PHOTO: Senator McKinley at Legislative Coffee in Pella.
Senate Republicans preparing job creation package
About 25 people took the opportunity to visit with State Senator Paul McKinley and State Representative Jim Van Engelenhoven at the Pella Pizza Ranch Saturday. The state budget and the economy became two of the main topics. McKinley told KNIA/KRLS News that Senate Republicans are in the process of drafting what he described as a “market-driven” jobcreation package. He expects the proposal to be introduced sometime later this month.
Warm weather creates road problems
Last week wasn’t a good time to be a snowman in Marion County. Everyone else, though, enjoyed high temperatures and sunny skies which made their way across the area. The snow melt did create some soggy-road problems in Knoxville, such as the construction area of Robinson Street. Knoxville Police Chief Dan Losada encourages residents to avoid the construction zone until the city re-evaluates the area’s condition.
Council to discuss development program
A public hearing on a Neighborhood Stabilization Program is set at a special meeting of the Knoxville City Council this evening at 5:15 in city hall. If submitted and then approved by the state, the program would free up federal dollars which could assist in developing abandoned or foreclosed homes. After the meeting it’s another round of budget talks at a work session.
Rebroadcast of RRRRT program set for Feb. 15 and 22
Colorful characters, good music, laughter and applause all interwove during another rousing performance of the Red Rock Retro Radio Theatre this past weekend. The Theatres 2009 production, Cruising Lake Red Rock, saw a diverse cast board a fictitious 300-foot cruise boat at the Swamp Fox in Knoxville. The performance will be re-broadcast on KNIA/KRLS February 15th and 22nd at 5 p.m.
City holds budget work sessions this week
City department heads will have the opportunity to present their budgets to the Pella City Council this week. Budget work sessions are scheduled for today and Tuesday. According to the agenda, tonights work session will include discussion of the water and wastewater funds and budgets. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Public Safety Complex.
School Board to consider Project Lead the Way agreement
The Pella School Board will consider an official agreement between the school district and Project Lead the Way at their meeting today. Project Lead the Way is a national non-profit organization that works to create more interest in engineering and technical fields. The board approved the first year of the program, which creates four new courses at the high school level, at a meeting last month.
Knoxville School Board to meet
The Knoxville Board of Education will present an initial proposal for the district’s 2009-2010 Master Contract at its meeting at 6:30 in the administration building. The board is also set to accept roof replacement bids for the Middle school and Northstar Elementary, and approve an amendment to the districts early retirement program.
Tickets available for Pella Chamber Banquet
The Pella Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet is set for later this month. Chamber Director Karen Eischen says the banquet is February 19 at the Pella Golf and Country Club. The evening will include a social hour, dinner, guest speaker and the Hall of Fame Awards presentation. Tickets are $35. For more information, contact the Chamber at 628-2626.
County Board holds hearing on construction improvements with SCISWA
A public hearing on an agreement of construction improvements with the South Central Iowa Solid Waste Agency is set during the Marion County Board of Supervisors meeting this morning. The board is also set to consider appointing representatives to the Central Iowa Regional Housing Authority.
Doane finalist for national award
The director of community-based learning at Central College was among five finalists for a national leadership award. According to Central, Cheri Doane was a finalist for the first annual Leadership Award for Campus and Community Engagement. Doane has been the director of community-based learning for the past 10 years. She says the program serves about 200 students every year.