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.
Trustee Zeldenrust asks Board to consider effects of gambling on community
Urges fellow Trustees to review "facts and figures" before signing letter of support
by Josh Bootsma and Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (October 5, 2019) - "CALUMET CITY REQUEST OF SUPPORT FOR GAMING LICENSE" was on the agenda for the October 1 Committee of the Whole meeting. As Village Administrator Dan Podgorski...
The Pajama Game dazzles with song and dance, disappoints with story
Beautiful moments shine amidst the whirlwind of love interests and story lines
by Josh Bootsma
LANSING, Ill. (September 26, 2019) – At the Sleep Tite pajama factory, life isn’t as cozy as you might expect. Babe Williams and with her fellow pajama-producers are fed up with working hard for inadequate pay,...
Village approves bidding process to demolish nine Lansing properties
By Josh Bootsma
LANSING, Ill. (September 18, 2019) – The Village Board of Trustees approved a resolution to open up bidding for the demolition of nine residential properties in Lansing during its September 17 meeting, a project funded by two grants from the Illinois Housing Development Authority.
Long-time eyesores
As explained by...
Deputy Fire Chief Mike Tempelman retires after 28 years
By Josh Bootsma
LANSING, Ill. (September 5, 2019) – The Lansing Fire Department recognized Deputy Fire Chief Mike Tempelman’s retirement at the September 3 Village Board meeting, marking the end of his 28 years of service in the department. Tempelman recently served as the interim chief of the LFD following...
The Carriers: two men in two eras recall life as postal workers
by Josh Bootsma
1. The Men
Paul Schultz squinted at the mail slot in the front door of the Lansing residence. He shifted his gaze to the coconut in his hand and re-read the address that had been carved into its round surface. Perhaps he’d just have to leave it on...
Unity Christian Academy starts second year of doing high school differently
High ropes courses, "crossing the line," and team-building activities mark first week of "redefined" high school
By Josh Bootsma
SOUTH HOLLAND, Ill. (August 29, 2019) – Just over a year ago, South Holland Mayor Don De Graff stood with a crowd of teachers, students, board members, and community stakeholders and cut...
South Holland Cruise Night features cars, food, and fun
By Josh Bootsma
SOUTH HOLLAND, Ill. (August 26, 2019) – The Village of South Holland held its second “Town Center Social and Cruise Night” of the summer on Saturday, August 24. Featuring cars, food, and activities for kids, the event stretched down South Park Avenue from the Little Calumet River...
One Trick Pony gives update on Ridge Road location
Owner Mark Kocol assures "sooner rather than later"
By Josh Bootsma
LANSING, Ill. (August 24, 2019) - Almost a year to date after One Trick Pony was approved for a Class 8 tax incentive for a new Ridge Road location, Mark Kocol, owner of the brewery, announced during Tuesday night’s Village...
Lansing Fire Department introduces Bill Stubitsch as Deputy Chief
By Josh Bootsma
LANSING, Ill. (August 21, 2019) – The Lansing Fire Department introduced its newest deputy chief Bill Stubitsch at the Tuesday night Village Board Meeting. Stubitsch served as an engineer at the department before being promoted to the position.
Stubitsch will take over the position previously held by Deputy...
New parking lot planned north of Fox Pointe
71 spaces planned for “Green infrastructure parking lot”
By Josh Bootsma
LANSING, Ill. (August 2, 2019) – A new Fox Pointe parking lot is planned for completion before next summer’s slate of events, pending final approval by the Village Board of Trustees. Village Engineer Jeff Pintar gave a presentation during the...