Ashlee De Wit
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Ashlee De Wit is a freelance writer and a Lansing native. After starting her career covering high school sports in Iowa, she's excited to be back in her hometown, reporting the stories of her local community — such as the opening of Troost, the informal Lansing pickleball club, a TF South Homecoming game, and Common Ground, Lansing's experiment with healthy race relations.
Gus Bock’s Ace Hardware: still a family business
by Ashlee De Wit
Editor’s note: This is the first in what we hope will be a series of articles featuring businesses that have at least a 50-year history in Lansing. To submit a local business for consideration, email The Lansing Journal.
Beginnings: the Bock family settles in Lansing
Gus Bock’s story...
New Hope Dental Clinic serves Lansing residents
by Ashlee De Wit
LANSING, Ill. (December 3, 2017) — Dr. Gene Keessen has been a dentist for more than 50 years—and even though he officially retired 12 years ago, he hasn’t yet set down his tools for good. He now offers his services, free of charge, to local residents...
Padjen family honored at T. F. South homecoming game
Rebels run away with a 48-7 decision over Reavis
by Ashlee De Wit
LANSING, Ill. (October 13, 2017) - There was a lot to be proud of at the T. F. South homecoming football game on Friday. The field was named in honor of the Padjen family before the game against...
Fox Pointe progress continues in Lansing, Illinois
Lansing’s biggest construction project is on track for Autumn Fest 2018
by Ashlee De Wit
LANSING, Ill. (September 27, 2017) - Grass seed is planted, concrete is poured, and structural steel is being installed as progress continues at Fox Pointe in downtown Lansing. Development is on track for the official opening,...
Pickleball comes to Lansing, Illinois
New courts at Lions Park attract regular players from throughout the region
by Ashlee De Wit
LANSING, Ill. (September 2017) - At least three mornings a week, the bright blue and yellow pickleball courts at Lions Park in Lansing are full of friendly athletes—and they’re looking for more players to join...
Lansing community is perfect for BackYard Que
“It’s a family type of town,” says owner Tonya Stanton
by Ashlee De Wit
LANSING, Ill. (September 2017) - “Let me tell you—when we would go to my grandma’s picnics, it was the most fun,” Tonya Stanton says. “Man, we had so much fun.”
Stanton is the owner of BackYard Que, a...
Human Relations Commission
Mayor’s office expects to finalize selections by year end
by Ashlee De Wit
LANSING, Ill. (August 31) - Mayor Patty Eidam and her staff are in the process of putting together a Human Relations Commission, a campaign promise that was accelerated at the recent Community Meeting to address police/community relations. The...
Troost: Lansing coffee and Lansing community
by Ashlee De Wit
LANSING, Ill. (July 2017) – For Renae Kooy, coffee is more than a caffeine boost, and Troost is more than a name.
The Lansing native recently opened Troost Coffee and Tea downtown, on Ridge Road and Roy Street. From its location to its menu, and even its...