2018 was a big year in Lansing, and The Lansing Journal recorded hundreds of stories. In these last days of 2018 and the opening days of 2019, we share some highlights chosen by different members of The Lansing Journal writing team. 
Josh Bootsma is the newest member of the team, and he’s new to the area as well. Covering Lansing news gave Josh a chance to meet Lansing people and get hands-on experience with small-town government, community diversity, local theater, and national history. He chose a few favorites from 2018 to share below.
Mexican folk dancing
When the Ballet Foklorico from Guadalajara, Mexico, returned to Lansing this September, Josh was available to see the show and cover it for The Lansing Journal.
Local celebration, national commemoration
Veterans Day this year marked the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI, and Josh wrote about how a Lansing resident worked to commemorate the occasion in Lansing.
Human Relations Commission
Several Lansing Journal writers have been involved in covering the development of Lansing’s first Human Relations Commission. It was a process that took nearly two years, and Josh arrived in time to see the Commissioners chosen, approved, trained, and running their first meeting.
- Affirming diversity: Lansing’s Human Relations Commission combines variety of backgrounds into unity of purpose (October 2, 2018)
- Human Relations Commission holds first meeting (November 28, 2018)
- Human Relations Commission meets at library for first time (December 27, 2018)
Massage parlors and special use permits
At least two different times in 2018, businesses requested special use permits in order to operate a massage parlor on Ridge Road. Josh attended meetings of the Planning and Zoning Board and reported on their role in determining whether or not those businesses would develop.
- Massage parlor denied recommendation for Special Use Permit (September 28, 2018)
- Massage parlor Special Use Permit denied by Village Board (October 18, 2018)
The Theatre next door
Having been involved in theater during his college years, Josh was delighted to find that Lansing is right next door to Theatre at the Center, a professional theater that offers high-quality productions throughout the year. He jumped at the chance to see Ghost the Musical and write a review.
We look forward to reading more from Josh in 2019, and you don’t have to miss any of the stories he covers. Subscribe to our daily email to receive Lansing news headlines in your email each morning:
Related:
- 2018 highlights from Thornton Township (by Ernst Lamothe)
- 2018 highlights—History, sports, and millennials (by Carrie Steinweg)
- 2018 highlights—Reasons I’m proud of Lansing (by Katie Arvia)
- 2018 highlights—Things I learned from Lansing news (by Melanie Jongsma)
