William Penn University alum Brian Spielbauer, class of 1996, will be at the Smokey Row Coffee House in Oskaloosa on Sunday, December 3, from 3:00–4:00 pm, for a book signing and discussion of his new book, The Tales of Lemuria: The Demon’s Chamber. Spielbauer will discuss his book, along with the process of writing and publishing. Please come to learn about The Tales of Lemuria series. A limited number of books will be available for purchase, so you are encouraged to order your own copy from www.amazon.com.
The book was published by Condordis Publishing, a company founded by fellow William Penn alum, Rodney Earle, class of 1988.
Brian Spielbauer is a fantasy author, born a very forgettable sixth of seven children in Guttenberg, Iowa. A college graduate of William Penn College, he then returned to William Penn from 2003–2012, as both an instructor and Head Women’s Basketball Coach. He now resides in Fayette MO, and is the Director of Athletics at Central Methodist University.
The Iowa Department of Transportation held two part hearing for the public on the night of Thursday, November 2. The open forum began activities at 6 PM where the public was welcomed to view copies of a map containing the proposed bypass specifications. This map was derived from the Environmental Assessment, which was conducted and later released to the public on August 15th, 2017.
The infancy stages of this proposed project date back to August 15, 2013. On April 16, 2014, a second meeting was held for the public to discuss the three conceptual alternatives for the U.S. 63 Northwest Oskaloosa Bypass. On December 16th of that same year, a public information meeting was set to discuss the four refined alternatives for the bypass and gather more public input.
“The purpose of the meeting is to bring up to date the community in the progress that we have made on this project. We have had three public hearings since the conception of this project,” said Hector Torres-Cacho, Iowa DOT District 5 Transportation Planner. “The purpose is to collect public input on Environmental Assessment and comments on preferred alignment.”
Jim Armstrong, the Iowa DOT District 5 Engineer, began the formal meeting by introducing the video which offered the history and background information on this project. During countless studies and assessments, “between 2010 and 2014, there were 171 crashes on U.S. 63 within the Oskaloosa corporate limits,” according to Torres-Cacho. Per the 100 million vehicle miles traveled, it is approximately 1.8 times the 5-year statewide crash rates.
Currently, all through traffic on U.S. 63 in the area must travel through the city of Oskaloosa and pass the busiest intersection at U.S. 63 and Iowa 92. The traffic volumes on U.S. 63 through oskaloosa range between 5,300 and 7,600 vehicles per day, up to 11-percent of that traffic is trucks or semis. On the existing U.S. 63, traffic volumes range from 3,500 to 4,500 vehicles per day having upwards of 16-percent truck or semi traffic.
It is projected that by 2040, the traffic volumes will increase to ranges of 5,200 to 8,800 – up to 13-percent semi traffic – and 4,200 to 6,700 – up to 20-percent semi traffic – respectively. These projections are based off the existing roadway and structures in and around the Oskaloosa area.
During the public comment section, John Bandstra, an Oskaloosa resident, spoke about the intersection of Highway 63 and Iowa 92 in particular. “This intersection is well documented with accidents occurring and in some cases traffic signals and buildings have been damaged by turning traffic,” said Bandstra. “One can suggest that instead of trucks turning at this intersection that they use the 163/I-92 interchange and travel 92 through Oskaloosa.” Bandstra believes that the proposed improvements may benefit direct and safe access to U.S. 63 and Iowa 92 for local business as well as the industrial areas along Highway 23. Bandstra concluded his statement by announcing he is not in support.
Over the last three years, there has been a no build and seven proposed alternatives. According to Torres-Cacho, “alternative one was dismissed due to an impact of a pipeline valve field. Alternative two was dismissed due to the use of Kirby Avenue alignment because of too many access points to the bypass. Alternative two and five were dismissed because of environmental impacts such as river crossings and the miles of bridges required. Alternative three was dismissed due to the location being closer to the proposed airport and existing railroad, requiring more grading and earthwork. Alternative four was dismissed because of the impact of the pipeline valve field and six homes in the proposal.“
The proposed bypass would be around 4 miles in length connecting U.S 63 north of Oskaloosa west to Highway 163.
The preferred alternative includes an interchange at 235th Street and Highway 163. The interchange includes a bridge over 163 and access roads to Independence Avenue and North Shore Drive on the north side of the interchange. On the south side, Jewell Avenue and Old Highway 163 to 235th Street of the interchange.
The next step in the process, is to document a final decision in a FONSI (Finding of No Significant Impact) document. Currently, this project is NOT included in the 2018-2022 Transportation Improvement Program. The cost of the project is estimated to be around the $35 million mark. According to Torres-Cacho, “combination of federal and state funding” will contribute to the cost of the project. “The locals also can, and more than likely will, be contributing too. Typically, through state and federal highway funding.”
From left to right: Tom Rielly, Oskaloosa; Mayor David Krutzfeldt, Oskaloosa; and Tom Walling, Councilman Oskaloosa, all spoke at the Iowa DOT public bypass meeting on Thursday, November 2nd.
As the presentation concluded, the time for open comments came. Three attendees spoke in favor of the northwest bypass including Mayor David Krutzfeldt, Beth Danowsky and Tom Walling.
“We [Oskaloosa] are town of about 12,000 people, that is slowly growing in population. We’re achieving growth by constantly working to make it a great place to live.” Krutzfeldt continued on to speak of one of the most pertinent issues facing Oskaloosa.
“My main concern is to fix the conflict of traffic with the enjoyment of life in town. As trucks come into town from the north, they come down a hill. Many use their engines to slow the truck, and there’s a noise factor to that. Once the truck slows down to speed limit, they climb a hill then go towards the William Penn campus. The highway runs between the campus and student housing with a signal crossing halfway up the hill. If the students are crossing , the truck needs to slow or stop. On the south side of that crosswalk, you can observe skid marks where northbound trucks have locked up their brakes in front of that crosswalk.”
But Krutzfeldt concerns do not end with the area near William Penn campus, but also in the downtown square where Highway 63 runs along the west side. “The square can be a serene reflective place, but that’s mostly at night when the traffic subsides.” Krutzfeldt mentions the additions of the summertime Thursday night concert by the city band and the renovated Alley due to the efforts of five determined women who are referred to as the Alley KADTS. “The Alley KADTS turned it from a littered passageway into a space that’s complete with seating, lighting, landscape, history and art. It was recognized by Main Street Iowa and Travel Federation of Iowa. With close proximity to the square, people are able to go back and forth to different events if they can get across 63.” The Mayor requested that the Iowa DOT prioritize this project for the safety and concern of all of the residents in Oskaloosa.
Beth Danowsky works with local business and government representatives to advocate for transportation improvements in the area. The group Danowsky is associated with supports the bypass around Oskaloosa and “requests the important work continues on this project we request it be include as part of the next five-year plan.”
“I came tonight to speak in favor with two different hats on,” began Tom Walling, Oskaloosa City Councilman. “Our corporate office is located on South Market. We have watched the traffic grow and grow and grow and it just continues. What is going on down in Eddyville is amazing for the area but it’s causing a truck traffic problem. Noise and safety of our employees affect our business.”
Walling continued on the say that for roughly 25 blocks, Highway 63 runs through Oskaloosa. Three of those are past the city square which contains four stoplights. Walling noted that there are times where it takes forever to get through because of tractors or trucks. “And this is all nothing new, understand that. But I highly support to put it on the 5-year plan so we can move forward.”
Residents along the proposed area, specifically the interchange area, may see the negative effect of this bypass construction. Brenda Williams, a resident of the West Lake subdivision addressed the Iowa DOT staff and public in attendance. “In 2012, my late husband and I purchase lot five, our sole purpose of purchasing that particular lot was the close proximity to 163 we built our home that year.” Williams continued, “In 2013, we purchase lot number 6 to build a shop to match our home. The total spent on those lots were 35,000. And i can guarantee you that I would not have bought these properties if they were on a gravel road. “
According to Williams, there is a proposed gravel frontage road that would be over a half-mile in length in front of her private drive to connect to the pavement.” All of the gravel roads in this area are so poorly maintained that I have seen car washes in town shut down because they do not want the mess that the rural customers leave behind.” This is a big concern of Williams as well as the toll it will take on her vehicles.
“The proposed gravel frontage road would decrease all of our property values, who would be reimbursing this to us? I am not opposed to change and I do actually see a benefit to the bypass,” stated Williams. “But I was told at the last meeting, and I quote, ‘we will put you back to how you were.’ Right now, I am a private drive onto pavement not private drive onto poorly maintained gravel onto pavement.”
Carl Drost had registered to share his comment, but declined as his opportunity passed.
Tom Rielly is an Oskaloosa resident but also a part of the Iowa DOT Commission. “Earlier this year Governor Branstad appointed me to a seven member commission and we set the five-year road program.”
Reilly has some insight into this project and spoke about the struggles local companies are having such as Cargill, John Deere, Clow, Musco, Pella Corp and Vermeer. “For years, it’s been very hard for them to go north and east, but very easy for them to go north and west.” The Iowa DOT has been trying to find a way, regionally, where communities could work together to create a safe and efficient way to go north and east.
Community members look over the maps provided for the proposed alternative.
In all, roughly 50 people were in attendance to this public hearing for the northwest bypass. The Iowa DOT still wants to hear the public comments or concerns. Those wanting to voice their opinions and share with the Iowa DOT are asked to comment by December 4th. If you prefer to submit your comments electronically, a link has been provided for you here.
Andy Clark, President of C.L. Barnhouse Company, will present “The Incredible Music Heritage of Oskaloosa” on Thursday, October 26 at 6:00 PM in the Musco Technology Center (MTC) on William Penn University’s Oskaloosa campus. The C.L. Barnhouse Company has been housed in Oskaloosa for over 130 years and is considered one of the oldest operating band–focused music publishing companies in the world. Clark joined the company in 1988; he is a veteran music composer, arranger and publisher who has extensive knowledge about successful musicians from the Oskaloosa area. His presentation will include stories from over 15 musicians, spanning from 1865 to now and the impact they have had on the global music community.
“One cannot talk about the history of Oskaloosa without including music and Barnhouse Music Publishers,” said Anita Meinert, Chair of the Humanities Division at William Penn University. “The rich musical history includes the origins and traditions of the Oskaloosa City Band, the composer Frederick Logan, and the heritage and worldwide renown of Barnhouse Music. Not to mention professional musicians such as Max Bennett and Ray Blue who found their musical footings in Oskaloosa and William Penn University. Our community has a long tradition of fostering talented musicians and composers.”
About the Speaker
Andy Clark is a music composer with a diverse background of musical and publishing experiences. After college, Clark spent four years as chief arranger and featured trombonist and drummer with the U.S. Air Force “CONAC BAND.” As a composer and arranger, he has over 250 band numbers published with five publishers and has served as a performer/clinician at events in 34 states. In 1986, Tom Batiuk and Clark collaborated in writing “Funky Winkerbean’s Homecoming,” a two–hour stage musical based on the popular comic strip. Until the summer of 1988, he also continued to perform professionally and was the leader of “Andy Clark & the KLEO Radio Orchestra,” a 15–piece big band made of the top professional players in the Wichita area.
About Leaders Speak
The Leaders Speak Series is an annual initiative that reaches out to the community with diverse leadership–based themes. The 2017–18 series has expanded on the theme “Ignite,” which aims at bringing in speakers to encourage students and community members to pursue their passions and promote positive change.
The event is free and open to the public and can also be streamed online at www.wmpenn.edu/leaders
This Saturday, during halftime of the Statesmen football game against Avila, three new members will be inducted into the William Penn University Athletics Hall of Fame.
BG Campbell (Class of 1975) was described by teammates as one of the most influential members of the men’s golf team.
He was named to the All-Iowa Conference Tournament team three years in a row, and during his final season, Campbell led the program to its second conference title and only outright title in program history, winning the 1974 Iowa Conference Tournament.
“This is such a nice honor and I am really excited to be a part of it (Athletic Hall of Fame),” Campbell said. “I had a nice time at the college and had great teammates which made for a great experience.”
Steven Dawley (Class of 2011), was an integral part in helping the Statesmen football team post some of the best rushing statistics in the history of the program and in the NAIA. The navy and gold led the nation in rushing in 2010 with 4,476 yards (406.9 per game).
In his recommendation for Dawley, Head Coach Todd Hafner said, “Steven was the best offensive lineman this staff has ever coached.”
During Dawley’s career, the team was 29–16 and tied a school record for most wins in 2010, going 10–1. The team also won its first conference crown since 1976.
“It’s a great honor to be inducted into this group of great athletes; it’s very surreal,” Dawley said.
Brian Theobald (Class of 1989) was a great competitor and one of the most important players in building William Penn’s baseball teams in the late 1980s. He was a four-year starter who led the team to two Iowa Conference titles in 1986 and 1988. He was an excellent hitter and outfielder, as well as electric on the mound as a starting pitcher.
A career .300 hitter, Theobald still ranks in the top 10 in career hits and owns the fourth most at-bats in program history. He is one of just a handful of players in program history who effectively handled both pitching and everyday player duties with excellence.
William Penn will honor Campbell, Dawley, and Theobald at the 2017 Athletics Hall of Fame Reception held during homecoming week. They will receive their awards Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at the Penn Activity Center and will then officially be inducted during halftime of WPU’s game vs. Avila (1 p.m. kickoff).
Story by Wade Steinlage, WPU Sports Information Director
The University of Houston head basketball coach Kelvin Sampson pioneered an initiative asking colleges and universities across the country for their assistance. schools across the nation in collecting T-shirts for victims of the devastating flood in Houston, Texas.
In light of Hurricane Harvey, University of Houston are hoping schools will send t-shirts, shorts, socks and shoes to help those who have lost everything.
William Penn answered that call. Athletic Director, Nik Rule, stated by Friday morning the university had rounded up over 1,000 articles of clothing to send to the University of Houston. Those articles filled 22 boxes that will be shipped out later today.
These boxes of donated clothing will soon make their way to Texas to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey.
“The number-one thing I see in the students and faculty of William Penn is compassion. This opportunity to serve those in the Houston area who are going through the unthinkable is a chance for us to rise up as a campus community and show our commitment to service to those near and far,” said Nik Rule.
College students and their families in Texas will receive clothing from William Penn and dozens of other schools across the country.
“At William Penn University, our mission of open hearts and open minds isn’t simply a set of goals we hope to achieve. It’s who we are at our very core. It’s the belief that every individual has value,” said William Penn President John Ottosson.
Coach Sampson tweeted this photo Thursday evening:
If you would like to help by making a donation, contact Joe Reagan, Director of Corporate/Foundation Relations at William Penn University, call 641-673-1047.
Forest City–Raunice Butler (Jr., Nassau, Bahamas, Physical Education) took advantage of a huge penalty to lift the William Penn women’s soccer team to a 2-1 overtime victory over non-conference foe Waldorf Tuesday.
The Statesmen have now won back-to-back games to start the year for the first time since 2003 (4-0 start); the 2005 squad also started 4-0-1 with a tie in its opener.
Mariah Voight (Jr., La Mesa, Calif., Sociology/Psychology), who guided the navy and gold with four shots, put one away at the 28:03 mark to get WPU on the board first. It is her first goal of 2017.
The visitors remained on top until late, but the Warriors (1-3) managed to knot the contest in the 81st minute and forced extra play.
Overtime did not last long, though, as just 1:34 in, Butler tracked down a ball inside the box and collided with Waldorf’s goalkeeper, resulting in a penalty on WC. Butler then lined up for the game-winning penalty kick and drilled it into the netting to give her team the win. The junior managed three shots as part of a 14-8 edge overall. She now has two goals this fall.
Riley Ludwig (Jr., Big Bear City, Calif., Psychology) notched three saves in Tuesday’s triumph.
The Statesmen men’s soccer team bombarded Waldorf with two goals in the first nine minutes of play Tuesday and held on to claim the 2-0 non-conference victory.
William Penn (1-0-1) earned the shutout despite being outshot 24-9, including facing a 16-5 shot deficit in the second half.
Diego Navarro (Fr., Madrid, Spain, Mechanical Engineering) got the visitors on the board just 3:47 into the night when he finished off a pass from Juan Salazar (So., Buga, Colombia, Exercise Science).
Exactly five minutes later, Steve Lee (Jr., Camberley, England, Exercise Science) knocked home his second goal of the year to double the advantage. Joey Messina (So., New London, Wis., Information Technology) assisted on the score.
The defense, led by goalkeeper Caleb Pipes-Goulsbra (Sr., Lincoln, England, Exercise Science), took over from there and kept the Warriors (1-2) exasperated all evening. Pipes-Goulsbra recorded nine saves (seven in the second period) in the victory.
Next Up: William Penn soccer returns to Oskaloosa Sunday to host Cardinal Stritch in non-conference action at noon for a doubleheader.
Story by Wade Steinlage, Sports Information Director at William Penn University
