Day two of Tulip Time 
Day two of the 74th annual Tulip Festival. One of the major draws of Tulip Time is the parade. Tulip Time Steering Committee Co-Chair Karen Eischen says the lineup features 87 entries including new floats by the Pella Wildlife Company and the Christian Opportunity Center. Eischen says people are able to learn a lot about the history of the community by watching the parade. A total of six parades are held over the course of the three-day festival. 

DeVore Motors to restructure 
DeVore Motors in Knoxville will be undergoing restructuring. In a comment to KNIA/KRLS News Thursday afternoon, owner Tom DeVore says restructuring will take place, but details were developing minute by minute, as conversations with auto company executives are on-going. Broad trends in the economy, as well as conditions in Detroit have influenced the restructuring decision. DeVore told KNIA/KRLS news that more information will likely be forthcoming Friday. Staff have been notified of the decision and remain optimistic that the dealership will hopefully reopen after a planned three week hiatus, which begins at the end of the business day today. 

Custody issue causes partial school lockdown 
A custody issue between parents resulted in a partial lockdown of Pleasantville Elementary School Thursday morning, although no threats have been made and law enforcement is aware of the situation. That’s according to Superintendent Dave Isgrig. He says officials were merely being proactive in handling this specific situation, after one of the parents called the school with a concern. 

City to offer Howell Station building to Historic Trust 
The city of Pella plans to offer the old Howell Station water building to Pella Historic Trust. The building is from the early 1900’s and hasn’t been used by the city since 1991. Assistant City Administrator Michael Marcinkowski says if the Historic Trust isn’t interested in restoring the structure, it will likely be torn down. The topic was discussed at the Pella City Council meeting this week. 

Chief Justice cancels court furlough day 
The chief justice of the Iowa Supreme Court has canceled a court furlough day for Friday. The state offices on the third and fourth floors of the Marion County Courthouse, and the rest of the courthouse, will be open with usual hours. 

Pella Motors honored with awards Thursday 
Pella Motors was honored with two Mark of Excellence awards Thursday. Pella Motors received recognition as a Chevrolet and GMC dealer. Zone Manager Mark Oberkircher with General Motors says the awards are based on sales, training and customer satisfaction. He says dealerships are broken into different groups and one dealer is recognized annually from each group. 

Knoxville resident faces marijuana charge 
A 28-year-old Knoxville resident was charged with possession and distribution of marijuana to a minor Wednesday. Marion County courthouse documents report Andrew Dennis Van Dorn has preliminary hearing set for May 15th. Marijuana is a schedule I controlled substance, and distributing to a minor is listed as a Class B felony.

Anglers are catching crappies 
Fishing has picked up in Marion County as crappies prepare to spawn. Marion County Conservation Officer John Mertz says anglers were catching crappies on Roberts Creek and below the Lake Red Rock Dam. He says anglers should try shallows and areas with structure. According to Mertz, crappies will build their nests in shallow water during the spawning season. 

Hospital institutes H1N1 policy 
Knoxville Hospital & Clinics has put a plan in place to prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus if patients are present with symptoms. Hospital spokeswoman Katrina Nelson says if a patient has symptoms of coughing, they will be instructed to report to the back door of the clinic and will get a private exam room upon arrival, and a mask will also be provided to them. Nelson says washing hands frequently after coughing, covering coughs or sneezing, using a tissue and other sanitary measures are the best ways to prevent the spread of any type of influenza.

Gallery exhibition closes today 
An exhibition of work by young Pella artists closes this afternoon at the Pella Community Center. Art Center Director Andi Mitchel says this year’s exhibition includes more than 300 pieces by students from Pella Community schools, Pella Christian schools, and the Art Center. The Young Artist’s Show is located at the Joan Kuyper Farver Art Gallery at the Pella Community Center at 712 Union Street. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Marion County to recieve I-Jobs dollars 
Marion County is estimated to receive over $260,000 for road projects as part of Governor Culvers I-Jobs bonding program. An official from the governors office tells KNIA/KRLS News that in addition to the dollars for the county, Knoxville is set to receive over $74,000, Pella over $96,000 and Pleasantville over $14,000 available as part of the program, including available finds for Melcher-Dallas, Bussey, Hamilton and other cities. The official stressed, though, that the numbers are preliminary and could change. Theres also $35 million available statewide for sewer projects, and Marion County areas considered unsewered, such as Swan, Otley, Attica and Pershing, among others, are eligible for dollars used in installing sewer projects. 

Traveling Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to visit Knoxville 
The Traveling Tomb of the Unknown Solider is coming to Knoxville May 15th through the 17th. On Friday, May 15th the Tomb will be escorted to the Knoxville Square by the Patriot Guard, Legion Riders, Rolling Thunder and AMVET Riders for an opening ceremony. The tomb will then be open to the public. May 16th is Armed Forces Day, with a 10 a.m. Veterans and Military Parade scheduled, and Color Guard Festivities at the Knoxville Raceway at 7 p.m. The Tomb will be open to the public until May 17th at 12 p.m., then will be escorted from Knoxville. 

Rural residents can apply for dust control service 
Dust control chemicals being applied to select Marion County gravel roads May 15th. That’s according to Marion County Engineer Roger Schlet
zbaum. He says interested residents apply and pay for the dust-control service, which is conducted by private companies. The county road department only prepares the gravel roads for the service. Schletzbaum says the next sign up period will be the first two weeks in July, and to contact Binns & Stevens and Smith Fertilizer for more information.

Law enforcement watching for seatbelt violations 
The National Click It or Ticket campaign runs May 18th through the 31st, and Marion County Sheriffs Deputies will be ticketing unbelted vehicle occupants around the clock. Sheriff Deputy Brian Bigaouette says there were 412 motor vehicle fatalities in 2008 and 139 of those were not wearing their seat belts. Half of Iowa’s crashes that resulted in death occurred at night, where drivers are more likely to speed, drink and not wear their safety belts, and Bigaouette urges residents to always drive safety and buckle up day or night.

Elk Rock Horse and Mule Fun Show is tomorrow 
The Friends of Elk Rock Horse & Mule Fun Show is tomorrow at 10 a.m. at Elk Rock State Park Arena. There is a $1 entry fee per class with all proceeds going to the improvement of Elk Rock State Park. In the event of rain the event will be held May 16.