SENTENCING ON DRUG AND FIREARM CHARGES
A Le Mars man has been sentenced to five and a half years in prison on federal drug charges. 49-year-old Timothy Mullally was sentenced Wednesday to 66 months imprisonment after pleading guilty in May to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of prohibited person in possession of firearms.
Evidence showed that between January 2022 through September 2022, Mullally and others distributed more than two kilograms of methamphetamine. That included two occasions in August and September that year where Mullally distributed more than 800 grams of pure meth to an individual cooperating with law enforcement.
Law enforcement and U.S. Postal Inspection Service intercepted a three-pound package of meth coming from California to Mullally’s house that September.
Authorities also seized $5,830 and two firearms.
Mullally admitted to being a regular user of methamphetamine, and thereby was prohibited from possessing firearms. He remains in the custody of the United States Marshall until he can be transported to a federal prison.
LCS EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
An Elementary Guidance Counselor has been named as the Le Mars Community Schools Employee of the Month. Abby Simington was surprised with the honor this morning at Kluckhohn Elementary. Simington has been employed by the school district for three years. Her nomination describes Abby as a caring person that goes above and beyond when asked to do anything to help students, making sure they feel safe and loved. Congratulations to Abby Simington, the Le Mars Community Schools Employee of the Month.
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PLYMOUTH COUNTY FATAL ACCIDENT
One person died in a two-vehicle crash that occurred Wednesday morning South of Hinton on Highway 75 in Plymouth County. The Iowa State Patrol reports that 64-year-old Joann Martin of Hinton was killed in the accident. Martin was westbound on C-70 and was turning South on US 75 into the path of a semi which was Northbound. Both vehicles crossed the median into the Southbound lanes. The semi, driven by 53-year -old Scott Mitchell of Hornick, Iowa overturned and blocked the roadway. The accident occurred just before 10:30 a.m. Wednesday morning. The Iowa State Patrol was assisted by the Plymouth County Sherriff’s Office and Stockton Towing.
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SENTENCING HEARING POSTPONED
The sentencing hearing for a former Plymouth County Sherriff’s deputy, Aaron Leusink, has been postponed. The sentencing court date had been set for September 30th. A court document filed Monday gave notice of a new trial scheduling conference which will be held on Tuesday, October 1st, at 11:15 a.m. In a separate filing, District Judge Zachary Hindman ordered his recusal from the case because of a conflict, stating his court reporter is “an alleged victim of an offence by the defendant.”
Leusink had been accused of stealing prescription drugs and other property from various places including the Sherriff’s Department evidence room and Plymouth County pharmacies. He was in possession of over 1,600 pills on April 20th of 2020.
In 2023, a judge granted a new trial on the grounds that the defense attorney did not properly inform Leusink about his sentencing.
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FLOYD VALLEY FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER
Tickets are on sale now for the annual Floyd Valley Foundation fall fundraiser. “Cruisin’ for a Cause,” a wine and craft beer tasting event will be held on Saturday, November 9. Foundation Manager Amy Harnack says the venue will be the Garage at 800, a private event space and car museum owned by Mike & Cheryl
Wells.
The evening will include a social hour, 50’s & 60’s “diner inspired” heavy hors d’oeuvres, along with a silent and live auction. Proceeds from the event will benefit the infusion center expansion and renovation.
The fundraising goal for the event is 75-thousand-dollars. Tickets are limited, so make reservations by calling Amy Harnack at 546-3348.
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THE BIG CHALLENGE
Do you have a game-changing business idea? The Iowa West Coast Initiative is accepting entries for “The Big Challenge,” a competition to showcase your innovative idea and compete for a share of ten-thousand dollars in prizes. Entry deadline is September 29th. After community voting, the top five finalists will make live presentations, competing for the prizes. Information is available from Iowa West Coast Initiative or the Le Mars Chamber of Commerce.
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DORDT RECEIVES HIGH RANKING
Dordt University in Sioux Center is ranked number six among regional Midwest universities, according to U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Colleges. This is the third year in a row that Dordt University has moved up in the “Regional Universities (Midwest)” rankings. Last year Dordt was listed at number eight. Dordt University was also ranked number seven under the category “Best Value Schools.” That’s up seven spots. Dordt was ranked number two for “Best Undergraduate Teaching Programs.”
