Missoula Childrens Theatre returns to Pella
The Missoula Childrens Theatre returns to Pella with a production of The Little Mermaid. According to Co-Director Brandon Price, the cast includes more than 60 area youth. The show comes together in less than a week as tryouts and the first rehearsal were held this past Monday. Shows are today at 3 and 7 p.m. at the Pella Opera House. Admission is $5 for students and $10 for adults.

Six inches of snowfall in Marion County
Old Man Winter caught up to Marion County yesterday: six inches of snowfall descended on the area after about two weeks of sunny skies and warm temperatures. The sudden snowfall causes area cancellations and numerous car accidents: Marion County Sheriffs deputies responded to 17 property damage accidents and the Pella Police department reports responding to five accidents. During severe winter weather KNIA/KRLS is in contact with the National Weather Service, Weather Eye Weather Center and local officials to deliver the most up to date information.

Flu Season officially arrives in Marion County
Flu season has arrived in Iowa but local officials say we havent yet hit the peak. Dr. Mitch Blom with Pella Regional Health Center says the flu is typically most common in February and March. Dr. Michael Van Natta with Knoxville Hospital and Clinics says the hospital has seen a very low number of flu cases so far this season, but more are expected.

Resident died of natural causes
A 42-year-old Marion County resident found dead in her home in January died of natural causes. Thats according to Marion County Sheriff Ron Goemaat. He tells KNIA/KRLS News that the doctor from the state medical examiners office who conducted the autopsy on Michelle Don Ogoli made the determination after an investigation by the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation.

Thursdays in Pella work starts
Work has already started on this years Thursdays in Pella activities. Pella Chamber of Commerce Director Karen Eischen says theyre planning to bring back favorites including Pet Night and the Water Fights along with some new themes such as Arts in the Park and the ambiguously-named Mystery Night. Organizers are planning 12 weeks of activities starting the first Thursday in June.

Courthouse closes Monday
The Marion County Courthouse will be closed this Monday. 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.

Increased demand for Pella Meals-On-Wheels volunteers
More Pella residents need meals-on-wheels and thats created a greater demand for volunteers. Thats according to Pella Senior Meals Manager Michele Beerends. She says they deliver about 16 meals daily with the help of two volunteers. According to Beerends, many of the churches in the community will help distribute meals for two weeks at a time, twice a year. One business Leighton State Bank in Pella has also helped with the program.

KNIA/KRLS Home Shopping Extravaganza begins Tuesday
The KNIA/KRLS Home Shopping Extravaganza kicks-off Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. with over $180,000 worth of merchandise and gift certificates available. KNIA/KRLS General Manager Jim Butler says there are items ranging from restaurant certificates and overnight stays to golfing packages and numerous other items. Paying by credit card is also an option for those participating in the Extravaganza. Butler says residents can get a complete list of items by visiting kniakrls.com.

Pruning time in Marion County
Now is a good time for Marion County residents to start pruning before the warm temperatures are here to stay later this season. Thats according to Dale Miller, Marion County ISU Extension Education Director. He says most trees and shrubs need to be pruned during their dormant period, and advises residents to use pruning sheers on branches that may be crossing over one another, or small damaged limbs.

Central hosts Singfest today
Area resid
ents can learn more about birds of prey at a meeting of the Pella Wildlife Adventurers Club Saturday. Eagles and other birds of prey will be the topic of presentations at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. at the Pella Public Library. In related news, the Knoxville Wildlife Adventurers Club will meet February 21 at 1:00 p.m. at the Knoxville Public Library.