Leusink Pleads Not Guilty To Charges
(Le Mars) — A former Plymouth County Sheriff’s Deputy has pleaded not guilty to theft charges dating back several years. Aaron Leusink entered the plea on Thursday on five counts of burglary, four counts of theft, unlawful possession of prescription drugs and felonious misconduct while in office which all stem from an investigation opened earlier this year into a number of thefts reportedly taking place while he was employed by the county.
Leusink was relieved of duty in April after local officials became aware of possible criminal acts involving him which led to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation getting involved. He was arrested last month and released on bond the next day. A trial date has not been established.
Sioux County Authorities Identify Victim From Vehicle Fire
(Orange City) — Sioux County authorities have identified the victim of the vehicle fire as 78-year old Rudolph Martinez of Hawarden. The Sioux County Sheriff’s office was able to determine that the victim most likely had a
medical incident, which caused him to leave the roadway he was traveling on.
His vehicle then came to a stop in a cornfield, which had been chopped. The field, and ultimately the vehicle, started on fire with the victim inside.
Sioux County Sheriff’s Office stated in the news release that they do not believe foul play is suspected.
Plymouth County 4-H Celebrates National 4-H Week
(Le Mars) — This week is recognized as National 4-H Week and Ann Schroenrock, co-coordinator with Plymouth County Extension and Outreach serves as the 4-H Youth Director and oversees the many 4-H activities within Plymouth County. She says Plymouth County has consistently ranked among the
top counties in Iowa with its 4-H program.
Schoenrock says although COVID-19 prevented the Plymouth County Fair from occurring, she says local 4-H members were still able to have their projects judged this past summer through the “Gold and Clover Classic.” One of the focuses for celebrating this National 4-H Week is a fundraising activity to occur on Tuesday.
Schoenrock explains how people can donate to help support the local 4-H program.
The Plymouth County 4-H official says local 4-H members will be decorating many windows of downtown businesses promoting the youth program.
Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department Promote Fire Safety To Students During Fire Prevention Week
(Le Mars) — This week is also National Fire Prevention Week with the focus on kitchen fires, and the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department will be busy all month long visiting with more than 1500 students distributing fire safety educational materials.
Schipper says members of the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department will be visiting the various schools and day-care centers telling the students how to be safe around fires.
Dave Schipper, the fire chief for the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department says Le Mars is fortunate to not have very many juvenile started fires, and he believes the education effort is one of the reasons.
With the emphasis placed on kitchen safety, Schipper says nationwide, nearly half of all home fires start in the kitchen area.
Floyd Valley Healthcare Accepting Nominations For Hockey “Hot Shots”
(Le Mars) — The Sioux City Musketeers, in partnership with Floyd Valley Healthcare (FVH), announce that nominations for the 2020/2021 Hot Shots are now open. Parents or guardians may nominate their child if they currently are or have received care at FVH. Nominees must be between the ages of 6 – 17 years old. The application can be found on FloydValley.org and must be submitted by October 23, 2020.
Throughout the season, there will be six Hot Shots selected. The Hots Shots will travel in a limo to their honor game as special guests of the Musketeers and will receive five game tickets, a commemorative Musketeer jersey, Musketeer memorabilia, an opportunity to meet the team and coaches, be a part of the ceremonial puck drop as well as a special mentions at their game.
This program was created with the goal of honoring FVH pediatric patients with chronic health issues. We are excited to give children an opportunity to have a fun time with their family, cheer on the team and just enjoy being a kid again for a night.
“We are happy to have Floyd Valley Healthcare sponsor the Hot Shot program last year and the upcoming season,” states Rich Zaber, Musketeer President. “It is such a delight to meet these kids. I can see the gleam of happiness on their face when you meet them as they sit on the bench and when they go to the back and meet the coaches and the team in the locker room. It’s very rewarding as the night goes on to see them come out of their shells and develop a special bond with the players on a very memorable night.”
“Now entering our third year of offering this great program, I am proud of the impact it has had on our young patients and their families. I have seen first-hand the thrill in the eyes of our Hot Shots as they travel in the limo, meet the team and cheer on the Musketeers during the game. I have also received numerous positive comments from our families, many of which speak very highly of the hospitality from the Musketeers and their staff,” states Dustin Wright, FVH CEO. “I am proud to open the nominations for our Hot Shots program knowing that the recipients will be treated to a memorable night.”
The Musketeers and FVH are excited to be able to give children a chance to have a fun time with their family, cheer on the team and enjoy just being a kid for a night again. For more information, you can contact the Sioux City Musketeers at (712) 252-2116 or Ann Cole-Nelson, Floyd Valley Community Relations Manager at (712)546-3495.
