Meet the Candidates: Rob Bixenman (mayor, incumbent)
Election day is just days away, and KLEM is continuing our profiles of candidates this week with Rob Bixenman, who’s looking to earn a third term as mayor of Le Mars.
Bixenman is the president of Ambank Company and Perspective Insurance, as well as serving on the boards of three local non-profits. Serving as mayor since 2021, he says he’s running for a third term to build on the progress Le Mars has made since he’s been in office.
On Vision 2045, Bixenman says he’s pleased with progress so far, and its reception amongst local businesses, and says he wants to keep the city “thinking outside the box” when it comes to growth.
On the firehouse bond issue, Bixenman says he “completely supports” the issue, and the fire department.
Bixenman says his goal is to support the people who grew up in Le Mars, as well as attract those who work in town, but live elsewhere.
Bixenman will run for his seat against challenger Brian Hughes. Hughes interview with KLEM will air tomorrow.
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Copper Coin Thrift Store moves to new building
A local thrift store is opening a new, larger location in Le Mars. The Copper Coin Thrift Store will open its new building to customers next week on November 4th.
Board member Denise Gengler told KLEM that more space was needed for operations at the store.
Gengler says the new building will have new amenities and more options for shoppers.
The original location on 5th Avenue NW in Le Mars opened in 2024. Gengler says the location of the new building will be more accessible for customers.
Copper Coin Thrift Store is a non-profit, with financial assistance from the store provided to Gehlen Catholic Schools and other faith-based organizations. The new building is located at 1130 12th Street SW in Le Mars, with a grand opening set for Tuesday, November 4th at noon.
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Extra highway enforcement announced for Halloween
The Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office, Hinton Police Department, and the Iowa State Patrol has announced they’re partnering for a “special traffic enforcement project” on Highway 75 during Halloween.
All three agencies will have extra patrols on Highway 75 from the Woodbury County line to approximately Le Mars. In a press release, the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office stated the project is primarily focused on looking for impaired or intoxicated drivers. Agencies will also be looking for excessive speed, lack of seat belt usage, and violations of Iowa’s hands-free law.
The project is funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau, and is expected to take place from Friday evening to the overnight hours on Saturday morning.
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