Megan McKay-Ziller will bring a vast amount of knowledge of the community and the understanding of the importance of having local health care available and accessible. 

Pella Christian celebrates homecoming 
Pella Christian High School gets a break from classes this afternoon as part of homecoming week. Guidance Counselor Dan Van Kooten says students have the opportunity to participate in class competitions, which are organized by the student council. Activities include tug of war, half-court shot and a lip-synching contest, among others. The homecoming king and queen will also be announced. 

Chamber hosts legislative forum 
State Senator Paul McKinley and State Representative Jim Van Engelenhoven will be at the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Friday at 4 p.m. for the 2009 Legislative Forum. All residents are welcome to get an update on recent legislative issues and ask questions. The forums are held the first Friday of each month. 

Missoula Children’s Theatre returns to Pella Opera House 
Aspiring child actors take note: The Missoula Childrens Theatre is returning to Pella. According to the Pella Opera House, the audition for a production of “The Little Mermaid” will be held Monday starting at 3:45 p.m. at the Opera House. Roles are available for students in all grades and about 50 students will be cast in the show. Performances are February 14 at the Opera House.

 

News 2-6-09

Posted: Friday, February 6th, 2009 at 7:08 am

 

 

Vermeer funeral is this morning 
A funeral service is this morning for the founder of Vermeer Corporation. Gary Vermeer passed away Monday at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House at the age of 90. A company funeral service was held yesterday at the Vermeer Global Pavilion Arena. A family and community service is at 10:30 a.m. at Faith Christian Reformed Church in Pella. 

Knoxville native was member of famous ISU team 
A 74-year-old Knoxville native who was the All-American Captain of Iowa State’s Celebrated 1959 “Dirty Thirty” team passed away Monday in Dallas, Texas. Sources say that Dwight Nichols was also a Korean War Veteran before joining the celebrated football team. 

Neighbor helps foil burglary 
A neighbor’s watchfulness helped foil a crime in Knoxville Thursday. Knoxville Police Chief Dan Losada says a neighbor on the north side of town called police when they noticed suspicious activity to the house next door. Losada says because of the residents attentiveness, officers were able to arrive on scene and arrest two suspects on burglary charges. 

Central discusses global climate change 
Central College turned their attention to the issue of global climate change Thursday. For the second consecutive year, the college participated in a national teach-in on the subject. Professor of Biology Russ Benedict spoke about the already noticeable impact of climate change on plants and animals. He says current extinction rates are thought to be equal to those that claimed the dinosaurs. 

Paperwork requirements increase for police departments 
Although 2008 didnt see a significant rise in crime, there has been a rise in time officers spend doing paperwork. Police Chief Dan Losada says although last year’s statistics even show a decrease in some areas- such as in total accidents and total citations issued – new state requirements are making officers spend more time on paperwork.

Local hospitals say flu vaccine still available 
Local hospitals haven’t yet seen a dramatic increase in the amount of influenza cases. That’s according to officials with both Pella Regional Health Center and Knoxville Hospital and Clinics. The last available report from the Iowa Influenza Surveillance Network described activity in the state as sporadic. Both hospitals say flu vaccinations are still available.

McKay-Ziller joins hospital board  pan>
Another community leader with years of experience has joined the Knoxville Hospital & Clinics board of trustees. Hospital spokeswoman Katrina Nelson says Megan McKay-Ziller will bring a vast amount of knowledge of the community and the understanding of the importance of having local health care available and accessible. 

Pella Christian celebrates homecoming 
Pella Christian High School gets a break from classes this afternoon as part of homecoming week. Guidance Counselor Dan Van Kooten says students have the opportunity to participate in class competitions, which are organized by the student council. Activities include tug of war, half-court shot and a lip-synching contest, among others. The homecoming king and queen will also be announced. 

Chamber hosts legislative forum 
State Senator Paul McKinley and State Representative Jim Van Engelenhoven will be at the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Friday at 4 p.m. for the 2009 Legislative Forum. All residents are welcome to get an update on recent legislative issues and ask questions. The forums are held the first Friday of each month. 

Missoula Children’s Theatre returns to Pella Opera House 
Aspiring child actors take note: The Missoula Childrens Theatre is returning to Pella. According to the Pella Opera House, the audition for a production of “The Little Mermaid” will be held Monday starting at 3:45 p.m. at the Opera House. Roles are available for students in all grades and about 50 students will be cast in the show. Performances are February 14 at the Opera House.

 

News 2-5-09

Posted: Thursday, February 5th, 2009 at 11:27 am

Company to hold service for founder 
Vermeer Corporation employees will gather this afternoon to remember the man who founded the company more than 60 years ago. A company funeral service for Gary Vermeer is at 2:30 p.m. at the Vermeer Global Pavilion Arena in Pella. Visitation is also today from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with the family present from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Pavilion Arena. Vermeer passed away Monday at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House at the age of 90.

K-9 training continues 
Knoxvilles K-9 police officer continued search and rescue training Wednesday. The K-9s official handler, Knoxville police officer Chris Rowland, continued the dogs training with other handlers from Monroe County in town and around Marion County Park, with future narcotics and patrol training also scheduled.

Pella Corp using furloughs 
Pella Corporation is turning to week-long furloughs amidst the current economic climate. Sources say some employees at the Pella and Carroll plants will be furloughed for a week at a time as part of a new rotating work schedule. The new rotating schedule starts February 16. Employees in manufacturing and shipping roles will be working four-day weeks. 

Courthouse to close for one Monday this month 
The Marion County Courthouse will be closed for one Monday later this month as part of a statewide effort to save money during tough budget times. The Iowa Supreme Court issued the order for all state courts to close February 16th. Marion County residents with court dates scheduled for the 16th should be receiving a rescheduled date in the mail. Residents wishing to plea on traffic-related matters can do so February 23rd, at the courthouse.

City to hold budget worksessions next week 
Work continues on the Pella city budget for next fiscal-year. Assistant City Administrator Michael Marcinkowski says budget worksessions are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday of next week. The departments will present their budgets at these meetings. Each session begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Public Safety Complex. A public hearing on the 2009-2010 fiscal-year budget is set for March 3. 

New process for license renewals starts this summer 
A new renewal process for Iowa drivers licenses will help prevent identity theft and save state equipment costs starting this summer. Marion County Treasurer Denise Emal says the change – which will still require residents to stop by the Treasurer’s Office – will issue residents a temporary license. Emal says the new license would then be mailed to residents within the next 30 days. 

Central focuses on global climate change 
Global climate change is the focus of a special event today at Central College. The college is participating in a national teach-in associated with the non-profit Education for Global Warming Solutions. Professor of Biology Paul Weihe says sessions will focus on a variety subjects including practical steps people can take to address the issue. Sessions start at 8:30 a.m. and continue throughout the day. 

Knoxville Chamber hosts forum tomorrow 
State Senator Paul McKinley and State Representative Jim Van Engelenhoven will be at the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Friday at 4 p.m. for the 2009 Legislative Forum. All residents are welcome to get an update on recent legislative issues and ask questions. 

Resources available for displaced workers 
Displaced workers have resources available to them. That’s the message from Iowa Workforce Development. Spokeswoman Kerry Koonce says newly laid-off workers should begin the process of filing for unemployment as soon as possible. Koonce says many Workforce Centers can offer assistance with retraining opportunities, updating resumes and polishing interview skills. The local Iowa Workforce Development office is located in Pella. 

New report highlights impact of hospital on local economy 
Knoxville Hospital & Clinics generates 192 jobs that add over $13.6 million to Knoxvilles , according to the latest study by the Iowa Hospital Association. Hospital spokeswoman Katrina Nelson says hospital employees spend over $3.2 million on retail sales and contribute nearly $200,000 in state sales tax revenue.

Gary Vermeer Photograph

Posted: Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009 at 2:26 pm

News 2-3-09

Posted: Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009 at 9:49 am

Vermeer founder passes away at age 90 
The founder of Vermeer Corporation passed away Monday morning, according to company officials. Gary Vermeer founded the Vermeer Manufacturing Company in 1948 and retired as CEO in 1989. He died at the age of 90 and is survived by his wife, three children, eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. A family and community funeral service will be held Friday at 10:30 a.m. at Faith Christian Reformed Church in Pella. 

Council approves ordinance change 
The Knoxville City Council approved an ordinance change making the discharge from sump pumps onto city streets a nuisance at their meeting Monday. City Manager Dick Schrad says the discharges are creating traffic and pedestrian hazards in some areas. The amendment also gives the city the option to issue residents a citation for not clearing their sidewalks of snow and ice.

Pella City Council to meet 
Pella city officials continue to hammer out the budget for next fiscal-year. The city council will set the public hearing date for the budget at their meeting tonight. In other business, the council will set the public hearing date on a proposed development agreement with Cornerstone Holdings L.L.C. and ICE Technologies Inc. The council meets at 7:00 p.m. at the Public Safety Complex. 

Sentencing set for Knoxville resident on drug charge 
A 49-year-old Knoxville resident pled guilty to an amended methamphetamine charge at the Marion County Courthouse. Court documents report Jimmy Lee Dabb pled to a class C felony and has sentencing set for March 13. In September of last year Dabb was charged with manufacturing a controlled substance, methamphetamine. 

Pella Christian celebrates homecoming 
Pella Christian High School celebrates homecoming this week. Guidance Counselor Dan Van Kooten says the purpose of homecoming is to welcome back alumni, some of whom will help lead chapel this week. According to Van Kooten, students have a major role in organizing the various activities. He says student council plans the class competitions and the coronation while class officers take care of the hall decorations. Homecoming week culminates Friday with the basketball games versus Grinnell. 

Tickets available for RRRRT production 
The Red Rock Retro Radio Theaters production, “Cruising Lake Red Rock” is being held Friday through Sunday, and the deadline for purchasing tickets for the Friday and Saturday shows will be the end of the business day Wednesday. Co-director Pat Schrad says tickets for the Sunday show can be purchased all this week, including at the door. She says tickets can be purchased at the Radio Shack in Knoxville, Swamp Fox in Knoxville and at the Pella Chronicle.

Dollars for Scholars and Rotary offer soup supper before games tonight 
Two local organizations offer soup before hoops tonight. Pella Dollars for Scholars and Pella Rotary Club will sponsor a soup and chili supper before the Pella versus Pella Christian basketball games. Wes Chaplin with the Pella Rotary Club says the club was looking for a less weather-dependent fundraising event and decided to partner with Dollars for Scholars. The supper is from 4:15-7:00 p.m. in the Pella Christian High School Cafeteria. A free-will donation is encouraged. 

Hunters harvest eight deer in Westridge area 
At the end of approximately five months of licensed bow hunters in the Westridge area in Knoxville, eight deer were tagged with no complaints from area residents. That’s according to Knoxville Police Chief Dan Losada. The hunt was part of a carefully defined hunt for deer, after residents reported garden and landscape damage.

County Cattlemans Association elects new directors 
The Marion County Cattleman’s Association held their annual meeting last night at the Pella Golf and Country Club. The organization elected six new directors and named the 2009 Marion County Beef Princess and Beef Queen. The new directors are Tom Bandstra, Dustin Ellis, Danny Pearson, Gary Schippers, Stan Sneller and Tim Van Roekel. Trisha Collins is the Beef Princess and Megan Kooistra is the Beef Queen. 

Board discusses county budget 
Progress continued Monday on the 2009-2010 Marion County budget, as county supervisors met with department heads during a special work session. The Board discussed budget requests with the Sheriff’s Office, Mental Health Department and the Department of Human Services.

News 2-2-09

Posted: Monday, February 2nd, 2009 at 7:32 pm

Funds raised for American Cancer Society 
$4,328 was raised to fight cancer as approximately 900 people attended the Knoxville girls basketball team as they took on Sigourney Saturday. The money raised will go to the American Cancer Society, and the families of two local residents fighting cancer. Attendees told KNIA/KRLS News the fundraiser was a rousing success. 

Legislators review budget proposal 
Legislators are sifting through Governor Culver’s budget proposal. State Representative Republican Jim Van Engelenhoven says the budget does have some severe reductions in areas such as the mental health fund and the senior living trust fund. In addition, the governor proposed a 2 percent allowable growth rate for school districts. Culver’s proposal is designed to address a looming budget deficit, which Van Engelenhoven says could reach close to $800 million. 

City Council to meet 
The Knoxville City Council will consider a third ordinance reading amending the city code on water discharge, and snow and ice accumulation at their bi-monthly meeting Monday at 6:15 p.m. in city hall. The council is also set to consider a change order for the South Fifth Street project and continue work on the city budget at a work session after the meeting.

Local cattleman’s association holds their annual meeting 
The Marion County Cattleman’s Association holds their annual meeting tonight. According to President Tom Van Vliet, the evening will include the election of new directors and the announcement of scholarship winners. The Marion County Cattleman’s Association is active throughout the year. Van Vliet says they serve food at the Knoxville Nationals and grill for many other events, such as Ag in the City. The annual meeting is at the Pella Golf and Country Club. 

RRRRT prepares for 2009 production 
The Red Rock Retro Radio Theaters 2009 production, “Cruising Lake Red Rock” is being held February 6th through the 8th, and the deadline for purchasing Red Rock Retro Radio Theatre tickets for the Friday and Saturday shows will bee the end of the business day on Wednesday. Tickets for the Sunday show can be purchased all this week, including at the door before the Sunday show starts. Co-director Pat Schrad says the show will feature a new take on cruise boats featuring love, comedy and a search for the Red Rock Mess Monster, among other themes.

Local schools contribute books to benefit Uganda children 
A 2005 Pella High School graduate helped collect thousands of books to benefit children in Uganda through an organization called Invisible Children. Alli Linn is a senior at Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota. She contacted the Pella Community School District about participating in the project. Linn says the local Pella schools donated more than 800 books, which will be sold online with the proceeds going toward construction of a school in Uganda. 

Officials to discuss county budget 
Progress continues on the 2009-2010 Marion County budget, as county supervisors meet with department heads during a special work session Monday morning at 9 a.m. in the courthouse. The board will discuss budget requests with the Sheriffs Office, Mental Health Department and Department of Human Services, among others.

Pella Corporation hosts engineering event for area students 
Some area students will have an opportunity to learn more about the field of engineering at a special event later this month. Pella Corporation will host an event called Discover Engineering, for fifth-through-eighth grade students in Marion and Mahaska counties. Sources say the program is presented through the companys PEERS project, or Pella Corporations Engineering Educational Resources for Schools. The event is February 12. 

Residents can help name new police dog 
Knoxville residents can send in their suggestions for naming the new four-legged officer in the Knoxville Police Department. Chief Dan Losada says residents can give suggestions to the department before March 1st, when the winner will then be announced, and will get to decide where the first public K-9 demonstration will be held. 

Central College to host Singfest 
High school choirs from around the area will descend on Central College later this month. The college will host Singfest on February 12. Eighteen high schools will participate in the festival including Pella, Melcher-Dallas, Twin Cedars and North Mahaska. An evening concert is set for 7:00 p.m. in Douwstra Auditorium.

News 2-1-09

Posted: Monday, February 2nd, 2009 at 7:30 pm

Red Rock Retro Radio Theatre Performs This Week
The Red Rock Retro Radio Theaters 2009 production, Cruising Lake Red Rock is being performed February 6th through the 8th, and tickets must be purchased by Monday for the Friday and Saturday shows. Co-director Pat Schrad says the show will feature a new take on cruise boats featuring love, comedy and a search for the Red Rock Mess Monster, among other themes.

Pella High Graduate Helps Ugandan Children
A 2005 Pella High School graduate helped collect thousands of books to benefit children in Uganda through an organization called Invisible Children. Alli Linn is a senior at Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota. She contacted the Pella Community School District about participating in the project. Linn says the local Pella schools donated more than 800 books to the cause. In total, Linn says students at Gustavus collected more than 25,000 books, which will be sold online with the proceeds going toward construction of a school in Uganda. 

Board of Supervisors to Hold Budget Work Session
Progress continues on the 2009-2010 Marion County budget, as county supervisors are set to meet with department heads during a special work session Monday morning at 9 a.m. in the courthouse. The Board will discuss budget requests with the Sheriffs Office, Mental Health Department and Department of Human Services, among others. 

Cattleman’s Association Annual Meeting Tomorrow
The Marion County Cattlemans Association holds their annual meeting Monday night. According to President Tom Van Vliet, the evening will include the election of new directors and the announcement of scholarship winners. The Marion County Cattlemans Association is active throughout the year. Van Vliet says they serve food at the Knoxville Nationals and grill for many other events, such as Ag in the City. He says they also sponsor a county cattle show in the first part of June. The Marion County Cattlemans Association annual meeting is at the Pella Golf and Country Club. 

Alleged Murderer Wins Subpoena Battle
A 38-year-old Knoxville resident charged with murder in the first degree was granted a request to subpoena the medical records of the man he is accused of killing. Marion County district Judge Martha Mertz granted the request of Steven Dean McGinnis’s attorneys to request the medical records of Robert Ohl. The court denied a request for a bond review, saying McGinnis was a flight-risk. His bond remains at $1,000,000 at the Marion County jail, and the trial was postponed to May 5th. 

Pella Corp Hit by Lagging Housing Market
The slowdown in the housing market continues to impact a major local employer. Pella Corporation is reducing their workforce in light of the current economic climate. Corporate spokeswoman Kathy Krafka Harkema says about 495 employees at their heritage division sites have taken voluntary layoffs effective Monday and will be eligible for unemployment compensation. Krafka Harkema says this includes about 236 employees at the facility in Pella. She says theyre confident the housing economy will eventually rebound. Besides voluntary layoffs, the company has instituted a four-day work week. 

Structure Fire in Knoxville Dealt With Quickly
A wood-burning stove caused a structure fire in Knoxville Estates just off of Main Street earlier this week east of town, which saw a quick response from emergency crews and no injuries. The blaze occurred in a metal-framed auto shop. James Washington, a relative of the owner of the shop, says he was pleased with the fast response time from crews.

More Federal Funds Could Go to Lake Red Rock
More federal funds could be headed to Lake Red Rock. According to Lake Red Rock Assistant Operations Manager John Holt, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is developing projects that could be eligible for funding as part of an economic stimulus package. In related news, officials continue to work on flood recovery efforts. Holt says theyre in the design phase with several projects. The Lake Red Rock project received $21 million in federal flood recovery funds. Officials say some of the projects include rehabilitation of recreation areas and campgrounds below the dam and shoreline stabilization, among others. 

News 1-31-09

Posted: Sunday, February 1st, 2009 at 2:56 pm

New prescription unit at Knoxville Hospital & Clinics 
Knoxville Hospital & Clinics is using a new InstyMeds prescription dispensing unit in the Emergency Department. Hospital spokeswoman Katrina Nelson says the unitwhich has space to accommodate up to 102 prescriptions and over the counter medications will allow Emergency Department patients to fill non-maintenance medications from the patient waiting area. 

Reading programs at Pella library 
A couple of winter reading programs start Sunday at the Pella Public Library. Director Wendy Street says adults are encouraged to fill out a short review form for each book they read and enter in a weekly drawing. Youth Services Librarian Katie Dreyer says a program is also available for pre-schoolers with a goal of reading 30 books. Reading logs are available at the childrens desk. 

Reduced workforce for Pella Corp. 
Pella Corporation is reducing their workforce in light of the current economic climate. Corporate spokeswoman Kathy Krafka Harkema says about 495 employees at their heritage division sites have taken voluntary layoffs effective February 2 and will be eligible for unemployment compensation. Krafka Harkema says this includes about 236 employees at the facility in Pella. 

Sheriffs Office takes Iowa Pledge 
The Marion County Sheriffs Office has taken the Iowa Pledge to keep tobacco out of the hands of county youth. The Sheriffs Office says the Iowa Pledge is a partnership with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division to educate local retailers and enforce Iowas tobacco laws. Deputies will be offering free monthly pledge Retailer Certification Classes. Sheriff Ron Goemaat says the classeswhich will teach clerks how to calculate a customers age and effectively refuse illegal sales–are a great way to help retailers maintain a responsible establishment. 

Cities hope for infrastructure dollars 
Cities are hoping to take advantage of an influx of federal funds for infrastructure projects. Officials with both Pella and Knoxville say they are preparing projects that could be eligible for funding as part of the federal economic stimulus package. Pella Public Works Director Denny Buyert says depending on federal requirements, the city could pursue funding for asphalt overlay or street re-construction. Knoxville City Manager Dick Schrad says theyre also looking at possible overlay projects. 

K-ACT Auditions: The Curious Savage 
The Knoxville Area Community Theatre is holding auditions for their spring production of The Curious Savage February 7th at 10 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church. The first K-ACT production since Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat last year, The Curious Savage auditions are also being held at the church February 9th and 12th at 7 p.m. The show will be performed in April. Call 842-4206 for more information.

NuVal program beneficial at Hy-Vee 
A new nutrition program being used at Hy-Vee is helping customers understand the nutritional value of the food they buy. Thats according to Knoxville Hy-Vee registered dietician Denise Boozell. She says the NuVal Nutritional Scoring System easily translates nutrition information into a number between 1 and 100 with the higher the number, the more nutritious the food.

pre-game soup and chili in Pella 
Two local organizations have partnered to offer a soup and chili supper before the Pella versus Pella Christian basketball games this coming Tuesday. The event will benefit Pella Dollars for Scholars and the Pella Rotary Club. According to Brian Vande Lune with Dollars for Scholars, the supper is from 4:15-7:00 p.m. in the Pella Christian High School cafeteria. A free-will donation is suggested.

Safety during celebrations 
As Marion County residents get together for the big game on Sunday, they should make sure they use a designated driver during the celebrations. Thats according to Marion County Sheriff Ron Goemaat. He adds residents should use caution and drive defensively on the road. 

Jon Berry coming to Pella 
The Geisler Library Writers Reading Series at Central College continues next week with playwright Jon Berry. According to Central, Berry will read from a variety of his works on February 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the Geisler Library Reading Room. He is an associate professor of theatre at the University of Minnesota-Duluth.