Fire on West Main 
Fire & Rescue responded to a kitchen fire at 509 West Main Street Wednesday evening, with minor injuries to one resident. Thats according to fire chief Mike Roberts. He says crews had to extinguish some ceiling tiles, but that the resident had the main part of the stove fire out when crews arrived. 

Tulips on schedule for Tulip Time 
The tulips are now on schedule. Pella Community Services Director Kevin Vos says the recent cool weather has maintained or lowered soil temperature, which has slowed tulip growth. The flowers had gotten a head start during some of the unseasonably warm temperatures last month. Vos expects some tulips to start blooming toward the end of April. Tulip Time is May 7, 8, 9. 

Apartment fire remains under investigation 
The cause of an apartment fire near the corner of Marion and 4th Streets in Knoxville Tuesday evening is still under investigation. Knoxville Fire Department Chief Mike Roberts says the resident transported from the fire scene with burn injuries was transferred to the burn center at the University Of Iowa Hospital Tuesday night, with an unknown condition. Roberts says the State Fire Marshal is aiding in the investigation. 

Supreme Court ruling is an opportunity for discussion 
Some see the Iowa Supreme Court ruling on the issue of same-sex marriage as an opportunity for discussion. Brandyn Woodard is the Director of Intercultural Life at Central College, an office that deals with issues of diversity. Woodard says this is an opportunity to discover how the state can be welcoming to everyone in a way that also maintains history and traditions. At this points it’s unlikely a constitutional amendment regarding marriage will be voted on this session, which leaders such as Republican Senate Minority Leader Paul McKinley have called for.

Bridge projects closes section of Highway T-17 
Highway T-17 south of the landfill will be closed starting this Thursday for bridge replacement, which is estimated to take about 2 months to complete. That’s according to the Marion County Engineers Office, which tells KNIA/KRLS News that traffic will be detoured on Highway 5 and Highway 92 during construction. 

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 they’re 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. 

Students visiting Washington D.C. 
50 Knoxville eighth grade Students are heading to Washington D.C. for the schools annual trip to the capital Thursday. Knoxville Middle School History Teacher Chris Hudson says the students will tour the U.S. Capitol, Gettysburg, Smithsonian and other sight seeing locations, all with the purpose of giving students a first hand experience of national history. 

Tornado Drill declared a success 
The tornado drill held Wednesday morning was a success, according to local officials. Marcia Slycord with the Pella Police Department reports that all the sirens functioned properly. Slycord would like to remind citizens that the system is designed to be audible outdoors and not indoors. Marion County Sheriff’s Office Communications Director Martha Dykstra says the drill was positive for the dispatch center and for testing the sirens. 

Knoxville holds Easter Egg Hunt Saturday 
The Annual Knoxville Community Easter Egg Hunt starts at exactly 1 p.m. April 11th at the corner of Lincoln and Madison Streets, and is free and open to all ages. That’s according to Pat Kading, who says residents should make sure to arrive early as the event traditionally draws a large crowd. 

Pella Easter Egg Hunt set for Saturday 
Families are invited to Central Park in Pella Saturday morning for the annual Easter Egg Hunt. Margaret Ratcliff with Pella Kiwanis says they expect more than 700 children at the event this year. Ryan Doschadis with Community First Credit Union is the Master of Ceremonies. He says the Easter Egg Hunt begins at 10 a.m. in Central Park and is open to children up to eight years of age.