Fire damages barn near Pleasantville
A barn fire at 40th Avenue and Grimes north of Pleasantville early this morning left no injuries, with the cause still under investigation. Crews responded quickly after being paged out around 3 a.m. Pleasantville Fire & Rescue, Knoxville Township Fire Department, Melcher-Dallas Fire department and Marion County Sheriff’s Deputies all responded to the scene, with crews still dousing the flames an hour later.
Corps seeing impact of snow melt
Snow melt has caused the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to release more water through the Lake Red Rock Dam. Assistant Operations Manager John Holt says yesterday they were releasing water at a rate of just over 13,000 CFS. That figure is expected to increase to 17,000 CFS by Sunday. Holt says this is necessary to maintain the lake at the normal 742 feet above sea level.
Crime rate declines
Overall crime in the city of Pella was down three percent in 2008. That’s according to statistics recently compiled by the Pella Police Department. Police Chief Michael Marcinkowski says total calls for service dropped one percent in 2008. The department handled 6,591 calls for service in 2008. Marcinkowski says they did see a 20 percent increase in the number of accidents. That was up from 244 in 2007 to 306 in 2008.
Board completes first phase of budget review
The first phase of budget review is over for Marion County’s 2009-2010 fiscal year, which is predicted to be balanced. That’s according to Marion County Board of Supervisors Chair Howard Pothoven. He says finishing work on the $3.4 million courthouse remodeling project, window replacement project and having an increase in housing evaluations last year helped free up more funds for budgeting.
Police seek compliance from local bar
A local bar was asked by the Knoxville Police Department to address complaints of disturbances over an extended time period. That’s according to Police Chief Dan Losada, who informed the Knoxville City Council Monday he sent a letter of compliance to management at Sandals Lounge. Losada says all residents should watch how much they drink and always respect other customers.
Schools advance to All-State Speech
Two area schools have advanced to the All-State Speech Festival later this month. Pella Christian will perform their one-act play “Rags,” while PCM will present their choral reading selection “I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar!” Both schools participated in the State Large Group Speech contest held this past weekend at Pella and Pella Christian High Schools. The All-State Speech Festival is February 21 in Ames.
Pleasantville wrestling headed to state
The Pleasantville high school wrestling team has qualified for the class 1-A state duals after defeating Eddyville-Blakesburg and New London in the regional competition. Pleasantville is the 7th seed at the state duals and will wrestle Belle Plain February 28th in Cedar Rapids.
PRHC has substantial economic impact
A new report from the Iowa Hospital Association highlights the economic impact Pella Regional Health Center has on the area. According to the report, Pella Regional produces 827 jobs that add over $35.1 million to the Marion County economy. In addition, hospital employees contribute over $8.3 million in taxable retail sales.
Department receives numerous suggestions for name of new K-9
The Knoxville Police Department has received 55 name suggestions for the departments new K-9 police dog. Chief Dan Losada says the department will take residents suggestions until the morning of March 2nd, and says the winner of the contest will get to decide where the first public K-9 demonstration will be held.
Puppet theatre company to perform in Pella
Puppet theatre has returned to Pella. The Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre Company will perform two shows this week. The first show is tonight at Central College. A free performance of “My Father’s Imaginary Friend” is at 7:00 p.m. at the Kruidenier Center. The show is recommended for adults. The group will offer a children’s piece Friday at 4:15 p.m. at the Pella Community Center.