John Wright, 81, of Mount Pleasant, died Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Celebration of Life will be held 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Mount Pleasant Golf and Country Club. The family will be present to greet friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Mount Pleasant Golf and Country Club or the Make A Wish Foundation. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for John and his family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com
DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Burlington man will spend more than two decades behind bars after being sentenced to 288 months (24 years) in federal prison for possessing a distribution quantity of methamphetamine and a loaded firearm as a prohibited person.
On September 16, 2025, Chad Jacob Runnells, 49, received the sentence following an extensive investigation into his drug trafficking activities. According to public court documents, Runnells sold and received methamphetamine during multiple controlled purchases with law enforcement.
In September 2024, officers executed search warrants at Runnells’ residence and an adjacent stash house, uncovering approximately 3.5 pounds of methamphetamine, a loaded firearm, and more than $10,000 in cash. Evidence gathered during the investigation linked Runnells to the distribution of more than 65 pounds of methamphetamine.
Runnells was prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions, including a 2021 conviction for possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver as a habitual offender in Des Moines County and a 2013 conviction for domestic abuse assault impeding airflow in Warren County.
Following his 24-year prison term, Runnells will be required to serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case underscores federal and local law enforcement’s continued efforts to combat large-scale drug trafficking and violent crime in southeast Iowa.
Mount Pleasant, Iowa – Authorities have released new details following Wednesday’s mid-day manhunt for an escaped inmate from the Iowa Department of Corrections Prison.
According to a statement from the Mount Pleasant Police Department, officers were notified at approximately 12:07 p.m. on September 17 that a prisoner had run away from the facility. Investigators determined that Dale Knadjek, 49, left the industrial area of the prison shortly after 11 a.m., walked into a tree line east of the facility, and then headed north.
Because of the nearly hour-long delay between his departure and the alert, officers established a large perimeter and sent emergency notifications. Local schools were placed on lockdown as a precaution while numerous law enforcement agencies joined the search.
Businesses and residents across north Mount Pleasant provided crucial tips and security footage, helping authorities track Knadjek to the 800 block of West Courtland Street, where he was taken into custody without incident shortly after 1 p.m.
The Mount Pleasant Police Department credited assistance from the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Department of Corrections, Department of Criminal Investigations, and New London Police Department for the swift capture.
Knadjek was returned to the correctional facility, and charges related to the escape are expected to be filed.
The Winfield Historical Society and Museum is inviting the public to step back in time during its first Cemetery Walk, scheduled for Sunday, September 28, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Winfield Scott Township Cemetery.
A cemetery walk offers a unique way to explore local history, giving visitors the chance to meet and learn about past community members who helped shape Winfield. This year’s event will feature the life stories of notable individuals, brought to life by an actor dressed in period costume, sharing tales of their experiences and contributions to the community.
Guests may choose to walk or ride in a golf cart to each featured grave site. Visitors are encouraged to begin their tour at the museum’s tent, where they can pick up a map and register for a chance to win a Winfield Museum canvas bag. Golf carts will be available for those who prefer not to walk the entire route.
The event will be held rain or shine, with only severe weather prompting changes. Updates will be shared via local radio and the Winfield Historical Society’s Facebook page if needed. Freewill donations will be accepted, with all proceeds benefiting the museum’s building renovation fund. Refreshments will also be provided.
Organizers hope the Cemetery Walk will not only preserve the memories of these six influential residents but also inspire visitors to reflect on their own life stories. “These stories and experiences are what make us who we are. They are the legacy we leave behind,” the museum shared in its announcement.
Come celebrate the people who helped make Winfield a special place and support the ongoing efforts to preserve the town’s rich history.
Becky Wilson has officially announced her candidacy for Henry County Attorney, pledging to bring what she calls “strong, commonsense leadership” to the office.
In a public statement shared with friends, family, and supporters, Wilson said her decision to run came “after much prayer and seeking,” describing the campaign as both a challenge and an exciting opportunity to serve the community. “Henry County needs a strong, commonsense leader who will defend the citizens by prosecuting criminals, clean out corruption, and listen to the people,” she said. “It has been a long time since their needs were put first. I believe I can be that kind of leader.”
Wilson brings years of legal experience to the race. She has worked extensively in law firms in Texas as a paralegal and has practiced in Iowa courts across at least 18 counties, including juvenile court, family court, criminal defense, wills and probate, and personal injury. She believes this broad background uniquely qualifies her to “revamp the prosecutor’s office” in Henry County.
Her campaign will focus on three key priorities:
Supporting law enforcement and building strong working relationships with local agencies
Protecting the public through firm prosecution of criminal cases
Restoring citizens’ trust in the County Attorney’s Office
Wilson emphasized that her platform is rooted in the lifelong values of faith, family, and responsibility. She is seeking early support from friends and neighbors to help launch her campaign, noting that contributions of any size will help share her message with voters.
“I’m truly grateful for your friendship and support,” Wilson said. “I promise to make you proud on the campaign trail and in the County Attorney’s Office.”
The Henry County Attorney’s race will be decided by voters in the upcoming election.
The Mt Pleasant Rotary Clubs are sponsoring a diaper drive for the Family Connection from September 15th to October 10th. By participating in the Family Connection programs, parents can utilize their participation points to receive diapers, wipes, laundry detergent, and other basic baby supplies. Many families who live within the federal poverty guidelines worry about how to afford these necessities. Donation drives like this allow Family Connection to get diapers in the homes of families who need them. The Family Connection can work with up to 45 families at one time and these families need 30-40 packages of diapers a month. Last year Rotary collected 34 boxes and 64 packages of diapers to help meet that need.
Donation Box Locations in Mt Pleasant
5 Star Credit Union
Coffee Depot
Mt Pleasant Public Library
Both Pilot Grove Bank locations
Central Park Perk
Diaper Collection at Hy Vee in Mt Pleasant
Saturday, September 27th 9 to 11 am
Friday, October 3rd 5 to 8 pm
About Rotary
Rotary is dedicated to causes that build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world to support our peace efforts and end polio forever. On of our seven main causes is child and maternal health and wellness. This diaper drive supports this cause and improves the lives of families in Henry County. For questions about the Mt Pleasant Evening Rotary or this diaper drive, please contact MPERotary@gmail.com.
A Muscatine man has been sentenced to nearly five years in federal prison after admitting to possessing a firearm while prohibited as a felon.
According to public court documents, Robert Owen Knapp III, 33, was arrested in May 2024 after fleeing on foot during an attempted traffic stop while carrying a pistol. Officers apprehended Knapp and recovered the firearm he was holding at the time of his arrest.
Knapp was on federal supervised release stemming from a 2017 conviction for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa. His actions in the 2024 incident led to the revocation of his supervised release.
U.S. District Court officials sentenced Knapp to 58 months in federal prison, followed by a four-year term of supervised release. In addition, his prior supervised release was revoked, and he received a consecutive nine-month prison term for that violation.
There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa announced the sentence, noting the investigation was conducted by the Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office.
DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Davenport man will spend more than seven years in federal prison after being found in possession of child pornography while already serving a term of federal supervised release.
According to court records, David Anthony Tumea, 44, was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison after staff at a residential reentry center discovered four flash drives hidden inside his hat. Tumea was living at the center as part of his supervised release stemming from a 2014 federal conviction for possessing an unregistered firearm and ammunition as a felon.
The discovery prompted searches of Tumea’s vehicle and room, where authorities seized a total of 27 electronic storage devices and a cell phone. Multiple devices were found to contain child sexual abuse material.
In addition to his prison sentence, Tumea will serve a ten-year term of supervised release following his incarceration. He was also ordered to pay $35,000 in restitution. There is no parole in the federal system.
Because the offense occurred while he was on supervised release, the court revoked Tumea’s previous supervision and imposed an additional 18-month prison term, to be served consecutively to the 87-month sentence.
The case was investigated by the Scott County Sheriff’s Office and announced by United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa.
