Today’s Local News – KNIA – KRLS

Let’s Talk Indianola – Warren County Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting Recap

jackmcgonigal — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 18:00:33 +0000

Today’s Peoples Bank Let’s Talk Indianola features Warren County Board of Supervisors Chairman, Brian Arnold.

Let’s Talk Knoxville – Daughters of the American Revolution

Clayton Sampson — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 18:00:23 +0000

Anna Humeston with the Henry Knox Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution discusses the organization and an upcoming informational event happening Saturday at the Knoxville Public Library.

Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Public Works Director Joe Grife

Tyler Crabb — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 18:00:21 +0000

Newton Public Works Director Joe Grife discusses ongoing projects, including the repaving of downtown alleys, the stormwater improvements at First Avenue and East 12th Street, and upcoming street improvements.

Marion County Sheriff’s Report – 4-24-26

Derek Cardwell — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 14:06:03 +0000

IN THE PAST 24 HOURS MARION COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPUTIES RESPONDED TO 22 CALLS FOR SERVICE INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: SIX PAPER SERVICE ATTEMPTS…FOUR EXTRA PATROL REQUESTS…TWO RESCUES…TWO FOLLOW UPS…ONE TRANSPORT…ONE ASSIST…ONE SUSPICIOUS PERSON…ONE MOTORIST ASSIST…ONE RETURN CALL…ONE RECKESS DRIVER…ONE CRIMINAL MISCHIEF AND ONE DEBRIS ON ROADWAY.

IN THE PAST 24 HOURS THE MARION COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE COMMUNICATIONS CENTER FIELDED 103 CALLS INCLUDING 18 911S.
THE MARION COUNTY JAIL IS CURRENTLY HOLDING 17 SUBJECTS.
IN THE PAST 24 HOURS…ONE PERSON WAS BOOKED INTO THE MARION COUNTY JAIL…
DANIEL KUEFFER ROSS REGNA OPEN CONTAINER-DRIVER 21+ YOA
POSS OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA
AS WITH ANY CRIMINAL CASE…A CHARGE IS MERELY AN ACCUSATION AND A DEFENDANT IS PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY

Multiple Severe Thunderstorms Reported in Central Iowa Thursday

Andrew Schneider — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 10:27:41 +0000

A line of strong thunderstorms prompted multiple severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings in south central Iowa on Thursday evening. The KNIA/KRLS Severe Weather Action Team had live on-air coverage of several warnings issued in Warren, Jasper, and Marion Counties, including tornado warnings in northwestern Warren and western Jasper County. Law enforcement confirmed a tornado on the ground near Mitchellville for one of those storms. Weatherology meteorologists had multiple, live, on-air updates as the line of storms slowly pushed through the region, bringing heavy rain in addition to the severe threats. According to the National Weather Service, a pleasant few days are in store, with daytime highs in the 60s and 70s expected through Sunday. Additional chances for possible severe storms return on Monday, although more about that potential threat will be refined this weekend.

Caution Lights Off, Knoxville Raceway Opens 2026 Season Tonight

Clayton Sampson — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 10:00:45 +0000

Knoxville Raceway will open its 2026 season tonight with a two-day World of Outlaws event.

Last week’s Kraig Ford/Pella Motors Season Opener with free tickets for all fans was postponed to May 2nd due to weather. This weekend’s World of Outlaws show will kick off the racing season at Knoxville Raceway and will feature some of the top drivers throughout the sport. Starting tonight, races will be held nearly every weekend at Knoxville Raceway until the end of August. Typical race nights include three classes, including the pro sprints, 360 sprint cars, and 410 sprint cars.

Tonight and Saturday, hot laps will start at 6:30 pm with racing starting at 7:45 pm. The racetrack has also launched a new fan zone sponsored by Marion County Bank. The Knoxville Fan Zone will serve as a central hub for fan engagement, featuring interactive activities such as the new Knoxville Raceway show car and racing simulator. There will also be a mock victory lane and a duplicate feature winner’s trophy for fans to take pictures with. To purchase tickets and view the 2026 Knoxville Raceway schedule, follow this link.

Hear flag-to-flag live coverage of all Knoxville Raceway events on 95.3 KNIA with Live Trackside starting at 5:00 pm and Race Nights Live starting at 7.

Volunteers Put Down New Sod At Jasper County Fairgrounds

Randy Van — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 10:00:39 +0000

The food court area of the Jasper County Fairgrounds has a much greener look. On Wednesday night, volunteers laid sod there, thanks to a donation from Farm Credit Services. The effort was part of the Wednesday Work Nights that begin at 6 p.m. every Wednesday at the fairgrounds in Colfax. Volunteers are asked to show up at the fairgrounds on Wednesday nights, from now until the fair begins on Friday, July 17th, to complete various projects.

The theme for this year’s 171st edition of the Jasper County Fair is “Let’s Glow Crazy at the Jasper County Fair.” The 2026 Fair Queen and Princess will be crowned June 13th at the Newton Community Theatre. Applications for the Queen contest will be accepted through May 13th. All applications are on a Google form this year, with links to it on the Jasper County Fair website and Facebook page, and here.

Fiscal Year 27 Budget Passes Unanimously at City Council Meeting

jackmcgonigal — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 10:00:34 +0000

The Fiscal Year 27 budget passed unanimously at this week’s Indianola City Council meeting. The budget had been operating at a deficit in the $800,000 fund. Indianola City Manager Jake Meshke says the city is excited for this budget, but there were difficult decisions that were made.

“As mentioned, it was made by some fairly difficult decisions. There are seven staff positions that are being reduced in this upcoming year’s budget. This will impact the police department, parks and recreation as well as a communications position. Ultimately, what we did as staff is we bonded together and presented a budget to the council that does look to be financially stable going into the future.

For the full interview, click here.

Pella’s Strawtown Inn Reopening During Tulip Time

Andrew Schneider — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 10:00:01 +0000

A long-time inn with decades of history is set to reopen during the 91st annual Tulip Time festival in Pella. Nicolle and Dave Picray purchased the Strawtown Inn earlier this year, now with the goal of opening the space to guests by May 7th. Nicolle says she’s been working to obtain everything needed to welcome visitors to their rooms and event spaces just west of the Central Business District on Washington Street. She says as her family toured the space, they fell in love with the rich history the facility offered and how well the previous owners maintained everything over the past decade since it previously served as a lodging facility. Hear more about the re-opening of the Strawtown Inn on today’s Let’s Talk Pella. Find out the latest, including booking details, at their Facebook page.