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Love Flourishes Forever stamp now on sale

The Lansing Journal
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Love Flourishes Forever stamp now on sale

Love Flourishes

USPS continues the Love series that began 45 years ago

information provided by the United States Postal Service

BEDFORD PARK, Ill. (January 19, 2018) — The U.S. Postal Service celebrates love of all kinds with the new Love Flourishes Forever stamp now on sale at the Post Office.

Love Flourishes is the latest stamp in the popular Love series, which began 45 years ago. The stamp art features a fanciful garden of colorful flowers surrounding the word “Love” written in cursive script. Hand-painted by artist Anna Bond, the flower garden includes stylized roses, peonies and dahlias in pink, coral and yellow, with pale blue-green berries and fold fronds and leaves.

“When it comes to expressing appreciation for the people we love most, nothing matches the mail,” said Central Illinois District Manager Mark Tovey. “We hope the Love Flourishes stamp will help our customers send cards and letters to those they care about with a special touch of affection, and serve as a reminder that no matter what the season or reason, flowers, especially on a stamp, are the perfect way to send love.”

Lansing customers may purchase the Love Flourishes Forever stamp at the Postal Store at usps.com/shop, or by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724). Stamps are also available at the Lansing Post Office located at 18125 Roy Street. The Lansing Post Office is open from 8:30am to 7:00pm, Monday through Friday, and 8:30am to 3:00pm on Saturdays.

 

Village Board crafting new Public Comment policy

Melanie Jongsma
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Podgorski will compile survey results and present a draft for discussion

by Melanie Jongsma

LANSING, Ill. (January 22, 2018) – At the January 16 Committee of the Whole meeting, Village Administrator Dan Podgorski summarized the process the Board has been involved in regarding a Public Comment policy. Several months ago he had provided Board members with a sample Public Comment policy and asked for feedback. “It was not really intended to be a draft,” Podgorski explained in his report to the Board, “…but rather just kind of a starting place for us to begin deliberations.”

Not having received much feedback from Board members over the next several weeks, Podgorski’s next step was to survey the Board in November, asking specific questions about Public Comment. When the surveys were returned last week, he summarized the results of the five “most critical” questions:

  1. Do you prefer a time limit be imposed on individuals wishing to address the Village Board? (Current Public Comment practice limits each speaker to five minutes.)
    • Yes, 1 minute
    • Yes, 3 minutes (4 Board members chose this answer)
    • Yes, 5 minutes (3 Board members chose this answer)
    • No time limit
    • Other, please explain

  2. Should there be an overall time limit on the Public Comment section of the agenda regardless of the number of individuals wishing to speak?
    • Yes, 15 minutes (1)
    • Yes, 30 minutes (3)
    • Let the public comment as long as they like (3)

  3. Where should the Public Comment section of the meeting be placed on the agenda?
    • Keep it toward the end (5)
    • Move it to the beginning
    • Place it somewhere else
    • Depends on whether it’s the Committee of the Whole meeting or the regular Board meeting (2)

  4. How should the Board answer questions asked during Public Comment?
    • Always provide an answer during the meeting, no matter the question
    • Attempt to answer a question during Public Comment if possible (7)
    • Automatically defer questions until an appropriate time after the meeting

  5. Should the Board consider publicly posting all questions and answers from Public Comment?
    • No, providing an answer to the questioner is sufficient (4)
    • Yes, we should provide answers to every question for all to see (3)
    • Consider publicly posting answers if several residents are present and essentially asking the same question

Discussion

Trustee Jerry Zeldenrust expressed appreciation for the process of examining the Public Comment policy and found some of the options “intriguing,” particularly the idea of requiring people to submit their questions in advance. Zeldenrust could see the advantage of giving the Board members advance notice so they could come to the meeting prepared with their answers.

Trustee Maureen Grady-Perovich acknowledged the benefits of being able to “do our homework” about an issue prior to a meeting, but in the interest of open communication, she prefers not to force the public to have their topics “pre-authorized” before a meeting. “Sometimes in meetings like this,” said Grady-Perovich, “people have thoughts during the meeting that they might want to bring forward as the topic gets discussed. I wouldn’t want to limit that.”

Grady-Perovich was one of the two Board members who prefer to have Public Comment placed on the agenda where it makes the most sense for open communication. At Committee of the Whole meetings, where new ideas are being presented and discussed, she would like Public Comment to be near the end of the agenda, so people can comment on the discussion they heard during the meeting. At a regular Board meeting, however, Grady-Perovich prefers that Public Comment happen at the beginning of the meeting, so that residents can express opinions about a matter before their Trustees vote.

Zeldenrust also encouraged residents not to wait until Board meetings to express their opinions to Board members: “If it’s an issue that’s pressing, that’s on your heart…we all have emails and telephones. You don’t have to wait for this meeting to make a comment.”

Next steps

Podgorski will use the sample Public Comment policy as a starting point, and he will modify it to reflect the input he’s received so far. He will prepare a draft policy for discussion at the February 6 Committee of the Whole meeting.

Village Board meetings and Committee of the Whole meetings take place at the Municipal Court Complex (the police station) at 2710 170th Street on the first and third Tuesdays of the month.

Lansing residents may express opinions about Public Comment or any other municipal issues by contacting their representatives directly:

 

2018 Illinois tax filing season begins Monday, January 29

The Lansing Journal
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IDOR fraud efforts resulted in over $31 million in savings in 2017

information provided by the Illinois Department of Revenue

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (January 22, 2018) – The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) will begin accepting 2017 state individual income tax returns on Monday, January 29, the same date that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) begins accepting federal individual income tax returns. IDOR is reminding taxpayers that filing tax returns electronically and requesting direct deposit into a checking or savings account is still the fastest, most secure way to receive a refund. IDOR begins this tax season with a continued focus on protecting taxpayers and state government against fraud.

“The State of Illinois’ continued resolve to detect and prevent tax return fraud has resulted in an overall savings of more than $31 million in calendar year 2017—a 52% increase from 2016,” said Connie Beard, IDOR Director. “We are protecting our taxpayers, ensuring refunds go to the correct individual, and saving money.”

As fraud prevention measures continue, IDOR anticipates direct deposit refunds will be issued four weeks from the time an error-free electronically-filed return is submitted.

MyTax Illinois, IDOR’s free online account management program will begin accepting Individual Income Tax returns on January 29. Taxpayers can file their Form IL-1040 for free using MyTax Illinois. Individuals may also use MyTax Illinois to make payments, check the status of their Illinois Individual Income Tax refund using Where’s My Refund?, and look up their IL-PIN, estimated tax payments, and 1099-G amounts.

In calendar year 2017, over six million individual income tax returns were filed with IDOR. Of those, 84% were filed electronically. Over 4 million, or 66%, of those who filed an individual income tax return received a refund. The tax rate increased in July 2017 to 4.95 percent from 3.75 percent. Most filers will use a blended rate of 4.3549 percent.

For the most up-to-date information, forms, schedules, and instructions for the 2017 tax year, please visit IDOR’s website at: tax.illinois.gov.

 

Eighth Grade Open House scheduled by TF South

The Lansing Journal
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Monday, January 29, 6:00–8:00pm

information provided by TF South

LANSING, Ill. (January 20, 2018) – Eighth-graders from all Lansing public and private schools are invited to this year’s Eighth Grade Open House at Thornton Fractional South High School. The program will begin in the Dr. Henry L. Hertz Auditorium with an overview of TF South’s four-year academic plan, combined with a session on the registration process, and general information relevant to new freshman students and their parents.

Participants will then visit a gallery in the Grand Lobby and main hallway, where school departments, clubs, organizations, and athletic teams will be available with materials about specific programs.

Staff and administration will be available to meet future students and parents and answer questions. Student Ambassadors will be available to give tours of the building and offer insights into student life.

No RSVP is required.

TF South High School is located at 18500 Burnham Avenue in Lansing.

 

Illinois unemployment rate dips in December

Melanie Jongsma
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December jobs nearly unchanged

information provided by the Illinois Department of Employment Security

Note: To help connect jobseekers to employers who are hiring, IDES’ maintains the state’s largest job search engine, IllinoisJoblink.com (IJL), which recently showed 62,451 posted resumes with 160,023 jobs available.

CHICAGO, Ill. (January 19, 2018) – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate decreased by 0.1 percentage point to 4.8 percent in December and nonfarm payrolls increased by +1,500 jobs over-the-month, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and released by IDES. November jobs were revised up to show a slight gain (+3,100 jobs) rather than a slight loss as initially reported (-1,100 jobs).

December’s monthly payroll gain kept over-the-year job growth well below the national average. While Illinois job growth has had its ups and downs since the beginning of the year, the 3-month trend shows average gains of +4,700 jobs per month from October to December. This reflects an improvement over the 3-month average gain of +1,500 from September to November.

“The unemployment rate dropped in December, even as the labor force increased in the final quarter of the year.” said IDES Director Jeff Mays. “Payrolls overall have now increased by about a half-percent over the year to date, which is an additional 29,600 jobs.”

“The fourth quarter trend is certainly promising,” said Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Sean McCarthy. “Illinois is beginning to see results from investments made in securing businesses by this administration.

In December, the three industry sectors with the largest gains in employment were:

  • Government (+4,100)
  • Other Services (+2,600)
  • Construction (+2,200)

The three industry sectors with the largest payroll declines were:

  • Professional and Business Services (-3,100)
  • Financial Activities (-2,600)
  • Education and Health Services (-2,300)

Over-the-year, nonfarm payroll employment increased by +29,600 jobs with the largest gains in these industry sectors in December:

  • Financial Activities (+8,700)
  • Manufacturing (+7,700)
  • Education and Health Services (+6,600)

The industry sectors with the largest over-the-year declines include:

  • Government (-4,100)
  • Trade, Transportation and Utilities (-2,900)
  • Leisure and Hospitality (-1,400)

Illinois nonfarm payrolls were up +0.5 percent over-the-year in sharp contrast to the nation’s +1.4 percent over-the-year gain in December.

The state’s unemployment rate is +0.7 percentage points higher than the national unemployment rate reported for December 2017, which held at 4.1 percent. The Illinois unemployment rate is down -0.9 percentage points from a year ago when it was 5.7 percent. The Illinois jobless rate last stood at 4.8 percent in July.

The number of unemployed workers dipped -1.4 percent from the prior month to 309,200, down -17.1 percent over the same month for the prior year. The labor force increased 0.3 percent over-the-month and declined by -0.6 percent in December over the prior year. The unemployment rate identifies those individuals who are out of work and are seeking employment. An individual who exhausts or is ineligible for benefits is still reflected in the unemployment rate if they actively seek work. Resumes = 62,451 Jobs = 160,623

To help connect jobseekers to employers who are hiring, IDES’ maintains the state’s largest job search engine, IllinoisJoblink.com (IJL), which recently showed 62,451 posted resumes with 160,023 jobs available.

 

Free copies of the Illinois Constitution

The Lansing Journal
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Now available at The Shopper offices

by Arlo Kallemeyn

SOUTH HOLLAND, Ill. (January 18, 2018) – Due to a donation from State Representative Thaddeus Jones (29th District), readers of the Shopper and The Lansing Journal can now obtain their very own copy of the Illinois Constitution. It is a 48-page booklet that contains the complete Constitution of the State of Illinois.

Contrary to popular opinion, it is a very clear and concise document that is written in plain English.

Here are some excerpts to pique your interest:

  • Freedom of Speech—all persons may speak, write and publish freely, being responsible for the abuse of that liberty.
  • Religious Freedom—The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination, shall be forever guaranteed.
  • Right to Assemble and Petition—The people have the right to assemble in a peaceable manner.
  • Self-Incrimination—No person shall be compelled in a criminal case to give evidence against himself nor be twice put in jeopardy for the same offense.
  • Right to Arms—Subject only to the police power, the right of the individual citizen to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.
  • Limitations on Income Taxation—A tax on income shall be at a non-graduated rate.
  • Real Property Taxation—Taxes upon real property shall be levied uniformly by valuation ascertained as the General Assembly shall provide by law.
  • Free Schools—Education in public schools through the secondary level shall be free. The State has the primary responsibility for financing the system of public education.
  • Pension—Membership in any retirement system of the State, any unit of local government or school district, or any agency or instrumentality thereof, shall be an enforceable contractual relationship, the benefits of which shall not be diminished or impaired.

Copies of the Illinois Constitution may be picked up at The Shopper office located at 924 E. 162nd Street in South Holland, Illinois. Regular business hours are Monday–Friday, 9:00am–4:30pm. Call 708-333-5901 to make sure supplies are still available.

 

LPD hosts “largest class” for 2018 Citizens Police Academy

Melanie Jongsma
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LPD hosts “largest class” for 2018 Citizens Police Academy

22 of 28 enrollees participated in Week 1 class

by Melanie Jongsma

LANSING, Ill. (January 17, 2018) – “This is one of the largest, if not the largest, class we have ever had,” said Lt. Scott Bailey in a January 12 email. “Today we have 27 people signed up for the upcoming Citizen’s Police Academy.” By class time, the final enrollment count was 28. Last year, the Lansing Police Department had to cancel the academy due to low enrollment.

As the organizer of the course, Bailey had hoped for some diversity in attendees—not just ethnic diversity, but also age and gender. The 22 enrollees who made it to the first class included 15 Whites, 6 Blacks, and 1 Hispanic. The gender ratio was 16 females to 6 males.

academy
Alline Batts (pictured here with her father Eugene) is hoping the Citizens Police Academy will confirm the career decision she’s already made. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)

Citizens

At 17, Alline Batts may be the youngest member of the class. Her career plans include getting a degree in Criminal Justice and then becoming a detective. She believes the Citizens Police Academy will confirm her career choice.

Other class members have less specific hopes for the academy. “I just wanted to get to know more about the community,” said Christine Billstrand, a lifelong Lansing resident. And Marilyn Freeman came looking for “just general knowledge.” Doug Cable had participated in a Local History class offered by Jeff White last year, and he thought the Citizens Police Academy might be a similar opportunity to meet new people and learn new things.

Academy
Chief Murrin addresses the class, which includes (from left) Marilyn Freeman, Christine Billstrand, and Doug Cable. Sgt. Gabe Barajas stands in the background behind the Chief. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)

Police

The Week 1 class included introductions and presentations by Chief of Police Dennis Murrin; Deputy Chief Pete Grutzius; Lt. Al Phillips, Police Recruiter; and Lt. Bailey and Sgt. Gabe Barajas from Support Services.

Academy

Their presentations used PowerPoint slides and videos to cover such topics as:

  • Goals and objectives for the course
  • Overview of the Lansing Police Department
  • Recruitment of new officers
  • The application and selection process
  • Police Academy, including a review of the Field Training Officer program
  • Community policing and the Neighborhood Watch program

Class 1 concluded with a tour of the Lansing Police Department.

Academy
Lt. Bailey’s guided tour included a visit to the Support Services office. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
Academy
Members of the class got to see the inside of the cells at the Lansing Police Department. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
The Department is hoping that the nine-week academy will provide an understanding of how the Lansing Police Department is structured, how the different divisions work together, and the role that citizens and police both play in building community.

Classes meet at the Lansing Police Department, 2710 170th Street in Lansing. Contact Lt. Scott Bailey for more information or to be notified about the next Citizens Police Academy:

 

New location
for Fat Friday Bash

Melanie Jongsma
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New location <br>for Fat Friday Bash

Fat Friday

Kacey’s Banquet Hall, February 9

by Melanie Jongsma

LANSING, Ill. (January 20, 2018) – Being intentional about making their events fresh and accessible to members of the community, LACE has chosen Kacey’s Banquet Hall as the location for this year’s Fat Friday Bash, their annual community party. LACE—the Lansing Association for Community Events—has been very happy with the services provided by the Lansing Country Club for the past several years, and they are confident that Kacey’s will offer the same level of quality.

Doors will open at 5:45pm on Friday, February 9, though the event officially runs from 6:00–11:00pm. Food will be served from 7:00–9:00pm. Music, raffles, and a King and Queen contest will fill out the evening.

Tickets are $20 at the door or $15 in advance. Contact any LACE Board member to purchase tickets:

  • Lynnie Cartwright
  • Dan Centraccchio
  • Laurie Crosby
  • Mike Gaffney
  • Debi Glidden
  • Jake Gourley
  • Cam Harvey
  • Karen Kijewski
  • Pat Leck
  • Chris Mahoney
  • Jeannie McCall
  • Jenny Polley
  • Leo Valencia
  • Debbie Waitekus
  • Michelle Winters

Advance tickets are also available at any of these supporting businesses:

  • JJ Kelleys
  • Lansing Chamber of Commerce
  • Lynnie Ques Airport Bar & Grill
  • Mancino’s Pizza & Grinders
  • Minuteman Press Printing & Design
  • Waters Edge Gift, Garden, & Pond Center

Kacey’s Banquet Hall is located at 17800 Lorenz Avenue in Lansing.

 

International handbell soloist to perform in Lansing

Melanie Jongsma
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Rylander
Sylvia Rylander

Saturday, February 17, 7:30pm

information provided by Trinity Lutheran Church

LANSING, Ill. (January 20, 2018) – International handbell soloist Sylvia Rylander will perform a handbell concert at Trinity Lutheran Church. The concert is free and open to the public.

Rylander serves as Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director of the Alaska Baptist Convention. Ringing handbells is a hobby that has taken her to five continents. She performs both secular and sacred music.

Trinity Lutheran Church is located at 2505 Indiana Avenue in Lansing.

 

Annual CAP drill competition held at Heritage Middle School

The Lansing Journal
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Annual CAP drill competition held at Heritage Middle School
information provided by Civil Air Patrol

LANSING, Ill. (January 17, 2018) – Cadet squadrons from Civil Air Patrol Illinois Wing Group 2 held their Annual Group 2 Cadet Drill Competition on January 6 at Heritage Middle School in Lansing with about 50 cadets participating. The competition consisted of a uniform inspection, drill, one-mile run, and written test. The first place traveling trophy was awarded to the Shorty Powers Composite Squadron based at Clow Airport in Bolingbrook. Lansing’s Thunder Composite Squadron placed first in the drill portion and second overall. Also participating in the event were cadets from Coffey Composite Squadron, Lewis Composite Squadron and Magnus Composite Squadron.

Thunder Composite Squadron
Cadets line up for the uniform inspection portion of the competition. (Photo provided by Carrie Steinweg)
Another portion of the event was a drill “knockout” round with about 40 cadets competing individually. In the competition, cadets are eliminated gradually following an error in commands until one cadet is left standing. The winner of the knockout competition was Tech. Sgt. John Morgan from Lansing’s Thunder Composite Squadron.

Thunder Composite Squadron
In the knockout round, cadets must follow commands and are eliminated when making an error, until one cadet is left standing. The knockout round is a fun event that does not factor into points for the squadrons competing in drill competition. Winner of the knockout round was Tech. Sgt. John Morgan from Lansing’s Thunder Composite Squadron. (Photo provided by Carrie Steinweg)

Drill competition winners were recognized at the Civil Air Patrol Illinois Wing Group 2’s Annual Winter Ball held in Orland Park.

Thunder Composite Squadron meets every Wednesday from 6:30–9:00pm at Heritage Middle School in Lansing, Illinois. Membership includes Lansing residents as well as individuals from throughout the south suburbs and Northwest Indiana, including Calumet City, Mokena, Lynwood, Dyer, Munster, and Schererville. For more information on membership in the Thunder Composite Squadron, contact Major Zalud with the Civil Air Patrol at 630-779-9313.

Thunder Composite Squadron
Lansing’s Thunder Composite Squadron—From left: Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Vanderwoude, Cadet Airman Arjon Odom, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Micah Carter, Cadet Tech. Sgt. John Morgan, Cadet Master Sgt. Elliot Ari Basem, Cadet Senior Airman Ian Steinweg and Cadet 2nd Lt. Carter Steinweg. (Photo provided by Carrie Steinweg)

 

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