OSKALOOSA—William Penn University’s Digital Communication program has teamed up with KYOU Fox-15 in Ottumwa to develop a two-year partnership. This partnership will allow students to gain hands-on experience with producing a nightly news broadcast.

In November 2014, the general manager of KYOU visited the WPU campus and watched the Communication Research Institute (CRI) produce its newscast with a student crew. After several meetings between WPU Administration and KYOU executives, a partnership was established in July 2015.

KYOU has employed seven WPU students to assist in producing nightly news programs and has begun practicing for these broadcasts in the newly upgraded studio in the Musco Technology Center (MTC) on the Oskaloosa campus. According to Digital Communication Program Director Matt Wagner, this experience for students is unique to other colleges and programs in Iowa.

“This partnership is a demonstration of the strength and value of  Penn’s Digital Communication program under the direction of Matt Wagner,” states John Ottosson, President of William Penn University. “While we believe this is a valuable service for the citizens of Ottumwa and southeastern Iowa, from an educational perspective it is invaluable to our students. This is a unique opportunity to allow our students to work for and be part of a professional team through KYOU and will strengthen their resume as they move forward in their careers.”

KYOU and William Penn University hope to launch their partnership and productions later this fall. KYOU news can be viewed on Channel 17 in Ottumwa.

Story provided by The Oskaloosa Harold

OSKALOOSA, IOWA – Winter weather will happen – ready or not – and it’s never too early to remind everyone “Ice and Snow…..Take it Slow.”
The Oskaloosa Police Department reminds citizens when winter weather conditions become severe with freezing rain, sleet, ice or snow fall which cause difficult travel conditions, the City Manager has the authority to declare a snow emergency within the city. The announcement will be made through the City’s website at www.oskaloosaiowa.org and local media outlets and will give the date and time the snow emergency begins. Citizens can also sign up to receive e-mail or text alerts when a snow emergency has been declared. Go to the city’s web page and located on the lower left-hand side of the front page is a “Notify Me” button. Fill out the necessary information and a e-mail/text alert will be sent when a snow emergency has been declared.
When a snow emergency is declared, no on-street parking is allowed. If you leave your vehicle parked on city streets during a snow emergency, you may receive a $25 parking ticket and/or your vehicle could be towed at your expense. Citizens who do not have off-street parking available to them may park their vehicle(s) in the city parking lots within the central business district. Once the street is plowed you should remove your vehicle from the city parking lot so the street department can plow the lots. On-street parking is allowed again only after the full width of the street has been plowed, or the snow emergency has been cancelled.
The City of Oskaloosa has prepared a brochure for residents which is available on the City website and through City Hall – 220 South Market Street, Public Works – 804 South D Street, or at the Mahaska County Law Center – 214 High Avenue East. The brochure contains frequently asked questions along with important information for citizens. Remember when a snow emergency is declared, no on-street parking is allowed until the full width of the street has been plowed or the snow emergency is cancelled.
Eventually, winter weather will arrive, prepare now and remember “Ice and Snow….Take it Slow”.