A BALDWIN CITY NEWSPAPER
NEW SCHOOL YEAR NEARLY HERE
Summer break is quickly winding down, and classrooms across Baldwin City will soon be filled with students once again as USD 348 prepares for the start of the 2026-27 school year.
In a recent letter to families, Superintendent Mark Dodge welcomed students and parents back while sharing important reminders about registration, back-to-school events and construction updates at Baldwin High School. Families who have not yet completed online registration are encouraged to do so by Tuesday, Aug. 4, to help ensure students are enrolled and placed in their classes before the school year begins.
One of the biggest events leading up to the first day of school is Back-to-School Night on Tuesday, Aug. 11, giving students and families an opportunity to meet teachers, tour buildings and prepare for the year ahead.
The evening will include:
3:30–4:30 p.m. – Baldwin High School Open House (guided tours at 3:30, 3:45 and 4 p.m.)
5–6 p.m. – Baldwin Primary Center Back-to-School Night
5:30–6:30 p.m. – Baldwin Intermediate Center Back-toSchool Night
6:30–7:30 p.m. – Baldwin Junior High Back-to-School Night (8th-grade students touring BHS will meet in the Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m.)
An additional Baldwin High School Information Night is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 18, from 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Classes begin on Wednesday, Aug. 12, with a half day for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Sixth-grade and ninth-grade orientation students will also attend that morning. The first full day of school for all K-12 students will be Thursday, Aug. 13, while preschool
students will begin classes on Monday, Aug. 17.
Families can also look forward to the Baldwin Elementary PTO’s annual Bullpup Block Party on Friday, Aug. 21, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. This year’s carnivalthemed celebration will be held inside the Baldwin Primary Center, giving everyone a chance to enjoy the air conditioning while celebrating the new school year. Admission includes free inflatables, carnival games and cotton candy. Concessions will be available for purchase with meal tickets, which may be purchased in advance once the ticket link is released. The evening will also feature a raffle with prizes and services donated by local businesses. Raffle tickets will be available for $1 each, six for $5 or 25 for $20, with proceeds benefiting the Baldwin Elementary PTO.
Dodge also provided an update on the construction project at Baldwin High School. While shipping delays pushed completion of the new Career and Technical Education (CTE) building into mid- to late September, he said the renovated classroom spaces inside the building
will be ready when students return.
Because construction is still underway, buses will continue using the Performing Arts Center entrance for Baldwin Junior High and Baldwin High School student drop-off and pick-up during the first quarter. However, Dodge noted the new enclosed breezeway is expected to be ready for the start of the school year.
The superintendent thanked the Baldwin community for supporting the bond projects and said he looks forward to seeing students return for another year of learning.
Reflecting on the excitement of a new school year, Dodge shared a quote from his youngest child that resonated with him.
“Each new school year is like a new chapter in my story.” Dodge said those words perfectly capture the opportunities a new school year brings and thanked families for allowing USD 348 to be part of each student’s journey.
For more information about registration and the upcoming school year, visit www.usd348.com
GUILTY PLEA
Nearly four years after gunfire shattered the windows of The Bullpen Bar and endangered families leaving the Baldwin City Library, the criminal case connected to the incident has reached a major milestone.
On July 22, Junah Augustus Sisney, 23, pleaded guilty in Douglas County District Court to one count of attempted first-degree murder, one count of attempted second-degree murder and one count of aggravated assault.
The charges stem from a Dec. 30, 2022, incident in which Sisney admitted to firing a handgun while driving past the Baldwin City Library as a child’s birthday party was leaving the building. He also admitted to firing at customers outside The Bullpen Bar on two separate occasions, striking one of the bar’s windows. No injuries were reported.
Sisney was arrested in December 2022, with formal charges filed on Jan. 3, 2023. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 8 in Douglas County District Court.
For Bullpen owner Niki Manbeck, the guilty plea marks the first real sense that the case is nearing an end after years of uncertainty.
“From my understanding, the case took longer because there were competency evaluations and other legal delays,” Manbeck said. “Right before the original trial was set to begin, I was notified I no longer needed to appear, and the case was postponed again. Like everyone else, I’ve just been waiting for the legal process to run its course.”
Manbeck said she was caught off guard when she learned Sisney had entered a guilty plea.
“I was honestly surprised to hear he entered a guilty plea,” she said. “I’m still waiting to learn more about the plea agreement and sentencing, but it’s good
to see the case finally moving toward a resolution after all this time.”
Although Manbeck was not at The Bullpen the night of the shooting, she said watching the surveillance footage afterward was difficult.
“I’ve heard from several customers who were there that night, and they’re relieved the case is finally reaching this point,” she said. “I wasn’t at the Bullpen when it happened, but after watching the security footage, it was terrifying. I can’t imagine what our customers and staff experienced that night.”
The Bullpen had been open for just over a year when the shooting occurred, and Manbeck said the unexpected closure on a busy Friday night raised immediate concerns about the business’s future.
“I worried about the financial impact and whether people would feel comfortable coming back,” she said.
Instead, she said, Baldwin City rallied around the business.
“Looking back, what stands out most to me is how our community responded,” Manbeck said. “The Baldwin City Police Department did an incredible job bringing the situation under control quickly. Public Works also stepped in right away to board up our damaged windows so we could begin moving forward.”
She said the support from customers and neighbors quickly erased many of her fears.
“The Baldwin City community showed up for us in a big way,” she said. “The support we received reminded me just how special this community is. It really does take a village.”
Sisney is scheduled to be sentenced in Douglas County District Court on Sept. 8 at 9 a.m. As the case moves toward that final step, Manbeck said she hopes the guilty plea provides a measure of closure—not only for herself, but also for the staff, customers and community members who were affected.
PARENTS NIGHT OUT FUNDRAISER
COMMUNITY
BALDWIN CITY COUNCIL APPROVES FOOD
TRUCK ORDINANCE, ADVANCES U.S. 56 PROJECT
The Baldwin City Council approved a new food truck ordinance, adopted the city’s annual updates to municipal offense and traffic codes, and authorized the next phase of the long-awaited U.S. Highway 56 improvement project during its July 21 meeting. The council also discussed ongoing budget planning and heard updates on public works projects across the community.
Food Truck Ordinance Adopted
After being tabled from the previous meeting, the council unanimously approved Food Truck Ordinance No. 1537.
Councilmember Jay King, who helped lead development of the ordinance alongside Councilmember Cory Venable, said there was nothing new to add following the previous discussion. Mayor Gerald Cullumber thanked both councilmembers for the work they put into crafting the ordinance before the measure passed unanimously.
Annual Code Updates Approved
Council also approved the city’s annual adoption of the Uniform Public Offense Code (Ordinance No. 1538) and the Standard Traffic Ordinance (Ordinance No. 1539).
Police Chief Mike Patrick explained the adoptions are routine each year and reflect updates made statewide, ranging from clerical revisions to legal changes. Both ordinances were approved unanimously following roll-call votes.
U.S. Highway 56 Project Moves
Toward Construction
One of the evening’s largest discussions
centered on the long-awaited U.S. Highway 56 corridor improvement project.
Jason Hoskinson of BG Consultants told council the project has been in development since grant funding was awarded nearly a decade ago. Delays caused by easement acquisition, COVID-19 and funding issues have pushed construction back, but the project is now nearing the bidding phase.
The Kansas Department of Transportation has increased its reimbursement for construction costs to $2 million, while the overall project is currently estimated to cost between $2.3 million and $2.4 million, depending on bid prices.
Council approved an agreement allowing BG Consultants to manage the bidding process and provide construction engineering services through project completion.
If bids remain on schedule, council could award a construction contract in September, with work expected to begin in early 2027 and last approximately four months. Traffic on U.S. 56 will remain open during construction, although temporary side street closures will occur.
Hoskinson also highlighted several benefits the project will bring, including:
• Extending the existing three-lane section of U.S. 56.
• Improving traffic flow near Eisenhower Street.
• Adding new sidewalk connections that tie into Baldwin City’s Safe Routes to School network.
• Installing new storm drainage infrastructure to better address runoff and flooding concerns in the area.
Budget Planning Continues
Council’s Budget and Finance Committee reported that much of its recent work has focused on preparation of the 2027 city budget.
Councilmember Scott Lauridsen said the committee also heard an update from the Lake Advisory Committee. Thanks to strong community fundraising and grant opportunities, committee members now believe the city’s contribution may be less than originally anticipated. The proposed budget currently includes $10,000 in Parks funding to support future lake improvements.
Council also adjusted its budget workshop schedule. A final budget workshop will now be held Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 6 p.m., prior to the regular council meeting, allowing time for final revisions before the proposed budget is published for public hearing.
The proposed 2027 budget currently projects approximately $4.55 million in General Fund revenues, $4.57 million in expenditures, and an ending General Fund balance of roughly $286,973.
Public Works Update
Councilmember Julie Constantinescu reported several ongoing infrastructure projects, including:
• Chip-and-seal street improvements and roadway repairs.
• Reopening the restroom at Firetree Park after six weeks of repairs following vandalism.
• Replacement of a broken fire hydrant at Ninth and Indiana.
• Installation of three new water services.
• Removal of a large bur oak tree at Oakwood Cemetery.
• Continued electrical work for the High School Addition and new substation.
• Completion of approximately 2,700 feet of electrical wire installation.
• Utility work to eliminate recent power “blinks” caused by trees contacting power lines and high winds.
• Successful emissions compliance testing for two power generation units, extending their certification for another five years.
• Exploration of adding a 2-megawatt Caterpillar generator to expand local power generation capacity.
Other Business
During public comment, Jonathan Smith of Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health introduced himself to the council and announced that WIC appointments are now offered in Baldwin City on the third Tuesday of each month through LMH Health, reducing the need for residents to travel to Lawrence for services.
Mayor Cullumber also asked about attendance at Baldwin City’s Independence Day celebration. Councilmember Jay King estimated attendance at approximately 11,000 to 12,000 people, noting participation appeared higher than last year.
Following council and staff comments, the council entered executive session twice to discuss a confidential legal matter with the city attorney. No action was taken after returning to open session, and the meeting adjourned shortly afterward.
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COMMUNITY
“From the flags lining Sullivan Square to the mural at Uplift Coffee, Baldwin City’s World Cup celebration reflected the spirit of America 250: We the People—a reminder that our nation is strengthened by connection, creativity and the many cultures that call it home.”
BALDWIN CITY, Kansas — As the world’s attention turned to the FIFA World Cup this summer, Baldwin City proved that even a small rural town can embrace the global spirit of the game in a big way.
Creative placemaking took center stage as the community celebrated culture, connection and creativity through public art and shared experiences.
Nearly 300 colorful “Pennants for the Cup” lined Sullivan Square, creating a festive downtown atmosphere inspired by countries and cultures from around the world. At Uplift Coffee, a new World Cup-inspired mural
became a vibrant reminder that art has the power to bring people together across borders and generations.
Residents gathered on July 11 for a World Cup Watch Party hosted by the Baldwin City Recreation Commission in Sullivan Square, bringing neighbors together to cheer on the tournament and celebrate the spirit of international competition. The following day, community members gathered at Uplift Coffee for the official ribbon cutting of the new mural, marking another milestone in Baldwin City’s growing collection of public art.
The celebration continued beyond the ribbon cutting with a community “Snap, Post & Win” selfie contest. Visitors were encouraged to take a selfie in front of the new mural, post it on Facebook or Instagram using #ElevateAndCaffeinate, and enter for a chance to win one of ten $10 Uplift Coffee gift cards. The contest invited residents and visitors alike to experience the mural firsthand while sharing Baldwin City’s newest piece of public art with friends and followers.
The festivities culminated during the July 17 Third Friday Market, when the Lumberyard Arts Center celebrated 10 years of mural making in Baldwin City, recognizing a decade of public art that has transformed walls and gathering spaces into places of storytelling, pride and community identity.
“This is what creative placemaking is all about,” said Jeannette Blackmar, executive director of the Lumberyard Arts Center. “We’re taking a global event and making it local by creating opportunities for neighbors to gather, celebrate different cultures and experience the joy of being together.”
From murals and pennants to soccer watch parties, community celebrations and creative social media engagement, Baldwin City demonstrated how the arts can strengthen social connections and create a greater sense of belonging.
As the world cheered for teams on the field, Baldwin City celebrated something equally powerful: the ability of art and community to connect people across cultures and remind us that even in a small rural town, the world is never very far away.
COMMUNITY
KANSAS CASES OF ILLNESS CAUSING EXPLOSIVE DIARRHEA JUMP TO 289
Story by Morgan Chilson, Kansas Reflector
TOPEKA — Kansas cases of an infection that causes gastrointestinal illness increased to 289 over the past week, and the state’s health agency said they are connected to a national outbreak.
The state’s cyclosporiasis cases are part of more than 7,400 cases reported nationally and are linked to Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce, which was voluntarily recalled from restaurants and grocery stores on Friday, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment said in a news release Wednesday.
The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website reported the agency is aware of more than 7,400 cases nationally, with 4,173 confirmed cases. There have been 308 hospitalizations from the outbreak and no deaths.
KDHE reported that of the state’s total cases of cyclosporiasis, an infection caused by the organism Cyclospora cayetanensis, 114 were domestically acquired, 24 were likely linked to international travel and six could not be classified. The remainder are pending classification.
Taylor Farms de Mexico voluntarily recalled all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market, which includes Marketside-brand products sold at Walmart:
• Marketside 12-oz and 24-oz Iceberg Salad with Best if Used By dates of July 18 to Aug. 3.
• Marketside 8-oz and 16-oz Shredded Lettuce with Best if Used By dates of July 18 to Aug. 3.
Other Taylor Farms lettuce products are sold for food service, KDHE said.
The parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis is commonly found in tropical or subtropical countries and spread by food or water contaminated with feces, KDHE said.
Cyclosporiasis isn’t known to spread from person to person, KDHE said. Symptoms occur two to 14 days after exposure and may include:
• Frequent watery diarrhea.
• Loss of appetite.
• Weight loss.
• Abdominal cramps and bloating.
• Nausea.
• Less common symptoms include vomiting and low-grade fever.
KDHE said anyone experiencing sudden gastrointestinal illness should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. The disease is usually treated with an antibiotic, the agency said.
“Cooking fresh produce before consuming or avoiding fresh produce all together during periods of increased cyclosporiasis activity are the safest options and are the preferred prevention methods for those who have a higher risk of dehydration or weakened immune systems,” the KDHE release said.
That includes people on chemotherapy and organ transplant recipients, as well as infants, young children and elderly people.
ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY, AUG. 4
BALDWIN CITY VOTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO HEAD TO THE POLLS ON TUESDAY, AUG. 4, FOR THE 2026 PRIMARY ELECTION.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Be sure to bring a valid photo ID when voting in person.
Baldwin City Polling Locations:
Depending on your precinct, Baldwin City voters will cast their ballots at one of the following locations:
• Baldwin City Community Center, 712 Chapel St.
• Baldwin First United Methodist Church, 704 Eighth St.
• Willow Springs Township Hall, 303 E. 1100 Road (Precinct 67).
If you’re unsure which polling place is assigned to you, use the Douglas County Polling Place Lookup before Election Day to verify your location. www.dgcoks.gov/county-clerk/voting-and-elections
PRESENTATION EXPLORES THE FIRST STEPS OF THE SANTA FE TRAIL
History enthusiasts gathered at the Baldwin City Public Library on July 18 for another installment of the Our Local History series, where approximately 50 attendees learned about the early history of one of America’s most significant trade routes.
Presented by Michael Grauer, “The First Steps of the Santa Fe Trail” traced the development of the historic route from its earliest explorations through the years that established it as a vital corridor connecting the United States and Mexico.
Grauer began with the first known expeditions in the 1790s by Pedro Vial, who traveled east from New Spain (presentday Mexico) to Missouri. The presentation continued through William Becknell’s opening of the Santa Fe Trail in 1821, the negotiations and treaties with Native American tribes along the route in 1825, and the trail’s important role during both the Mexican War and the Civil War. Attendees also learned how the trail
evolved into a thriving two-way trade route, driven by supply and demand between frontier settlements, before eventually becoming obsolete with the arrival of the railroad.
Organizers described the presentation as a wonderful opportunity to explore the rich history of the Santa Fe Trail and its lasting impact on the region.
Looking ahead, community members are encouraged to watch for information about the upcoming 40th anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail’s designation as a National Historic Trail within the National Park System. Additional details and upcoming events can be found through the Santa Fe Trail Association at santafetrail.org.
LONE STAR LAKE ON WATCH ADVISORY FOR BLUE-GREEN ALGAL BLOOMS
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment added Lone Star Lake to its Watch Advisory today, July 24, for blue-green algal blooms that may be harmful to humans and animals.
KDHE discourages swimming, wading and jet skiing near visible blooms. Do not let pets or livestock drink from affected water. Watch recommendations also include:
• Avoid areas of algae accumulation.
• Do not let people or pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
• Boating and fishing are safe; however, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals.
• Avoid direct contact with water and wash with clean water after any contact.
• Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.
If people or animals develop nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, irritated eyed, seizures, breathing problems or other unexplained illness after exposure to harmful algae, contact a doctor or veterinarian.
Signage will be posted at Lone Star Lake about the advisory. KDHE will retest the water in approximately two weeks and provide an update. For more information, visit: kdhe.ks.gov/777/Harmful-Algal-Blooms
WHO’S RUNNING FOR KANSAS GOVERNOR IN 2026?
Story by Zane Irwin, Kansas News Service
Candidates are running to replace Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, whose second term ends in 2027.
For the past eight years, the greatest obstacle for Republicans in the state Legislature has been Kelly’s veto pen. That alone has blocked or delayed the GOPcontrolled state House and Senate’s top priorities on everything from tax policy to social issues.
After gaining seats in the 2024 elections, Republicans control more than two-thirds of the state House and Senate. Those “supermajorities,” as they’re called, have given the GOP enough votes to override many of Kelly’s vetoes.
But Republicans know their supermajorities are subject to change every election cycle. With a more cooperative state executive, the legislative math would become much easier.
There’s a full slate of Republicans, including current Secretary of State Scott Schwab, Senate Pres. Ty Masterson and Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt.
The Democrats include a pair of state senators, Cindy Holscher and Ethan Corson. Lt. Gov. David Toland indicated he would not seek any office in 2026, in order to focus on economic development projects.
More election coverage
If Kansans elect a Democratic governor, it would break a long-standing cycle of alternation between Democratic and Republican administrations in the state.
If Kansans elect a Republican governor and the GOP retains its commanding majorities in the state Legislature, there will be few legislative barriers for Republicans.
Primary elections are on Aug. 4. Voters will decide the next governor of Kansas — as well as a U.S. senator, state attorney general, state insurance commissioner, secretary of state and state treasurer — on Nov. 3.
Here’s a list of candidates. The party with the most competitors listed first.
Republican candidates
Ty Masterson, Republican
Political experience: Ty Masterson, in Andover, is the Kansas Senate President. He has served in that chamber since 2009, after a stint in the state House of Representatives. What else? Masterson is a former small business owner and serves as Director of GoCreate, a collaborative workshop at Wichita State University funded by Koch Industries.
Platform: On his site, Masterson says he wants to lower property taxes, prioritize funding for police and “raise pay for good teachers.” During his time in the state Legislature, Masterson said he has targeted cultural issues, voting to ban transgender girls from competing in girls’ sports and block state
universities from running programs to foster diversity and inclusion.
Charlotte O’Hara, Republican
Political experience: Charlotte O’Hara, in Overland Park, was until recently on the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners. She also served one term in the state House of Representatives from 2011 to 2013.
What else? O’Hara has a background as a contractor, small business owner and substitute teacher, according to the Johnson County Post.
Platform: O’Hara is a critic of state tax incentive packages like the one that a bipartisan group of lawmakers passed last year, which is aimed at convincing the Kansas City Chiefs or Royals to build new stadiums in Kansas. She also supports the direct election of Kansas Supreme Court justices, an issue that will be on the same ballot as her in the Aug. 2026 primary election.
Nick Reinecker, Republican
Political experience: Nick Reinecker is a political newcomer and his campaign site says he was prompted to run after managing a cafe and paying what he felt were taxes without representation. He describes his campaign as the “Kansas Underdog.”
What else? Reinecker lives in Inman. He says he’s also worked as a firefighter, police officer, nurse aid and EMT.
Platform: Reinecker says he agrees with the Kansas Republican Party platform and will push for “constitutionally conservative principles that put God, the family, and the individual above government.” In contrast to other Republicans, he says he will push to eliminate criminal penalties for possessing or planting cannabis.
Stacy Rogers, Republican
Political experience: Stacy Rogers owns multiple businesses and is based in Wichita. According to her Ballotpedia survey, Rogers serves on the Sedgwick County Developmental Disability Organization. She was the water commissioner in Mount Hope from 2007 to 2012.
What else? Rogers said she homeschooled two of her three kids and worked in pharmacy and medical settings for 15 years.
Platform: Rogers said “my day one executive order will be to go through each Department with a fine tooth comb (and) root out inefficiencies, mishandling and fraud.”
Philip Sarnecki, Republican
Political experience: Philip Sarnecki, in Bucyrus, is a financial services executive and business owner. While he has never held political office, Sarnecki is a longtime political donor, mostly to Republican candidates.
What else? According to LinkedIn, Sarnecki managed financial advisors at Northwestern Mutual for 20 years. He also
owns companies in the automotive, real estate and film industries.
Platform: In a press release, Sarnecki said he wants to lower taxes and “shred government red tape” for small businesses. He also said he wants to “restore parental rights in education,” which he believes state educational institutions have encroached upon.
Vicki Schmidt, Republican
Political experience: Vicki Schmidt, in Topeka, is the state Insurance Commissioner. Before that, she served in the state Senate from 2005 to 2019.
What else? Schmidt has worked as a local pharmacist for over 40 years, according to her website. She’s from Wichita, but has lived in Topeka most of her life.
Platform: Schmidt is running on her record as insurance commissioner, which includes taking steps to assist Kansans with their insurance claims and saving businesses money. On abortion, an issue her conservative Republican counterparts take a hard line on, Schmidt told the Kansas Reflector that she agreed with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. That 2022 decision ended the 50-year federal guarantee on the right to get an abortion. But Schmidt said she also believes in “reasonable exceptions” that allow people to seek abortions in some cases.
Scott Schwab, Republican
Political experience: Scott Schwab, in Overland Park, is Kansas Secretary of State. Before taking that post in 2019, Schwab served as a state representative starting in 2003.
What else? Before politics, Schwab’s website says he was a small business owner.
Platform: Schwab’s site says he wants to lower taxes and regulations on businesses, and that he will “fight to ban communist China from buying land near our military bases.” As secretary of state, Schwab has championed voter ID laws and other election security measures, but denied — as some claimed — that elections in Kansas suffered from largescale fraud.
Republicans Joy Eakins, Doug Billings and Jeff Colyer withdrew from the race.
Democratic candidates
Ethan Corson, Democrat
Political experience: Ethan Corson, in Fairway, has served in the state Senate since 2021. He has held a variety of non-elected government roles with the International Trade Administration, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and as former executive director of the Kansas Democratic Party.
What else? Corson is an attorney by training. Gov. Kelly has endorsed him.
Priorities: As governor, Corson said he would focus on “stronger public schools, lower taxes for working and middle-class Kansans, and aggressively recruiting new businesses to our state,” according to his
website. Last legislative session, Corson cosponsored a bill with Sen. Holscher and others to raise the state minimum wage from $7.25 per hour to $15 per hour.
Cindy Holscher, Democrat
Political experience: Cindy Holscher, in Overland Park, has served in the state Senate since 2021. Prior to that, she was a state representative for four years.
What else? Holscher has had a career in advertising, most recently at Sprint.
Platform: On her website, Holscher said she believes in “providing tax relief for working and middle class Kansans, not billionaires.” During her time in office, Holscher supported ending the sales tax on food and creating child care tax credits.
Curt Skoog, Democrat
Political Experience: Skoog has been Overland Park mayor since 2021. Before taking office, he served on the Overland Park city council beginning in 2005. Skoog said during a press conference announcing his candidacy that he changed his party affiliation from Republican to Democrat in 2022 because the GOP changed drastically.
What else? Skoog is a last-minute entry into the race. The Overland Park mayor criticized the dysfunctional nature of the legislature under Kansas Senate President and Republican gubernatorial frontrunner Ty Masterson. He believes that a mayor is the right person for the job.
Platform: Skoog touted his mayoral experience. He emphasized the fact that Overland Park has the lowest property tax rate of the 26 first-class cities in the state. Skoog’s running mate, Dr. Jennifer McKenney, runs an independent family practice in Fredonia. Skoog and McKenney’s campaign plans to get a property tax relief plan in place and improve health outcomes for rural Kansas.
Democrat Marty Tuley withdrew from the race.
Independent candidates
Sharilyn Ray, independent
Political experience: Sharilyn Ray, in Wichita, is the founder and CEO of a social work nonprofit.
What else? On her website, Ray said her political beliefs are influenced by her faith and past personal hardships. “I am first and foremost a believer in Christ Jesus,” she said. “I am a survivor of childhood abuse, domestic violence, homelessness, and poverty.”
Platform: Ray said she would prioritize transparency in government and investment in public services, like schools and infrastructure.
According to publicly available campaign finance records, Brandon Adams intends to run for governor. But the Kansas News Service could not confirm details about Adams or his campaign.
