PELLA — Central College’s Visual and Performing Arts Department will perform “Bonnie and Clyde” at 7 p.m. April 9-12. The musical, based on the Tony-nominated production with music from the legendary Frank Wildhorn, features thrilling adventure and a non-traditional score combining blues, gospel and rockabilly music.

“‘Bonnie and Clyde’ is the electrifying story of love, adventure and crime that captured the attention of an entire country,” says C.D. Adamson, associate professor of theatre. “At the height of the Great Depression, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow went from two small-town nobodies in West Texas to America’s most renowned folk heroes and Texas law enforcement’s worst nightmares.”

Adamson will direct the musical alongside music director Sean Stephenson, assistant professor of music, Kate Kanne Smith, assistant professor of theatre, as the costume designer and Ron Rybkowski, theatre lecturer, as technical director. The Central production features Travis Mitchell, Class of 2025 from Otley, Iowa, as Clyde Barrow and Keely Krambeer, Class of 2026 from Wadena, Iowa, as Bonnie Parker. Other cast members include the following students plus two community members, Madeline Kelly and Ava McDonough.

• Brooklynn Cassens, Class of 2025 from Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Katie Fairchild, Class of 2026 from Eddyville, Iowa
• Katie Hamlow, Class of 2028 from Woodland Park, Colorado
• Silas Harris, Class of 2025 from Muscatine, Iowa
• Grant Humphrey, Class of 2026 from Pella, Iowa
• Shaffer Landuyt, Class of 2025 from Norwalk, Iowa
• Eryn Lenhart, Class of 2027 from Bondurant, Iowa
• Jose Leyva-Gramajo, Class of 2027 from Ottumwa, Iowa
• Rachel Masters, Class of 2026 from Lisbon, Iowa
• Zeke McCarty, Class of 2026 from Ames, Iowa
• David Michael Negley, Class of 2026 from Winterset, Iowa
• Sammie Pagel, Class of 2027 from Madrid, Iowa
• Evan Streit, Class of 2028 from Swisher, Iowa
• Sam Vis, Class of 2027 from Ames, Iowa
• Brooke Watson, Class of 2028 from Newton, Iowa
• Miles-Xavier Young, Class of 2028 from Akron, Iowa

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students, available online at central.universitytickets.com. Seniors and people with a Central ID are free.

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The Iowa NWTF State Chapter recently partnered with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to revitalize the Fox Hills Wildlife Management Area in Wapello County, Iowa. Through this collaboration, the chapter is lending support to a comprehensive timber stand improvement project that will boost habitat for wild turkeys, white-tailed deer and numerous non-game species.

Fox Hills Wildlife Management Area is a key component of the Soap Creek–Stephens Forest Bird Conservation Area, a 145,886-acre mosaic of woodlands, grasslands and aquatic habitats in southern Iowa. This landscape provides critical habitat for 116 species of nesting birds, including 88 species of greatest conservation need, as well as endangered and threatened species like the Indiana bat and northern long-eared bat.

Historically, the Fox Hills Wildlife Management Area remained largely unmanaged. However, the Iowa DNR’s 2023 Forest Wildlife Stewardship Plan outlined a path to restoring its 1,282 acres of oak and hickory-dominated woodlands. The plan utilizes a combination of early successional and even-aged management strategies (creating and maintaining stands with trees of similar ages) to promote oak and hickory regeneration, improve forest structure and enhance overall habitat quality.

“Historically, the Iowa DNR has put a lot more time and effort into managing the open land portions of their properties throughout Iowa than timbered acres,” said John Burk, NWTF district biologist for Iowa, Illinois and Missouri. “Open woodlands are probably one of the more productive habitats that can be restored and maintained when managing for turkeys. A wild turkey can find everything it needs throughout the year in a properly managed open woodland, so that is where my focus has always been in my district in developing projects. I am excited that the DNR is really embracing active forest management on their properties, and I look forward to working with them on future similar projects.”

To support this initiative, the Iowa DNR has committed $15,000 in fiscal year 2025 for critical habitat work, including crop tree release (enhancing the growth and development of selected trees by reducing competition from surrounding trees) and site preparation for natural regeneration (altering the site to enhance conditions for trees to naturally regenerate from seeds or sprouts). The Iowa NWTF State Chapter has furthered the effort by contributing $5,000 in Super Fund dollars, assisting with contracting costs for timber stand improvements on 99 acres — successfully completed in March. This work prioritized reducing competition around oak and hickory trees, allowing more sunlight to reach the forest floor and fostering the next generation of these essential species.

Beyond improving tree regeneration, the project will significantly boost mast production — meaning more nuts, seeds and fruits to sustain wild turkeys and other wildlife. This work will not only provide essential foraging areas but also bolster habitat for deer, squirrels and countless non-game species. Additionally, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the long-term benefits of a healthier, more diverse woodland teeming with wildlife.

The Iowa DNR will monitor progress to ensure management objectives are met, with follow-up actions planned as part of a long-term adaptive strategy. The Iowa NWTF State Chapter remains committed to supporting projects like the Fox Hills WMA, reinforcing NWTF’s mission to conserve wildlife habitat and uphold Iowa’s rich hunting heritage.

OSKALOOSA, Iowa — The William Penn University Theatre Department is excited to present The Storm in the Barn, a captivating and emotional production based on the graphic novel by Matt Phelan. The performance will take place in the Black Box Theater at George Daily Auditorium on April 3rd, 4th, and 5th, 2025.

Set during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, The Storm in the Barn follows 11-year-old Jack, who faces the struggles of living in a small Kansas town ravaged by drought. As Jack confronts his fears and uncovers the mysteries surrounding a strange figure, he must find the strength to face the storm threatening his world. This deeply moving story combines elements of history, fantasy, and coming-of-age drama, creating an immersive experience for all attendees.

Directed by Professor Brant Bollman and assisted by student Brooke Richardson, the production features a talented cast, striking set design, and powerful performances that bring the graphic novel’s haunting narrative to life.

The performance will be held in the intimate Black Box Theater, offering an up-close and personal experience for every audience member. Seating is limited, so guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure a spot.

Performance Dates and Times:

1. April 3rd at 7:00 PM
2. April 4th at 7:00 PM
3. April 5th at 7:00 PM

Admission is free, and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Event Details:

1. What: The Storm in the Barn
2. When: April 3rd, 4th, and 5th, 2025 at 7:00 PM
3. Where: Black Box Theater, George Daily Auditorium, William Penn University, Oskaloosa, IA
4. Admission: Free
5. Note: Seating is limited, so please arrive early!

For more information, please contact the William Penn University Theatre Department at brant.bollman@wmpenn.edu.