Two episodes of severe weather hit Marion County Friday evening. High winds and lightning resulted in considerable property damage primarily in Knoxville. Numerous trees and branches were down primarily in the northern portion of town, and the Hy Vee Garden Center and the Knoxville Raceway sustained damage. An empty church in the 300 block of N. First was struck by lightning, resulting in a fire in the uppermost portion of the church. Knoxville FD, Knoxville Rural FD, the Knoxville PD and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene, and the fire was put out quickly. At the peak of the storm MidAmerican energy reported over 9,000 people in the county were without power. KNIA/KRLS will bring you more information as soon as it becomes official.