Copper Coin Thrift awards $72,500 in grants to faith-based organizations
Copper Coin Thrift has awarded $72,500 in grants to seven different faith-based organizations, the store announced this week.
Recipients of the grants include Noah’s Ark Preschool, Blessed Are We, All Saints Youth Discipleship Group, Gehlen Catholic/YMCA After School Program, LifeWise, Siouxland Youth for Christ, and Gehlen Catholic School. Lorie Nussbaum, the chair of Copper Coin’s board of directors, explained more about the grants to KLEM.
With this year’s awards, Copper Coin Thrift has now awarded a total of $103,500 since their opening in January of 2024. The store is run totally by volunteers, which Nussbaum says is one of the most exciting parts about the store.
Copper Coin opened their new location on 12th Street SW in November of 2025. The thrift store accepts donations of new or gently used clothing, household goods, and furniture.
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“Biophilia” on display at Le Mars Arts Center
The Le Mars Arts Center is presenting Biophilia, a solo exhibition by interdisciplinary artist Shelby Prindaville, on view from now through February 21st.
Rooted in humanity’s innate connection to nature, Biophilia explores ecological systems, growth, and organic forms through painting, mixed media, ceramics, and sculptural works. Prindaville’s practice blends scientific inquiry with expressive mark-making, creating pieces that feel both contemplative and vibrant. The exhibition will be featured during the Arts Center’s Wildly in Love Social Hour & Arts Benefit on February 14th, offering guests a special opportunity to experience the work in a celebratory evening setting.
In a press release, Draven Haefs, the executive director of the Arts Center, says that the entire showcase was “carefully curated for our space,” and that the exhibition “feels especially timely.”
In addition to viewing the exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to purchase artwork directly from the show, supporting both the artist and the Arts Center. Biophilia is on view now until February 21st.
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Lansink resigns as Diocese of Sioux City Catholic school superintendent
The Diocese of Sioux City has announced that Patty Lansink, superintendent of Catholic schools, has resigned her position effective February 27th. Lansink has accepted a regional vice president position with FACTS Education Solutions.
In a press release, Bishop John E. Keehner stated that Lansink “has been a true champion of Catholic education both as building principal and superintendent through the years,” and that the Diocese would “miss her professionalism, empathy and deep faith.”
Lansink served as principal of Denison St. Rose of Lima School beginning in 2011. She was hired in 2014 as part-time assistant superintendent of the Diocese, then served as interim superintendent before accepting the superintendent’s position in 2018. An Ida Grove native, Lansink has numerous years of experience as teacher, coach, and counselor in addition to her administrative roles.
The Diocese of Sioux City will launch a superintendent search in the coming weeks.
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