Consumer Advisories

Weekly legislative updates on the current Iowa legislative session by Sen. McKinley and Rep. Van Engelenhoven.

After the session, McKinley's efforts to keep the public informed of events taking place in Iowa government.

in other news . . .

Ranking Iowa's Friendliness to Job Creators - Several publications and news organizations have recently taken a look at Iowa’s standing compared to the other 49 states. For example, US News & World Report noted that Iowa is 49th in the nation – only ahead of West Virginia – and the very reputable Small Business Survival Index placed us at 41st.
Whom to Believe? Above or below?
Iowa Ranked 6th Top States for Doing Business! For the third year in a row, Iowa has cracked the top 10 as one of the “Top States for Doing Business” according to CNBC. Iowa had an overall ranking of sixth, and scored number one in the cost of doing business.

Governor Culver Extends Disaster Proclamation

Farm Leasing Meeting to be in Pella

Beware of "Debt Settlement" Companies - You may pay a lot but receive no help getting out of debt.

FYI: If you registered for the USP drama camp, please contact Brystal Hopkins (thehops@iowatelecom.net)

A Day at the Races! Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation extends invitation...

St. Francis Manor Announces First Community Benefit A pancake breakfast with “Chris Cakes” all proceeds to go the St. Francis Manor Building Fund

From Mayor Dobernecker: On behalf of all Citizens of the City of Pella, we wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the two young men who tragically drowned Wednesday evening at the Aquatic Center. Also, we would hope for support for all of those directly involved, including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, their leaders and students, as well as all of the staff and lifeguards at the Aquatic Center.

"Come Grow With Us" - Peace Tree Brewing Company - Our hope is that the beer made under the Peace Tree label will be shared with friends and strangers alike and be a catalyst for conversations, new friendships and important agreements – in line with the lore of infamous Peace Tree of Red Rock.

There's no Reason Not to Wear it! It’s too hot! It doesn’t look cool. I know how to swim. Nothing is going to happen to me...

Homegrown Writer to be hosted by Pella Public Library "...I want to see if the great civilization where I grew up—rural and small-town Iowa—still offers 20- and 30-somethings a legitimate shot at finding an educated, homegrown mate who doesn’t want to pack up and move to the city."

By First Learning to Crawl, We can Begin to Walk and Run...the state was spending approximately $1.01 per $1.00 that was coming into the state. Since Gov. Culver... the state has been spending approximately $1.13 for every dollar coming in.

Iowa General Assembly Spending Data for 2010 How much of your taxpayer dollars did each of our legislators vote to spend?

Start Your Business Now! There will be a panel discussion by Megan McKay Ziller of Peace Tree Brewing Company, Carla Eysink from the Marion County Development Comission, and Molly Menning-Ulrich of the Boutique of Pella and Galerie of Pella.

Taxpayers Have Reason to Worry, by US Senator Chuck Grassley

Happy New Year? get prepared for a whole host of new laws, the beginning of a new state budget and unfortunately – a giant property tax increase

Volunteers Needed at the Iowa State Fair - nice benefits for 3 hours of your time!

9th COC Golf Classic Results - The four-some of Barry Westercamp, Brent Westercamp, Dan Branderhorst and David Hoekstra claimed the honor of lowest score with a 43.

Don't leave the kids in the car - Once overcome by heat, a child can lose consciousness, have seizures and quickly die.

How high's the water, mama? Lake Red Rock update June 29

Gentle Soul Julia was twenty-seven, newly married, in 1935 when her husband, John, opened a checking account at Marion County State Bank in Pella.

A Real Plan to Clean up State Govt.

VanKooten Selected: Home School & Pella High School Student Chosen as Herbert Hoover Uncommon Student

Branstad Introduces Kim Reynolds in Pella "We share core values, and she's the hardest working person I've ever met."

Burglary in Pella - Classic Aviation, Monday, June 21

Strengthening Iowa's Foundation in Education, by Paul McKinley

EPA Resolution Fails in Senate - The EPA is trying to bully Congress by saying, “Either you pass a bill that will raise costs for American Families or we’ll pass regulations that will be even worse.”

...and they call it luck! The one account tells of my snap shot at 75 yards...The other account is in response to the editor's request for truth. A true story contributed by Mike Hovda.

The Write Place Receives Top Honors in National Recognition Program

Character Counts in Pella awards scholarships

St. Francis Manor announces a $1 million dollar fundraising campaign

Catching up with Pella Regional - Jeanette Seibert completes leadership course; pain management available; Amber Ethen Shining Star

Grassley named hardest working member of Congress - also "a leading voice in the Senate speaking out against corruption and financial fraud."

Garden Tours Donate Funds to Habitat for Humanity

Grassley Internship Applications Due June 15 Many colleges and universities recognize these internships for college credit.

Becker Brings the Bologna "You don't know how desperately these people need something to look forward to."

Boomeritis and Other Generational Conditions Generationally-determined lifestyles, social values and shared experiences have as much, or more, influence on decisions than do other demographic factors such as income, gender and education, according to Jane Flanagan

Roberts Calls on Culver to Admit I-Jobs Failure

Iowans for Tax Relief PAC Endorses Terry Branstad for Governor
First ever endorsement by ITR PAC in a governor primary

Report from the Majority, by Pat VanZante, Candidate, State Representative District #71

"This is the biggest project in terms of acres (compared to Earth Park and the Cordova Project) and the smallest in terms of money...we've...proved we can do it. Pella Wildlife Company

Seven Students Receive Scholarships - Bruxvoort, Gates, Groenendyk, Flahive, Lyng, McCurry, Vander Meiden

Iowa's Debt is on the Rise - The simple truth is that government is spending too much of your money.

Marion County Bank Wins Gold!

Central Honors DeJong & Naaden - first annual Central College Sustainable Bridge to the Future awards

Marion County Bank gives $20,787.91 to local schools

Fisher Meets Artisans in the Phillippines “Talking with our customers and sharing the stories of artisans who I met personally is a powerful experience. It gives meaning to my work locally at The Work of Our Hands.

"I was at rock bottom. I needed a way out." - Ruth Bushnell If you are among the 67% of U.S. adults who are overweight, consider the Take Shape for Life program. The services of a health coach are free. You may contact Ruth and/or Mike...

Prairie City selected for economic development pilot project ...looking for ways to strengthen their economies by improving cooperation between local governments and nonprofit organizations

(Central) Dutch win second straight title

Eagles Blank Winterset

Eagles Lose to Little Dutch in May 17 soccer

Social Media 101 with Tracy Smith "Social media is really just word-of-mouth done on-line...

Weiler Recognized for Research Efforts - "We're just awfully darn proud of him," said [his mother] Sharon Weiler. "He's had wonderful professors and opportunities at Iowa State."

Duinink wins athletic training honor -Central’s head athletic trainer named Iowa College/University Athletic Trainer of the Year

Newton Blanks Eagles

T. J. Baar Promotions "I know my stuff, and I'm fun to be around. If we can't have fun doing it, let's not do it."

Iowa Needs Energy - Rate hikes will continue to occur if we do not increase our base load energy generation in Iowa.

Did GM in fact pay back all that money?

$1.5M available for technology demonstration projects

Roberts Applauds Culver for Signing Gun-Rights Bill ...law makes the State of Iowa a “shall issue” state, which empowers Iowans to exercise their Second Amendment rights...

I-JOBS Contract With Frew Nations Group Needs Review
Management contract with Gov. Culver’s outgoing Chief-of Staff

Eagles Rout Big Red - Pella Christian Girls soccer

You're in The Dog House! The former location of Dutch Oven Pizza has now become home to The Dog House, a new business established by Linda, Gino, and Rick Clark.

Redman Receives Award ...in the 80s, it occurred to me that I might not be being tough enough on the students, because rehearsals were so darned much fun!"

State Auditor Warns About Culver Budget “This spending gap is often referred to as a “cliff” by experts because of the severity and suddenness of the drop in resources which are expected to be available.”

Perfect spring for Central women’s tennis squad

"Ichigo ichie - treasure every encounter, for it will never recur". Students participate in Tea Ceremony

Emmert Chosen for "One Classroom at a Time Award" - Near Space Exploration grant application for funds to help students in local schools develop their own satellites...that will be launched about twenty miles to the edge of space and contain student-developed experiments.

Roberts Releases Summary of 2009 Tax Returns

Eagles Blank Chariton April 26

What's Going On With the Old Chamber Offices?...They believe so strongly in the value of early pediatric eye care that they will offer free eye exams for infants under the age of one.

Eagles Blanked at ADM 4/24

Jefferson School Selected as PE4life Model Schools

Take a Vacation - and Help Clean a River

We put a lot on this website from Republicans, who happen to have one point of view. Here's the other side of the budget story...

Most recent academic building at Central College named the Roe Center