Archive for February, 2009

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.

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 tyle="font-family:Tahoma;color:red;"> 
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.

Committee recommends budget cuts 
The Knoxville school district budget review committee proposed a $1.13 million reduction for next year’s school budget. There are over 25 proposed job losses, including eight teaching positions, and 10 associate positions. The committee also proposed reconfiguring the districts structure for kindergarten through eighth grade students. The recommendation would put pre-kindergarten through third grade at West Elementary, kindergarten through third at East Elementary, fourth through sixth grade at Northstar Elementary and seventh through eighth grade at the Knoxville Middle School. The School Board will consider the budget proposal February 23. 

Firm to examine water utility needs 
The city of Pella has hired a firm to examine water and sewer rates and capital infrastructure needs for the water utility. The Pella City Council approved agreements with the Howard R. Green Company at their meeting Tuesday night. Council also approved an agreement that would allow federal funds to be used for new stoplights at the intersection of Washington and West Third. Public Works Director Denny Buyert said the new stoplights could be installed by this August or September.

Baccam trial postponed 
A trial for a Pella man facing a sexual abuse charge is postponed until May. According to Marion County court documents, a pre-trial conference for 42-year-old Richard Nathan Baccam was continued to April 10 with the trial now set for May 12. Baccam is charged with sexual abuse in the second-degree stemming from an alleged incident involving a child at a Pella residence in October 2008. 

Historic newspapers on display in Columbia 
Area residents can take a step back in time and view historic newspapers Wednesday and Thursday at the Columbia Community Center. That’s according to John Pierce, owner of Pierces Pumpkin Patch in Columbia. He says he’ll have over 150 historic newspapers on display from 4 to 8 p.m. 

Residents take advantage of healthy heart event 
Over 110 residents attended Knoxville Hospital & Clinics annual Love Your Heart: A Guide to a Healthy Heart event Tuesday. Hospital spokesperson Katrina Nelson says residents had their lipid profiles and blood sugar drawn and blood pressures checked, and should get their blood results mailed to them over the next week. 

Local professor optimistic about stimulus package 
President Barack Obama signed a $787 billion economic stimulus package into law Tuesday. The White House Press Office claims the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act could result in 37,000 jobs for the state of Iowa. Central College Professor of Economics Brian Peterson says while that figure is a projection, he’s optimistic about the stimulus plan. 

Public Health encourages radon testing 
Marion County residents should test their homes air-quality for radon and other potentially harmful substances this winter. That’s according to Cory Frank, with the Marion County Public Health Department. He says Marion County tested higher in the past for radon – a harmful radiological particle both odorless and tasteless. 

USP to hold auditions for Tulip Time production 
Auditions are next month for an upcoming community theatre production in Pella. The Union Street Players are seeking cast members for Letters from Pella, a play written by current USP President Tom Vander Well. Tryouts are March 7 from 10-11:30 a.m. and March 10 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Pella Community Center.

Have coffee with the mayor 
Area residents can voice what’s on their minds at Coffee With The Mayor in Knoxville Thursday. Mayor Harv Sprafka says the program is held the third Thursday of each month at 4 p.m. at the Knoxville Public library. Sprafka encourages residents to bring their questions, comments and ideas for discussion.

Home Shopping Extravaganza continues 
The KNIA/KRLS Home Shopping Extravaganza continues today. 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. An updated list of items is available online at kniakrls.com.

Committee recommends budget cuts 
The Knoxville school district budget review committee proposed a $1.13 million reduction for next year’s school budget. There are over 25 proposed job losses, including eight teaching positions, and 10 associate positions. The committee also proposed reconfiguring the districts structure for kindergarten through eighth grade students. The recommendation would put pre-kindergarten through third grade at West Elementary, kindergarten through third at East Elementary, fourth through sixth grade at Northstar Elementary and seventh through eighth grade at the Knoxville Middle School. The School Board will consider the budget proposal February 23. 

Firm to examine water utility needs 
The city of Pella has hired a firm to examine water and sewer rates and capital infrastructure needs for the water utility. The Pella City Council approved agreements with the Howard R. Green Company at their meeting Tuesday night. Council also approved an agreement that would allow federal funds to be used for new stoplights at the intersection of Washington and West Third. Public Works Director Denny Buyert said the new stoplights could be installed by this August or September.

Baccam trial postponed 
A trial for a Pella man facing a sexual abuse charge is postponed until May. According to Marion County court documents, a pre-trial conference for 42-year-old Richard Nathan Baccam was continued to April 10 with the trial now set for May 12. Baccam is charged with sexual abuse in the second-degree stemming from an alleged incident involving a child at a Pella residence in October 2008. 

Historic newspapers on display in Columbia 
Area residents can take a step back in time and view historic newspapers Wednesday and Thursday at the Columbia Community Center. That’s according to John Pierce, owner of Pierces Pumpkin Patch in Columbia. He says he’ll have over 150 historic newspapers on display from 4 to 8 p.m. 

Residents take advantage of healthy heart event 
Over 110 residents attended Knoxville Hospital & Clinics annual Love Your Heart: A Guide to a Healthy Heart event Tuesday. Hospital spokesperson Katrina Nelson says residents had their lipid profiles and blood sugar drawn and blood pressures checked, and should get their blood results mailed to them over the next week. 

Local professor optimistic about stimulus package 
President Barack Obama signed a $787 billion economic stimulus package into law Tuesday. The White House Press Office claims the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act could result in 37,000 jobs for the state of Iowa. Central College Professor of Economics Brian Peterson says while that figure is a projection, he’s optimistic about the stimulus plan. 

Public Health encourages radon testing 
Marion County residents should test their homes air-quality for radon and other potentially harmful substances this winter. That’s according to Cory Frank, with the Marion County Public Health Department. He says Marion County tested higher in the past for radon – a harmful radiological particle both odorless and tasteless. 

oma>USP to hold auditions for Tulip Time production 
Auditions are next month for an upcoming community theatre production in Pella. The Union Street Players are seeking cast members for Letters from Pella, a play written by current USP President Tom Vander Well. Tryouts are March 7 from 10-11:30 a.m. and March 10 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Pella Community Center.

Have coffee with the mayor 
Area residents can voice what’s on their minds at Coffee With The Mayor in Knoxville Thursday. Mayor Harv Sprafka says the program is held the third Thursday of each month at 4 p.m. at the Knoxville Public library. Sprafka encourages residents to bring their questions, comments and ideas for discussion.

Home Shopping Extravaganza continues 
The KNIA/KRLS Home Shopping Extravaganza continues today. 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. An updated list of items is available online at kniakrls.com.