John I. Jones 68, of Burlington passed away on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.
According to his wishes no services are planned and cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant.
David Clarence Featherstun of Mt. Pleasant, IA, passed away on March 14, 2025 at the age of 47. David was also known as Dave Bennett to the people in his hometown because he wanted to by mysterious and cool like that…In reality, it was easier to go by Bennett that to explain why he had a different name than his dad. His friends also knew him as just Dave, his military friends knew him as “Nuts”, and to his admirers as “The Dave”.
David was born February 6, 1978 in Ridgecrest, CA. He was the oldest son (by 5 minutes and bragged about it) to Ann (Mettenburg) Bennett and Robert Featherstun. Ann remarried in 1990 and David, along with his twin brother Thomas and younger sister Cassie, gained a father in John Bennett.
After high school David joined the US Air Force where he thrived and became part of an Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team where he was given the nickname “Nuts”. Was it because he was crazy? Nope – just that it is the last four letters in his last name spelled backwards. While on active duty, he was stationed stateside and overseas in Panama and Italy. David had deployments to Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan. He came back to Iowa to retire from the military after 9-11 and a few trips to the Middle East. He was repeatedly drawn back to the military and maintained connections through the Reserves and National Guard, deploying several more times. He was a Veteran and a brother to many, not just to family and friends.
David leaves behind two sons, Tristan and Gabriel Featherstun of Washington, IA. He enjoyed weekends with the boys at the farm or out and about. Some of the greatest memories are adventures with the boys and cousins exploring and spending time together with their families. Family birthdays and holidays were never dull with everyone together.
David also leaves behind his best friends and anchor, Alyssa Sarazin of Burlington, IA. They enjoyed cooking together, sending photos to brag about delicious food to family and friends. They loved to travel together and were quite the team.
David was always helping others and was passionate about his work. For the last few years, he worked for one of his best friends, Josh Klindt, and was able to fulfill his need to help others, and boss people around.
David was a master at debating-arguing-dictating-talking…whatever you would like to call it. David could debate anything and thrived on playing Devil’s Advocate. If you had a minute, he would love to discuss politics, religion…really anything, and tell you exactly how it is. After a few hours, he might let you go if he was done telling you how he was right. Joking aside, David loved to discuss politics and was passionate about his own personal convictions. However ornery, he did enjoy hearing and empathizing with other people’s points of view.
David enjoyed the outdoors and took his boys fishing, hunting, hiking, boating and camping. If it was outdoors, he was all in. He enjoyed mushroom hunting with his family, even though Cassie always out-hunted him and Thomas could smell them before David had a chance to see them. He said he liked deer hunting, but we are convinced he did it only so he was not left out and to have the opportunity to debate with someone. He liked to go to the Bennett Farm to repair fences, clean out barns or just to be with the animals and fresh air.
David had the best friends in the world, who have been by his side since moving to Iowa. Having friend connections like these are rare and beautiful; you know who you are, and David thought the world of you.
David meets in heaven his maternal grandmother, Mary Fran Mettenburg. They are probably playing a game of Euchre with great grandparents, Joe and Virginia Heitz, great-grandparents Joe and Mildred Mettenburg will greet him too with open arms. If anyone was bored, no worries – the entertainment has arrived.
Left behind to have no one to debate with to the level David provided are his parents, Ann and John Bennett of Mt. Pleasant, siblings Thomas Bennett of Mt. Pleasant and Cassie (Troy) Graber of Wayland, IA; David’s children – Tristan and Gabe Featherstun of Washington, IA; his girlfriend, Alyssa Sarazin of Burlington, IA; his beloved nieces and nephews who thoroughly enjoyed their Uncle David: Owain Bennett, Elyssa Graber, Deedra Graber, Jacob Graber and Jenna Graber; his grandfather, Clarence Mettenburg of Mt. Pleasant, and his grandmother Rose Bennett of Spokane, WA. Also leaving behind lots of close uncles, aunts and cousins. David stayed close to his stepchildren, Asia, Jayden, Jaren, Lexi (and special niece Nikki). He had a good relationship with his ex-wife Keetah Featherstun of Washington. We are fortunate that our blended families can all sit together as a big family for the boys’ activities at school. He also leaves behind his father Robert Featherstun of Oceanside, CA, and siblings – Val (Rob Felgar) Featherstun of Fontana, CA, Steph (Brett) Ashmore of Justin, TX and their children, Robby Featherstun and his children of Oceanside, CA, and Melissa (Taylor) Villa and their child of Ontario, CA.
A celebration of David’s life will be held beginning at 12 Noon on Sunday, June 15 at the Lodge at Lake Darling State Park. A private family inurnment will be held at Richwoods Cemetery, rural Mt. Pleasant.
The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant, is caring for David and his family.
Ames, Iowa- 63 and 101, those are the big numbers of the day after the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) announced that the State Basketball Tournament will be played at James H. Hilton Coliseum in Ames starting in 2027.
The 14,267-capacity stadium agreed to a five-year deal with the IHSAA as their 2027-time frame coincided with the expectation that the CyTown District will be up in running, which will include retail, restaurants, common areas, and a Marriott hotel.
“We couldn’t be more excited about what this opportunity will offer our student-athletes, schools, and supporters as they experience an elite basketball environment at Hilton and an awesome new tournament community in CyTown and Ames,” IHSAA executive director Tom Keating said. “Our sincere appreciation goes to everyone who has helped make this possible at Iowa State University, Discover Ames and Cyclone Athletics.”
This agreement will conclude the partnership with the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, who has hosted the tournament since 1963, marking 63 years of state tournament basketball in Des Moines.
“We have great relationships in Des Moines and at Iowa Events Center, and we thank them for all their years of support and their continued work in hosting our events,” Keating said.
It will also be a historic occasion when the 32 teams from all four classifications meet up from March 8th through the 12th in 2027 as it will have been 101 years since the last time the state tournament was held in Ames. State Gym hosted a tournament (from 1920-22 there were two tournaments held) in 1917, 1919, 1920, 1921, 1922, and 1926 for Class B—the only one officially under the IHSAA.
Three of our local teams would like to be welcomed back to Ames, including a former champion. Mt. Pleasant controlled the state for a two-year stretch, winning the title 28-22 in 1917 over Iowa City—they would repeat in 1918 over Iowa City 17-16, but that game was played at the University of Iowa Armory.
Fairfield attended in 1919 and 1921, getting tossed in the quarterfinals each time. They also made the tournament in 1924 but that was played in Boone, they would go 1-2 in the round robin. Lastly, Columbus Junction ventured out in 1922, losing in the quarterfinals.
The largest single-game score for a team was 40 points by Irwin, the last champion in 1926. The second highest score was 30 put up by six times and twice by Grinnell.
The lowest combined score at State Gym was a whopping 13 points as Mt. Pleasant downed Marshalltown 9-4 in the semifinals on their way to the 1917 state championship. The same year produced the second lowest combined score of 14 as Marshalltown bested Council Bluffs 9-5 in the first round.
A Burlington man was sentenced on March 13, 2025, to 192 months in federal prison for receiving child pornography.
According to public court documents, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a CyberTip that an account, later determined to be associated with David Enrique Remigio, 30, received files containing child sexual abuse material. Law enforcement seized Remigio’s cellular phone during a search of his residence. A forensic examination of the cellular phone showed that Remigio used the device to receive 143 images and 265 videos containing child sexual abuse material.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Remigio will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Remigio was also ordered to pay $39,000 in restitution.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office.
CPR Class Open to the Public at Mediapolis Fire Dept
A life-saving opportunity is coming to the Mediapolis Fire Department as they host a public CPR class on Saturday, March 22nd, at 9:30 AM. This class aims to give attendees the essential skills to respond effectively in emergency situations.
The session will provide hands-on training, including proper chest compressions and rescue breathing techniques. Led by experienced instructor Luke Griffis, the course is designed for individuals of all backgrounds, from parents and caregivers to community members wanting to be prepared for emergencies.
The class is open to the public, making it an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in learning a crucial skill that can save lives.
Participants will be guided through practical exercises with CPR mannequins to reinforce their learning.
For more information or to sign up, interested individuals can contact Luke Griffis at 319-572-8360.
Mt. Pleasant Farmers Market Spring Meeting 2025
The Mt. Pleasant Farmers Market is gearing up for its annual spring meeting on April 16th, 2025, at 6 PM at Pizza Ranch, Mt. Pleasant. Hosted by Vicki and Mary, this gathering will shape the 2025 season with discussions on vendor participation, event scheduling, and market improvements.
Attendees can enjoy optional dinner while engaging in conversations about the market’s future.
For questions, contact Mary at (319) 217-6990 or Vicki at (319) 931-7842.
Join the conversation and help make the 2025 Mt. Pleasant Farmers Market a success
The Iowa Department of Public Safety Iowa State Fire Marshal Division has Burn bans in order for Des Moines and Henry counties. Anyone open burning in these counties is subject to criminal charges and possible penalties including restitution for costs associated with extinguishing the burn and/or damages.
For specific questions about bans on open burning in your community, please contact your local Fire Department or Emergency Management office.
Des Moines County, Iowa: https://www.facebook.com/100063560651219/posts/1210415781087099
Henry County, Iowa: https://www.facebook.com/100063560651219/posts/1209813194480691
High School Track
Fairfield and the Fort Madison girls’ team competed in the Hilltop Co-ed Invitational yesterday and the Southeast Conference pair combined for seven first place finishes.
Starting with the girls’ teams, Fort Madison’s Olivia Buckner outpaced Samantha Lyons of Fairfield to snatch the bronze in the 60-meter finals with a time of 8.33 seconds, while Lyons took 4th place. The Trojans would get their own 1st place finisher in Lilly Bergren’s 60-meter hurdle time of 10.03 seconds. The Bloodhounds would also get the better of the Trojans in the 400-meter dash as McKayla Schinstock finished in 2nd place with a time of 1 minute and 5 seconds as Lyons grabbed 6th place. Fort Madison proved tough in the distance events as Addison Rump took the gold in the 800-meter run with a time of 2 minutes and 39 seconds and Avery Rump yielded the silver in the 1500-meter followed by Jordyn Marshall in 4th place. Fairfield’s Alex Jo Steward took the bronze in the 3,000-meter with a time of 13 minutes and 19 seconds. For the relays, Fort Madison’s teams in the 4×200 and 4×800 finished in 1st place, while Fairfield’s 4×200 squad grabbed 7th place.
In the field events, Fort Madison again proved to be just a tick better as Dayonna Davis’ leap of 15 feet and 4 inches in the long jump snatched the gold away from Fairfield’s Kensley Fligg, who leapt 14 feet and 8 inches for 2nd place. Brylie Lorence launched the shot 42 feet and 4.5 inches, which was good enough for the win and a Blue Standard mark. Elyse Setterstrom’s throw of 30 feet and 6 inches took 8th place.
On the boys’ side, Dylan Adam and Dayson Workman finished as a tandem in the 60-meter dash, grabbing 4th and 5th place, respectively, as Adam clocked a time of 7.41 seconds. Ryan Gibberson finished in 2nd place with a time of 8.67 seconds in the 60-meter hurdles. Gabe Tejada was the lone Trojan to finish on top of the podium with a 1st place run in the 800-meter run with a time of 2 minutes and 1 seconds. Aaden Regur took 5th place in the 1600-meter run. The 4×400 meter relay team led the pack for the Trojans with a 3rd place time of 3 minutes and 40 seconds.
For the field events, the Trojans exhibited some bounce as Ousman Saine leapt 6 feet and 2 inches for 3rd place in the high jump with Blake Burnett taking 5th place, while Aiden Westercamp grabbed 7th place in the long jump with a mark of 16 feet and 4 inches.
Central College will host an indoor meet with the boys’ teams participating on Thursday, March 20th, and the girls’ competing on Friday, March 21st.
Southeastern Community College
The softball team will be hosting a spring break camp running today through Thursday, March 20th, for grades 2-5 from 8 am to 10 am and grades 6-12 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at Fun City Turf at 614 S. Broadway Street if you signed up. Participants should bring their bats, gloves, and sliding gear.
The softball team will be back in action for a doubleheader on Saturday, March 22nd, against Southwestern Community College with game one at 1 pm.
The baseball team had their six-game win streak snapped last night in an extra-innings duel against Black Hawk College, losing 3-2. The Blackhawks will stay on the road today to face off against Marshalltown Community College.
College Basketball
The Iowa State men’s team grabbed the #3-seed for the South Region but they will be without the services of Keshon Gilbert for the rest of the season due to injury. The Cyclones will dance with the #14-seed Lipscomb on Friday, March 21st, at 12:30 pm.
In the woman’s NCAA national championship tournament, Iowa grabbed the 6th seed and will take on the #11-seed Murray State in Oklahoma on Saturday, March 22nd, at 11 am. This is the seventh consecutive trip to the NCAA tournament for the Hawkeyes.
The Iowa State women’ s team also continued their streak of consecutive appearances at the tournament at six but they will have to earn their way to the round off 64. The Cyclones will square off against Princeton tomorrow, March 19th, at 6 pm with the winner advancing to play the #6-seed Michigan.
March Madness
The KILJ Bracket Challenge brought to you by The Press Box and Wiley’s Interior Furnishings and Design is back for the 2025 March Madness men’s bracket with the same rules as last year. A printable bracket was posted to KILJ’s Facebook page. The bracket must be filled out and turned in to sports@kilj.com or our station by the end of the day tomorrow, March 19th.
For a full list of rules and prizes, follow this link: KILJ Bracket Challenge
This Day in Sports History
1892 – Canada’s Lord Stanley of Preston announced he would donate a silver challenge cup to be awarded to the nation’s best hockey team.
1945 – Montreal Canadien Maurice “Rocket” Richard becomes the first NHL player to score 50 goals.
1958 – MLB Los Angeles Dodgers announced their mascot and clown Emmett Kelly will not perform in 1958.
