Pella League of Women Voters Legislative Coffee
The Pella League of Women Voters held their first Legislative Coffee of the 2009 session Saturday. About 25 people took the opportunity to visit with State Senator Paul McKinley and State Representative Jim Van Engelenhoven at the Pella Pizza Ranch. The state budget and the economy became two of the main topics of conversation. McKinley told KNIA/KRLS News that Senate Republicans are in the process of drafting what he described as a market-driven job-creation package. He expects the proposal to be introduced sometime later this month. The Pella League of Women Voters traditionally holds a Legislative Coffee each month of the session.

Last Chance to See Red “Cruising Lake Red Rock”
Colorful characters, good music, laughter and applause all interweave during rousing performances of the Red Rock Retro Radio Theatre this weekend. The Theatres 2009 production, Cruising Lake Red Rock, shows a diverse cast board a fictitious 300-foot cruise boat at the Swamp Fox in Knoxville. Co-Director Pat Schrad says tickets for todays show can be purchased at the door at the Swamp Fox.

Budget Worksessions for Pella City Council
City department heads will soon have the opportunity to present their budgets to the Pella City Council. Budget worksessions are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. According to the agenda, the worksession on Monday will include discussion of the water fund, water budget, wastewater fund and wastewater budget. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Public Safety Complex. A public hearing on the budget for fiscal year 2009-2010 is March 3.

Neighbor Tips Off Burglary Attempt
A neighbor’s watchfulness helped foil a crime in Knoxville earlier this week. Knoxville Police Chief Dan Losada says a neighbor on the north side of town called police when they noticed suspicious activity to the house next door. Losada says because of the residents attentiveness, officers were able to arrive on scene and arrest two suspects on burglary charges.

Pella Corporation Enacts 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 that starts February 16. According to spokeswoman Kathy Krafka Harkema, those furloughed employees can apply for unemployment compensation for the week theyre not scheduled to work. Employees in manufacturing and shipping roles will continue to work four-day weeks.

Knoxville Chamber Legislative Forum
Keeping healthcare local, infrastructure funding, and meeting sewer mandates from the DNR were some of the issues residents discussed with State Senator Paul McKinley and State Representative Jim Van Engelenhoven Friday. Approximately 20 people attended the first Legislative Forum in Knoxvilles Chamber of Commerce.