26 WEEKLY 2026
OCTOBER
A
B A L D W I N
C I T Y
VOL 4 NO. 38 FREE DIGITAL VERSION
N E W S P A P E R
THE DUST HAS SETTLED ON MAPLE LEAF WEEKEND The streets were quiet. A lone funnel cake plate drifted across High Street like a tumbleweed in an old Western. Somewhere in the distance, an abandoned nacho tray rustled in the breeze. The crowds were gone. The vendors had packed up. The last of the kettle corn had been swept away. It was the only evidence that an estimated 35,000 additional people had just descended upon our little town. Another Maple Leaf Festival was officially in the books. For one weekend each October, Baldwin City transforms into a bustling destination filled with food, art, entertainment and more people than you can shake a funnel cake at. And just as quickly as they arrive, they’re gone, leaving the town to return to its regularly scheduled programming. But pulling off an event of this size is anything but a weekend job. Months before the first visitor arrives, local businesses are preparing for one of their busiest weekends of the year. Community organizations are planning fundraisers that often provide a significant portion of their annual funding. Vendors are organizing their booths, and countless details are being worked out behind the scenes. And then there are the volunteers. The people who give up their time, rearrange their schedules, roll up their sleeves and do whatever needs to be done to make the Maple Leaf Festival happen. While Doug Cheek and Leanne Bathke may be among the familiar voices of Maple Leaf weekend, there’s an entire crew of people working behind the scenes who deserve a little time in the spotlight, too. They’re the ones marking booth spaces, putting up signage, hauling hay bales and boards, organizing vendors, stocking portable restrooms, manning
barricades, driving trams and answering the same questions approximately 4,000 times with a smile. They’re directing traffic, keeping the streets clean, helping visitors find their way, making sure everyone stays safe and tackling a seemingly endless list of tasks that most festivalgoers never even realize need to happen. And when the crowds head home? They’re still there. Taking down signs. Removing barricades. Picking up trash. Hauling everything back to storage. Making sure Baldwin City looks like Baldwin City again. It’s a massive undertaking, and it simply wouldn’t happen without them. The Maple Leaf Festival has long been one of Baldwin City’s most beloved traditions, but its success isn’t measured only by the number of visitors who come through town. It’s also a reflection of the community that comes together to make it possible. From city employees and emergency responders to local businesses, school groups, civic organizations and individuals who simply show up ready to help, Maple Leaf weekend is truly a community-wide effort. So, as the last funnel cake wrapper makes its way to the trash and Baldwin City settles back into its normal routine, it’s worth taking a moment to recognize the people who made another successful festival possible. Because behind every great festival is a group of people who probably need a nap. To the volunteers of the Maple Leaf Festival: Thank you. We couldn’t do it without you.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE MAPLE LEAF FESTIVAL
A special thank-you to the following individuals, organizations, businesses and groups who helped make this year’s festival possible. Individuals (alphabetized by last name) Erica Anderson Cassy Bailey Leanne Bathke Roger Boyd and the Information Booth Team Andrew Broers Evan Broers Jake Broers Monica Brovont Brian Butell Rob Callahan Doug Cheek Samantha Cheek Sydney Cheek Donna Curran Mike Curran Clint Davis Jennifer Fulton Robert Fulton Donna Gratts and BPW Kit Harris and Baker Women’s Wrestling Ilene Kimsey Mary McCrary Jessica McQuarrie Juliet McQuarrie Laurel McQuarrie Amber Nichols Cheri Ochsner Lt. Brad Owen Frank Perez Jennifer Roland Jeremy Rodrock Jim Stonequist and Franklin Water Rescue Team
Colton Thomas Kyle Trendel and Trendel Lumber Tim Trowbridge Sharon Vesecky Ronda Widener and the Baldwin Quilt Guild Jessica Wortham
Organizations, Businesses & Community Groups
All our amazing tram drivers Arrowhead Hardware Baker Flag Football Baker Men’s Tennis Baldwin Fire Department Baldwin Police Department Bethel Christian Academy BFUMC BLAST Crew BHS FFA Chamber of Commerce City of Baldwin City Cub Scout Troop 3065 Gregg Bruce Auto Hey Machinery McConnell Machinery Scout Troop 65 And to the many additional volunteers who gave their time, energy and talents throughout the weekend, thank you for helping keep this Baldwin City tradition going strong!
26 OCTOBER
COMMUNITY A SPOOKTACULAR NIGHT PG. 02
Get those costumes ready, stock up on candy and prepare for a night of ghosts, goblins and plenty of sugarfueled excitement! Halloween is just around the corner, and Baldwin City is gearing up for another evening of tricks, treats and small-town traditions. From the littlest trick-or-treaters visiting downtown businesses to families filling the streets after dark, Halloween brings the whole community together. Hometown Halloween Returns Downtown One of Baldwin City's favorite Halloween traditions is Hometown Halloween, hosted annually by the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce. The event invites families downtown, where participating businesses welcome costumed trick-ortreaters for an evening of candy, costumes and community fun. Last year, the Chamber scheduled Hometown Halloween to Halloween night itself after hearing feedback from families who preferred celebrating everything in one evening rather than dressing their children up for multiple events. And let's face it, anyone who has wrestled a toddler into a dinosaur costume more than once can probably appreciate that decision. By starting downtown and then heading into surrounding neighborhoods, families can enjoy the best of both worlds without repeating the costume battle. This year's Hometown Halloween takes place Saturday, October 31, from 4 to 6 p.m. in downtown Baldwin City.
More Than Just Candy Halloween in Baldwin City is about more than costumes, candy and the inevitable sugar crash. It's about neighbors opening their doors, businesses welcoming families and children making memories they'll carry with them for years. Whether your family starts downtown, heads straight to FireTree or sticks close to home, there's something special about celebrating Halloween in a town where so many people come together to make the evening memorable. So charge those flashlights, grab the candy buckets and get ready, Baldwin City. It's almost time to eat, drink and be scary!
Keep an Eye Out for Baker Halloween Fun Over the years, fraternities and sororities at Baker University have also joined the festivities, offering special trick-or-treating opportunities, haunted houses and other Halloween activities. These events vary depending on the individual organizations and their plans. While no announcements have been confirmed for this year's activities as of publication, families are encouraged to watch for flyers and social media announcements. You never know when another spooky adventure might pop up!
HALLOWEEN AT A GLANCE Saturday, October 31, 2026
A Little Halloween Courtesy Goes a Long Way Families are encouraged to use sidewalks, carry flashlights or glow sticks, and make sure costumes are visible to drivers after dark. Motorists should take extra care in residential neighborhoods. For those handing out candy, turning on your porch light is the traditional way to let families know you're participating. And remind the kids to say thank you. A little gratitude goes a long way, especially when someone has spent their evening answering the door 200 times.
Hometown Halloween 4–6 p.m. | Downtown Baldwin City Hosted by the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce. Neighborhood Trick-or-Treating Halloween Evening | Throughout Baldwin City Look for homes with their porch lights on! Rainbow Preschool Trick-or-Treating Downtown Baldwin City Annual preschool tradition. Date and time to be confirmed. Baker University Halloween Activities Watch for announcements about possible trick-or-treating events, haunted houses and other festivities.
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The Great FireTree Candy Rush Once downtown festivities wrap up, it's time for another Halloween tradition: neighborhood trick-or-treating. And if you've spent a Halloween evening in Baldwin City, you know exactly where a good portion of town is headed. FireTree. Each year, families load up their little witches, superheroes and princesses and head to the neighborhood, where the simplicity of door-to-door trick-or-treating is hard to beat. But here's a friendly reminder: FireTree isn't the only neighborhood with candy! From homes surrounding downtown to quieter streets throughout Baldwin City, plenty of residents look forward to welcoming trick-or-treaters. And the rules haven't changed. If the porch light is on, trick-or-treaters are welcome! Sometimes the best candy stops are the ones where you don't have to stand in line behind 15 other kids dressed as Spider-Man.
The Littlest Monsters Take Over Downtown Another special Baldwin City tradition brings some of the town's youngest trick-or-treaters downtown. Each year, Rainbow Preschool loads up its collection of tiny monsters, princesses, superheroes and goblins for a special trick-or-treating adventure through local businesses. For many downtown merchants, it's one of the sweetest parts of the holiday. There's something pretty entertaining about watching a parade of preschoolers march down the sidewalk with candy buckets in hand. With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, families should check with Rainbow Preschool for the date of its annual outing.
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26 OCTOBER
COMMUNITY BALDWIN TECHNICAL EDUCATION CENTER NOW IN SESSION! Safety and security improvements Expanded parking and improved traffic flow An enclosed connection between the high school, junior high and Performing Arts Center
Years of planning, community support and construction come together as students begin learning in new spaces. What started as a vision for expanding career and technical education opportunities at Baldwin High School is becoming a reality. The new Baldwin Technical Education Center is now welcoming students, marking an exciting milestone for USD 348 and the Baldwin City community. Students and teachers are already putting the new learning spaces to use, diving into business and computer technology classes designed to build practical skills, explore career opportunities and prepare students for life beyond high school. From a Community Vote to a Classroom Reality The opening marks another major step forward in the district’s $17 million bond project, approved by USD 348 voters in May 2024. The bond was designed to address growing demand for career and technical education (CTE), expand opportunities for students and improve facilities throughout the district. Before the bond election, district officials reported that approximately 70% of Baldwin High School students were enrolled in at least one CTE course. With existing facilities aging and programs continuing to grow, additional space had become a priority. The voter-approved improvements included: Construction of a new Career and Technical Education Center Renovations to existing CTE classrooms and learning spaces
Construction to Classroom Work on the project began in 2025, starting with major parking lot improvements and changes to traffic flow around the high school campus. The parking expansion added 206 spaces and a new entrance from Sixth Street, helping address parking needs and improve access to the campus. Construction on the new technical education facility followed, along with renovations to existing classroom spaces. While delays in steel shipments pushed the original construction timeline into the fall of 2026, renovated classrooms were ready for students at the beginning of the school year. Now, with business and computer technology classes underway in the new center, students are beginning to experience the opportunities the project was designed to provide. Building Skills for the Future The Technical Education Center represents more than additional classroom space. It’s an investment in giving students more opportunities to discover their interests, develop practical skills and explore potential career paths before graduation. Career and technical education programs provide learning experiences that connect classroom instruction with real-world applications, whether students plan to enter the workforce, pursue technical training or continue their education after high school. For USD 348, seeing students and teachers actively using the new spaces is an important milestone in a project years in the making. And for the Baldwin City community, it’s an opportunity to see the impact of the investment voters supported in 2024. The Baldwin Technical Education Center is no longer just a plan on paper. Students are now putting it to work. For additional information and construction updates, visit www.usd348.com/bond.
PG. 03
BUILDING A NEW FUTURE FOR YOUR
FAMILY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CALL OR TEXT FOR MORE INFORMATION :
CHRIS NICHOLSON
(620) 770-0314
26
PG. 04
CREATIVES OF THE MAPLE CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS OF STORIES, ART AND COMMUNITY
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www.btskexcavating.com Five years of stories, photographs, creativity and community will come together this November as The Maple celebrates its fifth anniversary with a special gallery exhibition at the Lumberyard Arts Center in downtown Baldwin City. Creatives of The Maple is a celebration of the people, places and stories that have filled the pages of the magazine over the past five years, along with the talented individuals who have helped make it all possible. The exhibition will be divided into two parts. One half will take visitors through the story of The Maple, revisiting memorable features, photographs, milestones and moments from the publication’s first five years. It’s a chance to look back at the stories that have connected the community and the people who have made those stories worth telling. The other half of the gallery will showcase original artwork and photography created by artists, contributors, staff and supporters of The Maple. The collection will feature a variety of creative work, including pieces that have never appeared in the magazine, highlighting the talents of those who have contributed to its success. More than an anniversary celebration, the exhibition is a thank-you to the many people who have shared their stories, talents, time and support throughout the
years. From the artists and photographers to the writers, businesses and community members who have believed in the publication, The Maple has always been a collaborative effort. The exhibition will open with a special reception on Friday, November 20, at the Lumberyard Arts Center. The gallery will remain on display through December, giving community members an opportunity to experience the collection throughout the holiday season. The public is invited to attend, revisit five years of The Maple and celebrate the creative community that has helped bring it to life.
Creatives of The Maple
Celebrating Five Years of Stories, Art & Community Opening Reception: Friday, November 20, 2026 Exhibition Dates: November– December 2026 Location: Lumberyard Arts Center Address: 718 High St., Baldwin City Gallery Hours: Wednesday–Friday, 1–5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–noon Website: www.lumberyardartscenter.org The exhibition is presented in celebration of The Maple’s fifth anniversary and the many creative individuals who have contributed to the publication since its beginning.
OCTOBER
26 OCTOBER
PG. 05
ELECTION DAY IS ALMOST HERE! With the November 3 general election just around the corner, early voting is underway in Douglas County. Baldwin City residents will have several important decisions to make, from local county leadership to state and federal offices. One of the most closely watched local races is for the Douglas County Commission District 5 seat, which represents Baldwin City and much of southeastern Douglas County. Incumbent Democrat Erica Anderson faces Libertarian challenger Kirsten Kuhn. County growth, development, property taxes and proposed data centers are among the issues being discussed.
What’s on the Ballot?
Baldwin City voters will see several races and questions on their ballots, including: - Douglas County Commission District 5: Erica Anderson (Democrat) and Kirsten Kuhn (Libertarian). - Kansas House District 5: Incumbent Courtney Sappington (Republican), of Baldwin City, faces Henry Johns (Democrat), of Lawrence. - Kansas Governor: Voters will select the state’s next governor. - Statewide Offices: Races for attorney general, secretary of state, state treasurer and insurance commissioner. - Federal Offices: U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives. - Judicial Retention: Voters will decide whether certain judges should remain in office. To see exactly which races and candidates will appear on your ballot, visit myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview/.
Vote Early in Baldwin City
Baldwin City residents can cast their ballots early right here in town: Baldwin City Community Building - Saturday, October 31: 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Registered Douglas County voters may also vote early at the Douglas County Elections Office, 711 W. 23rd St. in Lawrence. - October 26–30: 8 a.m.–7 p.m. - October 31: 9 a.m.–2 p.m. - November 2: 8 a.m.–noon
Voting by Mail
Registered voters who prefer to vote by mail must request their advance ballot by Tuesday, October 27. Applications are available at KSVotes.org. Completed mail ballots must be postmarked by November 3 and received by November 6 to be counted under the current court order.
Baldwin City Ballot Drop Box:
Baldwin City Hall 803 Eighth St., Baldwin City Ballots returned to the drop box must be deposited by 7 p.m. on Election Day. Voters can track their mail ballots at app.enhancedvoting.com/voter-shell/ douglas-county-ks/ballot-tracking.
Election Day: Tuesday, November 3
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters must visit their assigned polling location on Election Day. Anyone in line by 7 p.m. will still be allowed to vote. Find your assigned polling location at myvoteinfo.voteks.org/ voterview/.
Don’t Forget Your Photo ID!
Kansas voters are required to show an acceptable photo ID when voting in person. For a complete list of acceptable identification, visit sos.ks.gov/ elections/photo-id.html.
Important Dates to Remember
- October 27: Deadline to request a mail ballot - October 31: Early voting in Baldwin City, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. - November 2: Early voting ends at noon - November 3: Election Day, polls open 7 a.m.–7 p.m. - November 6: Deadline for qualifying mailed ballots to arrive For additional election information, visit dgcoks.gov or myvoteinfo.voteks.org.
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26 OCTOBER
HELP KEEP VETERANS WARM THIS WINTER As Veterans Day approaches, the Baldwin City community is coming together to help keep local veterans warm this winter.
A community clothing drive is collecting brandnew winter clothing for veterans receiving care at Colmery-O’Neil Veterans Hospital. Donations will be delivered to the hospital on November 10, just ahead of Veterans Day. Organizers are asking for new clothing in all sizes for both men and women, with a special need for larger sizes, including XL, 2XL and 3XL. Items Needed:
All clothing must be brand-new. - Jackets and hoodies - Pants - Hats and gloves - Underwear - Socks
Drop-Off Locations:
Community members can drop off donations at any of the following locations: - Baldwin City Library - Vinland Valley Community Church – 1724 N. 692 Road - Margaret Barnes – 727 E. 1650 Road
Other Ways to Help:
Those unable to shop can make a monetary donation. One hundred percent of cash donations will be used to purchase clothing from local vendors. For anyone needing assistance with donation pickup or requesting a receipt, Margaret Barnes is available to help. Contact Margaret Barnes: 913-522-4094 Donations will be gathered ahead of the November 10 delivery. This Veterans Day, a simple donation can make a meaningful difference for those who have served our country. Community members are encouraged to give what they can and help keep our veterans warm this winter.
EVENTS
COMMUNITY
PG. 06
October 26
October 31
Baldwin City Library, 2–3pm
BC Community Center, 9–11am
Tech Time
Cancer Support
Baldwin City Library, 6:30–7:30pm
October 27
Local Supporting Local: Uplift Coffee Uplift Coffee, Time Not Listed
October 30
Live Music: Flat Iron Revival
Intro to Mahjong Hometown Halloween
Downtown Baldwin City, 4–6pm
Hall-O-Obstacle Course
Baldwin City Creative Arts, 4–6pm
November 2
Movie Nite
Baldwin City Library, 6pm
Baldwin City Distillery, 6–8pm
November 3
Vinland Valley Nursery, 7–8:30pm
Ives Chapel, 6:30–7:30pm
Haunted Forest Grand Finale School Lunch Schedule Oct. 26-30 MON., OCT. 26 Breakfast: Breakfast Bagel Lunch: Grilled Chicken, Hash Browns/Dumplings, Asian Noodles, Mixed Vegetables & Oranges TUES., OCT. 27 Breakfast: CC Oatmeal Squares Lunch: French Toast Sticks, Sausage & Egg, Potato Smiles, Celery Sticks & Strawberries/Banana WED., OCT. 28 Breakfast: Cinnamon Breakfast Square Lunch: Stuffed Crust Pizza, Cauliflower with Cheese, Salad & Pineapple THURS., OCT. 29 Breakfast: Chicken & Biscuit Lunch: Chicken & Noodles/ Roll, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Grape Tomatoes & Peaches FRI., OCT. 30 Breakfast: Breakfast Bread Lunch: Meatball Sub, Tri Taters, Green Beans, Baby Carrots & Pears
Chicken/Noodle Dinner
BHS SPORTS THIS WEEK:
Oct. 26-30
MONDAY, OCTOBER 26 - 4–7 p.m. – 8th Grade Girls Varsity vs. Santa Fe Trail, Baldwin Junior HS - 4–5 p.m. – 8th Grade Girls JV, Baldwin Junior HS - 4:30–6 p.m. – Boys JV vs. Anderson County, Baldwin HS - 5–6 p.m. – 7th Grade Girls Varsity vs. Santa Fe Trail, Baldwin Junior HS - 6–7 p.m. – 8th Grade Girls Varsity vs. Santa Fe Trail, Baldwin Junior HS TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27 - 3–6 p.m. – Varsity, Royal Crest Lanes - 4–7 p.m. – 7th & 8th Grade Boys and Girls Wrestling, Louisburg Middle School Mixer - 4–5 p.m. – 7th Grade Girls JV vs. Clark Middle School, Baldwin Junior HS - 4–5 p.m. – 8th Grade Girls JV vs. Clark Middle School, Bonner Springs HS - 5–6 p.m. – 8th Grade Girls Varsity vs. Clark Middle School, Robert E. Clark Middle School - 5–6 p.m. – 7th Grade Girls Varsity vs. Clark Middle School, Baldwin Junior HS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28 - 4–6 p.m. – 7th & 8th Grade Girls Wrestling, Basehor-Linwood Middle School Mixer - 4–8 p.m. – JV Scholars Bowl Tournament, Spring Hill HS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29 - 4–5 p.m. – 8th Grade Girls JV vs. Eudora, Baldwin Junior HS - 5–6 p.m. – 8th Grade Girls Varsity vs. Eudora, Baldwin Junior HS - 4–5 p.m. – 7th Grade Girls JV vs. Eudora, Eudora Middle School - 5–6 p.m. – 7th Grade Girls JV vs. Eudora, Eudora Middle School FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30 - No activities listed. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31 - Time TBA – Varsity Girls KSHSAA State Meet, Wamego Country Club - Time TBA – Varsity Boys KSHSAA State Meet, Wamego Country Club
COMMUNITY WAVE AND SMILE THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX By Jeanine Ross
Every morning (weather permitting), I walk my little dog, Maggie. We take the same route every day that gives us about a mile and a half of exercise, and every day we walk about ¼ mile down Sixth Street. One morning I was remembering the days when I used to drive to work and all the things I’d be thinking about along the way, and I thought it would have been nice to see a friendly face sometime. So I decided to be one. A few months ago, I started waving at the people on their way to work and school or doctor’s appointments or whatever. Aside from the fact that we are all one, the same drop from the ocean of humanity, I didn’t know any of them, and they didn’t know me. But it gave me pleasure to wish them well along their journey. To my sheer delight, they waved back! Some of them smiled. Some of them looked surprised. Some of them seemed confused, as if they were trying to figure out if they knew me. But they all waved and smiled back. Then there were the ones that looked right at me, but would not smile or wave back. I wondered why. I wasn’t asking them for money or trying to make them stop. I just
smiled and waved to bid them a good day. Among them was one man in particular. He drove a truck, and he had a full white beard, and I got the distinct impression he wanted me to know he was looking at me and deliberately not waving. I’m not sure if he was trying to intimidate me or not, but I was intrigued! I made it a point to look for him every morning, and he made it a point to look at me and look away. He didn’t look angry, just dismissive. This went on for weeks, but I refused to stop waving. Then one morning, he smiled! I was so happy! I thought about him the rest of the day and wondered what made him smile. Was it my billboard t-shirt that said “chocolate” with a big dipper of melted chocolate drizzling from a ladle? I didn’t know, but I couldn’t wait to see him the next day. But I didn’t see him for three days. I worried about him. I prayed that he was okay. This morning I saw the man in the truck with the white beard, and he smiled and waved! I was so happy to see him, I waved extra hard, and he laughed! It’s so easy to show love and kindness and let someone know they are loved. I do it with a smile and a wave. How do you do it? So, if you really want your life to change for the better, it begins by “Thinking Outside the Box.”
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