FOOD & DRINK

Shotgun season kicks off on Saturday for deer hunters in the state of Iowa. The season will start from Saturday, December 2nd until Wednesday, December 6th, which will then be followed by shotgun second season from December 9th-17th. Marion County is one of the most populous deer hunting counties in Iowa, and according to the Iowa DNR, as of 2022, Marion County had the 15th most deer harvested out of the 99 counties, totaling 1,950. To hunt deer you need to have completed an approved hunter safety course, have a valid hunting license and habitat fee, and be able to physically operate a firearm or bow in a safe manner. Local DNR Officer Eric Hoffman says Marion County is fortunate to have access to the types of hunting and fishing that we do.

In this article, we're exploring three exceptional bakeries in Pella. Have you had the chance to visit any of these delightful spots? If you have, we'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below!

DES MOINES, Iowa — It is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. For some, the season can be a painful reminder of a loved one who has passed away. “It’s just another reminder of the pain that comes when we have someone that we love that in some ways or is […]

OSKALOOSA — Oskaloosa High School is inviting the public to attend their upcoming annual Madrigal Dessert Theater. This event has been a staple in the Oskaloosa community for 20 years and there will be over 100 students participating in this year’s event. Details:. WHO – Oskaloosa High School...

Pella’s local theater troupe is bringing a classic to the stage during the holiday season. Union Street Players present Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella with eight total shows December 1st through the 10th at the Pella Community Center. Hear from the cast and crew on today’s Let’s Talk Pella. Find ticket purchasing information here. A sign language interpreter is available on the December 2nd showing.

Cast members Beth Kuttler, Sarah Purdy, Anna Luttenegger, Monica Newendorp, Preshia Paulding, Hannah Heartsill, Jon Golliet, Karen Ryals, and Lori Lourens discuss the show coming to the Pella Community Center stage December 1st through the 10th. Find tickets here. Podcast: Play in new window | Download. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts |...

Discover the ongoing battle in Pella, Iowa, where residents are pushing for a change in zoning laws to allow urban chickens. Despite city council's reluctance, supporters remain determined to make Pella known for more than just its Dutch charm.

Interested in adding a furry friend to your family? Even if you're just keen on viewing some of the cute critters available for adoption nearby, there are ample pets waiting for their forever homes in animal shelters throughout and around oskaloosa.

The Central College music program welcomes the public to a host of holiday concerts, including the 49th annual Christmas Candlelight Concerts. The Central Community Orchestra will host a free concert on Tuesday, November 28th at 7:30 pm in Douwstra Auditorium, under the direction of Phil Peters. The ALMA Holiday Concert will kick off the holiday music season at 8 pm on Wednesday, November 29. The concert will be directed by Gabriel Espinosa, a 1979 Central graduate and associate professor emeritus of music and admission is free. The Symphonic Wind Ensemble will host a free instrumental concert on Friday, December 1st at 7 pm in Douwstra Auditorium, under the direction of Brad Lampe, lecturer of music. The Flying Pans Steel Band Caribbean Christmas Concert will begin at 7:30 pm on Saturday, December 2 in Douwstra Auditorium. Stan Dahl, senior lecturer of music, will direct the performance. Admission is $5 or free with the donation of a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.

Knoxville Fire Department Crisis K9 Max was sworn in at the Knoxville City Council meeting Monday night. Max is currently in training to become a crisis response K9 for the Knoxville Fire Department, and he received his official oath of office from Mayor Brian Hatch on Monday. He was asked to raise his right paw, and then his badge was pinned on him by Battalion Chief Trenton Bacus. Max will continue to work toward his K9 therapy training as he is on track to graduate the program in the spring.

All-State Music Students Luci Hopkins, Halle Robilliard, Hayden Dubois, Anderson Schirm, Sam Miller, Trace Hopkins, Jorden Held, and Grace Brown preview the upcoming choral music performance season at Pella High School. Podcast: Play in new window | Download. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | RSS | Subscribe...

Pella Historical Society is bringing back Sinterklaas Day festivities. A parade returns to Franklin Street on Saturday, December 2nd to welcome in the Dutch’s popular version of St. Nicholas at 10 a.m. A meet and greet will follow at the Pella Historical Village in the Scholte Church. The event...

As part of Food Drive Fridays, the KNIA/KRLS Lil’ Big Red Radio was at the Pella and Oskaloosa Hy-Vee stores on Friday and Saturday. The event encourages donations to local food shelves and other programs in the area. Hy-Vee shoppers interested in participating can make a donation to local food banks at the register, purchase a few extra items and place them in the collection bins at the entrances of the stores, or by delivering items they purchase directly to local food banks. Hy-Vee District Director DeWayne McIntyre says that he is grateful for customers helping in the effort to combat hunger.

OSKALOOSA — If you have not placed your monetary votes for your favorite Main Street Young Ambassador, now is the time. Twenty local children ages three through kindergarten are seeking support to become this year’s Young Ambassadors. Voting for contestants will close Monday, November 27th at 11am. Local...

A good portion of tonight’s Pella City Council meeting will likely focus on discussion for future action items. During policy and planning, a proposal for the Local Option Sales Tax redistribution agreement with Marion County and discussion about a possible ordinance for urban chickens are on the agenda. During regular business, the council will receive a presentation from the Wonder Spelen organization about next phase improvements to the miracle playground. The council will also consider accepting improvements for Dingeman Industrial Park, a 28E agreement with Pella and Pella Christian schools for the resource officer in the Pella Police Department, an engineering services agreement for the Union Street reconstruction project, and a sound system use agreement and adjacent fees. A third reading of an ordinance amending city code for revising the definition of adult cabaret is also on the agenda. The Pella City Council meeting begins at 6:00 this evening.

Central College’s Mills Gallery will feature the works of 15 students who are creating art pieces with different mediums during the 2023 fall semester. The student exhibition will be on display through Friday, December 8th and is open from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday in the Lubbers Center on Central’s campus.

Executive Director of Pella Historical Museums Jessi Galligan discusses the holiday season. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | RSS | Subscribe to Let's Talk Pella.

OSKALOOSA — On Thursday, December 7, Chill needs for Fruit and Nut Trees will be the topic at Noon by Mahaska County Master Gardeners Aideen Vega Van Auken and Ezra Mixdorf. The presentation will be held at the Mahaska County Extension office, 212 North I Street, Oskaloosa. The presentation will be approximately one hour. Choosing the best varieites of fruit or nut trees for your planting zone is important, and they will explain why.

Stepping Stones Early Learning Center in Knoxville is holding a Breakfast with Santa event on Saturday, December 9th. The event will be from 8:00-11:00 am at the Knoxville National Guard Armory. The event will feature a pancake breakfast prepared by the Knights of Columbus, holiday activities for kids, a silent auction, and a visit with Santa Clause. This event is open to the community and admission is $10 a person.

As inflation hits many hard throughout the region, state, and country, the case is no different at area food shelves. Pella Community Food Shelf Executive Director Melissa Zula says they’ve seen at least a 20 percent increase in the amount of people they are serving regularly across the region this year compared to 2022. Zula says that demand increase coincides with the end of pandemic related programs for assistance, the return of student loan payments, and the increased cost at the cash registers of grocery stores. Zula appreciates those who have continued to support their operations at their new location at 1111 West 16th Street. Find out how to support the Pella Community Food Shelf here, and stay tuned to Food Drive Friday Special Edition News magazines throughout the holiday season to learn more about the fight against hunger locally.