ICE CREAM HOUSE CONFIRMS BALDWIN CITY LOCATION WILL REMAIN OPEN
As discussions continue over the future of The Bullpen and the city’s role in leasing commercial properties, another downtown business wants the community to know one thing: Ice Cream House isn’t going anywhere.
In recent weeks, rumors have circulated suggesting the
Baldwin City location might be closing. Owner Hayden Robinson says those rumors are simply not true.
“We’re happy with our place in Baldwin and making people in and around Baldwin happy,” Robinson said. “Just want to keep bringing joy to the community.”
The confirmation comes at a time when many residents are paying close attention to the future of downtown businesses following the announcement that The Bullpen will vacate its city-owned location at the end of the year after lease negotiations with the City of Baldwin City came to an end.
With so much conversation surrounding downtown businesses in recent weeks, The Maple Weekly wanted to help clear up one rumor. Robinson confirmed that the Baldwin City Ice Cream House is here to stay.
Since opening downtown, Ice Cream House has become a popular destination for families, students and visitors looking for a sweet treat. The business has built a loyal following through its wide variety of ice cream, specialty treats and welcoming atmosphere.
For Robinson, the focus remains simple.
“We’re happy with our place in Baldwin,” he said, “and making people in and around Baldwin happy.”
For customers wondering whether they’ll still be able to stop in for their favorite scoop, the answer is yes. The Ice Cream House plans to remain a part of Baldwin City’s downtown, continuing its mission of bringing a little joy to the community one treat at a time.
BALDWIN CITY FARMERS MARKET OFFERS FRESH FINDS EVERY SATURDAY MORNING
If you haven’t made a trip to the Baldwin City Farmers Market this summer, you’re missing a great Saturday morning tradition.
Each Saturday from 8 to 11 a.m., the sidewalk in front of Sullivan Square comes alive with local growers, bakers, artisans and makers offering everything from farm-fresh produce and flowers to homemade breads, soaps, honey and handcrafted gifts. The market is held rain or shine in front of Sullivan Square in downtown Baldwin City. The market continues to grow throughout the season, with a variety of vendors bringing unique products each week.
Several vendors also offer farmfresh eggs, breakfast meats, pork bundles and ready-to-cook items, making it easy to stock up on locally raised products while supporting area farms.
Among the familiar faces at this year’s market are Tesa’s Treasures
Farm, featuring raw honey, organic produce and fresh flowers; Palmyra Point Hobby Farm, offering handcrafted goat milk soaps and lotions; The Little Spoon Bakery, known for fresh pies, sourdough bread and baked goods; and FG Organically Grown Plants & Produce, bringing homemade canned goods, freeze-dried treats and organically grown produce.
One of the best parts of the market is that no two Saturdays are exactly alike. As gardens continue producing throughout the summer, the selection changes with the season, giving shoppers something new to discover each week.
Whether you’re picking up ingredients for the weekend, grabbing a bouquet for the kitchen table or simply enjoying a stroll through downtown, the Baldwin City Farmers Market offers an opportunity to support local businesses while connecting with friends and neighbors.
The Baldwin City Farmers Market is held every Saturday from 8 to 11 a.m. in front of Sullivan Square. New vendors are always welcome, and shoppers are encouraged to stop by often to see what’s
each week.
July 21
Free Summer Art and Creative Play
Lumberyard Arts Center, 10am-12pm
Come and go between the LAC and BCCA! Free. Ideal for ages 3-10, but all welcome.
July
25
Cut Flower
Arranging Workshop
Vinland Valley Nursery, 10 am Register at vinlandvalleynursery.com
COMMUNITY
JULY 7 COUNCIL MEETING: FOOD TRUCK ORDINANCE ADVANCES, CITY BEGINS BUDGET PROCESS
The Baldwin City Council tackled several community topics during its July 7 meeting, including the first reading of a long-awaited food truck ordinance, early steps in the 2027 budget process and a discussion about recent electrical “blips” experienced around town.
Food Truck Ordinance Moves Forward
After nearly two years of work by city committees, local business owners and food truck operators, the council approved the first reading of a proposed ordinance establishing regulations for mobile food vendors.
Council members described the ordinance as a compromise designed to support both food truck operators and existing brick-and-mortar businesses.
Under the proposal, food trucks would be required to obtain a $25 city permit, provide proof of state licensing and insurance, and obtain written permission from any private property owner where they plan to operate. The ordinance also establishes a 200-foot buffer between food trucks and existing food establishments unless the nearby business owner grants permission.
The ordinance would not apply to private catered events where food is not sold to the public, nor would it apply to nonprofit community events such as the Maple Leaf Festival and other fundraising activities.
Council members emphasized that the proposal is intended to create clear expectations while giving city staff a way to know when vendors are operating in Baldwin City. Mayor Gerry Cullumber called the ordinance “a very good start,” noting that it gives the city a workable framework that can be adjusted in the future if needed.
Several minor wording corrections were identified before the ordinance returns for a second reading.
Budget Process Gets Underway
The council also approved a required notification to Douglas County stating Baldwin City’s intent to potentially
exceed the revenue neutral rate during the upcoming budget process.
City officials emphasized that the action does not increase property taxes or commit the city to a specific mill levy. Instead, it preserves the council’s flexibility while staff and elected officials continue reviewing departmental budgets.
A public budget workshop was scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, at 7 p.m. at the Baldwin City Community Center, where department heads presented their proposed budgets.
Strategic Planning Continues
Council members also agreed to schedule a strategic planning workshop later this month to review the city’s strategic plan, discuss repeating the community survey conducted in 2023 and consider updating Baldwin City’s electric utility reliability report.
The tentative workshop is planned for July 29.
Fireworks Ordinance Could Be Revisited
Following the Independence Day holiday, several council members said they had received complaints regarding loud fireworks within city limits.
The discussion centered primarily on larger aerial fireworks that create significant noise rather than consumer fireworks typically sold at local stands.
Council members acknowledged that enforcement would be difficult but agreed the issue is worth revisiting. Staff will research ordinances from other Kansas communities and bring potential recommendations to the Public Safety Committee.
Council members also discussed whether the number of days fireworks are permitted within city limits should be shortened in future years.
City Explains Recent Power Interruptions
One of the evening’s longest discussions focused on several brief electrical interruptions residents
experienced over the past few weeks.
At the request of Mayor Gerry Cullumber, city electric staff addressed questions the city had received from residents regarding the recurring “blips.”
Power Plant Superintendent Jeff Winkler and Director of Electrical
Distribution Pat McCamey explained that the interruptions are tied to construction of Baldwin City’s new electrical transmission line and future substation improvements.
According to McCamey, recent high winds caused existing electrical lines to make brief contact with newly installed lines that have not yet been permanently tensioned.
Crews identified the issue while working on the project and expect those particular interruptions to end once the new line is fully connected.
Staff also shared that Baldwin City’s
electrical reliability has steadily improved in recent years, with fewer customer outage minutes and fewer major outages than previous years. Council members praised the electric department for keeping power on during recent storms while many neighboring communities experienced lengthy outages.
Cullumber thanked the department for taking time to explain the situation publicly.
“I just kind of wanted to give the public some answer,” he said, noting that many residents simply wanted to understand why the brief interruptions were occurring.
The meeting concluded with council members recognizing Baldwin City Recreation for a successful Independence Day celebration and thanking city staff, volunteers and organizers for their efforts.
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COMMUNITY
SMOKE ON THE BRICKS RETURNS WITH AWARDWINNING BBQ, LIVE MUSIC AND FAMILY FUN
The smell of slow-smoked barbecue will once again fill downtown Baldwin City as Smoke on the Bricks returns Friday, Aug. 7, and Saturday, Aug. 8, bringing championship barbecue, live entertainment and friendly competition to Sullivan Square.
Hosted by the Baldwin City Recreation Commission, the annual event has become one of the community’s signature summer traditions, drawing award-winning pitmasters and barbecue lovers from across the region. The
Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanctioned competition offers teams the opportunity to compete for a $10,000 prize purse while earning qualifying points for some of barbecue’s most prestigious events.
Taste of Baldwin City Kicks Off Friday
The festivities begin Friday evening with the popular Taste of Baldwin City, where the public can sample barbecue prepared by competing teams.
From 6 to 8 p.m., visitors can stroll
through downtown, purchase BBQ Bucks and exchange them for smoked meats and other menu items created by participating teams. Vendors accept only BBQ Bucks during the event, making it easy for guests to sample offerings from multiple pitmasters. BBQ Bucks can be purchased in advance at the Baldwin City Recreation Commission office beginning Aug. 3 or at Sullivan Square starting at 4 p.m. on the day of the event. Leftover BBQ Bucks from previous years are also accepted. A portion of the proceeds benefits the
Baldwin Education Foundation.
The evening also includes live entertainment, with Greg Jacobsen opening the show before Midwest 1980s tribute band PARAMOUNT takes the stage.
Competition Heats Up Saturday
While Friday is all about tasting, Saturday belongs to the competitors.
Certified Kansas City Barbecue Society judges will evaluate entries beginning at 11 a.m. in the traditional categories of chicken, ribs, pork and brisket, along with sausage and dessert competitions. Teams will compete for overall honors as well as category awards, with prize money awarded throughout the field.
Whether longtime champions reclaim the title or a new team rises to the top, spectators will have a front-row seat to one of Baldwin City’s most flavorful weekends.
A Downtown Tradition
Over the years, Smoke on the Bricks has grown into much more than a barbecue competition. The event brings together residents, visitors, local businesses and volunteers for a weekend that showcases Baldwin City’s welcoming atmosphere and vibrant downtown.
Whether you’re coming for the live music, the barbecue, or simply a summer evening spent with friends and neighbors, Smoke on the Bricks offers something for everyone.
For team registration, schedules and additional information, visit the Baldwin City Recreation Commission’s Smoke on the Bricks page.
COMMUNITY
NEW MURAL CELEBRATES WORLD CUP, COMMUNITY AND 10 YEARS OF PUBLIC ART
BALDWIN CITY — Baldwin City’s growing collection of public art welcomed its newest addition Sunday as community members gathered at Uplift Coffee Co. for the ribbon cutting of the “Cup of the World” mural.
Created by mural artist Christina Malicke and the Baldwin City Mural Team through the Lumberyard Arts Center, the colorful mural was inspired by the excitement and unity of the FIFA World Cup. Located on the exterior of Uplift Coffee Co. at 112 Sixth St., the piece blends the themes of coffee, sport and community into a vibrant new downtown landmark.
The celebration also marked another significant milestone: 10 years of the Baldwin City Mural Program, which has transformed walls throughout the community into works of public art that celebrate Baldwin City’s history, culture and creativity.
Friends, supporters and local leaders gathered
Sunday afternoon to recognize the project and officially dedicate the mural. Guests enjoyed coffee from Uplift while taking in the newest addition to the city’s ever-expanding outdoor gallery.
Congratulations were extended to owner, Kelli and the team at Uplift Coffee Co., mural artist Christina Malicke, and the Lumberyard Arts Center’s Mural Team for bringing the project to life.
The new mural adds another colorful stop to Baldwin City’s growing mural collection, encouraging both residents and visitors to explore downtown while celebrating the community’s commitment to public art.
With the addition of the “Cup of the World” mural, Baldwin City’s mural program continues its decade-long mission of making art accessible, strengthening community pride and creating spaces that invite people to gather, connect and enjoy downtown.
RESPECTING ONE ANOTHER
By Jeanine Ross
I think we all want to be liked, appreciated, and respected. Remember when our parents used to say, “Be nice to others, and they will be nice to you?” Does that still work? I think it’s getting harder and harder to see that in action. Why do you think that is?
I watched a couple in an argument, and the first thing I noticed was how disrespectful they were to each. They weren’t calling each other names, but they weren’t listening to each other either. For most of the shouting match they were engaged in, they were both talking at the same time. I couldn’t hear every word of what they were saying, but it was abundantly clear that neither of them was interested in hearing what the other was saying. I think that is the key to our issues with regard to respecting each other.
When I was a kid, and I argued with one of my sisters, my mom would make us sit together and stare at each other without speaking. At first, I wanted to explode with more ugly words I wanted to shout at my sister. But eventually, as I began to calm down, I started noticing things about her face and her eyes and her hair. I started remembering all the fun times we had together and all the secrets we shared, and before I knew it, I was feeling sorry for yelling at her, and whatever I was so mad about just kind of disappeared. That’s when my mom would say, “Now tell your sister why you love her.” I always thought that was such a corny thing to say out loud, but as I did as I was told, we
would inevitably start giggling together, and whatever we were mad about just went right out the window.
As an adult, I realized what my mom did was make us sit still long enough to see the humanity in each other. There is something almost magical about staring into someone’s eyes. It allows you to connect to them on a totally different level. A level you can’t see, you can only experience. It’s like their physical bodies disappear, and the only thing left is the energy radiating through their eyes that connects you to each other in such a way that you cannot stay angry.
In a world where everybody is demanding to be heard and clamoring for respect and appreciation, I wish I could make them sit down in a cozy, comfortable room and stare into each other’s eyes. For the brave souls that dared to do it, I have no doubt they would come away changed on such a deep level, they would not, could not experience life the same again. Are you such a brave soul? Would you and your significant other be willing to stare into each other’s eyes until you really saw each other? How would that change your relationship? How would that change the way you saw all of humanity? Try it! I dare you to stare into someone’s eyes that you want to know better and keep it up until all the things that you think you know about them, all the things about them that annoy you, drifts away. Then I dare you to allow yourself to respect that person you see, the next time you have a disagreement. It will change your relationship for the better. Try it!
So, if you really want your life to change for the better, it begins by “Thinking Outside the Box.”
THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX
COMMUNITY
PEAK PRODUCE SEASON IS HERE AT SOUTH BALDWIN FARMS
Summer is one of the best times of year to eat local, and Baldwin City residents don’t have to travel far to find fresh, seasonal produce. Just outside of town, South Baldwin Farms is in the heart of one of its busiest harvest seasons, offering everything from peaches and nectarines to sweet corn, tomatoes and pick-your-own blackberries.
With produce changing throughout the season, each visit to the farm store offers something new, but now is an especially exciting time.
One of the biggest highlights is the arrival of fresh nectarines, a fruit known for its sweet flavor and short growing season.
“Don’t miss the short nectarine season,” the farm shared recently. “My personal favorite fruit.”
The farm has also welcomed the first apples of the season, featuring the Zestar variety. These early apples are great for eating fresh or making homemade applesauce.
Of course, summer favorites continue to fill the shelves as well, including:
Peaches
Nectarines
Zestar apples
Tomatoes and cherry tomatoes
Sweet corn
Cucumbers
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BALDWIN CITY RECREATION ANNOUNCES PARTIAL REFUNDS FOR 2026 POOL PASS HOLDERS
The Baldwin City Recreation Commission has announced a partial refund plan for 2026 pool pass holders following the unexpected closure of the Baldwin City Pool caused by a major circulation pump failure.
According to BCRC, refunds are based on the percentage of the season affected by the closure. The pool was open for 75 days before the mechanical failure resulted in the loss of 24 days of the season. That equates to approximately 32% of the season, and eligible season pass holders will receive refunds based on that percentage of their pass cost.
in the season and those passes can continue to be used once the pool reopens, BCRC acknowledged that the closure disrupted many patrons’ summer plans. As a result, 20-Visit Pass holders will receive a partial refund equal to the value of five admissions.
“We appreciate your patience and understanding,” BCRC shared in its announcement. “To help offset that inconvenience, we will issue a partial refund.”
New potatoes Peppers
Fresh-picked blackberries
Fresh-squeezed lemonade slushies
For those who enjoy harvesting their own fruit, blackberry U-Pick remains open and is expected to continue for another two to three weeks, giving families another opportunity to enjoy a hands-on summer tradition.
Shopping locally means more than bringing home fresh produce. It supports local agriculture, keeps dollars in the community and gives residents access to fruits and vegetables picked at their peak.
Whether you’re planning a backyard cookout, preserving the flavors of summer or simply looking for the freshest ingredients available, now is the perfect time to visit.
The South Baldwin Farms Farm Store is open Friday through Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 22 E. 1700 Road in Baldwin City. Visitors can shop the farm store, enjoy a refreshing lemonade slushie and spend time picking their own blackberries while the season lasts.
With so many fresh options available right here in our own community, it’s a great reminder that some of the best flavors of summer are growing just down the road.
Families with season passes will receive the largest refunds, while individual and lap swim pass holders will also receive partial reimbursements. A complete refund breakdown is included with this story.
The Recreation Commission is taking a slightly different approach for 20-Visit Pass holders. Although there are still several weeks remaining
The refund plan comes after weeks of work to diagnose and repair the pool’s damaged circulation system. Recreation officials have continued providing updates throughout the process while working to reopen the facility as quickly and safely as possible.
Residents with questions about refunds or pool passes are encouraged to contact the Baldwin City Recreation Commission directly. A complete refund breakdown by pass type is printed alongside this article.
$2,500-$4,999.99
