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Chamber to hold awards banquet 
The Pella Chamber of Commerce holds their annual awards banquet tonight. Pella Chamber of Commerce Director Karen Eischen says the event will include dinner, the Hall of Fame Awards and guest speaker Pat McGill. According to Eischen, McGill has planned an interactive presentation about business trends and generational attitudes. The banquet is at the Pella Golf and Country Club.

Home Shopping continues today 
The KNIA/KRLS Home Shopping Extravaganza continues Thursday. Listeners can call in from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 5 p.m. A variety of merchandise is available for purchase ranging from hotel stays, to oil changes to gift certificates for local restaurants. 

Trial set for Marysville mayor 
The mayor of Marysville charged with three counts of prescription drug violations has trial set for April 28th. Marion County courthouse documents report Sherri Pettyjohn also has a pre-trial conference set April 17th. Law enforcement charged Pettyjohn last month after pursuing reports of false prescriptions being given at multiple pharmacies. 

City terminates Bos Landen ground lease 
The city of Pella has terminated their ground lease agreement for the Bos Landen Golf Course. City Administrator Mike Nardini says the city council chose to terminate the agreement with John Domansky and Cal Swanson at their meeting Tuesday night. As far as what this means for the future of the golf course, Nardini says the city is currently exploring all of their short and long-term options. 

Officials cutting city budget 
Over $628,000 has been cut from Knoxvilles 2009-2010 city budget from what was originally suggested by department heads, as city officials work to submit the budget to the state by March 15th. Knoxville City Manager Dick Schrad says the city is not eliminating any police or fire services, adding he will have a better idea of budget specifics at the end of this week. 

Stimulus funding could benefit local projects 
Local cities are hoping to reap some of the benefits of the recently signed economic stimulus package. Pella Public Works Director Denny Buyert says it’s likely that funds will be available for an asphalt overlay project on Oskaloosa Street and Main, a project originally planned for 2012. Knoxville City Manager Dick Schrad says the city hopes to receive federal dollars for street overlay projects on Godfrey Lane and Roche Street. Schrad also says he’s hoping to see funding for some of the city’s water and wastewater projects.

Tickets available for high school musical 
The Knoxville High School production of Fiddler on the Roof is March 6th and 7th in the Knoxville Middle School Auditorium, and residents can now purchase tickets. That’s according to Knoxville High School Music Director Jackie Duffy. Duffy says to e-mail her at duffyj@knoxville.k12.ia.us or to call the high school at 842-2173 to reserve tickets, which can be paid for at the door. Tickets are $5. 

DNR offers free camping weekend 
The warm temperatures from earlier this month has many residents turning their thoughts to spring, and Camping Kick-off Weekend for Elk Rock State Park is May 1st through the 3rd. That’s according to the Iowa DNR, which says campers in an Iowa State Park during that time will receive a gift package that includes a camping coupon good for one night of camping at an electrical site, recipes, camping tips and more. 

SCISWA director speaks to Pella City Council
The director of the South Central Iowa Solid Waste Agency was at the Pella City Council meeting this week to address concerns about an increase in landfill tipping fees. Earlier this month the South Central Iowa Solid Waste Agency Board approved an $8 increase to $38 per ton, effective July 1. Sara Bixby spoke to the council about the need to raise the fee due to higher costs of operation, new DNR regulations and to cover construction costs of a $2.3 million landfill cell. 

Learn more about Slow Food 
A leader of the slow food movement will speak at Central College tonight. Central College Director of Cultural Affairs and slow-food aficionado Treva Reimer says the public will have an opportunity to hear from Kurt Friese, the Midwest Leader of Slow Food USA and co-owner of the restaurant Devotay in Iowa City. The event is at 7:30 p.m. at the Cox-Snow Recital Hall.