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WEEKLY

A BALDWIN CITY NEWSPAPER

RAISE A GLASS TO THE BRICKS: STEWARDSHIP OF THE IVES HARTLEY LUMBER BUILDING

In the heart of downtown Baldwin City, the historic Ives Hartley Lumberyard building has stood since 1914, serving as both a symbol of the town’s past and a cornerstone of its creative future. Today, as home to the Lumberyard Arts Center (LAC), the building continues to serve the community in vibrant ways thanks to ongoing restoration efforts and the dedication of volunteers and supporters.

Stewardship of this landmark— recognized as eligible for the Register of Historic Kansas Places—is a core responsibility of the LAC’s governing board. Their work ensures the

preservation of the building’s historic character while maintaining its role as a community resource.

The current effort, Phase II of a threephase restoration project, focuses on critical exterior improvements. Working with local restoration expert Rudy Sudja and Baldwin City’s Hometown Construction team, the LAC prioritized weatherproofing, gutter replacement, and tuck pointing to strengthen the structure and prevent water damage.

These upgrades address damage caused by winter storms in 2025 and the deterioration of mortar between the

building’s bricks—issues that could lead to more costly repairs if left unaddressed. By tackling them together, the project improves efficiency while reinforcing the building’s long-term integrity.

Work began in June 2025 on the south façade, with additional help from Patrick Deitz, who worked under Sudja’s mentorship. The project is now about 90 percent complete, with final work on the east façade expected by June 2026. Despite occasional weather delays, progress has remained steady.

Phase II builds on Phase I, completed last summer, which included

restoration of the main entrance doors and repainting of the front façade by volunteers. This effort highlighted the strong community support behind the arts center.

The $22,000 project has been funded through grants from the Douglas County Community Foundation, the Douglas County Natural and Cultural Heritage Conservation Council, and the City of Baldwin City’s façade program.

To celebrate the milestone, the LAC will host “Raise a Glass to the Bricks” on April 17 at 5:30 p.m., beginning with a ribbon cutting followed by an indoor gathering to recognize volunteers, donors, and members.

Beyond preservation, the project reflects a broader vision. The south half of the building now includes a courtyard, gallery, classroom, office space, and kitchen—made possible through strong community support.

Looking ahead, the LAC’s “Long Live the Lumberyard” initiative aims to complete the north portion of the building, creating a flexible makerspace and performing arts venue connected to Sullivan Square. This expansion will allow for more programming and help position Baldwin City as a growing cultural destination.

Community members can support the LAC through memberships, volunteering, attending programs, or contributing financially. Naming opportunities and a brick fundraiser also offer ways to leave a lasting legacy.

As the Lumberyard Arts Center celebrates its restored bricks, it also celebrates the collective effort of a community committed to preserving its history while building its creative future.

Angie Spielman.Susie and Bob Martin gather to paint at the historic Lumber Yard Arts Center in September 2024, beginning restoration work that includes fresh paint and exterior improvements; Rudy Sudja works on window restoration during the September 2024 painting project; Hometown Construction installs new guttering along the east side of the building in September 2025, continuing phased exterior upgrades.

‘BE WELL’ RETURNS AS MONTHLONG EFFORT TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY HEALTH

What began as a single-day event has grown into a month-long celebration of health, connection and community, as the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce launches its 2026 “Be Well Baldwin City” initiative this April.

Running April 1–30, Be Well invites residents of all ages to explore physical, mental and lifestyle wellness through a wide range of local events, activities and resources—all designed to make well-being more accessible and more community-driven.

“For us, it really comes down to taking care of our people,” said Dana Mullis, director of the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce. “When people feel good— physically, mentally, just in life—our whole community is stronger.”

A Month Designed for Everyone

Organizers intentionally expanded Be Well into a month-long initiative to meet people where they are.

“We realized pretty quickly that one event just wasn’t enough,” Mullis said. “There are so many different ways to ‘be well,’ and not everyone can show up at the same time.”

The month is organized into three themed segments:

Move Well (April 1–11): Focused on physical activity and movement

Think Well (April 13–18): Highlighting mental health and mindfulness

Live Well (April 19–25): Centered on overall lifestyle and daily habits

Each phase features events hosted by local businesses, organizations and health professionals, giving residents multiple opportunities to participate in ways that fit their schedules and interests.

A Community-Led Effort

This year’s Be Well initiative reflects a shift toward deeper collaboration across Baldwin City. Rather than being led solely by the Chamber, the effort is being shaped by a network of local providers and partners.

“It feels bigger, but in a good way,” Mullis said. “More people are stepping up and saying they want to be part of it, and that’s when you know it’s becoming something that really belongs to the community.”

Throughout April, participating organizations will host events ranging from educational sessions and Q&As to hands-on experiences and fitness opportunities. Events like “Ask Our Health & Wellness Experts” at the Baldwin City Community Center and classes such as the T.A.K.E. Women’s Self-Defense Course offer practical ways for residents to engage with local resources.

Local businesses also play a central role—not only by hosting events, but by showcasing the services they provide year-round.

“They’re really the heart of it,” Mullis said. “Our local businesses aren’t just here to sell something— they’re here to support the community too.”

Capstone Event Brings It All Together

The initiative will culminate in the Be Well Capstone Event on April 25 at Collins Gym, sponsored by Amplify Life Center and Baldwin City Metabolic Medicine.

The event will feature a community walk, vendor fair and interactive booths, creating an environment where attendees can learn, connect and participate.

“It’s going to be a fun, come-as-you-are kind of event,” Mullis said. “It won’t feel overwhelming—it’ll feel welcoming.”

Unlike traditional resource fairs, organizers emphasize that this event is designed to be hands-on and engaging.

“It’s not just walking around collecting flyers,” Mullis said. “You’ll actually get to experience things.”

Open to all ages, the Capstone Event is designed for families, individuals and anyone interested in exploring ways to improve their well-being.

Building a Healthier Baldwin

At its core, Be Well is about more than a single month—it’s about building lasting habits and stronger connections across the community.

“It gives people a reason to come together around something positive,” Mullis said. “You start seeing familiar faces, meeting new ones, and realizing just how many good things are happening right here in town.”

Organizers hope the initiative will leave a lasting impression, introducing residents to resources they may not have known existed and encouraging them to take small steps toward healthier lifestyles.

“If someone walks away thinking, ‘I didn’t know that was available,’ or ‘I could actually do that,’ that’s a win,” Mullis said. “It’s about planting seeds that last longer than just the month of April.”

For Mullis, the mission is personal.

“This is home,” she said. “You want your community to be a place where people feel supported and cared for, and this is one way we can show that.”

Residents can find updated event details through the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce’s website and social media pages as additional programming is finalized throughout the month.

COMMUNITY

COAL CREEK LIBRARY OPENED 2026 SEASON APRIL 5

The historic Coal Creek Library officially opened for its 2026 season on Sunday, April 5, welcoming visitors for another year of community connection and local history.

Located at 696 E. 1719 Road, about four miles north of Baldwin City, the library is open from 1 to 4 p.m. each Sunday from April through October. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, as the library may close without notice on days when temperatures exceed 90 degrees.

Founded in 1859, the Coal Creek Social Library Association has deep roots in the area. For its first four decades, books were housed in private homes and at the Vinland Grange Hall before moving into a permanent building in 1900, when more than 1,000 books were relocated to the current structure.

The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

Community members can support the library’s future by contributing to its endowment fund through the Douglas County Community Foundation.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a quiet Sunday outing, the Coal Creek Library offers a unique glimpse into Douglas County’s past.

CHAMBER SEEKING VENDORS FOR BE WELL VENDOR FAIR

CURRENTLY SEEKING VENDORS! BE WELL VENDOR FAIR

FRIDAY, APRIL 25 9 A.M.-1 P.M. BAKER UNIVERSITY’S COLLINS GYM

The event, sponsored by Amplify Life Center and Baldwin City Metabolic Medicine, serves as the capstone to a month-long community celebration focused on health and wellness. The fair will feature local businesses and organizations offering resources, services, and information that support healthy living.

Vendors of all types are encouraged to participate, especially those who promote wellness through products, services, or education. The registration fee is $25.

For more information about the event, visit the Chamber’s website. Those interested in participating can complete the vendor registration form online.

www.baldwincitychamber.com/bc-merch/p/be-wellvendor-registration

COMMUNITY

STUDENTS ORGANIZE PROTEST FOLLOWING TERMINATION OF LONG-TIME BAKER STAFF MEMBER

A student-led protest took place Monday, March 30, on the campus of Baker University following the recent termination of a longtime university staff member.

The demonstration came just days after Cassy Bailey, vice president of enrollment management, was let go from her position on Thursday, March 26. Bailey had been employed at the university for 19 years and was widely known among students for her involvement in campus life.

In the days leading up to the protest, concerns and frustration began circulating among students and alumni, including through anonymous online forums and direct outreach to local media.

One recent alum described Bailey as “a huge part of the community” and said there was “extreme backlash and frustration” surrounding the decision. The alum also noted that many feared the move could have broader implications for the university’s future.

By Monday, those concerns had taken visible form across campus.

Rather than a traditional march or rally, students organized a quieter but highly visible protest. Sidewalks near key campus locations, including outside the university president’s residence, were covered in chalk messages expressing support for Bailey and calling for accountability from university leadership. Students also gathered near the residence, holding signs.

A current student who participated in the protest described Bailey as more than an administrator.

“To me, Cassy is much more than a leader—she’s a friend and a mother figure,” the student said. “She was one of the most important people to not only me, but to so many people at this university.”

The student said news of Bailey’s termination spread quickly, initially appearing

on an anonymous app used by students before being confirmed through other channels. Many students, including those who worked closely with Bailey, said they were caught off guard.

“All of us were completely blindsided,” the student said. “After I knew the truth, I was distraught.”

According to the student, the protest was organized as a way to make student voices heard by university leadership and the Board of Trustees.

“The purpose was to let them know how outraged our community is over this situation,” the student said.

Participants said they chose a more informal style of protest—using chalk messages, signs and presence—because it felt accessible and reflective of the campus community.

“It wasn’t about being loud,” the student said. “It was about being seen.”

While the university has not publicly detailed the reasons behind Bailey’s termination, students involved in the protest said they hope the administration will acknowledge the response and engage more directly with student concerns moving forward.

“I hope people understand how much this matters to students,” the student said. “We want to feel like our voices count.”

The remaining chalk messages visible across parts of campus serve as a reminder of the demonstration and the broader concerns that prompted it.

With prom season approaching, Standard Grooming Supply is giving Baldwin-area students a chance to skip the rental line and own their look instead.

The local shop is currently offering 50% off its selection of suits through April 15, making it possible for students to purchase a full suit for around the cost of a typical rental.

The sale includes a wide range of options, from Italian-made suits to two- and three-piece styles, along with sport coats, separate pants, belts, shoes, and accessories. Customers can also find finishing touches like fragrances, skincare products, wallets, and more — everything needed to complete a polished look for prom or other formal events.

Owner Douglas Spradlin said the goal is simple: help people feel confident without overspending.

“I

want people to get what they want, look nice for their upcoming events, and feel good about the price,” Spradlin said.

Since opening in Baldwin City nearly two years ago, Spradlin has focused on creating a shop that serves both style and community. Sales like this one, he said, are about making quality clothing more accessible — especially for students preparing for milestone events.

With a variety of styles and sizes available, the sale offers an opportunity for shoppers to find something that fits their personality.

For many students, that means walking into prom with something that’s not just rented for the night, but theirs to own.

COMMUNITY BALDWIN BOYS BASKETBALL HONORED AT STATEHOUSE AFTER HISTORIC TITLE RUN

The Baldwin City High School boys basketball team’s historic season made its way to the Kansas Statehouse, where State Representative Courtney Sappington formally recognized the Bulldogs for their Class 4A state championship.

Sappington invited the team to the Capitol to celebrate the milestone — Baldwin’s first state title in program history — and to highlight the work and character behind the championship run.

“When you’re one of the smallest schools in Class 4A, you’re used to being underestimated,” Sappington said during her remarks. “But this group showed what can happen when hard work, discipline, and dedication come together.”

Players traveled to Topeka for the recognition, where they were honored on the House floor and acknowledged for representing Baldwin City on a statewide stage.

Sappington spoke about the team’s journey, noting their early-season challenges and the resilience that defined their postseason run. More than wins and losses, she emphasized the Bulldogs’ identity as a team.

She pointed to head coach Doug Blanchat’s “sled dog” philosophy — a mindset that focuses on every player embracing their role.

“Success depends on every individual doing their part,” Sappington said. “Whether you’re a lead dog, a team dog, or a wheel dog, every role matters.”

That team-first approach, she said, is what set Baldwin apart.

The recognition at the Capitol served as a moment not just to celebrate a championship, but to honor a group of student-athletes who brought pride to their community.

“They are truly Baldwin Built,” Sappington said.

SPEAKING OF BASKETBALL... BLANCHAT NAMED 4A COACH OF THE YEAR

As if Baldwin’s historic season needed another headline, head coach Don Blanchat has been named the 2026 Sports in Kansas 4A Boys Coach of the Year.

The honor comes after leading the Bulldogs to a 22–6 record and the program’s first-ever state championship — a season that, by all accounts, came together at exactly the right time.

“It was a season with high

expectations,” Blanchat said in a recent interview with The Maple Weekly. “At times people doubted what may happen at the end, but the players and coaching staff always believed, and when March hit, we were playing our best basketball.”

Blanchat is in his sixth season as Baldwin’s head coach, compiling an 88–52 record while building the Bulldogs into a consistent contender. Before taking over the program, he served as an assistant at Baldwin and spent more than a decade coaching at Mankato High and Osawatomie, developing programs and shaping his coaching philosophy along the way.

That experience — and steady belief in his players — paid off this season as Baldwin navigated one of the toughest leagues in the state and peaked in March.

With a historic title now in hand and Coach of the Year honors to match, Blanchat’s impact on the program is clear — and still growing.

EASTER TRAIN DELIVERS SPRINGTIME FUN FOR BALDWIN FAMILIES AND VISITORS

Baldwin City saw an influx of visitors over two spring weekends as families from across the region boarded the Rabbit Rocket Easter Train for a one-of-a-kind seasonal experience.

The event ran March 27–28 and April 3–4, with two departure times offered each day. Each ride combined a scenic round-trip train journey with a stop at an activity site filled with Easter-themed fun for kids and families.

Passengers traveled along the rail line before arriving at the activity area, where children took part in hands-on crafts like painting wooden train whistles, along with organized Easter egg hunts divided by age group.

Families also had the opportunity to interact with live rabbits, lambs, and other animals, and meet a costumed favorite, Conductor Cottontail.

Beyond the egg hunts, the event featured a variety of outdoor activities, including a bounce house, cornhole, and group games

like three-legged races, rabbit limbo, and rabbit ear ring toss. Face painting was added for the second weekend, offering even more ways for kids to join in the fun.

The experience lasted roughly two and a half to three hours, combining time on the train with time at the activity site. Riders could choose between enclosed, climate-controlled cars or open-air seating, and private cabooses were available for larger groups.

While early spring weather can be unpredictable, it didn’t deter families from making the trip — many of them traveling from outside Baldwin to take part in the event.

That steady flow of visitors provided a boost beyond the tracks, bringing added traffic to local shops, restaurants, and businesses throughout the community.

Blending a scenic ride with classic Easter traditions, the Rabbit Rocket Easter Train once again proved to be more than just a family outing — it’s an event that continues to put Baldwin on the map each spring.

EVENTS

April 6

Movie Nite

Baldwin City Library, 6 pm

April 8

Baldwin High School Avant Release Party and Opening Reception

Lumberyard Arts Center, 5:30 – 7 pm

April 9

BC Chamber of Commerce Luncheon

Baldwin City Community Center, 12-1 pm

April 10

Spoken Word

Lumberyard Arts Center, 7 pm

April 10

Free Coffee and Donut

Homestead Kitchen + Bakery 9 - 10:30 am

COMMUNITY

UNFILTERED TRUTH

THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX

By Jeanine Ross

What is truth? Have you ever heard the phrase, “I just tell it like it is” or “If you can’t take the truth, don’t ask me.” Does that pretty much sum up how you express truth? Well, let me give you another way to think of it. I think of truth as subjective. I mean, it has to be, because every experience we have is filtered through what we’ve experienced, our understanding of those experiences, and our beliefs. Take the word normal for instance, it’s only normal if the majority of people think that way or act that way. So what is unfiltered truth? Let’s explore!

Since truth is collective, which means what most people accept as true, can there be a truth that is not yet accepted by the masses? Can that truth start as being considered nonsense, then change over time? Of course it can, and it frequently does! So if truth can be swayed by the thoughts and beliefs of the masses, what is truth? These are the kinds of questions I ask myself that can set me on a journey that can last weeks or months or sometimes years! But the answers are so profound that they will change my life and my direction in an instant. This question is one of those profound changes in my life. Want the answer?

The truth is always the truth, and it never changes. It is how we see it that changes. For instance, it is true that humanity is always moving. Some would call that movement progressive, and if they say it long enough and loud enough, we will start to teach it to our children, repeat it to our friends, and try to be the first to live in that progressive movement. But some would say it is a step backwards, away from the original intent of humankind. They would argue that from the beginning of time, humans were intended to live off the land and care for the land because the land has and still does provide everything we will ever need. Who wins? The one with the loudest, most persuasive point of view that’s who. And society will build its next truth on that collective belief that human movement is progressive and therefore more desirable.

Sometimes, both versions will live side by side, and humankind will choose whatever version suits them, (as is proven by those who live off the grid), but society will always be driven by who is the loudest and most persuasive, and it will always be self-serving but the truth is, humanity is always moving, no matter what direction it’s going in. If you start with that premise, you will never be fooled, no matter how loud societal static becomes, and you and only you get to choose how it moves for you.

If you want to know the truth, stop listening to the loudest, most persuasive, and cut back all the rhetoric and fancy explanations to the simplest foundational beginning. Humanity is always moving. Get out of the herd that is collectively marching to its slaughter and decide for yourself how it will move for you.

So, if you really want your life to change for the better, it begins by “Thinking Outside the Box.”

OBITUARY

KATIE LYNNE GLEICHMAN

Katie Lynne Gleichman, 42, of Baldwin City, KS,

passed away Wednesday March 25, 2026 after a long battle with cancer, surrounded by family at her home. She was born January 17, 1984 in Wichita KS, the daughter of Don and Judy (Reynolds) Harkin. Judy later married Steve Stout, and together they gave Katie and Maggie a foundation of ever-loving care and support. She graduated from Derby High School in 2002. Katie earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication from Wichita State University in 2007. Katie worked for Brookdale Senior Living for 13 years. She was an active member of the Lighthouse Baptist Church in Baldwin City, KS.

She was united in marriage to her best friend, Joe C. Gleichman on June 16, 2013 in Mulvane, Kansas. They shared over twelve years of marriage and created 3 beautiful daughters ~ Alayna, Eleanor and Josie.

Faith was one of Katie’s defining qualities. Her ease in trusting her Father was authentic, and her faith steadfast. One only had to spend a few moments with Katie to know that

faith and family were her life’s loves and priorities. Katie was brilliant, warm, determined and had a “take charge” attitude, all delivered with a big smile and brighter spirit. All these attributes contributed to her success at work and with relationships ~ her kindness invited people in and she was always adding to her loving connections. These qualities also fueled her fight against cancer; she fought with strength, determination and a sense of hope that never faltered. She shared an unbreakable bond with her sister, Maggie. They lived life side-byside, even thousands of miles apart. We celebrate that they are side-by-side once again. Katie’s loves of her life were Joe, Eleanor and Josie. Katie loved every part of being a wife and mother. Joe was her best friend; they shared many adventures and had so much fun together. They created a strong, loving and faithful foundation that Eleanor and Josie will have with them forever.

She was preceded in death by her loving grandparents, George and Betty Reynolds, father, Don Harkin; daughter, Alayna Gleichman; sister, Maggie Butterfield; uncle, Terry Reynolds; and cousin, Ronni Reynolds.

Katie is survived and so loved by her husband, Joe Gleichman, and two daughters, Eleanor and Josie Gleichman all of the home;

her parents, Judy and Steve Stout, Mulvane, KS; brothers Bryan Harkin and wife Jodi, Topeka, KS and Nick Stout and Deanna, Portland, OR; sister, Tabitha Stout of Prairie Village, KS; brother-inlaw, Arlee Butterfield and nieces Madelynne, Maylee and Abigail of Baldwin City, KS; many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins; her lifelong Wichita loves/girls, Jenny Van Tassell, Molly Monier, Mandy London and Megan Harper, and dogs, Daisy and Minnie.

We will all remember Katie as a devoted and loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend whose legacies are her daughters, her beautiful example of faith and the tapestry of family and friends she wove throughout time and years and love.

Katie’s Celebration of Life will be held 10 a.m., Friday, April 3, 2026 at the Lighthouse Baptist Church, 700 Chapel Street, Baldwin City, KS 66006. Interment will follow at the Oakwood Cemetery, Baldwin City, KS. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 2, 2026 at the Lighthouse Baptist Church. Flower arrangements and plants may be sent to the Lighthouse Baptist Church. Memorial contributions to Gleichman Family Fund, established to support Joe, Eleanor and Josie may be made at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ gleichman-family-fund