Longtime Le Mars jewelry store sold to local couple
A longtime Le Mars business is entering a new chapter. Robin and Dave Grosenheider have announced the sale of Hotopp Jewelry and Gifts to longtime employee Jessica Pottebaum and her husband Jeff of Remsen, with the ownership transition scheduled to take place in early August.
Owner-manager Robin Grosenheider said in a statement that her and Dave “are thrilled that the Hotopp tradition will continue,” and that “it was important to us that the store remains a retail anchor in the community. Exciting things are happening in downtown Le Mars.” Jessica Pottebaum expressed enthusiasm about the transition, saying “we are excited to take over this beloved business,” and that her and Jeff “will continue offering the best in fine jewelry, gifts, and home décor, with plans to expand our selection. Our current employees will remain, providing the friendly customer service that has long been a trademark of Hotopp’s.”
The Grosenheiders have owned the business for 48 years. Hotopp Jewelry and Gifts was originally established in April 1959, when Walter and Frida Hotopp, immigrants from Germany, moved from Remsen to Le Mars to operate a jewelry store inside the H.F. Clasen store on Plymouth Street. In March 1973, Tom Otis and Tom Nelson of Nelson Jewelers in Spencer, Iowa, purchased Hotopp Jewelers and operated it for nearly five years. Dave and Robin Grosenheider acquired the business in January 1978, moving to its current location at 26 Central Avenue NE in 1990.
Reflecting on their years of ownership, Robin Grosenheider shared her appreciation: “We have been blessed with wonderful employees, both past and present. We also want to thank our many loyal customers who have supported us for nearly five decades — many of whom have become dear friends.”
Robin will remain involved as an advisor to the store, and Dave will continue his part-time role at KLEM Radio.
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Diamond Vogel CEO Jeff Powell recognized by American Coatings Association
Diamond Vogel has announced that CEO Jeff Powell was recognized for his service as Chairman of the American Coatings Association (ACA) Board of Directors during the ACA Industry Awards Dinner and Reception held on May 4th in Indianapolis.
The ACA Industry Awards Dinner and Reception is held in conjunction with the biennial American Coatings Show and Conference and serves as one of the industry’s leading recognition events. The evening honors individuals for their leadership, technical contributions, and service to the paint and coatings industry. Powell served as Chairman of the ACA Board of Directors from 2024 through April 2026. During his term, he helped provide strategic leadership and guidance for the association while supporting its advocacy, policy, and industry engagement efforts.
Diamond Vogel Chairman Drew Vogel said in a statement that the company was “proud to see his leadership recognized by ACA and grateful for the time and energy he has dedicated to advancing the industry.”
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House Speaker touts property tax plan that passed 2026 legislature
House Speaker Pat Grassley says property tax negotiations during the recently concluded 2026 session of the Iowa legislature ended in a good place.
There will be exceptions, however, for new home construction and for expenses like employee benefits and liability insurance. The plan provides future property tax relief in other ways, by a homestead exemption worth up to 20-thousand dollars a year on a person’s primary home. There’s also a move to dedicate a greater share of the one percent sales tax for school infrastructure to property tax relief.
Grassley made his comments this past weekend on Iowa Press on Iowa P-B-S. Governor Reynolds has expressed support and praise for the package, but has not yet announced when she plans to sign it into law.
(Story via Radio Iowa)
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