PHOTOS: Central College financial opportunities, 3M.

Central College announces tuition for next year
Central College has announced their lowest tuition percentage increase in eight years. According to the college, tuition will increase 4.5 percent in 2009-2010. Total costs are also going up by 4.5 percent. Director of Financial Aid Jean Vander Wert says most Central College students do receive some sort of financial aid. The average financial aid offer for first-year students for the 2008-2009 school year was over $23,600.

3M takes steps to reduce 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 economic challenges, and the company has no plans at the time to reduce the number of workers.

Potholes arrive early
The recent warm weather has heralded the early arrival of pothole season. Pella Public Works Director Denny Buyert says crews were out Friday and Monday repairing potholes on the main arterial streets. According to Buyert, the department has gone through more than seven tons of a cold asphalt mix. Knoxville Public Works Director Jeff May says potholes naturally develop because of the recent freeze and thaw cycles. May says crews are also using a cold mix to repair potholes.

Board proposes a salary freeze
The Knoxville School Board proposed a salary freeze for the district’s 2009-2010 Master Contract at their bi-monthly meeting last night. Superintendent Dr. Randy Flack says the freeze is part of an effort to minimize any budgetary impact on personnel and programs for 2009-2010.

Board reviews standardized test scores
The Pella School Board reviewed the results of the latest standardized test scores at an informal meeting last night. The board wasn’t able to take any official action due to a lack of quorum so some items were postponed to a later meeting. Superintendent Mark Wittmer did update the board on construction of the high school addition. He says contractors have already started some of the dirt work.

City to apply for Neighborhood Stabilization Program
The Knoxville City Council approved applying for a Neighborhood Stabilization Program at a special meeting last night. If approved by the state, the program would free up federal dollars which would assist in developing abandoned or foreclosed homes. Representatives from Habitat for Humanity expressed interest in working with the city to build homes on lots after the old property has been demolished.

City holds another budget work session tonight
The Pella City Council holds another budget work session tonight. The first was held Monday. According to the agenda, tonight’s meeting will focus on several departmental budgets including police, fire, community services, library and public works. Council will also receive an overview of the Road Use Tax fund. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Public Safety Complex.

Board approves agreement with SCISWA
The Marion County Board of Supervisors approved an agreement of construction improvements with the South Central Iowa Solid Waste Agency at their meeting Monday. The board approved the issuance of $2.1 million in revenue bonds to begin construction of a landfill cell. Supervisor Howard Pothoven says the agency will be responsible for paying the bonds, which will have no financial impact on the county.

Scholarships available for those interested in conservation
Marion County high school students planning a career in conservation can pick up applications for the Gladys Black Scholarship Fund at school guidance offices. Sources say the scholarships range from $250 to $1,000 and students must be graduating seniors who plan to major in conservation or natural resources at an accredited college or university.

Backyard Bird Count begins this week
Bird watchers are encouraged to count the birds in their backyard later this week. The 12th annual Great Backyard Bird Count is Friday through Monday. Data collected in the count helps researchers track the health of bird populations. Central College Professor of Biology Russ Benedict says birds that do well around humans are increasing in numbers while many species with specific habitat requirements are declining. For more about the Great Backyard Bird Count, visit www.birdcount.org.