Janice Neumann

Janice Neumann is a freelance writer for the Daily Southtown.

Jonathan Cooper, who is majoring in political science and history at Governor State University, was recently named the school's 2025 Lincoln Laureate for his leadership and service. Cooper, who is involved in the veterans support and other causes throughout the south suburbs community, spends lots of time at the GMT building at GSU, which houses the Veterans Resource Center. (Janice Neumann/Daily Southtown)

Jonathan Cooper, an Iraq war veteran, lauded as Governors State University’s Lincoln Laureate

December 4, 2025 at 2:45 p.m.

Governor State University student Jonathan Cooper was named the school's 2025 Lincoln Laureate for his leadership and service.

Patrick Thompson, of Tinley Park, an Air Force veteran who also worked as a Chicago police officer, attends an exhibition of his work, including his paintings as well as metal sculptures by Navy veteran Steve Kost, among others. (Janice Neumann/Daily Southtown)

Art as an outlet: Veterans harness experiences to create works in Prairie State College exhibition

November 19, 2025 at 9:41 a.m.

Prairie State College Gallery showcases art from several veterans, including a former Chicago police officer who incorporates his experiences.

Oak Lawn police Officer Joseph Doornbos discusses careers in law enforcement with area teens during a recent program at the Oak Lawn Public Library. (Janice Neumann/Daily Southtown)

Oak Lawn library series offers a glimpse into what it takes to join police, fire departments

November 13, 2025 at 2:39 p.m.

Oak Lawn area teens are getting a look at careers at the police and fire departments through a program at the public library.

Shepard High School alumna Malaak Hamad, left, and Paulina Karkoszka, accept the Chicagoland National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences award at the Midwest Media Educators Association Video Festival last spring in Naperville. They now have been nominated for a National Student Production Award by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for their film "Beyond Silence." (School District 218)

Shepard High School’s deaf students get the spotlight in award-winning documentary

November 12, 2025 at 1:26 p.m.

A film about Shepard High School's work with deaf students earned National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences recognition.

Kelly Karstrand, a French language teacher at Shepard High School, teaches first-year students during a class in Oct. at the school in Palos Heights. Karstrand was named Foreign Language Teacher of the Year by the Illinois Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. (Janice Neumann/Daily Southtown)

Shepard teacher Kelly Karstrand lauded as Illinois Foreign Language Teacher of the Year

November 10, 2025 at 5:03 a.m.

Shepard High School French teacher Kelly Karstrand was named Illinois Foreign Language Teacher of the Year by a state organization.

Sofia Quiroz, 3, of Chicago Heights, engages with an exhibit at The Children's Museum in Oak Lawn in Oct. during an outing that was made possible through a partnership between Illinois Head Start Association and children's museums throughout the state. (Janice Neumann/Daily Southtown)

Illinois Head Start teams with children’s museums ‘to bring light back to our program’

October 31, 2025 at 2:54 p.m.

She's only 3 years old, but that didn't stop Sofia Quiroz from enjoying a day out after traveling from Chicago Heights to the Children's Museum in Oak Lawn. The free...

Brian Frangella, an English teacher at Oak Lawn Community High School, recently was awarded the University of Chicago Outstanding Educator award after being nominated by a former student. (Oak Lawn Community High School District 229)

Oak Lawn Community High School English teacher lauded by University of Chicago as Outstanding Educator

October 29, 2025 at 1:28 p.m.

Oak Lawn Community High School teacher Brian Frangella was nominated for University of Chicago's Outstanding Educator award by a student.

Team leaders in the Entrepreneurial Club, part of Lemont Junior Achievement, are Noah Tienda, from left, Mykala Kunickis, Mike Tilly and Braden Vasvery. Not picured is Kevin Collins. They created "Lemont Times" about the history, arts and other community events. (Lemont High School)

Lemont High School students gather history for ‘Lemont Times’ book

October 26, 2025 at 5:05 a.m.

A book by students at Lemont High School includes tidbits of history, such as teachers’ homes being destroyed by a deadly tornado.

People visit the Pullman House Project Welcome Center during the Historic Pullman House Tour last weekend. Organizers said attendance was down at the annual event amid confusion generated by the federal government shutdown, which caused some Pullman National Historical Park facilities to remain closed. (Janice Neumann/Daily Southtown)

Pullman neighborhood groups stepping up as government shutdown casts shadow on Park Service facilities

October 17, 2025 at 5:03 a.m.

Neighborhood groups are stepping up as the government shutdown has affected access and programming at Pullman National Historic Park.

Denise Colello, Animal Welfare League surgical supervisor, and her dog Champ, who was adopted from AWL, staffs a booth answering questions about vaccines, dog chips and heartworm medication during the Fur-Fall-Palooza event Sunday in Chicago Ridge. (Janice Neumann/Daily Southtown)

Fur-Fall-Palooza at Animal Welfare League showcases adoptable pets

October 13, 2025 at 3:14 p.m.

Fur-Fall-Palooza at Animal Welfare League in Chicago Ridge included puppy kisses, dog fashion show and more to showcase adoptable pets.

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