BALDWIN HIGH SCHOOL EARNS MULTIPLE
JESTER
AWARDS
NOMINATIONS
Baldwin High School’s fall musical production is earning statewide recognition, with students and directors receiving multiple nominations for the 2026 Jester Awards.
The Jester Awards, a program of Music Theatre Wichita, celebrates excellence in high school musical theatre across Kansas and is often considered the high school equivalent of the Tony Awards.
This year, Baldwin’s production of The Little Mermaid received nominations
in several major categories, highlighting both on-stage performances and behindthe-scenes work.
Among the top honors, director Miss Jacobsen was nominated for Best Direction of a Show. Senior Petra Morris earned a nomination for Best Leading Performer for her role as Ariel, while Rylee Webb was nominated for Best Supporting Performer for portraying Flounder.
The production was also recognized for its ensemble and technical strength,
earning nominations for Best Small Ensemble (the Mersisters), Best Stage Crew, and Technical Achievement for stage manager Ali Peterson. Costume designers Sarah Taylor and Angela Dorsey were also nominated in the Best Design Guest category.
In addition to statewide nominations, Baldwin received several Region 4 honors, recognizing excellence within its judging region. Those honors included Outstanding Production, along with additional performer and technical recognitions.
PLEASE NOTE: THE CORRECT DATE FOR THE “RAISE A GLASS TO THE BRICKS AFTERPARTY” IS FRIDAY, APRIL 17.
Brooklyn Taylor was recognized as a leading performer for the role of Sebastian, and Isabel Walker earned honors as a supporting performer for portraying Ursula. The production number “Under the Sea” was also recognized, along with awards for vocal music direction (Shelby Hanna), choreography (Kelley Bethell-Smith), sound design, lighting design (Jake Dutton), and program design.
The 24th annual Jester Awards ceremony will take place Sunday, May 3 at Century II Performing Arts Center in Wichita. Students from across Kansas will attend the event, which includes performances, a red carpet experience, and the announcement of award winners.
For Baldwin High School, the nominations reflect months of work from students, directors, and crew members.
“It’s a great day to be a Bulldog,” organizers
shared in announcing the honors.
13
SUPPORT FILLS ROOM AS BULLPEN LEASE DISCUSSIONS CONTINUE
Ongoing discussions between the City of Baldwin City and The Bullpen owner Niki Manbeck continued into April, drawing a large and deeply engaged crowd of community supporters.
The conversation began at the March 13 City Council meeting, where Manbeck addressed council members regarding a proposed new lease for the downtown building, which is owned by the city. During that meeting, she raised concerns about the terms presented and expressed a desire to negotiate an agreement that would allow her to continue operating under more sustainable conditions.
City officials indicated at the time that the proposed lease was part of broader efforts to standardize agreements and responsibly manage city-owned properties.
The discussion returned at the April 7 City Council meeting, where public interest had clearly grown. A strong turnout filled the room, with many attending in support of The Bullpen. Despite the size of the crowd, the atmosphere remained notably calm and respectful throughout the meeting. The mayor even took a moment to acknowledge and thank those in attendance for their respectful presence.
During public comment, several residents spoke about the importance of The Bullpen to the community, citing its role in downtown activity, local events and as a gathering space. One speaker specifically urged the council to be thoughtful in how the situation is handled, emphasizing that decisions made now could have lasting impacts on both the business community and public trust.
Support for The Bullpen has also
extended beyond longtime residents, with Baker University students making a visible effort to show up and advocate for the business, highlighting its role as a social and community hub for students as well.
In addition to the discussion surrounding The Bullpen specifically, council members also talked about how situations like this will be handled moving forward. The conversation touched on the importance of having clearer, more consistent processes in place when working with tenants in city-owned properties, including how lease terms are presented, reviewed and negotiated. Officials emphasized the need for transparency and consistency, while also acknowledging the value of communication with local business owners early in the process.
Speakers encouraged both the city and Manbeck to continue working toward a solution that would allow the business to remain open in its current location.
Council members reiterated that discussions are ongoing and that no final decision has been made regarding the lease. Officials noted the need to balance support for local businesses with the city’s responsibility to manage public assets fairly and consistently.
The situation remains fluid following the April 7 meeting, with both sides continuing conversations.
As negotiations move forward, many in the community say they hope a resolution can be reached that preserves The Bullpen’s place in downtown Baldwin City.
The issue is expected to return for further discussion at a future council meeting.
COMMUNITY
CITY COUNCIL RECAP - APRIL 7, 2026
The Baldwin City Council covered a wide range of city business during its April 7 meeting, including updates on city operations, future planning discussions and continued conversations surrounding leases of city-owned properties.
Public comment and Bullpen discussion draw large turnout
A significant portion of the evening’s attention centered on ongoing lease discussions involving The Bullpen, a downtown business operating in a city-owned building.
A large crowd attended the meeting in support of the business, filling the room. Despite the high turnout, the audience remained quiet and respectful throughout the proceedings, a point acknowledged by the mayor during the meeting.
Several individuals spoke during public comment, sharing perspectives on the importance of local businesses and encouraging thoughtful decisionmaking by the council. Additional discussion included how similar lease situations should be handled in the future, with an emphasis on consistency and communication.
Council members noted that discussions regarding the lease are ongoing, and no final action was taken. Read more in the story on the left.
City administration updates
City staff provided updates on ongoing projects and day-to-day operations, including coordination between departments and continued efforts to maintain city services.
Officials discussed the importance of long-term planning, particularly as it relates to managing city-owned properties, infrastructure
needs and community growth.
Lease
and property management considerations
In addition to the specific Bullpen discussion, council members reviewed broader considerations related to city-owned properties and lease agreements.
The conversation included the need for:
Clear and consistent lease structures
Defined expectations for tenants
Improved communication during negotiation processes
Council members emphasized the importance of balancing fairness across tenants while also recognizing the unique role some businesses play within the community.
Financial and operational items
The council reviewed routine financial items and operational approvals as part of the consent agenda. These items typically include expenditures, approvals of prior meeting minutes and ongoing contractual obligations necessary for city operations.
No major concerns were raised, and the council moved efficiently through these items.
Looking ahead
Council members indicated that several ongoing topics—including lease discussions and policy considerations—will return for further review at future meetings.
The next Baldwin City Council meeting is scheduled for April 21 at the Community Center.
COMMUNITY
B.E.S.T. HOSTING GEAR SHOP TO SUPPORT BALDWIN YOUTH
A local nonprofit is working to make sure every Baldwin student has the opportunity to participate, grow and gain real-world experiences.
Building Experiences Support Team (B.E.S.T.) will host a Gear Shop from 4 to 8 p.m. on April 16, offering families access to donated sports equipment while encouraging the community to give back.
The event is designed to help offset the rising costs of youth activities, especially sports, where equipment needs can quickly change as kids grow. Through the Gear Shop, donated items will be available for youth to pick up in exchange for a donation, helping ensure no student is left out due to cost.
Community members are also encouraged to donate gently used equipment. Items that are no longer needed or have been outgrown can be reused by other local youth,
creating a cycle of support within Baldwin.
B.E.S.T., a Baldwin-based nonprofit, focuses on expanding opportunities for students through handson learning and real-world experiences. In addition to providing access to equipment, the organization has already made an impact through scholarships and direct support.
Last year, B.E.S.T. awarded $500 in scholarships to five youth for travel and summer camps, helping students access opportunities they may not otherwise have had.
The group has also helped provide funding for sports gear purchases and launched a Baldwin Gear Swap to further support families.
Looking ahead, B.E.S.T. has set goals for 2026 that include growing community sponsorships, continuing gear swap opportunities, expanding quarterly philanthropy
WANT TO BE SEEN?
BCRC UPDATES
Pool Passes & Aquatics
Pool passes for the 2026 season are now available, with an early bird discount offered through April. Those with an existing scan card can renew by calling 785-594-3670. New or replacement cards must be purchased in person at the BCRC office, 712 Chapel St.
Registration is also open for swim lessons, including Parent-Tot, Aqua Tot and Levels 1–6, as well as private lessons for ages 3 and up. The Baldwin City Barracudas Swim Team is open to swimmers ages 6 and older who can swim 25 yards unassisted. Coached by senior lifeguards and former competitive swimmers, the program includes four meets and focuses on building confidence and technique.
Private Pool Parties
Reservations for private pool parties open April 13, offering two hours of exclusive pool access for $230.
Community Events
Registration is now open for Thunder on the Bricks, set for May 9. The classic
car show welcomes cars and motorcycles, with the first 200 registrants receiving a commemorative dash plaque.
Youth Summer Programs
A variety of youth programs are available, including a soccer camp hosted by BHS programs June 8–12, along with tennis camp led by BHS Head Coach Jim Ashcraft and players. Programs are offered for multiple age groups.
Adult Activities
Adults can participate in the Bulldog Open golf simulator tournament (May 11–15), a beginner pickleball class, or a free women’s self-defense course focused on safety awareness and practical skills.
Facility Rentals
Graduation party reservations at the Community Center and Golf Course Clubhouse are filling quickly. Call 785594-3670 to reserve your space.
For more information or to register, visit the BCRC website or call 785-594-3670.
efforts and increasing the number of scholarships available to local students.
Organizers say the mission is centered on building experiences that help youth develop lifelong skills — both on and off the field.
B.E.S.T. is also inviting community partners and sponsors to help expand its impact. Support helps provide tools, materials and resources that keep programs strong and accessible.
Those interested in supporting B.E.S.T. can scan the QR code on the flyer, visit bestofbaldwin.org, or email B.E.S.T.ofBaldwin@outlook.com
For organizers, the goal is simple: open doors for Baldwin youth and create opportunities that last far beyond a single season.
Baldwin High School track and field athletes delivered a standout performance Thursday at the Baldwin Invitational, breaking records and earning multiple firstplace finishes in front of a home crowd at Baker University’s Liston Stadium.
The night was highlighted by a pair of record-breaking individual performances and a dominant showing in the relays.
Kami Moore set a new Baldwin Invitational meet record in the 800-meter run, finishing in 2:19.34 to claim first place and etch her name into the meet’s history.
Shea Griffith added another milestone performance, setting a new school record in the 2000-meter steeplechase with a time of 7:43.22, a mark that currently ranks among the top 10 times in the nation. Griffith also took first place in the event.
Baldwin’s girls 4x400-meter relay team continued the record-breaking night, running a 4:05.61 to set a new school record and break the previous Baldwin Invitational meet record of 4:08. The team included Griffith, Emme Nigh, Cheyenne Brunker and Moore.
The Bulldogs found success across the board in both individual and team events.
RECORDS FALL AS BALDWIN SHINES AT HOME INVITATIONAL KINDERGARTEN ROUND-UP SET FOR APRIL 21–22 AT PRIMARY CENTER
Families with incoming kindergarteners are invited to take the next step in their child’s education as Baldwin Elementary’s Primary Center prepares for its annual Kindergarten Round-Up.
A Parent Information Night will be held Tuesday, April 21 from 5:00 to 5:30 p.m. in the Primary Center cafeteria. The session is designed to help families understand what to expect as their child enters kindergarten, including school procedures, readiness expectations and important next steps. Parents will also be asked
On the girls side, Irelyn Kennedy earned a first-place finish in the 1600-meter run, joining Moore and Griffith as individual event winners.
The boys team also turned in strong performances, highlighted by Brendan O’Connor sweeping the throwing events with wins in both the discus and shot put. Andrew Bailey added a third-place finish in the high jump, while Jordan Wilson placed third in the long jump.
In relay competition, Baldwin dominated. The boys and girls both captured first place in the 4x400-meter relay, while the boys also secured a win in the 4x800-meter relay.
The boys 4x400 team of Ethan Smasal, Tucker Flory, Jackson Rood and Kasey Hamrick finished with a time of 3:30.29. In the 4x800, Smasal, Flory, Landon Whaley and Hamrick took first in 8:48.34.
As a team, the Baldwin boys placed fourth overall, while the girls finished sixth in the annual meet.
With multiple records broken and strong finishes across events, the Bulldogs continue to build momentum early in the track and field season.
to complete a brief survey during the event.
Kindergarten RoundUp sessions for students will take place the following day, Wednesday, April 22, with two options available: 9:00–9:45 a.m. and 1:00–1:45 p.m. Families are encouraged to sign up in advance for the session that works best for them.
The event is open to children who will be 5 years old on or before August 31, 2026, including those not currently enrolled in the Primary Center’s Early Childhood Program.
School officials encourage
USD 348
all eligible families to attend, noting that Kindergarten RoundUp is an important opportunity for students and parents to become familiar with the school environment and expectations before the start of the school year.
For questions or assistance with registration, families can contact the Primary Center office at 785-594-2444 or email adorsey@usd348.com
.Staff say they look forward to welcoming the next class of kindergarteners and their families.
“We can’t wait to meet you and your future student.”
PRESCHOOL ENROLLMENT NOW OPEN AT BALDWIN ELEMENTARY PRIMARY CENTER
Preschool enrollment for the 2026–27 school year is now open at Baldwin Elementary Primary Center.
Families with children who will be 3 or 4 years old by May 31, 2026 are encouraged to apply. Enrollment includes a required developmental screening, which helps assess key areas of growth and readiness.
School officials note that spots fill quickly and encourage families to apply as soon as possible.
Families who were on the 2025–26 waitlist must reapply for the upcoming school year but will receive priority scheduling for screening appointments.
To apply or learn more, visit: usd348.com → Early Childhood Application
U.S. 56 PROJECT BETWEEN GARDNER AND BALDWIN CITY RESUMES NEXT WEEK
A Kansas Department of Transportation pavement improvement project on U.S. 56 in Douglas and Johnson counties, from approximately 10th Street in Baldwin City to S. Poplar Street in Gardner, is scheduled to resume Monday, March 23, conditions permitting.
The project, which includes overlay and pavement marking, will be active following the winter shut down period and will restart on the east side of Edgerton. Project work is permitted Monday through Saturday, during daylight hours.
In areas where work is taking place, flaggers and a pilot car operation will direct traffic in limited 1.5-mile work zones. Traffic will be additionally managed with changeable message boards, signage and traffic cones. Motorists are advised to expect brief delays.
Bettis Asphalt & Construction, Inc., of Topeka, is the contractor for the $6.9 million project, expected to be completed in May 2026.
KDOT urges motorists to stay alert and follow posted signs in all work zones. For current road conditions, visit KanDrive.gov or call 511. For updates on highway projects in northeast Kansas, visit ksdot.gov.
April 13
Not Your Typical Book Club Baldwin City Library, 12:30-2 pm
April 14
Second Tuesdays Are for BEF
Baldwin City Beer Company
Support a locally owned business and BEF at the same time when you eat at the BCBC on each 2nd Tuesday of the month!
April 15 BookTALK
Baldwin City Library, 7pm
April 17
Happy Hour
Baldwin City Distillery, 5-7 pm
April 17
Raise a Glass to the Bricks Lumberyard Arts Center, 5:30 -7 pm
April 18
Our Local History Series
The Underground Railroad Through Quilts Baldwin City Library, 12-2 pm
April 18
the Bricks Classic Car Show Downtown Baldwin City
May 20 Last Day of School Ice Cream Social Downtown Baldwin City, 3:30-5:30 pm
HAVE YOU MADE PLANS FOR YOUR STASH?
Lately I’ve been contemplating my fabric and UFO stash. Like most quilters, there are dribs and drabs everywhere. There is the walk-in closet in the master/ sewing studio, the tubs under the ironing table, the projects in the drawers of the Koala cabinet, the quilt tops waiting to be quilted in two tubs under the quilting machine, and the multiple tubs and totes in the garage. Thinking about it is overwhelming at times… Will I live long enough to even touch some of those fabrics again? A popular quilting acronym I share with my beginning quilting students is SABLE— Stash Accumulated Beyond Life Expectancy. Most quilters would probably agree that we nearly all have such a fabric collection.
I’ve begun pulling a few bags out of the closet that were given to me over the years with projects I’ll never touch. I’m also thinning my book collection, albeit it’s still way too big. Several books I’ve found duplicates of meaning I liked it so much I bought it a second time, not realizing I already owned it! Slowly I’m adding books, a few vintage tops and sets of vintage blocks, and even some sets of seven panels that we are likely never going to get to on my Gypsy Dreamer Quilts Etsy shop. Just in the last few days I’ve had three sales, which is a great thing! Adding these items to my Etsy is allowing me to pass along items I’ve purchased or “inherited” from wellmeaning friends who know I’m a quilter to others who will actually finish them. It’s time for some of these things to go to new homes and leave my overly cluttered closet.
The other reason I’ve been thinking about my stash is I lost my best friend Cheryl Lowrance last October to longcovid. She had become my travel buddy, first to retreats as far away as Oklahoma, and then on my travels doing trunk shows and workshops for guilds across the heartland. Cheryl left behind a huge stash, a whole collection of sewing machines, and so much more. I have been encouraging her daughter to bless and release what she and her daughters won’t use. Jess and her girls are not quilters, although there’s some interest in possibly becoming quilters at some point. They are going through the tubs of fabric and pulling their favorites, pulling favorite patterns, and deciding which UFOs to save. Cheryl loved rescuing vintage tops to someday finish, but at some point, when is enough enough? Slowly, the girls have been connected with quilters from both of the quilt guilds Cheryl belonged to and they have each taken totes full of fabric and quilting related notions to share with the larger guild memberships through fund raisers or free tables.
Since Cheryl passed, at least three more quilt guild members have passed and other quilters are working with their families, helping them sort through the stashes— gifting, donating, or selling items that the family will never use. Patriotic fabric has been making its way to my home since I chair the local Quilts of Valor group in our area. The red, white & blue tub is already overflowing; however, with the help of the Valor group members, we are turning much of the fabric into kits for quilters to take and make the tops, bring them back to us for quilting, and ultimately gifting to veterans in November. Knowing it will all be used, I don’t refuse those donated fabrics for such a wonderful cause.
In my own case, I suspect my older daughter will at least attempt to claim most of my stash and machines. She wants to become a quilter but won’t have time until she no longer is juggling an already retired husband, an almost-middle schooler and three jobs. In my musings, I’m trying to be proactive and at least start to lessen the number of projects and yards of fabric lurking all over my house. In the last few months, I completed four quilts— several of which were longburied UFOs—that were gifted and have several more that will leave my house later this year. I’ve also learned how to use the longarm at Quilters’ Paradise and am conceding that I won’t ever have enough time to piece the quilts I want to make AND quilt them myself on my sit-down HandiQuilter, as it takes days to quilt what I can do in a single day on the longarm.
While most people of a certain age contemplate how their estate may be divided up after they pass, quilters like me tend to have little of value beyond their priceless stash that deserves to be loved long after they’re gone. Have you planned what will happen to your stash?
TIMELESS STITCHES
By Sharon Vesecky & Liz Granberg-Jerome
COMMUNITY
THE WORD BUT
THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX
By Jeanine Ross
I like to think I’m a pretty good listener. That means, I listen to your words and observe your body language and notice the things you don’t say. I truly want to understand and respond to what you actually intended to say, so I will also sometimes repeat what I heard and ask if that is what you meant.
But I haven’t always been a good listener. For years, before I learned how to listen and what that actually meant, I was a person who was simply quiet while I was waiting for my turn to speak. I caught enough words to be able to respond in a more clever way, but I wasn’t interested in understanding the speaker. I was more interested in my response and how brilliant it made me look.
Unfortunately, many people “listen” in the same way as I used to, which is to say, they don’t listen at all! As a result, the word “but” is frequently used. When that singular word is used, it discounts everything that was said before and implies that what you have to say is more important. When you are actually listening to someone for the purpose of understanding, but is not a word to be used!
The word “but” literally means “used to introduce a phrase.” If you are introducing a phase, you have ignored the words and phrases that were already introduced. Can you see how dismissive that word is when you are supposed to be listening and understanding someone else’s point of view?
If someone says to you, “You hurt my feelings,” and your response is “But I didn’t mean to,” you have completely dismissed their feelings without an apology or admission. Instead, you have defended your insensitivity and basically ignored their pain with that simple word, which is always followed by a defensive statement.
When you are listening to someone else’s point of view and your goal is to have a conversation, you must first fully understand that point of view before you can comment on it or introduce your own point of view.
I think the word “but” should be eliminated in every conversation where understanding is the goal. If you consider yourself a good listener, “but” (not listening, introducing here), others have said you never listen to me, maybe you should consider how you’re listening, and if your goal is to understand or to win, or to introduce your point of view without regard for anybody else’s.
The word “but” is a tiny word, so it is often overlooked, but the implications of this tiny word are enormous! There is a famous quote (I’m not sure by whom) that says, “watch your pennies and your dollars will take care of themselves.” I think that is also true of the words we choose. Just because they are small does not mean they are insignificant. When you choose your words wisely, you never have to explain yourself.
So, if you really want your life to change for the better, it begins by “Thinking Outside the Box.”
OBITUARY
GLENN CHARLES ROCKERS
Feb. 26, 1942-March 29, 2026
Glenn Charles Rockers, 84, of Baldwin City, Kansas died Sunday, March 29, 2026 at the University of Kansas Hospice House in Olathe, Kansas.
He was born February 26, 1942 to Charles and Clara Rockers in Baldwin City, Kansas.
On June 11, 1966, Glenn was united in marriage to Joanne Brown. They celebrated almost 32 years of loving marriage together until Joanne’s passing on June 9, 1998.
Glenn attended Baldwin City schools and took over his father’s excavating business in 1968. He spent the next 57 years doing conservation work in Douglas, Franklin, Wyandotte, Miami, and Osage counties. He won several first place contractor awards in Douglas County. Glenn belonged to the Kansas Land Improvement Contractors Association for 55 years and was elected President in 1995. While president, he formed a group to build a pond for a 12 year old boy with cancer through the Make a Wish Foundation. He was very proud to do this! He was named Midwest Contractors’ first place award in 1985. On October 8, 2003, Glenn was awarded a Conservation Contractor award from the Mid America Association of Conservation Districts. He was also awarded the Kansas Bankers Association Award on 2 different farms, the latest in 2016. In 2017, Glenn was forced into retirement after an accident.
Glenn was a charter member of the Lawrence Corvette Club and the Baldwin Knights of Columbus. Before his accident, he was an avid motorcycle rider and supported many charity runs. He enjoyed car shows and entering his classic cars.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Joanne Rockers; his parents, Charles and Clara Rockers; and three brothers, Leon, Daryl, and Vernon Rockers.
He is survived by a son, Nicholas “Nick” Rockers of Lawrence, KS; a daughter, Sherri Zerr and her husband, Darren, of Baldwin City, KS; a brother, Raymond Rockers of California; and a sister, Gloria Beach and, Joe of Lawrence, KS.
At Glenn’s request, there will be no public service, a celebration of life will occur at a later date. Inurnment will occur at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Baldwin City, KS. Memorial contributions may be made to Prairie Paws Animal Shelter or Breakthrough T1D (formerly J.D.R.F. or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) and sent c/o Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 64, Baldwin City, KS 66006. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com.
