K-9 training continues
Knoxvilles K-9 police officer continued search and rescue training Wednesday. The K-9s official handler, Knoxville police officer Chris Rowland, continued the dogs training with other handlers from Monroe County in town and around Marion County Park, with future narcotics and patrol training also scheduled.
Pella Corp using furloughs
Pella Corporation is turning to week-long furloughs amidst the current economic climate. Sources say some employees at the Pella and Carroll plants will be furloughed for a week at a time as part of a new rotating work schedule. The new rotating schedule starts February 16. Employees in manufacturing and shipping roles will be working four-day weeks.
Courthouse to close for one Monday this month
The Marion County Courthouse will be closed for one Monday later this month as part of a statewide effort to save money during tough budget times. The Iowa Supreme Court issued the order for all state courts to close February 16th. 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.
City to hold budget worksessions next week
Work continues on the Pella city budget for next fiscal-year. Assistant City Administrator Michael Marcinkowski says budget worksessions are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday of next week. The departments will present their budgets at these meetings. Each session begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Public Safety Complex. A public hearing on the 2009-2010 fiscal-year budget is set for March 3.
New process for license renewals starts this summer
A new renewal process for Iowa drivers licenses will help prevent identity theft and save state equipment costs starting this summer. Marion County Treasurer Denise Emal says the change – which will still require residents to stop by the Treasurer’s Office – will issue residents a temporary license. Emal says the new license would then be mailed to residents within the next 30 days.
Central focuses on global climate change
Global climate change is the focus of a special event today at Central College. The college is participating in a national teach-in associated with the non-profit Education for Global Warming Solutions. Professor of Biology Paul Weihe says sessions will focus on a variety subjects including practical steps people can take to address the issue. Sessions start at 8:30 a.m. and continue throughout the day.
Knoxville Chamber hosts forum tomorrow
State Senator Paul McKinley and State Representative Jim Van Engelenhoven will be at the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Friday at 4 p.m. for the 2009 Legislative Forum. All residents are welcome to get an update on recent legislative issues and ask questions.
Resources available for displaced workers
Displaced workers have resources available to them. That’s the message from Iowa Workforce Development. Spokeswoman Kerry Koonce says newly laid-off workers should begin the process of filing for unemployment as soon as possible. Koonce says many Workforce Centers can offer assistance with retraining opportunities, updating resumes and polishing interview skills. The local Iowa Workforce Development office is located in Pella.
New report highlights impact of hospital on local economy
Knoxville Hospital & Clinics generates 192 jobs that add over $13.6 million to Knoxvilles , according to the latest study by the Iowa Hospital Association. Hospital spokeswoman Katrina Nelson says hospital employees spend over $3.2 million on retail sales and contribute nearly $200,000 in state sales tax revenue.