Today’s Local News – KNIA – KRLS

Joe Parsons and Henry Posner III, Iowa Interstate Railroad CEO and President; Iowa Interstate Railroad Owner and Board Chairman – Let’s Talk Newton

Tyler Crabb — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 18:00:55 +0000

Iowa Interstate Railroad CEO and President Joe Parsons and Owner and Board Chairman Henry Posner III discuss the railroad’s history in Newton and how developing the Newton Rail Park can help the community’s future.

Pella Community Center Groundbreaking – Let’s Talk Pella

Andrew Schneider — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 18:00:49 +0000

Hear from the ceremony held Friday to kick off renovations for the Pella Community Center.

Marion County Economic Development Part One – Let’s Talk Knoxville

Clayton Sampson — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 18:00:17 +0000

Marion County Economic Development Director Dan Nieland and new Communications and Outreach Coordinator Nora Nooonan discuss Nora’s new role and department updates in part one of a two part segment.

Marion County Sheriff’s Report – 7-13-26

Derek Cardwell — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 15:21:52 +0000

IN THE PAST 24 HOURS MARION COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPUTIES RESPONDED TO 17 CALLS FOR SERVICE INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: FOUR EXTRA PATROL REQUESTS…TWO RESCUE CALLS, TWO RECKLESS DRIVERS, ONE FIGHT, ONE SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY…ONE INCOMPLETE 911…ONE CAT…ONE WATER RESCUE…ONE SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE…ONE DOG…ONE VEHICLE UNLOCK AND ONE MEET WITH SUBJECT.
IN THE PAST 24 HOURS THE MARION COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE COMMUNICATIONS CENTER FIELDED 72 CALLS INCLUDING 24 911S.
THE MARION COUNTY JAIL IS CURRENTLY HOLDING 17 SUBJECTS.
IN THE PAST 24 HOURS…ONE PERSON WAS BOOKED INTO THE MARION COUNTY JAIL…
BRODY DEAN SHARP VIOLATION OF PROBATION
AS WITH ANY CRIMINAL CASE…A CHARGE IS MERELY AN ACCUSATION AND A DEFENDANT IS PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY

Aurora Heights Construction Update Highlights Newton School Board Meeting

Randy Van — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 10:00:59 +0000

Members of the Newton School Board will get another update on the progress of the renovations and addition at Aurora Heights Elementary School during tonight’s regular school board meeting. At their last meeting, several board members voiced concerns about the school being completed in time for the start of school in August. Hilary Foster was the first school board member to raise some questions.

“They keep saying the timeline is on schedule, but the schedule keeps moving. I’m concerned.”

Board member Travis Padgett said he was mad, and didn’t trust the builder to meet the August 5th substantial completion.

“I am very nervous about it. It should have already been done, and I think we need to have a contingency plan ready.”

Padgett even suggested the district attorney be contacted to put some pressure on the builder.

The Newton School Board will also get an update on activities and athletics for the past school year from Activities and Athletics Director Ryan Rump.

The Newton School Board meeting begins at 6:30 this evening in the EJH Beard Administration Center at 1302 1st Avenue West.

Indianola School Board to Hear First Readings on 2026-2027 Board Policies at Meeting Monday

jackmcgonigal — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 10:00:45 +0000

The Indianola Community District School Board will hear the 2026-2027 board policies for the first time at their monthly meeting tonight. There will be policies to renew, review and new ones that will be brought to the discussion. Other agenda items include the discussion of a new position titled, “Student Success Coordinator” for at-risk middle and high school students. Finally, the board will consider the 2026-2027 transportation handbook.

The meeting will be held tonight at 5:30 p.m. in the Indianola district administration building.

Knoxville School Board to Consider Handbooks Tonight

Clayton Sampson — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 10:00:14 +0000

The Knoxville School Board will consider district handbooks at their meeting tonight.

The meeting will start with a Masonic Lodge Teacher of the Year presentation and then in new business the board will consider fundraisers, a Touch Pro proposal, dairy bids, the annual handbooks, program guides/plans, and annual appointments. The board will also consider policies, legislative priorities, and the meeting will close with a closed session for an employee performance review.

Tonight’s Knoxville School Board meeting will start at 5:30 pm at the district office.

Red Rock Balloonfest 5K/10K Featured More than 200 Participants

Andrew Schneider — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Just over 220 runners participated in a race that benefits high school cross country teams in Marion County. The 15th annual Red Rock Balloonfest 5K/10K was held along the Volksweg Trail on Saturday morning. Each year, proceeds from the event support the Pella, Pella Christian, and Knoxville distance running programs, and several athletes from the schools ran in the event. The races also mark the halfway point between the end of the spring track and field season and the beginning of cross country this coming fall. Find photos from the Red Rock Balloonfest 5K/10K on the KNIA/KRLS Facebook page, and find full results here.

Indianola Elks Lodge to Put on Veterans Recognition Ceremony During Warren County Fair

jackmcgonigal — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 09:59:41 +0000

The Indianola Elks Lodge will be putting on a veterans recognition ceremony during the Warren County Fair. Active Indianola Elks Lodge member Jess Howe says the event is extra meaningful with the United States’s historic birthday.

“It’s going to be an event held during and at the Warren County Fair to recognize and thank the men and women who have served our country. It’s a great opportunity for veterans and their families, and the entire community to come together and show appreciation for their service. This year it is especially meaningful as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. This ceremony is going to include some patriotic music, guest speakers, quilts of valor, our veteran walk of honor recognizing veterans by era of service, and a moving final tribute presented by the American Legion.”

For the full interview, tune in to today’s Let’s Talk Indianola.