Let's Talk Pella

Pella Fire Chief Randy Bogaard and Kodi Smith with AMKUS Rescue Systems discuss the awards event held this week at the Pella Fire Department.

Kwik Star President and CEO Scott Zietlow discusses the recent store opening on the west side of Pella and the ribbon cutting ceremony held on Tuesday.

Bella De Haan and Jenna Vande Zande with Pella Christian Shine preview the ISDTA State Championship.

Leaders from Pella Forte preview this week’s Iowa State Dance and Drill Team Association state competition.

Pella Opera House Executive Director Cyndi Atkins discusses their upcoming Christmas concerts throughout the month of December.

Troy Bliss with Pella Community Ambulance and Tricia Vermeer with the Vermeer Charitable Foundation discuss a new mental health initiative for EMS personnel in Pella.

It's one month until Christmas, and the City of Pella has officially started celebrating. Hear the sounds of the season from the annual Tour of Stores held on Monday. 

The cast of the Union Street Players' production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Musical! discuss their upcoming performances December 5th through the 13th.

Dustin Kempker with Kempker’s True Value and Andy Stoecken with Septagon Construction discuss the new hardware store coming to Pella in 2026 following a recent groundbreaking ceremony.

Pella Community Foundation President Mark Wiskus discusses their 2025-26 grant recipients.

Pella Parks Director Chandler Nunnikhoven discusses the 2026 spring bloom after tulip planting has wrapped up for city staff.

Pella All-State Choir Selections Malachi Van Haaften, Abbie Brand, Joeley Helle, Chase Swenson, Riley Black discuss the upcoming winter performances for the various vocal music ensembles.

Pella Schools Superintendent Greg Ebeling discusses the latest in the Pella Community School District.

Pella Police Captain Paul Haase discusses holiday season safety, the city’s snow ordinance, and the upcoming Holiday Heroes event.

The 2026 Tulip Queen and Royal Court discuss their selection to be the lead ambassadors for the 91st annual Tulip Time. This year’s court includes Queen Kenzie Kanis and attendants Lexi Terpstra, Abbie Brand, Addie Van Arendonk,

Central College Director of Engagement Mary Benedict discusses their annual “Season of Gratitude”, which promotes the importance of helping others during the holiday season.

Pella’s All-State Band honorees discuss next week’s IHSMA festival in Ames, including Leah Boualavong, Abby Kalkwarf, Isaac Steenhoek, Jaeda Van Zante, Noah VandeKieft, and Olivia White.

Pella Christian sophomore Emily Zylstra and junior Bella De Haan discuss being selected for the 2025 All-State Music Festival and the opportunity to represent Pella Christian at the November 20-22 festival.

In part two of a two part conversation, Tulip Time Steering Committee Representative Jennifer Van Gorp, former Tulip Queen Juliana Schemm, Robin Vos with the Tulip Queen’s Announcement Party Committee, Master of Ceremonies Tom Vander Well, and

Pella All-State Chorus Students Malachi Van Haaften, Abbie Brand, Joeley Helle, Chase Swenson, and Riley Black discuss the November 20-22 festival. The band will be featured on Thursday.

In part one of a two part conversation, Tulip Time Steering Committee Representative Jennifer Van Gorp, former Tulip Queen Juliana Schemm, Robin Vos with the Tulip Queen’s Announcement Party Committee, Master of Ceremonies Tom Vander Well, and

Kris DeWild and Luci Laidlaw with the Central College Community Orchestra preview their November 17th concert.

Pella Band Members Leah Boualavong, Abby Kalkwarf, Isaac Steenhoek, Noah VandeKieft, and Olivia White discuss the end of the Marching Band season, the upcoming Jazz Season, and the trip to Washington D.C.

Outgoing Pella Community Foundation President Jim Brandl discusses his life of service and impact on non-profit organizations.

Outgoing President of the Pella Community Foundation Jim Brandl discusses the history of the organization in part one of a multi-part interview.

Senator Chuck Grassley discusses the latest with the federal shutdown. He’ll be featured this Saturday and Sunday on In Touch with South Central Iowa discussing other topics of interest.

Pella Food Shelf Director Melissa Zula previews the upcoming Food Drive Fridays and discusses programming at the Pella Community Food Shelf.

Director of the Pella Community Food Shelf Melissa Zula discusses how the non-profit has prepared for a possible lapse in SNAP benefits.

Rene White and Carol Van Klompenburg discuss the first Wijn and Words event coming up on November 18th at The Wijn House.

Pella Opera House Executive Director Cyndi Atkins discusses their annual Festival of Trees, which will take place from November 22nd through December 6th this year.

Amy Zuck with Christian Opportunity Center and new Pella Community Foundation President Mark Wiskus discuss their organizations as part of the recently-held Pella Community Foundation non-profit showcase.

Director of Pathways of Pella Annette Smith and Director of 725 Ministries Kristi Pinegar discuss their organizations as part of the recently-held Pella Community Foundation non-profit showcase.

The cast and crew of Anne of Green Gables from Pella High School discuss the shows next week, October 30 at 7:00 PM, November 1 at 2:00 PM, and November 1 at 7:00 PM. All reserved seating

Caleb Fikkert, Jenna Vande Zande, Bella De Haan, and Ben Spronk with Pella Christian's theatre troupe discuss their performances of The Sound of Music coming up next week.

Director of Visit Pella Ann Frost previews the Kerstmarkt Dutch Christmas Market and the Christmas Tour of Homes. Learn more here.

Noa De Leeuw and Aniek Verwoert Greijdanus High School and Ellie Johnson and Maggie Vos from Pella Christian High School talk about their experiences from the Iowa portion of the reciprocal exchange program between the two schools

Mayor Don DeWaard, Bob Zylstra with the Spirit of Pella board, Jessica Klyn de Novelo with Pella Corporation, Tricia Vermeer with Vermeer Charitable Foundation, and Dr. Ian Campbell discuss the new ice rink chiller at Caldwell Park.

Pella Opera House Executive Director Cyndi Atkins discusses the Pella Opera House's 125th Anniversary Open House coming up on November 8th, as well as some of the history about the opera house building.

Montessa Brown with Hearthstone in Pella talks about the Friendship League, a new group in Marion County for adults with special needs.

Cast members Jarett Fox, Noah Golliet, Lily Wackerly, Grace De Haan, and Asher Swanson of the Pella Christian middle school production of Ever After discuss their three performances on November 7th and 8th.

Crossroads of Pella Executive Director Jim Hibma and Assistant Director Chris Allen discuss several upcoming programs for the non-profit organization both this week and into the Christmas holiday season.

Members of the Pella FFA Horse Judging Team preview their upcoming trip to Nationals.

Pella Historical Museums Executive Director Jessi Galligan discusses completion of the On Track for Success fundraising campaign and upcoming events with the organization.

Tracey Huckstep with Beaming Belly Bakes and Candace Thersby with the Pella Farmers Market board discuss the ongoing events every Thursday from 4-6 p.m. until October 30th.

Senator Chuck Grassley discusses the federal government shutdown in part two of a two part conversation.

Senator Chuck Grassley discusses the federal government shutdown in part one of a two part conversation.

Pella Regional Health Center Foundation Coordinator Jenny Hesseltine, General Surgeon J.D. Welander, and Breast Care Navigator Kim Pearson discuss the annual Pella in Pink celebration that was held Sunday at Cordova Park at Lake Red Rock.

Pella Schools Superintendent Greg Ebeling discusses the changes made to Pella High School’s graduation ceremony.

Members of the Pella High School FFA Chapter discuss the latest with the organization.

Breast Cancer Survivor Leah Garland discusses her journey battling breast cancer and Kim Pearson with Pella Regional Health Center discusses the breast care program at the hospital and the upcoming Pella in Pink event being held this

Pella High School Homecoming King Trace Hopkins and Queen Josie Boll preview this week’s activities for the celebration.