Josh Bootsma
2018 highlights — Ballet, veterans, massage parlors, and ghosts
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...
Human Relations Commission meets at library for first time
Introductions, thoughtful discussion, and public comments mark promising start
LANSING, Ill (December 20, 2018) – Lansing’s Human Relations Commission met at the Lansing Public Library for the first time Thursday night, where they will be meeting every third Thursday of each month. Commissioner introductions, practical discussions, an Open Meetings Act presentation, and...
Lansing’s Crosstown Classic—Memorial vs. Heritage
Middle school rivalry is alive and well
By Josh Bootsma
LANSING, Ill. (December 20, 2018) – The gym at Memorial Junior High School was rocking on Monday afternoon as the Memorial Mustangs faced off against the Heritage Middle School Nationals in their annual crosstown basketball match-up.
The Background
Despite being the only two middle schools...
Men of A-Chord present annual Christmas concert
Christian men's choir spreads joy through song
By Josh Bootsma
SOUTH HOLLAND, Ill. (December 16, 2018) – Over 200 people flocked to Thorn Creek Reformed Church in South Holland Saturday night to hear the Men of A-Chord present their annual Christmas concert.Formally titled "A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols for...
LNN: telling the stories of Lansing—and beyond
Local talent now also available to surrounding communities
by Josh Bootsma
LANSING, Ill. (December 3, 2018) - In today’s world, video is an effective way to spread ideas and information among communities. But many villages and towns across the country do not have the desire, expertise, and opportunity to create compelling...
Christmas tree lighting and Santa House opening—in photos
Annual holiday event warms hearts on cold evening
by Josh Bootsma
LANSING, Ill. (December 5, 2018) - The frigid temperatures made Wednesday evening feel more Christmas-y than the previous Saturday's rainstorms would have, and approximately 200 people showed up on the Santa House campus to participate in the festivities that had...
Human Relations Commission holds first meeting
As one long process ends, another begins
by Josh Bootsma
LANSING, Ill. (November 27, 2018) – The Lansing Human Relations Commission held its first meeting Tuesday night at the Lansing Police Department. The meeting included the reading of the commission’s mission and goals, planning the commission’s regular meeting schedule, and receiving a training...
Miracle on 34th Street warms hearts at Theatre at the Center
The musical version of the holiday classic doesn't disappoint
by Josh Bootsma
MUNSTER, Ind. (November 25, 2018) – When December rolls around, most of us are more than willing to appreciate a pipe-wielding snowman that talks, a red-nosed reindeer that flies, and a rotund bearded man that sneaks down chimneys. During this...
Virtual Reality comes to Lansing
Nadeem and Nabbil Khan open doors to new worlds
by Josh Bootsma
LANSING, Ill. (November 18, 2018) - Lansing’s first virtual reality gaming lounge opened on November 9, featuring unique experiences and the latest in virtual reality technology.Located at 2416 176th Street, the lounge allows users to engage in a technology...
Lansing pitcher attends signing day at Guaranteed Rate Field
Nic Vitiritti's story is one of accomplishment—on and off the field
by Josh Bootsma
LANSING, Ill. (November 22, 2018) - Last week Wednesday, a starting pitcher walked into Guaranteed Rate Field, the home of the White Sox, and committed to playing baseball for the next four years. But the pitcher wasn’t...