Central College will assume operation of the Pella Cinema on January 1st.

Thomas Johnson, Vice President for Finance & Administration, tells KNIA/KRLS News that Central has been working with the Community Betterment Organization in an effort to assume management of the facility, following a decision by current ownership to retire.

He says the college has plans to upgrade cashiering, reporting, and web site technologies within the first 60-90 days of assuming control. Johnson says patrons should not expect significant changes to show times, days of operation, or general movie selection.

“Central is committed to doing its part to ensure that a viable and functional movie theatre remains a fixture on the Square in downtown Pella,” Johnson said in a statement.