FROM ORCHARD TO BARREL: BALDWIN CITY
DISTILLERY MARKS ONE YEAR OF GROWTH
Out on N 200 Road, where apple trees stand like quiet sentinels against the Kansas sky, something special has been steadily aging — and not just in bourbon barrels.
Baldwin City Distillery, located at Maple Leaf Orchards just north of town, celebrated its one-year anniversary on November 21, 2025. And while many locals have already discovered it as a favorite gathering spot, there’s more happening behind the scenes than most people realize.
One of the biggest milestones? Distribution.
Within just eight months of opening, Baldwin City Distillery secured a partnership with Ad Astra Selections — a major achievement in Kansas’ tightly regulated three-tier alcohol system. For a small-town distillery, that’s no small feat. It means their handcrafted spirits are now available not only at the distillery itself but in liquor stores across the state.
You’ll now find Baldwin City Distillery products in Lawrence, Topeka, Ottawa, Overland Park, Leawood, Shawnee, and Kansas City — with Derby and Wichita markets coming soon. For a business rooted in Baldwin soil, that kind of growth speaks volumes.
But ask Glynis Murphy, owner (and founder) about what matters most, and the answer isn’t shelf space. It’s people.
A Place That Feels Like Home
Step through the doors and you’re likely to be greeted personally. That’s intentional.
The distillery was designed as more than a production facility. It’s a destination — complete with a tasting bar, a cocktail bar featuring only in-house spirits, and outdoor spaces overlooking the farm and orchards. A newly built shelter sits thoughtfully atop the original farmhouse foundation, preserving a piece of the land’s history while giving it new life.
Local musicians regularly fill the space with live music, and the distillery has even hosted scientists from the Stowers Institute, KU Medical Center, and Baker University for public talks — blending spirits with science in a way that feels uniquely Baldwin.
It’s the kind of place where you might run into your neighbor, your pastor, your former teacher, and a visiting couple from Kansas City — all swapping stories over a locally crafted cocktail.
The Legacy of the Orchard
The heart of the distillery’s story begins long before the first bottle was sold.
When the farm was purchased in 2009, it was overgrown and neglected. Hidden among the brush were forgotten apple trees — the “sentinels.” Those trees sparked a dream.
With a background in chemistry, the late Rory envisioned reviving the orchard with vintage, cider-specific apple varieties to create a superior apple brandy. Over time, approximately 1,500 trees were planted, and today about 850 trees across 47 varieties remain part of the landscape.
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MARCH 14
COMMUNITY
BALDWIN CITY COUNCIL APPROVES UTILITY RATE ADJUSTMENTS AT
The Baldwin City Council met on February 17, 2026, for a regularly scheduled session that included routine business, staff updates, and one of the most impactful agenda items for residents this year — adjustments to city utility rates.
After discussion and review of supporting financial data, the Council approved a series of changes to sewer, water, trash, recycling, and electric rates for residential customers. The adjustments apply to all utility usage beginning February 1, 2026, and will first appear on March utility bills.
City officials explained that the changes reflect a combination of infrastructure obligations, operational costs, and contractual increases.
Sewer Rate Adjustment
The Council approved a sewer rate increase tied to usage, while keeping the existing debt fee unchanged.
Debt fee: $16.00 per meter (unchanged)
Usage charge: $12.31 per 1,000 gallons of water used per meter
Up $0.93 from the previous rate of $11.38
The increase is intended to help support long-term system maintenance, treatment costs, and continued compliance with regulatory requirements. Council members discussed the importance of maintaining sewer infrastructure to prevent larger and more costly issues in the future.
Water Rate Restructuring
Water rates were rebalanced, with a decrease to the fixed monthly debt fee and an increase to the consumptionbased charge.
Debt fee: $9.72 per meter
Decreased from $14.94
Usage charge: $19.84 per 1,000 gallons
Increased from $17.17
This restructuring shifts a greater portion of the cost to actual water usage. Residents who use less water may
see smaller increases compared to households with higher consumption.
Council discussion noted that water infrastructure, treatment processes, and system upgrades require steady funding, and usage-based pricing better aligns costs with demand on the system.
Trash & Recycling Rate Changes
Trash and recycling rates were also adjusted. City staff clarified that these increases reflect contractual adjustments from Green Environmental Services and are being passed through to customers.
New rates include:
Trash service: $25.58 per customer (up from $23.71)
Additional trash carts: $5.55 each (up $0.40)
Voluntary recycling service: $14.51 per customer (up $0.73)
Additional recycling bins: $13.39 each (up from $12.78)
Council members acknowledged the steady upward trend in solid waste and recycling costs regionally and emphasized that the city does not mark up these services beyond contractual requirements.
Electric Rate Update
Electric rates saw an adjustment to the debt fee, while the per-kilowatt-hour energy charge remains unchanged.
Debt fee: $27.88 per meter
An increase of $2.88
Energy charge: $0.1411 per kilowatt hour
No change
Maintaining the current energy rate per kilowatt hour was viewed as a stabilizing factor for residents. The increase to the debt fee supports infrastructure obligations and system reliability.
Council members noted that because Baldwin operates its own electric utility, careful financial planning is necessary to ensure long-term system stability while keeping rates competitive.
Broader Discussion: Infrastructure & Financial Planning
Throughout the utility discussions, Council members emphasized the need to balance affordability with responsible long-term planning. Aging infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and system upgrades require ongoing investment.
Officials reiterated that addressing funding needs proactively helps avoid emergency repairs and larger rate spikes in the future.
While rate increases are never popular, the Council stressed that maintaining reliable water, sewer, trash, recycling, and electric services is foundational to the city’s growth and quality of life.
Additional Meeting Business
In addition to the utility rate discussion, the Council addressed routine agenda items including approval of previous meeting minutes, departmental reports, and standard financial matters.
Staff updates provided insight into ongoing city operations and projects, with Council members continuing broader conversations about infrastructure, service delivery, and fiscal responsibility in a growing community.
What Residents Should Expect
The approved utility rate adjustments are already in effect for usage beginning February 1. Residents will see the updated charges reflected on March billing statements.
Those with questions about how the new rates will affect their household are encouraged to contact City Hall for clarification.
The Council’s next meeting will continue discussions on city operations and long-term planning initiatives.
The February 17 meeting underscored a recurring theme for Baldwin City leadership: maintaining strong infrastructure, ensuring compliance, and planning responsibly for growth — while striving to preserve the affordability and character that residents value.
COMMUNITY
PURPLE & WHITE, TAKE BACK THE NIGHT!” SPRING GALA
The Baldwin Education Foundation is inviting the community to put on their cocktail attire and show their school spirit at its second annual “Purple & White, Take Back the Night!” spring gala on March 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the Baldwin City Community Center.
Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, organizers promise an evening filled with fun, nostalgia and meaningful impact — all in support of Baldwin schools.
In 2025, guests were welcomed on a purple carpet with photos by Pitts Photography and the sounds of the awardwinning BHS Jazz Band. The BHS A Cappella Choir performed, including a rendition of the school song, while attendees enjoyed food and desserts prepared by the BHS Culinary team. Students representing National Honor Society, FFA and FBLA served guests before the live auction began. Auctioneer Jason Flory of Flory Auction Services kept the energy high as paddles were raised in friendly competition, and the night concluded with an official after-party at the Baldwin City Beer Company.
This year’s gala builds on that momentum with exciting new elements. The 2026 event will feature live dueling pianos entertainment, a live auction, and fabulous food and beverages. Honored guests will include Innovative Project Grant winners and the first inductees of BEF’s newly launched Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame initiative has been a
BALDWIN CITY REC UPDATES
EVENTS
2026 Shamrock Hunt
The Shamrock Hunt returns March 15–19. More details coming soon!
Thunder on the Bricks – Classic Car Show
The car show returns May 9. Registration is open now at www.thunderonthebricks. com The first 200 registrants receive a 2026 commemorative dash plaque. Motorcycles welcome.
YOUTH ACTIVITIES
Youth Team Sponsorships
Support local youth sports this summer and promote your business on team jerseys. Learn more and sign up on our website.
Summer Baseball & Softball Registration
Registration is open for ages 3–15: T-Ball (ages 3–4), Little Sluggers (ages 5–6),
long-envisioned goal for BEF leadership. Designed to recognize excellence in academics, arts, athletics and service, eligibility extends beyond alumni to include educators and community members who have made a lasting impact on Baldwin’s schools. Inductees will be announced annually, and over time, the spring gala will evolve to include the formal induction celebration as part of the evening’s festivities.
Organizers say the program is intended to strengthen connections across alumni generations, engage businesses and donors, and shine a light on the many examples of excellence rooted in Baldwin’s educational heritage.
The setting itself adds to the evening’s spirit. Hosted in the thoughtfully modernized space that once served as Baldwin High School’s old gym, the Community Center provides a fitting backdrop for celebrating the past while investing in the future.
Proceeds from the gala support BEF’s mission of inspiring excellence, incentivizing innovation and creating belonging for all Bullpups and Bulldogs. Ticket packages range from $75 for individual tickets to sponsorship opportunities up to $1,500.
Community members are encouraged to join the fun, celebrate local achievements and help fund meaningful opportunities for students and staff. For BEF, “Purple & White, Take Back the Night!” is more than a gala — it’s a celebration of Baldwin’s pride, progress and promise.
Baseball (ages 7–15), Softball (8U–15U)
Micro Soccer
Registration open for ages 2–4. A fun, introductory soccer program for preschoolers. Details available online.
Summer Soccer Camp (June 8–12)
Hosted by BHS boys and girls soccer programs. Open to preschool and K–8th grade. Register online.
ADULT ACTIVITIES
Adult Volleyball Spring League
Sundays, March 29–May 3 (no Easter games). 10-game season at Baldwin High School. Register your team online.
March Movement Fitness Challenge
One featured exercise per class. Compete for the highest monthly average reps. Winner receives a free month of classes and prizes.
WISDOM, KNOWING, KNOWLEDGE
By Jeanine Ross
Do you know the difference between wisdom, knowing, and knowledge? I dare say, most people do not. I have heard these three words interchanged so often and in so many different ways, it’s no wonder people think they are interchangeable! In reality, wisdom, knowing, and knowledge are three different things that are closely related.
Knowledge is what we go to school for. We can learn it out of a book or through association with people who have studied a particular subject or from a particular environment. Everybody has access to knowledge, and they learn through it even if it’s not intentional. Knowledge is something you give yourself to improve your circumstances or enhance your intellect. We all have knowledge, and we get more of it everyday.
Knowing, on the other hand, is about intuition and discernment. We all have intuition but for the most part we block it out because it is often inconvenient or it doesn’t fit with what we think (our knowledge). Knowing is part of our spiritual selves. It gathers information from other worldly places, filters it through spirit and, if you let it, will give you an insight that is often described as “I don’t know. I just know.”
We all have intuition, and as children, it is the most easily observed and misunderstood. As a result, we grow up running from it, hiding from it, or ignoring it because we can not experience its truths through our five senses. But knowing is a powerful tool that can give you a magical life if you follow it, even when it doesn’t make sense to our human brains.
Wisdom, I believe, is the most misunderstood and misapplied of all of these. Wisdom is a divine gift. Most of us experience wisdom in small, fleeting doses. A profound thought, a revelation that pops into your head from nowhere you can describe, or a solution that is way outside the box, but is so astoundingly accurate, you marvel at its simplicity.
People that we consider wise are usually those whom the majority of us would call deep thinkers, philosophical, or sometimes described as old souls. They are people who take the time to ponder (another misunderstood word), which most people think means consider all the angles. In reality, wisdom does not come from us it comes to us.
When one is wise, it is a person who has learned that we not only don’t know it all, but we know nothing compared to all the information that is available to us if we just ponder it. To ponder, is to ask the question, clear the mind so it has room to receive, and wait (another word that is misunderstood) for the response.
To wait is not to sit around doing nothing. Waiting is actually an action word because you have to meditate to reach a deeper level of connection, let go of everything you think you know, and be willing to receive a bigger picture solution without judgment or comparison to our smaller understanding.
Now you know, knowledge is something you learn. Knowing is inside all of us if we will trust it, and Wisdom is a divine gift that comes through you, not from you. I dare you to live your life accordingly! So, if you really want your life to change for the better, it begins by “Thinking Outside the Box.”
THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX
March 9
The Vibe Hair Studio
Ribbon Cutting
215, Suite A, Highway 56, 5-6:30 pm Drinks and appetizers served. Open to the public.
March 10
Baker University
Choir – Tenebrae:
Examining Darkness Through Text and Song
Baldwin United First Methodist Church, 704 Eighth Street, 7:30 pm Free admission. Open to the public.
March 12
Explore Baldwin Series and Ribbon Cutting -
Baldwin City Metabolic Medicine
5-6:30 pm, Baldwin City Metabolic Medicine, 705 High St.
March 19
March 19
The Maple hosts Open Play & Prizes
Sullivan Square, 1-3 pm
March 27
Purple & White, Take Back the Night!
6:30 pm | Baldwin City Community Center
March 29
Egg Hunt & Brunch
Baldwin First UMC
United Methodist church, 704 8th St
April 17
Facade Completion
5:30 pm, Lumberyard Arts Center
You’re invited to celebrate the completion of the Lumberyard Arts Center’s facade and the support from volunteers.
Spring Break
Community Playdate
Baldwin City Pool Park, 317 Fremont St., 10:00–11:30 am
May 9
Thunder on the Bricks Classic Car Show
Downtown Baldwin City
COMMUNITY
COMING HOME TO SERVE: JESSICA WORTHAM STEPS INTO ROLE AS BALDWIN CITY ATTORNEY
If you graduated from Baldwin High in the early 2000s, there’s a good chance you remember Jessica (Brumm) Wortham. A member of the Class of 2000, Wortham is a Baldwin native through and through — and now she’s returned home in a new role: Baldwin City Attorney.
For Wortham, this position isn’t just a professional milestone. It’s personal.
Born and raised in Baldwin City, she comes from deep local roots. Her mother grew up here. Her grandparents farmed land next to Baker University Stadium. Her greatgrandmother lived near Tauy Creek. After earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Kansas in 2005 and her Juris Doctorate from Texas Wesleyan School of Law (now Texas A&M School of Law) in 2012, she built her legal career in Texas before returning to Kansas.
“I originally planned on coming back once I took care of my student loans,” Wortham said. “I am very excited to be back.”
Now licensed in both Kansas and Texas, Wortham brings years of experience — much of it focused on prosecution, public service, and trauma-informed legal work — to the very community that shaped her.
What Does a City Attorney Actually Do?
Many residents may not fully understand the scope of a city attorney’s role. Wortham describes it as “big picture.”
She advises the mayor, city council, city staff, police department, and municipal court. She interprets laws, drafts and revises ordinances, reviews contracts and leases, and works to ensure the city remains compliant with state and federal regulations.
“A good attorney can save a city thousands of dollars by making sure we are efficient and following the laws,” she explained.
Her work is often behind the scenes — but its impact is felt in nearly every decision city government makes.
Listening First
As she steps into her first year, Wortham says her top priority is simple: listening.
Not just to city employees, but to residents.
“As a prosecutor, I talked to all kinds of people — from law-abiding citizens to hardened criminals. They are all people that have a voice,” she said. “You really have to reach all citizens to make sure we’re doing what is best for everyone.”
She believes small towns can sometimes fall into the habit of doing things “because that’s how they’ve always been done.” Part of her role is evaluating why policies exist — and whether there are more efficient, cost-effective ways to accomplish the same goals without losing what makes Baldwin special.
Growth Without Losing Character
Baldwin City continues to experience steady growth in housing and development. With that growth comes opportunity — and legal complexity.
“With diversity comes new ideas, new businesses, new learning opportunities, and new friends,” Wortham said. “But we have to ride that fine line.”
That fine line includes attracting new residents and businesses while avoiding long-term infrastructure or budget challenges. Policies must be forward-thinking without becoming overly restrictive.
Her philosophy reflects her love for small-town life.
“Small towns remember the people. Large cities focus on numbers,” she said. “I can tell you that for a fact working in large cities and then working in mid-sized to smaller cities. That’s one reason I’m never moving back to a large city.”
Ethics, Objectivity, and Responsibility
Wortham was hired during Mayor Gerald Cullumber’s administration, but she is quick to clarify the boundaries of her role.
“My oath as a lawyer is to the city, the state, and the constitution,” she said. “I am not the mayor’s attorney. I am the city attorney.”
Under Kansas Rules of Ethics, she is required to zealously represent the city’s interests — not any individual’s position. That distinction matters.
“Ultimately it is up to the city to follow that advice,” she said. “My responsibility is to provide it.”
She also acknowledges that there are limits to what she can disclose publicly due to legal confidentiality requirements, but emphasizes that when she is allowed to communicate, she prefers openness.
A Heart for Service
Wortham spent more than a decade working closely with families and youth as a prosecutor. She has extensive experience collaborating with mental health professionals and attending trauma-informed training focused on brain science and behavioral cycles.
“I am very passionate about getting people the help they need to address the root of the problem,” she said. “I want to break cycles instead of addressing the same problem over and over again.”
Leaving her prosecutor role was difficult, but she sees this new chapter as an extension of that same mission: helping people and serving the public.
Beyond City Hall
In addition to her role as City Attorney, Wortham owns Maple Leaf Law, LLC, located at 719 High Street. Her private practice focuses on wills, estates, special needs planning, and elder law — areas carefully chosen to avoid conflict with city business.
She is active in the Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, the Parent Teacher Organization, Ives Chapel Church, and other community groups. She and her family — which includes two children, a cat, and a dog — plan to be regular faces at community events.
And for those who haven’t seen her in a while?
“I’ve been gone too long, so I’m pretty bad about recognizing folks I haven’t seen in a long time,” she laughed. “If you see me, feel free to say hi.”
Residents should also know she’s a proud Jayhawk, a Star Wars and Marvel fan (with a soft spot for Wonder Woman), and happily embraces her inner nerd — even if she admits she can be a bit introverted about starting conversations.
Looking Ahead
For Wortham, returning to Baldwin City isn’t just about career advancement. It’s about carrying on a family legacy of service and investing her training back into the town that raised her.
“I love that I get to bring this level of experience and training to serve the community that put me in this amazing position,” she said.
In a growing city balancing progress with tradition, Baldwin now has a city attorney who understands both the law — and the people behind it.
And for Jessica Wortham, that’s exactly where she wants to be.
CANDICE MILLARD ’89 RETURNS TO BAKER FOR INSPIRING AFTERNOON OF HISTORY AND STORYTELLING
Bestselling author and Baker alumna Candice Millard returned to Baker University for an afternoon of history, storytelling and reflection that drew students, alumni, faculty and community members together on campus.
The event, titled “An Afternoon with Candice Millard ’89,” highlighted Millard’s acclaimed work, including her New York Times bestselling book Destiny of the Republic, which chronicles the assassination of President James A. Garfield. The book also serves as the inspiration for Netflix’s historical drama Death by Lightning.
In a wide-ranging conversation, Millard
explored forgotten chapters of American history, the ripple effects of medical malpractice in Garfield’s death, and even Alexander Graham Bell’s attempt to save the wounded president. She also shared insight into the journey of seeing her work adapted for the screen.
The discussion extended beyond historical events, touching on the importance of libraries and literature, the craft of narrative nonfiction, and the responsibility of leadership during divided times — themes that resonated strongly with the audience.
Attendees were treated to both keynote remarks and an engaging audience Q&A session, where Millard discussed her writing process, research methods, and her upcoming book focusing on Edith Cavell and the women of World War I.
Following the program, guests had the opportunity to meet Millard, take photos and have books signed, creating a meaningful moment of connection between the accomplished author and the Baker community.
Millard, a 1989 graduate of Baker, is the author of four New York Times bestselling books, including The River of Doubt, Hero of the Empire, and River of the Gods. Her writing has appeared in major national publications, and she has received numerous honors, including the BIO Award.
Organizers noted that Millard’s journey as a writer began during her time at Baker, including contributions to the university’s student literary and arts publication, Watershed. Today, that publication continues to nurture creative voices on campus.
From alumni reconnecting in familiar campus spaces to students gaining firsthand insight into the craft of historical storytelling, the afternoon served as a reminder of the enduring strength of the Baker community — and of how stories rooted in history continue to shape conversations today.
After securing a distiller’s license in 2020 and years of refining recipes, that vision came to fruition in Fall 2024 with the release of Kansas’ first true farm-to-bottle apple brandy. Crafted from a blend of 23 apple varieties and aged in bourbon barrels, the debut batch has already drawn strong reviews.
Most of the apple brandy continues aging — and with Baldwin’s unique apple varieties and seasonal variations, each year’s release will carry its own distinct character.
The goal is bold but clear: establish Baldwin City as the birthplace of a Kansas apple brandy movement.
Quality Over Quantity
Under the direction of Master Distiller Daryl Kleitz, Baldwin City Distillery focuses on craftsmanship. Their lineup includes Agave Spirits (Tequila), Rum, Vodka, Brandy, and several Bourbons — including Rory’s Rye Bourbon, Rory’s Waving Wheat Bourbon, and Rory’s Premium Bourbon Blend.
Flavored vodkas (Vanilla, Blueberry, and Raspberry) add variety, and multiple spirits are currently aging in bourbon barrels for future releases.
Aging inventory, the owner explains, is both an art and an investment — a commitment not just to today’s sales, but to the distillery’s long-term future.
Recognized — and Rooted — in Baldwin
Earlier this year, the Baldwin City Chamber named the distillery “Best Newcomer Business.” The recognition was meaningful — not as a personal achievement, but as confirmation that the distillery has become part of the town’s fabric.
That sense of responsibility weighs heavily — in a good way.
There’s responsibility to employees whose jobs depend on continued growth. Responsibility to the community that shows up week after week. And responsibility to the town itself.
The vision stretches beyond shelves and sales. The hope is that when people hear “Baldwin City Distillery,” they think not just of quality spirits — but of Baldwin City itself as a place worth visiting.
Looking Ahead
The next goals are ambitious: deeper placement in restaurants and bars across Kansas and Missouri, expansion into additional states, and growing brand recognition for their signature apple brandy.
But ask what matters most when someone walks through the door for the first time, and the answer is simple:
They should feel welcome. Relevant. Seen.
Because while business plans and production goals matter, the first year revealed something deeper — that this venture is fundamentally about people. About employees who feel secure and valued. About visitors who feel at home. About a community that believes in its own potential.
In true Baldwin fashion, it’s not just about what’s in the bottle.
It’s about who’s around the table.
For updates, new releases, and events, visit www. baldwincitydistillery.com or stop by 1743 N 200 Road.
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COMMUNITY
APPRAISER’S OFFICE TO MAIL CHANGE OF VALUE NOTICES ON FEB. 27
LAWRENCE, Kan. – The Douglas County Appraiser’s Office will mail Change of Value Notices for real estate properties for the 2026 tax year on Feb. 27.
The office’s annual market study found overall increases in residential and commercial real estate prices, with roughly 90% of properties seeing an increase from 2025 to 2026. The analysis reviewed more than 2,000 sales, cost data from the Marshall & Swift Valuation Service, and rent and expense information for leased properties. Demand continues to outpace supply in several neighborhoods and property types.
Most residential and commercial parcels in Douglas County will see a 1% to 8% increase in value on the 2026 notice. The study also showed significant price increases for vacant land, ranging from 3% to 20%.
The Kansas Department of Revenue’s Property Valuation Division conducts an annual study of agricultural land. Agricultural values can change due to cropping practices, commodity prices and production costs. For 2026, Douglas County’s median agricultural land value did not change.
The mailed notices will provide information about how to access new features on the property search section of the county website, including comparable sale reports and comparable sale location maps as well as cost reports and an electronic copy of the Change of Value Notice.
Appeal process: Property owners who want to
appeal their property valuation must complete the request form on the back of the notice and submit it to the Appraiser’s Office by 5 p.m. Monday, March 30. Forms may be mailed or dropped off at the office in the basement of the historic courthouse at 1100 Massachusetts St. or emailed to appeals@dgcoks.gov.
Information sessions: The Appraiser’s Office will host information sessions that include a presentation about the valuation process, current market trends, property taxes and the appeal process, followed by an opportunity to visit with a staff appraiser. All sessions will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Mondays in March:
• March 9, Lecompton Community Building, 333 Elmore St., Lecompton
• March 16, Baldwin City Library, 800 Seventh St., Baldwin City
• March 23, Eudora City Hall, Commission Chambers, 4 E Seventh St., Eudora
• March 30, Historic courthouse, 1100 Massachusetts St., second floor, Lawrence
A walk-in session where residents can meet with an appraiser and ask questions about property values will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, on the second floor of the historic courthouse, 1100 Massachusetts, in Lawrence.
For more information, visit the County Appraiser’s website at dgcoks.gov/appraiser.
DR. KIRSTEN WATKINS NAMED BERT NASH CENTER CEO:
The Bert Nash Center (BNC) is pleased to announce the official appointment of Dr. Kirsten Watkins as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Dr. Watkins joined BNC in August 2021 and has more than 20 years of experience in behavioral health care. As a licensed clinical psychologist, she has dedicated her career to supporting individuals and families navigating complex behavioral health challenges.
Dr. Watkins has served as Interim CEO for the past eight months while continuing in her role as Clinical Director, guiding the community mental health center with steady and thoughtful leadership during a period of transition. Her appointment as CEO reflects the Board’s confidence in her vision and leadership and ensures continued stability as BNC advances its commitment to accessible, compassionate, and high-quality behavioral health care for individuals and families across Douglas County.
“We are extremely excited to be able to plan for the long-term future of Bert Nash with Dr. Watkins as CEO. In her eight months as interim CEO she demonstrated the ability to lead with determination and strength despite any outside obstacles that were thrown in her way,” said Matthew Herbert, Chair of the BNC Board of Directors.
“As a board we feel very confident that we have found the right person for the job.”
Founded in 1950, BNC has been led by just three CEOs over its 75-year history. Dr. Watkins now becomes the organization’s fourth CEO.
“I’m deeply honored to serve in this role and to be a part of this agency’s important work in our community,” said Dr. Watkins. “I’m excited to move forward in this next chapter for Bert Nash.”
Her leadership comes at a critical time, as communities across Kansas and the nation continue to face increasing demand for behavioral health services. Under her guidance, BNC has improved financial stability through disciplined planning and mission alignment, strengthening core services, ensuring sustainable systems of care, and advancing key initiatives such as the Judge Jean Shepherd Youth Recovery Center.
“Although many things are uncertain around us, I’ve never felt uncertain about Bert Nash - our role in this community or our potential to be the best place to seek behavioral health care,” said Dr. Watkins. “Our agency is focused and united on what matters most.”
With Dr. Watkins transition into the CEO role, BNC will begin the process of hiring a new Clinical Director.
