Marion County Board of Supervisors to Meet Monday
The Marion County Board of Supervisors is set to discuss and take action on several changes to county environmental health regulations during their bi-monthly meeting Monday morning at 9:30 in the Marion County Courthouse. Some of the regulations include an ordinance to define and regulate environmental health hazards and nuisances, as well as implementing state standards for non public water, among others. There will be public hearings on each of these issues during the meeting.

Pella to Begin Asphalt Overlay on Several Roads
Crews will likely begin preparing a few Pella city streets for an asphalt overlay in the coming days. The Public Works Office tells KNIA/KRLS News that the contractor Norris Apshalt will likely start milling work on Thursday or Friday with the overlay set for the following week. Public Works Director Denny Buyert says the asphalt overlay project includes sections of West Fourth, Edgewood, Brook Circle, Boone and Carson streets.

Knoxville School Board Meeting on Monday
The Knoxville School Board is set to approve the districts 2009-10 school budget at their bi-monthly meeting Monday evening at 6:30 in the administration building. The Board is also set to discuss summer and long term physical plant projects, and discuss the Energy Manager positions roles and responsibilities among other issues.

Pella School Board Meets Monday
The Pella School Board will hold a public hearing on the budget for the 2009-2010 school year at their meeting Monday. Another item on the agenda is consideration of an athletic facility improvement project. If approved, a public hearing would be scheduled for May 11. In a carryover from the previous meeting, the board will consider technology expenses for the 2009-2010 school year. The Pella School Board meets Monday at 4:30 p.m. at the Administration Office.

Apartment Fire Injures One in Knoxville
Plumes of smoke greeted first responders at an apartment building near the corner of Marion and 4th Streets in Knoxville earlier this week, where an apartment fire sent one resident to the hospital with burn injuries. Knoxville Fire Department Chief Mike Roberts tells KNIA/KRLS News that the cause of the fire remains under investigation, although a possible electrical cause has been ruled out. Roberts says the Red Cross found temporary shelter for displaced residents after the fire.

Pella Community Development Committee Special Meeting
The Pella Community Development Committee will hold a special meeting April 15 to consider a design permit for a new Applebees Restaurant. The permit was originally on the agenda for a meeting on April 8, but Planning and Zoning Director George Wesselhoft says the architect was unable to attend. He says this wont delay the city permitting process. A site plan for the restaurant remains on the agenda for the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting April 27.

Former Knoxville Resident Dies in Plane Crash
A former Knoxville resident William Piesen died in a plane crash near Edinburg, Texas. Sources tell KNIA/KRLS News that Bill Pieson, a 1976 graduate of Knoxville High School, was the pilot of the plane, and the only person aboard. Federal investigators are reportedly looking in to the cause of the crash. Pieson and his family also had a long history of involvement with the McAllen Independent School district in Texas, according to McAllen Superintendent Mike Barrera. He says Piesen will be greatly missed, and the district is planning a moment of silence during morning announcements when students return from Easter break on Wednesday, April 15.

Lake Red Rock 40 Year Anniversary
Forty years ago a lake was born. Officials are planning a celebration to recognize the 40th anniversary of Lake Red Rock. Marion County Development Commission Executive Director Carla Eyesink says festivities will be held June 13 at Cordova Park. Eyesink says theyre planning a day of arts, recreation and education. The Marion County Development Commission, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Marion County Conservation Board are working together to organize the event.