Le Mars Community Schools names Teacher of the Year
Last Thursday, Le Mars Community Schools named Kari Kopperud, professional school counselor for Clark and Franklin Elementary Schools, as their 2026 Teacher of the Year. Kopperud was surprised during a special assembly Thursday morning with family, friends, co-workers, and students in attendance. She told KLEM what she loves about her duties as a school counselor.
Kopperud said she is honored and thankful for the award.
Kopperud joined the Le Mars Community School District in 2017 as a middle school guidance counselor. A few years later, she transitioned to her current position. Beyond the classroom, she is involved in the community as a leader in her church, a member of TTT, the LCSD Alumni Association, the Le Mars Community Education Association, and the Iowa State Education Association.
Kari resides in Le Mars with her husband Judd, a LCHS guidance counselor, and their three children: Kortney, a senior; Jordan, a freshman; and Jess, a 7th grader. Mrs. Kopperud was nominated for this award by Clark and Franklin staff and students. She will be honored at the School Foundation banquet on April 15th in the lower level of the Le Mars Convention Center.
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Bike Central to host grand opening for new location
Local bike shop Bike Central will host a grand opening ceremony for their new location this Wednesday, April 8th.
The Le Mars Chamber of Commerce will host a Community Coffee event at the shop, located at 24 Central Ave NE, at 9:30am, with the ribbon cutting ceremony at 10am. According to the shop, in-store discounts, test rides, and an exciting giveaway will be part of the grand opening. Bike Central is also offering $10 off parts and accessories for bike tune-ups in preparation for the celebration.
For more information on the shop’s services, call 712-546-4076. Bike Central’s grand opening will take place on Wednesday, April 8th at 9:30am.
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Monthly siren tests begins today
The city of Le Mars will begin monthly tests of tornado sirens starting today at 1pm.
Siren tests will take place on the first Monday of each month from April through November. If inclement weather occurs or if it falls on a holiday, tests will take place the following Monday.
The city has eight outside warning sirens throughout the community, intended for people to take cover in a safe place. The Fire-Rescue Department would like to remind the public that they are not intended for indoor warning devices. In the event of emergencies, fire and law enforcement will try to notify the public through the use of radio on KLEM and through Sioux City TV stations. The Le Mars Fire-Rescue Department recommends that all homes have a weather radio for receiving up to date weather reports.
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