Team advances in major academic competition 
A team of Pella elementary students will participate in a major academic competition in late May. The group will compete in the World Finals of the Odyssey of the Mind program, which Coach Lori Parisee describes as an international problem solving competition (Rex the Pigeon above was the result of part of the competition). Pella had five teams participate in the state contest held this past Saturday in Ames. Parisee says World Finals begin May 27 at Iowa State University. 

Firefighters respond to grassfire east of Pella 
Firefighters responded to a grassfire east of Pella Wednesday afternoon. The blaze at Exit 44 was reported at about 2:22 p.m. Pella Fire Chief Doug Van Gorkom tells KNIA/KRLS news that crews were able to get the blaze under control in about a half-hour. No one was injured and Van Gorkom says the cause of the fire is unknown. 

Officials issue reminder about weed progam 
Marion County residents should make sure their property is in compliance with the 2009 Marion County Weed Program as crews prepare spot treatment of weeds and brush on the roadside later this year. The Marion County Engineer’s Office says that Canada thistle should be cut by June 15, and all other thistle should be cut by July 1, with eradication by spraying to be done one week prior to those dates. 

Design plans submitted for new restaurant 
An Applebee’s restaurant in Pella is a step closer to reality. City Planning and Zoning Director George Wesselhoft says the company has submitted formal design plans. According to Wesselhoft, a design permit for the building architecture will be considered at the Community Development Committee meeting April 8 while the site plan is on the agenda for the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting April 27. Dave Phillips with developer Apple Corp. says construction could start in early May.

State Legislators to hold forum at Knoxville Chamber 
Our state legislators will be at the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Friday at 4 p.m. to update residents on the legislative issues and answer questions. State Senator Paul McKinley and State Representative Jim Van Engelenhoven are set to attend the event in Knoxville, which is held the first Friday of each month during the legislative session. 

Grassfire quickly extinguished 
The Knoxville Rural Fire Department responded to a grassfire at 1064 112th Ave. yesterday afternoon, and quickly extinguished the blaze with no injuries. The department reminds residents to always call-in controlled burns to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 828-2220. 

Medical examiner deputies topic of discussion at board meeting 
The Marion County Board of Supervisors continued discussion on the medical examiner deputies for the northern part of the county at a special meeting Wednesday. The board also discussed office space regarding Red Rock Community Action and received a presentation concerning the possibility of having the Natural Resources Conservation service administering the County Weed Commissioners duties, among other issues. 

Pella prepares for spring cleaning 
Spring cleaning time for the city of Pella. The annual Spring Clean-Up is set for next week. According to the Public Works Office, items should be curbside by 7 a.m. on your normal garbage collection day. A number of items will not be accepted during Spring Clean-Up Week. Public Works says this includes electronics, appliances, tires, automobile batteries and waste oil, among others. Officials note this collection is for residential customers who’ve been issued the city of Pella authorized garbage tote. 

Church offers divorce recovery group 
Area residents are invited to attend the Divorce Care Recovery Group being held every Thursday for 13 weeks beginning April 2nd from 7 to 9 p.m. at Christ Church in Knoxville. Dr. Bill Reiseman one off the groups spiritual advisers, says people who are separated, divorced or going through a divorce can learn about forgiveness, loneliness, reconciliation, among other topics. 

Author to share stories from the Yucatan 
A Central College professor will share her stories of life in the Yucatan Peninsula at a reading tonight. Professor Jann Freed will read excerpts from her book, "Daring to Be: Portraits of Women Leaders," a collection of essays and photographs about the lives of women in the Yucatan. The reading is at 7:30 p.m. in the Geisler Library Reading Room.