Josh Bootsma 
Musical adaptation unites artistry and nostalgia by Josh Bootsma MUNSTER, Ind. (December 1, 2019) – The theatre swells as Bob Wallace invites the audience to join him and the rest of his troupe in Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas,” the timeless refrain of heart-warming, snowy nostalgia. So ends White Christmas, Theatre at the Center’s delightful holiday … Read more
by Josh Bootsma LANSING, Ill. (November 7, 2019) – Lansing Fire Chief Chad Kooyenga promoted firefighter Randall Wright to engineer during the November 5 Village Board meeting. Wright has worked for the department for seven years. Chief Kooyenga said of Wright, “He’s been a real asset to the department. He’s the kind of guy who’s … Read more
$500 given to each department by Josh Bootsma LANSING, Ill. (November 7, 2019) – Representatives from the Lansing American Legion Riders came forward during the November 5 Village Board Meeting to present checks to the Lansing Police and Fire Departments, each in the amount of $500. The president of the Legion Riders Nick Grigutis came … Read more
Lansing Police to use cameras to track suspects more effectively, not monitor traffic violations by Josh Bootsma LANSING, Ill. (October 26, 2019) – In the next few months, Lansing residents will see cameras being set up at three intersections throughout the village. These cameras will not document traffic violations but rather will be used to … Read more
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 explained, Calumet City is … Read more
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, and it’s time to … Read more
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 Village Building Commissioner … Read more
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 former Chief Ken Verkaik’s retirement … Read more
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 the porch. He continued … Read more
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 the ceremonial ribbon in … Read more