Archive for February, 2009

The Knoxville school district budget review committee made a $1.13 million reduction for next years school budget. Among the over 25 job losses include 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. A public hearing on the budget is set for the Knoxville Board of Educations bi-monthly meeting February 23rd, being held at the Knoxville High School Library.

Hospital holding healthy heart event 
Knoxville Hospital & Clinics is holding its annual Love Your Heart: A Guide to a Healthy Heart event Tuesday from 6 to 9 a.m. in the hospital lobby. Hospital spokesperson Katrina Nelson says lipid profiles and blood sugar will be drawn and blood pressures will be checked at the event. The cost is $22 and all adults are encouraged to participate. 

Hampl to read at Central 
Central College will welcome author Patricia Hampl to campus next month as part of the Geisler Library Writer’s Reading Series. According to Central, the award-winning author is scheduled to read selections from her book "The Florist’s Daughter" and other works. The reading is March 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the Cox-Snow Recital Hall and is free and open to the public. 

Council sets date for budget hearing 
The Knoxville City Council set a public hearing on the 2009-10 city budget for March 9th at their meeting Monday. The council also approved increasing the ambulance service fees, which fire chief Mike Roberts says will cover the increasing cost of fuel, supplies and payroll for next year. The largest increase is a $348 increase in emergency ambulance fees, to $848, among other issues. 

Council to consider agreement for stoplight purchase 
A project to install stoplights at the intersection of Washington and West Third in Pella could take another step forward. The Pella City Council will consider approval of a federal-aid agreement for the purchase of new stoplights at their meeting tonight. Also on the agenda is consideration of an agreement with the Howard R. Green Company to conduct a study of current water and sewer rates. The Pella City Council meets at 7:00 p.m. at the Public Safety Complex. 

Pella Christian High School adjusting to new economy 
Pella Christian High School is taking steps to adjust to the current economic climate. Principal Darryl De Ruiter says this could include staff reductions, elimination of some programs and becoming more economical with utilities and maintenance. He says they want to avoid having to cut programs and staff. More families also are expected to seek financial aid and De Ruiter says several options are available. 

Home Shopping starts today 
The KNIA/KRLS Home Shopping Extravaganza kicks-off today from 10 a.m. to noon, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. with over $180,000 worth of merchandise and gift certificates available. KNIA/KRLS General Manager Jim Butler says there is merchandise ranging from restaurants and overnight stays to golfing packages and carwash certificates, among numerous other items. 

Digital converter units a hot item 
Some television stations cease their analog broadcasts today. This has caused many Marion County residents to purchase converter units to allow their analog sets to receive a digital signal. Jayme Veenstra with Stravers Radio Shack in Pella says digital converter boxes have been a popular item lately but they still have plenty in stock. Jo Goff is owner of Nanjotronics Radio Shack in Knoxville. She says digital converters are still available and any residents wanting the government coupons for the units must apply by March 31. 

Knoxville alumnus donates to SOS Committee 
The 1990 Knoxville high school alumnus who ran 100 miles last year to raise money for the schools football stadium presented a nearly $4,500 check to the Save Our Stadium Committee. Bryan Schlotterback presented the check last week.

Organizers planning after-prom party 
Organizers are busy planning the Pella After-Prom festivities. Charma Vander Wert is the chairperson of the planning committee. She says they’ve sent out letters to merchants and parents seeking donations and volunteers. According to Vander Wert, the After-Prom Party is designed to provide a safe atmosphere free of alcohol. The Pella Prom is April 4. 

K-9 training continues 
Training continues to go well for Knoxvilles four-legged police officer. Chief Dan Losada says the as-of-yet unnamed K-9 and handler Chris Rowland have been conducting field work and patrolling the streets the past three weeks, with narcotics training scheduled for March. He says name suggestions for the K-9 will be accepted at the police department though March 2nd.

Hospital holding healthy heart event 
Knoxville Hospital & Clinics is holding its annual Love Your Heart: A Guide to a Healthy Heart event Tuesday from 6 to 9 a.m. in the hospital lobby. Hospital spokesperson Katrina Nelson says lipid profiles and blood sugar will be drawn and blood pressures will be checked at the event. The cost is $22 and all adults are encouraged to participate. 

Hampl to read at Central 
Central College will welcome author Patricia Hampl to campus next month as part of the Geisler Library Writer’s Reading Series. According to Central, the award-winning author is scheduled to read selections from her book "The Florist’s Daughter" and other works. The reading is March 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the Cox-Snow Recital Hall and is free and open to the public. 

Council sets date for budget hearing 
The Knoxville City Council set a public hearing on the 2009-10 city budget for March 9th at their meeting Monday. The council also approved increasing the ambulance service fees, which fire chief Mike Roberts says will cover the increasing cost of fuel, supplies and payroll for next year. The largest increase is a $348 increase in emergency ambulance fees, to $848, among other issues. 

Council to consider agreement for stoplight purchase 
A project to install stoplights at the intersection of Washington and West Third in Pella could take another step forward. The Pella City Council will consider approval of a federal-aid agreement for the purchase of new stoplights at their meeting tonight. Also on the agenda is consideration of an agreement with the Howard R. Green Company to conduct a study of current water and sewer rates. The Pella City Council meets at 7:00 p.m. at the Public Safety Complex. 

Pella Christian High School adjusting to new economy 
Pella Christian High School is taking steps to adjust to the current economic climate. Principal Darryl De Ruiter says this could include staff reductions, elimination of some programs and becoming more economical with utilities and maintenance. He says they want to avoid having to cut programs and staff. More families also are expected to seek financial aid and De Ruiter says several options are available. 

Home Shopping starts today 
The KNIA/KRLS Home Shopping Extravaganza kicks-off today from 10 a.m. to noon, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. with over $180,000 worth of merchandise and gift certificates available. KNIA/KRLS General Manager Jim Butler says there is merchandise ranging from restaurants and overnight stays to golfing packages and carwash certificates, among numerous other items. 

Digital converter units a hot item 
Some television stations cease their analog broadcasts today. This has caused many Marion County residents to purchase converter units to allow their analog sets to receive a digital signal. Jayme Veenstra with Stravers Radio Shack in Pella says digital converter boxes have been a popular item lately but they still have plenty in stock. Jo Goff is owner of Nanjotronics Radio Shack in Knoxville. She says digital converters are still available and any residents wanting the government cou
pons for the units must apply by March 31. 

Knoxville alumnus donates to SOS Committee 
The 1990 Knoxville high school alumnus who ran 100 miles last year to raise money for the schools football stadium presented a nearly $4,500 check to the Save Our Stadium Committee. Bryan Schlotterback presented the check last week.

Organizers planning after-prom party 
Organizers are busy planning the Pella After-Prom festivities. Charma Vander Wert is the chairperson of the planning committee. She says they’ve sent out letters to merchants and parents seeking donations and volunteers. According to Vander Wert, the After-Prom Party is designed to provide a safe atmosphere free of alcohol. The Pella Prom is April 4. 

K-9 training continues 
Training continues to go well for Knoxvilles four-legged police officer. Chief Dan Losada says the as-of-yet unnamed K-9 and handler Chris Rowland have been conducting field work and patrolling the streets the past three weeks, with narcotics training scheduled for March. He says name suggestions for the K-9 will be accepted at the police department though March 2nd.

Missoula Childrens Theatre returns to Pella
The Missoula Childrens Theatre returns to Pella with a production of The Little Mermaid. According to Co-Director Brandon Price, the cast includes more than 60 area youth. The show comes together in less than a week as tryouts and the first rehearsal were held this past Monday. Shows are today at 3 and 7 p.m. at the Pella Opera House. Admission is $5 for students and $10 for adults.

Six inches of snowfall in Marion County
Old Man Winter caught up to Marion County yesterday: six inches of snowfall descended on the area after about two weeks of sunny skies and warm temperatures. The sudden snowfall causes area cancellations and numerous car accidents: Marion County Sheriffs deputies responded to 17 property damage accidents and the Pella Police department reports responding to five accidents. During severe winter weather KNIA/KRLS is in contact with the National Weather Service, Weather Eye Weather Center and local officials to deliver the most up to date information.

Flu Season officially arrives in Marion County
Flu season has arrived in Iowa but local officials say we havent yet hit the peak. Dr. Mitch Blom with Pella Regional Health Center says the flu is typically most common in February and March. Dr. Michael Van Natta with Knoxville Hospital and Clinics says the hospital has seen a very low number of flu cases so far this season, but more are expected.

Resident died of natural causes
A 42-year-old Marion County resident found dead in her home in January died of natural causes. Thats according to Marion County Sheriff Ron Goemaat. He tells KNIA/KRLS News that the doctor from the state medical examiners office who conducted the autopsy on Michelle Don Ogoli made the determination after an investigation by the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation.

Thursdays in Pella work starts
Work has already started on this years Thursdays in Pella activities. Pella Chamber of Commerce Director Karen Eischen says theyre planning to bring back favorites including Pet Night and the Water Fights along with some new themes such as Arts in the Park and the ambiguously-named Mystery Night. Organizers are planning 12 weeks of activities starting the first Thursday in June.

Courthouse closes Monday
The Marion County Courthouse will be closed this Monday. Marion County residents with court dates scheduled for the 16th should be receiving a rescheduled date in the mail. Residents wishing to plea on traffic-related matters can do so February 23rd, at the courthouse.

Increased demand for Pella Meals-On-Wheels volunteers
More Pella residents need meals-on-wheels and thats created a greater demand for volunteers. Thats according to Pella Senior Meals Manager Michele Beerends. She says they deliver about 16 meals daily with the help of two volunteers. According to Beerends, many of the churches in the community will help distribute meals for two weeks at a time, twice a year. One business Leighton State Bank in Pella has also helped with the program.

KNIA/KRLS Home Shopping Extravaganza begins Tuesday
The KNIA/KRLS Home Shopping Extravaganza kicks-off Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. with over $180,000 worth of merchandise and gift certificates available. KNIA/KRLS General Manager Jim Butler says there are items ranging from restaurant certificates and overnight stays to golfing packages and numerous other items. Paying by credit card is also an option for those participating in the Extravaganza. Butler says residents can get a complete list of items by visiting kniakrls.com.

Pruning time in Marion County
Now is a good time for Marion County residents to start pruning before the warm temperatures are here to stay later this season. Thats according to Dale Miller, Marion County ISU Extension Education Director. He says most trees and shrubs need to be pruned during their dormant period, and advises residents to use pruning sheers on branches that may be crossing over one another, or small damaged limbs.

Central hosts Singfest today
Area residents can learn more about birds of prey at a meeting of the Pella Wildlife Adventurers Club Saturday. Eagles and other birds of prey will be the topic of presentations at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. at the Pella Public Library. In related news, the Knoxville Wildlife Adventurers Club will meet February 21 at 1:00 p.m. at the Knoxville Public Library.

Missoula Childrens Theatre returns to Pella
The Missoula Childrens Theatre returns to Pella with a production of The Little Mermaid. According to Co-Director Brandon Price, the cast includes more than 60 area youth. The show comes together in less than a week as tryouts and the first rehearsal were held this past Monday. Shows are today at 3 and 7 p.m. at the Pella Opera House. Admission is $5 for students and $10 for adults.

Six inches of snowfall in Marion County
Old Man Winter caught up to Marion County yesterday: six inches of snowfall descended on the area after about two weeks of sunny skies and warm temperatures. The sudden snowfall causes area cancellations and numerous car accidents: Marion County Sheriffs deputies responded to 17 property damage accidents and the Pella Police department reports responding to five accidents. During severe winter weather KNIA/KRLS is in contact with the National Weather Service, Weather Eye Weather Center and local officials to deliver the most up to date information.

Flu Season officially arrives in Marion County
Flu season has arrived in Iowa but local officials say we havent yet hit the peak. Dr. Mitch Blom with Pella Regional Health Center says the flu is typically most common in February and March. Dr. Michael Van Natta with Knoxville Hospital and Clinics says the hospital has seen a very low number of flu cases so far this season, but more are expected.

Resident died of natural causes
A 42-year-old Marion County resident found dead in her home in January died of natural causes. Thats according to Marion County Sheriff Ron Goemaat. He tells KNIA/KRLS News that the doctor from the state medical examiners office who conducted the autopsy on Michelle Don Ogoli made the determination after an investigation by the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation.

Thursdays in Pella work starts
Work has already started on this years Thursdays in Pella activities. Pella Chamber of Commerce Director Karen Eischen says theyre planning to bring back favorites including Pet Night and the Water Fights along with some new themes such as Arts in the Park and the ambiguously-named Mystery Night. Organizers are planning 12 weeks of activities starting the first Thursday in June.

Courthouse closes Monday
The Marion County Courthouse will be closed this Monday. Marion County residents with court dates scheduled for the 16th should be receiving a rescheduled date in the mail. Residents wishing to plea on traffic-related matters can do so February 23rd, at the courthouse.

Increased demand for Pella Meals-On-Wheels volunteers
More Pella residents need meals-on-wheels and thats created a greater demand for volunteers. Thats according to Pella Senior Meals Manager Michele Beerends. She says they deliver about 16 meals daily with the help of two volunteers. According to Beerends, many of the churches in the community will help distribute meals for two weeks at a time, twice a year. One business Leighton State Bank in Pella has also helped with the program.

KNIA/KRLS Home Shopping Extravaganza begins Tuesday
The KNIA/KRLS Home Shopping Extravaganza kicks-off Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. with over $180,000 worth of merchandise and gift certificates available. KNIA/KRLS General Manager Jim Butler says there are items ranging from restaurant certificates and overnight stays to golfing packages and numerous other items. Paying by credit card is also an option for those participating in the Extravaganza. Butler says residents can get a complete list of items by visiting kniakrls.com.

Pruning time in Marion County
Now is a good time for Marion County residents to start pruning before the warm temperatures are here to stay later this season. Thats according to Dale Miller, Marion County ISU Extension Education Director. He says most trees and shrubs need to be pruned during their dormant period, and advises residents to use pruning sheers on branches that may be crossing over one another, or small damaged limbs.

Central hosts Singfest today
Area resid
ents can learn more about birds of prey at a meeting of the Pella Wildlife Adventurers Club Saturday. Eagles and other birds of prey will be the topic of presentations at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. at the Pella Public Library. In related news, the Knoxville Wildlife Adventurers Club will meet February 21 at 1:00 p.m. at the Knoxville Public Library.

Firefighters respond to blaze at American Wood Fibers 
Authorities responded to a fire at American Wood Fibers in Pella late last night. The blaze was reported at about 11:23 last night. Pella Fire Chief Doug Van Gorkom says a small fire occurred in one of the facilities hoppers. Workers were able to extinguish the blaze with assistance from the Pella Fire Department. The Pella Fire Department, Pella Ambulance and Pella Police Department all responded to the scene. 

Snow to return 
After two weeks of mostly warm temperatures, the snow is expected to make a return to Marion County today. The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory which goes in effect at noon today and runs through midnight, with snowfalls in the watch area expected in the 2 to 4 inches, while thunder-snow could also occur. 

Hospital celebrates heart month 
Knoxville Hospital & Clinics is holding its annual Love Your Heart: A Guide to a Healthy Heart event Tuesday from 6- to 9 a.m. in the lobby. Hospital spokesperson Katrina Nelson says lipid profiles and blood sugar will be drawn and blood pressures will be checked at the event. The cost is $22 and adults are asked to not eat or drink anything after midnight before the event.

Bos Landen for sale 
Recent warm weather has residents turning their thoughts to spring and many are wondering about the future of Bos Landen Golf Course in Pella. The course is for sale, according to Real Estate Broker Jerry Jensen of Jensen Real Estate Services Inc., a firm that specializes in golf course sales. He says they’re actively marketing Bos Landen and several parties have looked at the facility in the past couple of months. 

County applies for stimulus funding 
Marion County has applied for approximately $670,000 in federal economic stimulus funding for road pavement projects. That’s according to Marion County Engineer Roger Schletzbaum. He says although no numbers are final, the federal dollars would be used to help paving on highway G-76 from highway 14 to the Dallas Township line, and on highway G-71 from Highway 5 to Bussey. Schletzbaum says since each of the projects costs roughly $400,000 the rest of the non-federally awarded money would be drawn from the county’s Farm to Market road fund, with construction set to begin in late February or early March. 

Plenty of new signs approved in Pella 
The city of Pella started 2009 with a bevy of new sign permits. Planning and Zoning Director George Wesselhoft says the city issued 21 sign permits last month due in part to several business re-locations. He says this is a good number for any year. According to Wesselhoft, they typically issue around 100 sign permits annually. New signage is approved through the Community Development Committee. 

Airport awarded grant 
The Knoxville airport received a grant of over $66,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation yesterday. Sources say the funds will be used to construct a conventional hangar to accommodate the need for more hangar space. 

Students "Discover Engineering" 
More than 200 students and parents discovered engineering last night at Pella Corporation. The company hosted an event for fifth-through-eighth grade students from Marion and Mahaska counties in partnership with the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and University of Northern Iowa. Vice-President of Engineering Robert Jablonski says studies have shown the need to develop future engineers as many in the current workforce near retirement age in the next five to ten years. 

Board proposes salary freeze 
The Knoxville School Board proposed a salary freeze for the district’s 2009-2010 Master Contract this week. Superintendent Dr. Randy Flack says the freeze is part of an effort to minimize any budgetary impact on personnel and programs for 2009-2010 and beyond. Chris Bern is president of the Iowa State Education Association. He says offering competitive salaries is one of the best ways to attract and keep quality educators. 

Schlotterback to present check at halftime 
The 1990 Knoxville high school alumnus who ran 100 miles last year to raise money for the schools football stadium is presenting a nearly $4,500 check to the Save Our Stadium Committee today. Bryan Schlotterback will present the check during halftime of the boys’ basketball game. 

Schools receive environmental grants 
Environmental grants were recently awarded to Pella and Pella Christian High Schools. The grants were funded through donations collected at last year’s Community E-Cycling event, according to Vermeer Corporation Environmental Manager Fred Earley. The electronics recycling event is a partnership between Vermeer Corporation, Pella Corporation and the City of Pella. Each school received a grant of $637.50 to be used for environmental education. 

After-Prom Committee offers spaghetti dinner 
For $5 residents can enjoy a spaghetti dinner and help the Knoxville After Prom Committee raise money for their April event. Melody Walters, one of the committee chairs, says the dinner is today from 5 to 7 p.m. at the high school before the varsity games. The proceeds will help pay for prizes, entertainment and food for the party, which Walters says offers students a fun, drug-free atmosphere after prom.