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.