A BALDWIN CITY NEWSPAPER
BALDWIN CITY GEARS UP FOR A FULL DAY OF HOLIDAY MAGIC AT THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Baldwin City is set to shine bright on Saturday, December 6, as the annual Festival of Lights returns with a full day of festive events for families, shoppers, and holiday-lovers of all ages. From breakfast with Santa to the evening parade and open houses across the city, this beloved community celebration promises a cheerful kickoff to the holiday season.
A Morning of Merriment
The day begins early with the always-popular Breakfast with Santa at the Community Center (712 Chapel St.). Three seatings are available—7:30 a.m., 8:45 a.m., and 10 a.m.—and families are encouraged to preregister to secure their preferred time.
Shopping Opportunities
• The Holiday Bazaar at New Life Assembly of God (118 5th St.), featuring local vendors and handmade treasures.
• The 12th Annual Xtreme Gingerbread House Party at the Lumberyard Arts Center (718 High St.), where families can decorate gingerbread creations from 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Shoppers can continue the fun at the Holiday Shopping Bazaar at Vintage Park (321 Crimson Ave.) beginning at 10 a.m.
Festive Fun Through the Afternoon
The Baldwin City Library invites families to its cheerful Holiday Crafternoon from 12–2 p.m., offering festive crafts for children.
A new tradition as of last year—the Santa Rocket Train—departs from the Holiday Platform along the tracks at 1515 ½ High St.. Train rides leave at 2:30 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7:30 p.m., giving families multiple chances to hop aboard for some holiday magic.
NEW This Year: Market & Movers at 4 p.m.
A brand-new event joins the lineup this year: Market & Movers, running from 4–7:30 p.m. in Sullivan Square and inside Baldwin City Creative Arts. This festive market features:
• Fresh-cut Christmas trees and wreaths
• Local gift vendors for last-minute holiday shopping
• Ornament crafts for kids
• A special holiday obstacle course, including a toddlerfriendly climbing area
• DIY photos with Santa on the Sullivan Square stage from 4–5:30 p.m.
• Photo opportunities with the Sugar Plum Fairy after the parade
Guests can warm up with free hot drinks and cookies, provided by community partners including the Baldwin City Library, Baldwin Education Foundation, South Baldwin Farms, and The Lovely Flower Co.
Community Dinners, Open Houses & Entertainment
At 4:30 p.m., Baldwin First United Methodist Church (704 8th St.) hosts their annual Soup Supper and Live Nativity, with supper served from 4:30–6 p.m. and the Live Nativity on display from 5–6 p.m.
The Lumberyard Arts Center will hold its Holiday Open House beginning at 5 p.m., featuring gingerbread viewing, Christmas trees, artists, and Lucy’s Corner gift shop.
At 5:30 p.m., visitors can enjoy a BHS Brass Band pre-show downtown before the parade begins.
Festival of Lights Parade at 6 p.m.
The highlight of the evening—the Festival of Lights Parade—rolls through downtown Baldwin City at 6 p.m. Featuring illuminated floats, local groups, marching performers, and appearances from Santa and the Grinch, the parade brings the community together in a glowing, joyful celebration.
After the parade, families can head back to Baldwin City Creative Arts for photos with the Sugar Plum Fairy and more Market & Movers activities.
Sunday Finale
The weekend concludes with the Christmas Candlelight Vespers on Sunday, December 7, at 1:30-4 p.m. in Rice Auditorium (404 8th St.), offering a peaceful, music-filled end to the festivities.
The Festival of Lights is sponsored by the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce and One Choice, with additional support from numerous community partners. With activities from morning through night, December 6 promises to be one of the brightest and most joyful days of the year in Baldwin City.
THE MAPLE WEEKLY SUBSCRIPTION UPDATE: HOW TO KEEP YOUR PAPER COMING IN 2026
The Maple Weekly is — and will continue to be — free for public pickup in Baldwin City. You’ll still be able to grab a copy each week at:
Baldwin City Market
Baldwin City Post Office
These copies are first-come, first-served. Once the racks are empty, they’re empty — we do not hold extra copies in reserve and do not keep backstock. Because some readers prefer the peace of mind of guaranteed delivery, we are continuing our mail subscription option for those who want The Maple Weekly shipped directly to their home.
New Subscription Price
• We are happy to share some good news:
• Annual mail subscription: Now $30 per year
• Previously: $50 per year
• This $30 fee only covers the cost of shipping your paper to you each week. The Maple Weekly itself remains free.
Ending the $5 Monthly Draw (Effective January 1, 2026)
• Starting January 1, 2026, we will be discontinuing the $5 per month subscription option.
• If you currently pay $5 per month, you will have two choices:
• Let your subscription cancel on January 1, 2026; or
• Move to the new annual option of $30 per year (mailed weekly).
Watch Your Mailbox: Letter to All Current Subscribers
Everyone currently on our subscription list will receive a letter in the mail explaining these changes.
• Inside that letter you’ll find:
• A clear overview of the new pricing
• A subscription registration form
• Instructions on how to:
• Switch to the $30 annual subscription
• Or cancel if you no longer wish to receive the paper by mail
You can also use the subscription clipping on this page to sign up or renew if that’s easier for you.
If You Pay by Check Through the Year
• If you’ve been paying by check for your subscription:
• You can use the clip-out form below in the paper, or
• Wait for your letter in the mail and return the enclosed form with your check for $30 to continue your annual subscription.
All check-paying subscribers will be handled through these mailed/clip-out forms going forward.
If You Subscribed Online (PayPal)
If you signed up for The Maple Weekly online using PayPal:
• Your subscription will automatically renew on the same date you originally subscribed, one year later.
• At renewal, only $30 will be drawn from your account for the year’s shipping.
If you’d like to cancel your online/autorenew subscription:
Please contact Jenni Fish directly at Jenni@BaldwinMaple.com
She will help you cancel your auto payment so you’re not charged going forward.
LOCAL FOOD & ASSISTANCE RESOURCES AVAILABLE THIS DECEMBER
With ongoing financial strain from reduced benefits, delayed payments during the federal government shutdown, and other economic pressures, many families in the Baldwin City area continue to face a challenging season. Local organizations want residents to know that help is available right now. Several Baldwin City food pantries and support programs are ready to assist with groceries, essentials, and emergency needs throughout December.
Below is an updated roundup of December 2025 dates, locations, and hours.
Baldwin Community Food Pantry
704 8th St., Baldwin City
(Basement of First United Methodist Church)
Saturday, December 13
Saturday, December 20
Hours: 9:00–10:30 AM
New Life Assembly Food Pantry
118 5th St., Baldwin City
Tuesday, December 2
Tuesday, December 16
Hours: 3:00–6:00 PM
Cruising Cupboard – Mobile Pantry
Baldwin City Library
Wednesday, December 3
Hours: 1:30–2:30 PM
Cruising Cupboard – Mobile Pantry
Liston Stadium, 100 Fremont St.
Thursday, December 18
Hours: 1:30–2:30 PM
Community Emergency Fund
Assists with shelter, medications, and other urgent needs.
Contact: Scott — (785) 615-1600
City Hall Utility Assistance
Help available for residents facing utility challenges. Phone: (785) 594-6427
A heartfelt thank you to District Nurse Lisa Pattrick for providing this important information and helping keep Baldwin City families informed, supported, and connected.
December
Winter Workshop is a one-day, magical holiday store where all Baldwin Elementary students can shop and purchase gifts for their families. There are thousands of items, priced $1–$5, with a great selection for everyone in your family – including pets! Students will shop during the day with their classes. IC students will be bussed to the PC for their shopping time. Only Baldwin Elementary students can shop during the school day. We will stay open after school for others to shop if inventory allows. An envelope will be sent home on December 1st for students to use for their money and to make a list of who they are shopping for. Cash preferred, checks accepted. We are accepting donations of wrapping paper, tissue paper, bows, bags, and scotch tape. Items can be dropped off in the PC or IC offices. Thank you!
LOTS of volunteers are needed to make this day happen! Copy and paste the link in your browser https://www.signupgenius. com/go/9040D4BA9AD2CABFF260600135-winter or scan the QR Code to sign up to help!
NEW TRASH SCHEDULE TO BEGIN DECEMBER 1, 2025
Green Environmental Services is changing the trash pickup schedule in Baldwin City, beginning on Monday, December 1st.
Most areas north of Highway 56 will now have trash pickup on Tuesday; South of the highway will be Wednesday. The bulk pickup and recycling schedule will remain the same.
Please see the attached maps for more information, or check the trash and recycling page.
BLUE: Areas north of Highway 56/Ames St, including areas north of Highway 56 after the curve to 1st St., and both sides of Ames.
Trash: Tuesday
Bulky Items: 1st Wednesday
GREEN: Ames St. south to High St., including areas north of Highway 56 after 1st St..
Trash: Wednesday
Bulky Items: 2nd Wednesday
YELLOW: All areas south of High St.
Trash: Wednesday
Bulky Items: 3rd Wednesday
Recycling: 4th Wednesday, all zones
Place bins at curb by 6:00 AM
No bagged recycling
MAPLE LEAF QUILT SHOW RESULTS
TIMELESS STITCHES
By Sharon Vesecky & Liz Granberg-Jerome
The 2025 Maple Leaf Quilt Show was another wonderful success! There were 126 quilts displayed, plus a special display of the Sister City quilt made by quilters in Riviersonderend, South Africa. Photos of each quilt, plus a video walking tour are available for viewing on the Quilters’ Paradise Facebook page—go to Photos and click on the album “2025 Maple Leaf Festival Quilt Show”. For those who have wondered, we are happy to announce the winners of the Viewers’
Choice award ribbons for the 2025 Maple Leaf Quilt Show and the winner of the Maple Leaf Quilters’ Guild opportunity quilt. Congratulations to all!
Mom’s Closet by Andrea Newton— Viewer’s Choice bed quilt
Zoo Family Portrait by Laura Davids—Viewer’s Choice lap quilt and Viewer’s Choice overall favorite
Pink Floral by Gwen Whitebread— Viewer’s Choice wall quilt
Moroccan Lights by Gary Keller— Viewer’s Choice challenge quilt
Ready… Set… Jump! By Deena Winkler—Viewer’s Choice miniature quilt
Congratulations to Ann Osgood of Leawood, KS, who won the 2025 Opportunity Quilt, Autumn Hues.
USDA PREPARES TO REVEAL RELIEF PLAN THAT COULD HELP KANSAS FARMERS FACING UNCERTAINTY
TOPEKA — The head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture said the agency would roll out a relief plan for the country’s agriculture sector in December, offering potential good news in a year of uncertainty for Kansans.
Secretary Brooke Rollins did not give details about the plan but indicated the USDA has been analyzing and building a “formula” around the current situation, Bloomberg News reported.
That situation includes the effects of tariffs and trade policy, the lack of a farm bill and the high cost of inputs, factors that are making it difficult for Kansas farmers and ranchers to plan for the future.
Crop farmers and cattle ranchers in the Sunflower State have shared vastly different experiences this year, according to a Kansas State University professor and economist.
Across the board, the agriculture industry has experienced general inflationary pressures on production expenses, said Jennifer Ifft, Kansas State University extension specialist on agricultural policy.
Reflector Podcast · Kansas economist talks agriculture income and challenges for farmers
“But once you get beyond that, I think this year, more than ever, you really have to look at crops and livestock separately,” she said on the Kansas Reflector podcast. “The beef cattle prices are high, historic highs for the cow/calf side. They’re finally making money after some pretty long rough spells.”
However, crop farmers are seeing low prices and high expenses, Ifft said, along with weather pressures.
Kansas’ net farm income looks good, a measure that Ifft likens to the gross domestic product because it incorporates revenues and expenses from crops and livestock.
The Fall 2025 Farm Income Outlook for Kansas, a study completed by Kansas State University and the University of Missouri, shows an 88% increase in Kansas net farm income in 2025, while it also projects a slight decrease in 2026.
Net farm income swings quite a bit, going down to $2
billion and up to $9 or $10 billion, Ifft said.
The 88% increase this year can be tied to strong beef cattle prices and also to government payments made in 2025 but attributable to 2023 and 2024, she said.
“Those payments for 2025 are mostly disaster payments, either for low profitability for crop farms or disaster payments, and those cover losses from 2023 and 2024,” she said. “You can see much smoother income if you assign those payments into the year that loss was incurred.”
However, that’s not the way net farm income is measured, she said. The value of determining net farm income is that it always incorporates the same factors, giving a measurement that is easily comparable year over year.
Projections for decreased net farm income in 2026 are tied in part to uncertainty about government payments, Ifft said.
“Government payments are projected to come down,” she said. “We don’t guess about programs that we don’t know about. It’s only about what we know about today.”
Kansas crop receipts are projected to rise by about 8%, or $559.18 million in 2025, with increases expected across all the major commodities despite lower prices, the report said.
“This is because yields are estimated to recover from recent lows as the state recovers from persistent drought,” the report said.
Cash receipts for cattle and calves are expected to be up 24%, or $3.54 billion for a total of $18.33 billion in 2025, the report said.
Overall, the state is projected to see total crop and livestock receipts and government payments increase $6.52 billion in 2025, of which livestock and crop receipts account for 58% and 9% of the change, respectively, the report said.
As farmers plan for the upcoming year, policy uncertainty challenges them to make decisions, and many would like to see the farm bill move ahead.
Although Ifft calls farmers and ranchers the best risk
managers around, failure to pass a long-term — typically five years — farm bill makes it difficult to plan. Crop insurance and other programs they depend on are included in the farm bill, she said, whereas ad hoc payments, such as for disasters, are part of the farm safety net and aren’t something that can be incorporated into farm planning.
She gave an example of a crop producer, making decisions in mid-November for the upcoming year. Many have already paid for some of their inputs, such as seed, for the coming year.
“If you pay early, either in cash or through early financing, you can usually get a lower price. It’s a farm management strategy,” she said. “Let’s say your crop producer margins are tight this year, but that there’s some advantage to prepay. You have to work with your lender.”
But the federal government has been talking about $12 to $15 billion of trade aid for crop producers, which could help pay for those inputs.
“You have to make this risk management decision, which, again, it’s very personal, no right or wrong,” Ifft said. “Do you ignore that you could be getting a substantial payment, maybe in a month, maybe in six months, and make that decision, or do you hold on, wait?”
Ifft and her K-State colleagues offered a webinar this year about farm management in the era of ad hoc payments, how to take into account these uncertain payments and how to use them to better position your operation in the coming years, she said.
Ifft said K-State is offering agricultural profitability workshops throughout the state, in collaboration with commodity organizations and others. The workshops are for producers and focus on the difficulties of “tighter margins and tougher decisions.”
Kansas Reflector is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Kansas Reflector maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Sherman Smith for questions: info@kansasreflector.com. Follow Kansas Reflector on Facebook and Twitter.
COMMUNITY VOICES
FESTIVE WITHOUT THE USUALS
DEAR HOMEKEEPER
By Cat Henry
Imagine, for a minute, walking into a small boutique shop in December, with no Christmas tree in sight, yet the whole place feels as if the season has settled in. A strand of warm white lights is tucked along the top shelves. A cedar garland stretches across the counter, threaded with dried oranges and cinnamon sticks. A bowl of shiny ornaments sits beside the register like a handful of jewels. A faint balsam fir tree aroma of a candle, and instrumental carol tunes hum in the background.
Take that image into a home. Garland runs across a bookshelf, loosely draped with white lights. A vintage wooden bowl on the coffee table is filled with pinecones, oranges with cloves pressed into the peel, plus a few shiny ornaments hung at varying heights in the windows. On the side table, clipped fragrant evergreen branches fill a simple vase quietly saying Christmas. Still sans tree, yet the room feels unmistakably festive.
I live alone, and when the holidays come around, decorating could feel like a chore, doing it myself. I begin in November, assembling or crafting things. I put up a lit 6-foot tree upstairs (without ornaments), on the landing between the bedrooms. Each bedroom hosts small, themed trees (like a Charlie Brown Christmas tree). On the main floor, I adorn my book tree with lights and tucks of greenery peeking out from between the books.
The thought of not decorating at all feels heavier than spending Christmas alone. I’ve done the alone thing. My secret is to plan for it. I usually gift myself with something I can do (like the shadow box I put together one year, showcasing my father’s military medals and his burial flag). I make a decadent dessert with holiday music or an old favorite movie playing in the background. Keeping the reason for the season close in my heart helps me stay mindful of the why I’m celebrating.
What if there is no fireplace mantel to adorn with decoration? Homekeepers know there are always creative options. A seasonal tablescape of greenery, ribbon, and candles with pine or cedarwood scents can become a beautiful focal point, transforming the tabletop. Try framing a mirror in garland and ornaments.
And where to hang the stockings?
My family didn’t do stockings. The family I married into did, and now my children carry on that tradition. If there is no mantel for the stockings, no problem. You don’t need a hearth to showcase them.
“...no mantel for the stockings, no problem.”
Detachable hooks make it easy and safe to hang stockings from bookshelves or on the wall. Temporarily, you can hang stockings on your coat racks or an over-the-door towel hook. Originally, stockings were hung on bedposts.
Other clever places for hanging socks are on the backs of chairs at the dinner table, on ladders used to hang blankets, or along the staircase, embellishing the handrail with ribbon or garland to add a touch of holiday charm. I saw an idea for hanging stockings from the single-hung window locks found in the middle of windows, showcasing them from the interior and the exterior.
If a flat-screen TV hangs on your wall, hang stockings on a rod adorned with greens below it. You can add a festive holiday screen saver to the TV screen.
I hope Christmas cards are still part of your life; it’s an example of giving a gift of your time to your recipient by writing one. I still receive them, and I save them. Most are family photo cards received through the years. A simple card hanging display of wintry branches in a vase highlights them.
Gather a bit of nature with cut branches and greens, mix in soft lighting and bright ribbons, letting these simple touches create a mood and bring a gentle festivity to the room. Don’t forget simple adornments of dried oranges, string cranberries, and popcorn. Christmas spirit isn’t found in a grand tree or an ornate mantel, but in the quiet reminders of why we celebrate, teaching us that wonder often arrives from the simplest places.
With you in the keeping, Cathenry.ch@ gmail.com
P.S. The seasonal atmosphere doesn’t just happen it’s created.
OPENING TO THE UNKNOWN
THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX
By Jeanine Ross
How scary is the word “unknown?” Is your first response to it no, no way? Is it something you would prefer to avoid at all costs? That seems to be the response by most people, as if the unknown can only be a bad thing. But what if the unknown holds all the answers to every question you’ve ever had about everything? What if the unknown is called the unknown because it has such powerful secrets of the universe, only the real seekers would be curious enough to open that door? Are you a seeker, a true seeker?
Opening to the unknown means you are ready and willing to look at everything you ever thought you knew in a completely different way. It means you are not convinced you know everything or that all there is to this life is what you can see, touch, hear, taste, and feel. When you open yourself to the unknown, you are ready for something different that allows you to explore different parts of your humanness, even when you aren’t completely sure what those parts are. It takes a truly curious, brave, and faith-filled person who is ready to move along a path that can only be experienced with an open heart and mind. Is that you?
Opening to the unknown is not for everybody because when you open to it, you can never return. Once you expand your mind to include things you may have never considered, you will never be the same again. How could you be? When you realize something that had always been there, but was previously unseen, you can’t unsee it! Seeing it and understanding it and incorporating it into your human experience, will
forever change the way you live that experience.
Consider this. A baby’s first nourishment is milk (mother’s or otherwise). It’s warm and tasty and satisfying, and they know exactly what to expect. But when mom introduces baby food, the texture is different, the flavor is different, and the experience of ingesting it is different. They learn to wrap their little lips around a spoon and clamp down, which makes them realize they have gums and a tongue! Wow! Look what I can do, mom! Then mom introduces ice cream, and it’s cold and it’s sweet and it’s smooth and wow! Now, milk will never be enough again. It is the same with us when we open to the unknown. We get brand new experiences, and the things we thought we knew before, are no longer sufficient. We’ve learned something new that moves us along the path on our journey of discovery.
Opening to the unknown is not bad or scary, but you have to be ready to accept change that will definitely be different from what everybody else you know is experiencing. Unless, and until your friends and family open to the unknown, you will never be able to explain what it feels like when you do. They’ll have labels for you like weird, and strange. They’ll say things like, “You’re full of yourself or “You think you’re better than me” or “You’ve changed.” Sadly, some of them will move out of your circle. It’s okay, because the truth is, you will have changed and soon, others who have also opened to the unknown will find you, and when they do, you will learn even more, and that is how you will grow, but you will never be the same again. Are you ready?
So, if you really want your life to change for the better, it begins by “Thinking Outside the Box.”
