Josh Bootsma
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Josh is Managing Editor at The Lansing Journal and believes in the power and purpose of community news. He covers any local topics—from village government to theatre, from business openings to migratory birds.
Local author Paula Karll writes children’s book about new siblings
Ellie Meets the New Baby has won "Mom's Choice Award"
LANSING, Ill. (August 2, 2021) – Paula Karll has turned her experiences as a mom into an award-winning children's book.Ellie Meets the New Baby is a book designed to help parents and children communicate about adapting to new siblings. A mother...
Lansing Police to host National Night Out August 3 at Fox Pointe
Tuesday, August 3 from 5 – 8 p.m. at Fox Pointe
By Josh Bootsma
LANSING, Ill. (August 1, 2021) – In a continuation of a nationwide tradition, the Lansing Police Department will again participate in National Night Out, an annual event to promote community and police relations across the country.Lansing's iteration...
Freedom Fest draws large crowds to old Illiana field for food, fun, and community
By Josh Bootsma
LANSING, Ill. (July 31, 2021) — Freedom Church pastor Eric Hampton reported that more than 1,200 people had registered for Freedom Fest on Saturday, July 31. Whether or not all 1,200 attended the three-hour event is hard to say, but the large crowds that did gather brought...
Food Drive planned to stock pantry at Lighthouse Community Church on July 31
By Josh Bootsma
LANSING, Ill. (July 29, 2021) — Lighthouse Community Church will serve as the location for a food drive on Saturday, July 31 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Organized by Lansing teen Korey Ziemkowski, the food drive is not one for recipients, but for donors and volunteers.The...
Cook County invites residents to share ideas on how to use American Rescue Plan funds
By Josh Bootsma
LANSING, Ill. (July 29, 2021) – On March 11, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion plan to stimulate the U.S. economy and protect against COVID-19.According to a Cook County press release, Cook County will directly receive nearly $1 billion through the American Rescue...
Over 100 youth graduate from Cook County Forest Preserve jobs program
By Josh Bootsma
THORNTON, Ill. (July 28, 2021) – Over 100 orange and gray clad youth assembled at Wampum Lake Thursday morning to celebrate completion of the five-week Forest Preserve Experience Program.Joined by leaders and friends of the program, the 116 graduating students gathered to share their experiences working in...
Six new Lansing Police officers sworn in
By Josh Bootsma
LANSING, Ill. (July 27, 2021) – Amid a slew of retirements, the Lansing Police Department is now much closer to being fully staffed after swearing in six new police officers Monday night.The group of six took the oath in the Village Courtroom at the Lansing Police Department...
Event hall in River Place – Lansing Planning and Zoning Board Agenda 7/28/21
LANSING, Ill. (July 26, 2021) – All residents are welcome to attend Planning and Zoning Board meetings. The Planning and Zoning Board meets as needed, and per the Open Meetings Act they publish an agenda to notify the public of items that are up for discussion. Meetings typically begin...
Driver’s Ed fees, In-person learning, revised handbooks – District 215 Board Agenda 7/27/21
District 215 Board regular meeting – In person at TF Center for Academics and Technology
LANSING, Ill. (July 25, 2021) – The July 27 meeting of the District 215 School Board will follow a public hearing on Driver's Ed Fees at 6:00 p.m. The meetings will be held in person...
Quik Scripts to celebrate 10-year anniversary July 30
By Josh Bootsma
LANSING, Ill. (July 22, 2021) – Quik Scripts is inviting the community to celebrate its 10-year anniversary on July 30. The pharmacy, located at 3330 Ridge Road, is owned by David and Daria Davila.The event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, July 30 and features...