Crash injures one person 
One person is injured in a two-vehicle accident Friday night on Highway 163 near Otley. Authorities say a vehicle collided with a tractor pulling wagons full of firewood. Marion County Sheriff’s Deputy Matt Boender says the incident remains under investigation. Traffic was stalled in the westbound lanes of Highway 163 as crews cleared the scene. 

RRRRT perform 2009 show 
The Red Rock Retro Radio Theaters 2009 production, Cruising Lake Red Rock is being held through Sunday, and tickets for the Sunday show can be purchased today and at the door. Co-director Pat Schrad says tickets can be purchased at the Radio Shack in Knoxville, Swamp Fox in Knoxville and at the Pella Chronicle. 

Legislators participate in Knoxville 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. McKinley says creating jobs and attracting new business are some of the ways to keep the state competitive in a struggling economy. 

Nomination forms available for Chamber Awards 
Nomination forms for the Chamber of Commerces Annual Awards Banquet can still be picked up at the chamber office. Roxanne Johnson, executive director of the Knoxville Growth Alliance, says the categories this year are Business of the Year, Business Man and Woman of the Year, Educator of the Year, Farmer of the Year, the Matthew C. Job pride in Knoxville Award and the Community Service Award. 

League holds legislative coffee 
The Pella League of Women Voters holds their first Legislative Coffee of the 2009 session today. According to Helen Boertje with the Pella League of Women Voters, the meeting is at 9:30 a.m. at the Pella Pizza Ranch. This gives area residents an opportunity to visit with State Senator Paul McKinley and State Representative Jim Van Engelenhoven.

Pella Christian crowns homecoming King and Queen 
Pella Christian High School named their homecoming King and Queen Friday afternoon. This years king and queen are Tyler Klyn and Kaylee Van Weelden. The coronation followed an afternoon of activities in the gymnasium. Students participated in tug-of-war, a half-court shot contest, a lip-synching competition and others. 

Community theatre group to hold auditions 
The Knoxville Area Community Theatre is holding auditions for their spring production of The Curious Savage February 7th at 10 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church. The first K-ACT production since Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat last year, The Curious Savage auditions are also being held at the church Monday and Thursday at 7 p.m. 

City to test sirens today 
Pella residents should expect to hear the outdoor warning sirens today. The Pella Police Department tests the system on the first Saturday of each month at noon. Communications Supervisor Marcia Slycord says they’ll activate the sirens, the air-horn and the public address system. 

After Prom Committee raising funds 
The Knoxville After Prom Party Committee is having a pop can drive Saturday and on February 21 to help raise money for the After Prom Party being held in April. That’s according to Melody Walters, one of the committee chairs. Residents interested in donating their cans can bring them to the home of Pat Jacks located on 1403 Woodland Drive, or can call 891-4391 for more information. 

Pella hosts speech contest 
Students from more than 100 high schools are in Pella today for the State Large Group Speech Contest. Pella Speech Coach Suzanne Jones says between 2,000-3,000 people are involved in the event. Pella last hosted the contest in 2006. Jones says the Pella Christian High School is also providing space for the one-act and reading performances.