CDC announces Dutch Architecture Awards 
The Pella Community Development Committee recently handed out their 2008 Dutch Architecture Awards. According to Planning and Zoning Director George Wesselhoft, the recipients include Franklin Street Clothing for alteration, Hooyer Construction for new construction and Sterling Professional Plaza by Ewing Land Development for new construction. The annual awards are designed to recognize projects that emulate Dutch Architecture.

Community theatre to perform Curious Savage 
The Knoxville Area Community Theatres production of The Curious Savage is being held April 17th and18th and April 24th and 25th at 7 p.m. at Knoxville Middle School. Doors for the humorous show open at 6:30. Tickets are available at Radio Shack in Knoxville for $7 each and are $8 at the door.

County Board to discuss environmental health regulations
The Marion County Board of Supervisors is set to discuss and take action on several changes to county environmental health regulations during their meeting 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. 

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

School to consider budget and discuss physical plant projects 
The Knoxville School Board is set to approve the district’s 2009-10 school budget at their meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the administration building. The board is also set to discuss summer and long term physical plant projects, and discuss the Energy Manager position’s roles and responsibilities among other issues. 

Streets set for an asphalt overlay 
A few Pella city streets will receive an asphalt overlay this month. The Public Works Office tells KNIA/KRLS News that the contractor, Norris Apshalt, will likely start milling work this Thursday or Friday with the overlay to be done next week. The asphalt overlay project includes sections of West Fourth, Edgewood, Brook Circle, Boone and Carson streets. 

Recognizing our public safety dispatchers 
Its National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, and a time to recognize the important role the dispatch officers have at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center. Communications Director Martha Dykstra tells KNIA/KRLS News the 7 fulltime and 5 part time dispatchers are vital in connecting law enforcement and emergency departments, handling emergency and administrative calls, and many more duties. 

Local athletes to compete in Special Olympics Spring Games 
Members of Marion County Special Olympics are participating in the 2009 Special Olympics Spring Games Wednesday at Simpson College. That’s according to Maureen Schletzbaum, head coach of Marion County Special Olympics. She says the special Olympic athletes are from the Knoxville, Pleasantville, Melcher-Dallas and Twin Cedars school districts. 

Library marks National Library Week 
This is National Library Week. Officials are noticing an increase in use of the Pella Public Library. Director Wendy Street says circulation is up about 10 percent so far this fiscal year, which she attributes to the economic downturn. To mark National Libaray Week, the Pella Library is offering a Food for Fines program that allows patrons to donate a non-perishable food item for each dollar of overdue fines up to a maximum of five dollars. 

Officials stress boating safety 
Officials are stressing safety as the boating season approaches. Marion County Conservation Officer John Mertz says this is the time of year where many people start prepping their boats. Mertz says this is an opportunity to check the condition of lifejackets. He adds that residents with larger boats are required by Iowa law to carry a fire extinguisher. He says this applies to every boat with a motor greater than 10 horsepower.