22 WEEKLY 2025
DECEMBER
VOL 3 • NO. 44
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B A L D W I N
C I T Y
N E W S P A P E R
FROM PATROL TO PUBLIC SERVICE — AN INTERVIEW WITH BALDWIN’S NEW MAYOR Interview by Jessi Gerber hough his career in law enforcement took him across Kansas — most recently as Chief of Police in Norton — Gerry Cullumber always kept his home in Baldwin City. Now, as the community’s newly elected mayor, he shares reflections on small-town life, leadership, and the lessons learned over four decades of service.
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Q: You’ve lived in Baldwin for 25 years, but your career took you all across Kansas. What kept you rooted here?
A: I’ve always loved Baldwin. Even when I was serving as Chief in Norton, I kept my residence here and came back on weekends. It’s the kind of small town I grew up in — safe, close-knit, the kind of place where people ride bicycles and know their neighbors. Everything I didn’t appreciate about small-town life as a kid, I value now.
Q: What originally drew you to a career in law enforcement?
A: I knew from the time I was six that I wanted to be a police officer. My heroes were Reed and Malloy from Adam-12. My first job was as a janitor at Shawnee Medical Center, where I met my wife — the best thing that’s ever happened to me. But law enforcement was always the dream. So I enrolled into the police academy.
Q: Your career path is impressive — Johnson County, Lenexa, Edwardsville, Gardner, Norton. What stands out most from those years?
A: Probably the people. Whether in a city or rural area, it’s always about people. Out west, the hardest part was the lack of mental health resources. We’d have to drive hours just to get someone help. It really showed me how important it is to treat mental health with the same urgency as physical health.
Q: Who influenced your leadership style?
A: Chief Ellen Hanson of Lenexa. She’s one of the smartest and most compassionate people I’ve ever met — and one of the first female police chiefs in Kansas. I still call her for advice. I believe in what I call “three-deep
leadership” — always having three trusted people you can turn to for counsel. Q: What made you decide to run for mayor?
A: Honestly, timing. My wife, Cindy, and I wanted to be closer to family again, and I still have that drive to serve. Baldwin’s my home, and I want to see it thrive. We’ve got great people here, and a lot of potential.
Q: What are your priorities for your first three months as mayor?
A: First, I want to meet every city employee and department head. I’m planning a “Meet Your Government” night so residents can connect with their council and city staff in an easy, friendly setting. I also want to focus on financial stability — making sure we’re prepared for emergencies — and improving infrastructure: water lines, curbs, downtown appearance. Small improvements make a big difference in how a town feels about itself.
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I want to meet every employee the city has and business owners in the city. I want them to all know there is an open line of communication and I want to establish that right away. This goes for the people of Baldwin City, too. I want to meet them and talk to them, I want them to be comfortable calling or emailing me. Q: Outside of public service, what are you passionate about?
A: My wife and I are big antique collectors. We have spaces at the Lone Elm Antique Mall in Olathe — you could say we’re “enthusiastic hoarders.” I also collect WWII memorabilia and study history. My favorite piece is a medal group from an American pilot who flew for Britain before the U.S. entered the war — he was shot down and sabotaged Nazi prisoner records while a POW. That story reminds me of courage and resilience.
Q: Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
A: Winston Churchill, Bobby Kennedy, Abraham Lincoln, and Alexander the Great. I’ve always admired Bobby Kennedy in particular — he brought family and heart into politics, and I think that’s something we could use more of.
Q: What message do you have for Baldwin residents as you begin your term?
A: Change is coming, but it’s good change — steady and thoughtful. I want people to look around in a year or two and say, “Wow, look what we’ve accomplished.” We’re going to get the town spruced up, strengthen our community ties, and build a Baldwin we’re all proud of. Gerry Cullumber will be sworn in on January 6, 2026. His term begins as Baldwin faces challenges in infrastructure and growth — but also opportunities for renewal. As he puts it, “We need enthusiasm and keep investing in our community.” If you have the opportunity to sit down with Gerry and talk about life and history, take it. We could have chatted all day. His love for reading, history and antiques is impressive. Also, he is unapologetically himself: authentic, real, one of us.
22 DECEMBER
COMMUNITY
PG. 02
BALDWIN CITY, DOUGLAS COUNTY ACQUIRE HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT BLACK JACK BATTLEFIELD AND NATURE PARK BALDWIN CITY, Kan. – Baldwin City and Douglas County have acquired Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park, a nationally significant site tied to the events of “Bleeding Kansas” and widely recognized as a precursor to the Civil War. The 38-acre property, located at 163 E. 2000th Road near Baldwin City, includes the historic Robert Hall Pearson farmhouse, nature trails, Captain’s Creek, restored prairie, picnic areas and sugar maple grove. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk. Annually, about 3,000 people visit the park’s natural features as well as attend programming such as reenactments and tours. Black Jack Battlefield was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2012. It is one of three National Historic Landmark sites in Douglas County and one of only 26 in Kansas. The park is located next to the Ivan Boyd Prairie Preserve, which is owned by Douglas County and maintained by the Santa Fe Trail Historical Society of Douglas County.
On Nov. 26, Baldwin City and Douglas County signed a joint ownership agreement to ensure long-term preservation and management of the property. The site was previously owned and operated by the Black Jack Battlefield Trust, a nonprofit organization. Deputy Douglas County Administrator Sean Pederson said the partnership reflects a commitment to both history and community. “This agreement helps protect an important piece of our shared history while keeping this land open and accessible for the community. By working together, we’re making sure this special place is preserved, cared for and enjoyed by residents and visitors for years to come,” Pederson said. Under the agreement, Baldwin City and Douglas County will jointly appoint an advisory board with equal representation from both entities. The board will guide park development, maintenance, capital projects, programming and public use, signage, marketing and strategic planning. Officials expect the board to be in place by spring 2026.
CITY COUNCIL APPOINTS RUSSELL HARDING AS CITY ADMINISTRATOR Tuesday evening, December 16th, City Council appointed Russell Harding as the new City Administrator, effective immediately. He has served as Interim City Administrator for the last several months. “I look forward to serving the citizens of Baldwin City,” Mr. Harding stated in response to the Council’s motion to approve his contract.
LAWRENCE 2026 LAUNCHES WEBSITE AS SOURCE FOR WORLD CUP ACTIVITY SPECIFIC TO DOUGLAS COUNTY Residents and visitors alike now have a source for information related to World Cup activity in Lawrence and Douglas County. The website lawrence2026.com is designed to be a hub for information about local events, transportation options, business resources and more as the community prepares for the worldwide men’s soccer tournament taking place in Kansas City, Missouri, in summer 2026. Maintained by the community’s Unified Command
— dubbed Lawrence 2026 — the website provides background on the World Cup’s role in the local community, as well as important dates, news and notices that will help those living in the community navigate the changes and challenges of thousands of visitors coming to the area. Lawrence2026.com is also a centralized resource for visitors looking for information about activities, transit, safety, dining, entertainment and more in Lawrence and
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Douglas County. “Going into 2026 and anticipating next summer’s activity, we want to be sure residents are aware of this tool for information throughout the preparation period and during the World Cup itself,” said Erinn BarcombPeterson of the Unified Command’s Joint Information Center. “Lawrence2026.com is designed to be a dynamic site that can reflect updates and priorities between now and summer 2026.”
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22 DECEMBER
COMMUNITY CREATE YOUR OWN FUTURE WE CAN HELP YOU S TA R T O R G R O W Y O U R BUSINESS IDEAS!
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JOHNSON COUNTY OFFICERS KILL A STABBING SUSPECT AT PANASONIC PLANT. HERE’S WHAT WE KNOW The Panasonic plant in De Soto shut down after officers shot a person suspected of stabbing another. The suspect is dead, and the stabbing victim was transported to the hospital in critical condition. An officer with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department shot and killed a person at the Panasonic battery plant in DeSoto, Kansas on Friday. The sheriff’s office was at the plant due to a report at around 10:59 a.m. of a stabbing, and said they located a victim with multiple stab wounds on site. At a press conference, the sheriff’s office said “the interaction with the suspect ended in an officer involved shooting” but did not detail if the suspect had a weapon or threatened police. The suspect was pronounced deceased at 11:25 a.m. The sheriff’s office said officers performed life-saving efforts. The stabbing victim was transported to the hospital in critical condition. The sheriff’s office said at the press conference that the incident has been contained and “there is no need for any heightened awareness.” No information about the officers involved in the shooting has been released. There is no information yet about who either of the victims are, or whether or not they were employees at the plant. The sheriff’s office says no officers were injured in the incident. The Johnson County Officer Involved Critical Incident Investigations teams is now investigating the incident, with the Olathe Police Department acting as lead agency. The Kansas Bureau of Investigations is also assisting in the investigation. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office posted on social media on Friday that county law enforcement had a “large presence in the area of the Panasonic plant” near 103rd Street and Astra Parkway. The sheriff’s office said there was no active threat to the public and that the situation was contained. The Panasonic plant opened in July and is the largest electric vehicle battery plant in the U.S. In a statement Panasonic sent to KCUR before the sheriff’s department updated media, the company said it’s aware of the “law enforcement involved incident” at the De Soto facility. “There was not an active shooter, and we are working closely with the appropriate authorities,” the statement read. “We have no additional details to share at this time.”
PG. 03
PUBLISHING BREAK:
WE WILL NOT PUBLISH ON DECEMBER 29 OR JANUARY 5. OUR NEXT ISSUE WILL BE RELEASED ON JANUARY 12, WHEN WE’RE EXCITED TO KICK OFF 2026 WITH FRESH STORIES AND COMMUNITY UPDATES. WE’LL STILL BE POPPING UP ON SOCIAL MEDIA THROUGHOUT THE BREAK, SHARING LOCAL MOMENTS AND A LITTLE HOLIDAY CHEER—SO BE SURE TO FOLLOW ALONG. THANK YOU FOR ANOTHER WONDERFUL YEAR OF SUPPORT AND COMMUNITY CONNECTION. WE’LL SEE YOU SOON!
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22 DECEMBER
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PG. 04
GIRLS WRESTLING INCREASE Story by Ainsley Michael, BHS Journalism For the past 30ish years girls wrestling has slowly increased. It first started in the 1990’s but slowly increased in the 2000s. Throughout this past around 7 years girls wrestling population increase has skyrocketed. In 2010 the population was 7,351 and in 2018 it skyrocketed to 21,124, and it only increased more. Also from 2022-2025 it has increased by almost 30,000 female wrestlers. Senior Finnley Kellerman is one of those girls wrestlers also. “I started wrestling my sophomore year,” Kellerman said. “I love the team aspect of wrestling. I think a lot of people don’t realize how much of a team sport wrestling is and the bonds you form with your teammates. I love watching them achieve their goals.” Another female wrestler at BHS Lydia Payne is a sophomore and already winning matches. “This is my fourth year wrestling,” Payne said. “I enjoyed making new friends and getting to experience
wrestling with a new team.” Sophomore Gwen Troth is also wrestling on varsity at BHS. “I have been wrestling for 4ish years,” Troth said. “My favorite part about wrestling is how it has grown me as a person. Wrestling is a mentally and physically challenging sport and can take a major toll on your mental and physical health and I feel like that has made me stronger as a person.” With Troth wrestling for many years she might have some improvements that she notices. “It has improved my mindset and how I take care of my body which has made me a better person overall. I love wrestling here at BHS specifically because of the love our team and coaches have for us. We all get to grow together and we care for one another like family. The support our team has for everyone on the team
MADDY ROGERS BHS ALUMNI AND PARA-EDUCATOR Story by Addison Brown, BHS Journalism Maddy Rogers, class of 2009, an Alumni who took many extracurricular activities during her time in BHS, shares her story with us about her high school experience, and why she decided to become a para-educator here in BHS years later. Q: What year did you graduate from BHS? A: “I graduated in 2009.” Q: Why did you decide to become a BHS para-educator? A: “I have worked with kids for a long time, and with my daughter in school, it fits into our schedule perfectly. I was also excited to be able to work in my alma mater.” Q: Did anyone inspire you to teach dance? A: “I started taking dance classes when I was 3 years old, and I danced throughout high school, college, and pretty much my entire adult life. I have always loved sharing the joy of performing and nourishing the creativity of young artists. There is no single person that I can give credit to for inspiration, as I’ve had many wonderful instructors over
my many years in the studio.” Q: What is your main reason for dancing and acting? A: “The stage is simply my happy place. The adrenaline and endorphins from performing give me an overwhelmingly good feeling, and I can’t imagine my life without it.” Q: Did you do any former sports and or acting/dancing when you were here at BHS? A: “I took dance classes at Stacy’s Dance Studio, was on the BHS Dance Team for all four years, and I competed in forensics, which I now coach.” Q: Did you take any first career pathways in high school to do what you do now? Or were they different? A: “My first job in high school was working as a Certified Nurse and Medication Aide in long term care. I also choreographed and taught routines for the dance team. I think the combination of providing care for people and growing the ability to teach were important stepping stones towards the work I do now, both as a paraeducator and as a dance instructor.”
is incredible and everyone boosts your confidence and always uplifts you.” At BHS the wrestling team has grown especially with the girls population.
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22 DECEMBER
COMMUNITY
PG. 06
CHRISTMAS GIVING QUILT CAPITAL OF KANSAS
TIMELESS STITCHES
By Sharon Vesecky & Liz Granberg-Jerome
It looks a lot like Christmas is just around the corner. It’s the time of the year when thoughts turn to gifts and goodies. At the quilt shop we are finishing the quilting on the last quilts that are needed for Christmas gifts or Christmas home décor. One quilt that I quilted on the longarm machine inspired me—it was a T-shirt quilt made of Christmas-themed shirts. Some of them were so funny! I decided to enhance my collection of Christmas T-shirts because I now want to make a humorous quilt. The only problem is that I need to wear the T-shirts several times before I can bear to cut them up. And if I add only three or four shirts a year, it will be several years before I have enough to make a quilt. I could check the thrift shops for more T-shirts, but I prefer to use my own. So, if you see me wearing a Christmas T-shirt in June or July, I’m just trying to get enough good out of the shirt so that it won’t hurt my conscience to cut it up and put it in a T-shirt quilt. Quilted gifts come in many sizes and shapes. Of course, the bed-sized quilt needs no explanation. They are made to keep the recipient warm whether it is on the bed where the recipient sleeps or is used to curl up with in
front of the TV to watch a movie. Wall quilts can be any size and can be used to enhance the décor of any room in the house. Table runners are a popular gift this time of the year, especially if you need to make several gifts that are comparable in value. They may be a regular quilt pattern made in Christmas colors or a project made displaying a strong Christmas subject. Then there are Christmas tree skirts. I have a stained-glass design tree skirt with burgundy satin poinsettias on it that is almost finished. I started it over 10 years ago and don’t have much left to complete it. Each year I tell myself that I will finish it, and each year I use my old Christmas tree skirt once again. Small items for the kitchen are useful. Decorated hand towels, quilted bags for making baked potatoes or corn-on-the-cob, and potholders all come to mind. Actually, potholders have become a Christmas tradition in our family. I started out making potholders as “stocking stuffers” for my daughters, daughterin-law, and granddaughters. I sorted through my Christmas fabric resources and pulled out the fabrics that were big enough to cut 8 ½” squares of fabric. The potholders I make use six fabric squares and one square of cotton quilt batting. They are assembled in a way that they don’t require a binding around the edge, so they go together pretty fast. When I finished enough potholders for the girls, I thought, “Oh, why
not? I believe in equal opportunity kitchens!” I proceeded to make enough more potholders for the guys, too. Imagine my surprise when they actually appreciated receiving them! I learned that my grandson, in his own apartment, did not have any potholders and my granddaughter’s boyfriend was very impressed that someone actually made something for him! That is kind of what creating gifts is all about—taking the time to make something for those that you care about! The added plus for the project was I used a significant amount of my fabric resources, while making several small useful gifts that did not require spending more money. That was two years ago. And this year? Yes, I have the potholders sewn and waiting to be tucked into a gift for each family member. I made them all from Christmas fabric; however, I think I will probably have to branch out to a different genre of fabric next year since the Christmas fabric resources are running low in my sewing room. Maybe I will switch to florals or geometric fabrics for next year. It’s so nice to accomplish more than one goal with a project—reduce the amount of fabric scraps in the sewing room while making useful gifts! If you are interested in making fast potholders, stop by Quilters’ Paradise and pick up a copy of Sharon’s potholder instructions. Happy holidays to all! May 2026 bring you much happiness and good health!
EVENTS Dec. 22
Tech Time
Baldwin City Library 3 pm – 4 pm Dec. 22
Best Movie Nite: A Christmas Story Baldwin City Library 6 pm Dec. 24
Christmas Eve Service
Worden Cornerstone Church 5 pm or 7 pm Dec. 27
Resting in Winter Om Grown Yoga and Wellness Collective 1 pm – 3 pm
SUBSCRIPTION UPDATE
The Maple Weekly will remain free for public pickup at Baldwin City Market and the Post Office (first-come, first-served). Home delivery subscriptions are now $30 per year. The $5/month option ends January 1, 2026. Online subscriptions will auto-renew at $30/year unless canceled. For help, email Jenni@BaldwinMaple.com .
$30 ANNUAL ‘DIRECT-TO-MAILBOX’ SUBSCRIPTION To receive a newspaper in your mailbox every week, make the $30 check payable to The Maple Weekly. Mail checks to The Maple Weekly (1604 Elkhorn St. Baldwin City, KS 66006). Or drop off at the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce.
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22 DECEMBER
COMMUNITY VOICES A CHARCUTERIE CHRISTMAS DEAR HOMEKEEPER By Cat Henry
Depending on your holiday tradition, a charcuterie board can be part of the festivities. These boards are curated finger foods served on a wooden platter. One tradition in my home was my children opening a gift on Christmas Eve (a nod to my German background), saving the rest for the next morning. That morning, a big platter would greet them with an assortment of mini donuts, cinnamon rolls, grapes, bananas, croissants, hot chocolate/coffee, and Orange Julius. Everything would be served on the coffee table, set near the twinkle of the Christmas tree. We’d leisurely munched while unpacking our Christmas stockings and opening gifts. Today, it does my heart good to see my adult children repeating the continental breakfast platter on Christmas morning. Orange Julius is a throwback to one of the first drinks to have a health halo, making it a precursor to the smoothie. My recipe includes: One can of frozen orange juice 3 tablespoons of egg white 1 cup of milk 1 teaspoon of vanilla, 2 medium ripe bananas, and 1.5 cups of ice The original recipe includes a lot of sugar, which I skip. Add all the ingredients into a blender on high speed until the ice is crushed. Pour into glasses and serve with a straw. This year, my son and his 87-year-old motherin-law, now under his care, are coming from the East Coast to spend a few days with me during Christmas week. My daughter-in-law passed away in September. My son decided not to spend this first Christmas in their home without her. We will go to another family member’s home (who has littles) on the big day of the week to celebrate festivities with them. I like to think my departed daughter-in-law will be pleased looking down on us as we gather. In this Advent season, I also anticipate my menu by bookmarking inspiration for charcuterie boards for Christmas Eve that will have enough nibbles and sips to supplant a formal meal. Another invited friend will join us that evening for merry-making in between attending a singalong at the church. It’s not Christmas without hymns! By the time the pandemic came around a few years ago, I had accumulated quite a charcuterie board
inventory alongside my platters. On this side of the pandemic, I hesitated to use them when serving guests. By design, charcuteries are communal, with hands reaching, people hovering, and grazing. Concerns over food safety and service still linger for me.
Homekeeper’s hospitality is as much about emotional comfort as it is about serving food. I do love the beauty and abundance this presentation offers. On social media, there’s no shortage of ideas for styling charcuterie boards into wreaths or a Christmas tree. I am planning wooden boards layered with seasonal food: ruby pomegranate arils, deep green sprigs of rosemary, a circular-style creamy brie cut to resemble a snowflake, tucked beside red cranberry chutney. There will be thinly sliced salami folded into little rosettes, ham chunks, aged cheddar cut into tidy geometric shapes, and a few snow-white chèvre rounds rolled in herbs. Poached pears with blue cheese plus clementine segments will be added to the presentation, with toasted nuts and dark chocolate pieces adding a decadent winter indulgence. There will be a board featuring sweet bread, like store-bought stolen covered in powdered sugar, and my friend is bringing his oh-so-good, fabulous fruit cake (a white version with candied cherries, pineapple, pecans, walnuts, dates, amaretto-soaked and aged). A scattering of grapes rolled in goat cheese and crushed pistachios, and sugared cranberries will finish it alongside the breads. If Christmas morning charcuteries are for the younger ones, Christmas Eve is decidedly grown-up, with a warm glühwein mulled wine. I discovered a local brand (Kansas producers Wyldewood Cellars) years ago when catering an annual German Christkindl market-themed event. It’s an elderberry wine infused with warming notes of cloves and cinnamon: a perfect version of glühwein. All of this is an example of what the holiday season asks of us: to gather, to offer, to delight in the company we keep. With you in the keeping, Cathenry.ch@gmail.com P.S. Sometimes the simplest bite opens the door to togetherness.
PG. 07
SHEDDING THE PAST THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX By Jeanine Ross
So, we are coming to the close of another year. In many ways, it can feel like the close of every other year, no big deal. But in reality, it is a really big deal. You have had the opportunity to live another 365 days. What did you do with it? That’s the real question. Did you sleepwalk through the days, never noticing the changing of the seasons? Did you look into your significant other’s face and wonder what happened to that sexy person you used to know, instead of seeing how much they’ve grown? Did you look into the mirror and only see wrinkles that weren’t there last year instead of the character lines that mark a life well lived? If that’s how you spent your year, what a waste! Make the decision to start living in the present beginning right now! Listen, every year that you are alive, you have the opportunity to shed the past, find a new passion, discover what it means to be you today! How many times have I heard, “I don’t even like looking in the mirror anymore” or “It’s who I used to be, but I’m too old now” or “I can’t do what I used to do so what’s the use?” I’ve heard lines like this too often and from people as young as thirty! It boggles my mind! I don’t understand why so many people are so stuck in the past that they can only see who they were not who they are. To every life there are seasons. When you are in the womb, that is a season of preparation. When you are born that is a season of development. When you are a younger person it is a season of discovery. When you have more youth behind you than in front of you, it is a season of sharing and rejoicing and seeking. Don’t let yourself get stuck in a season that no longer belongs to you. Shed your past with gratitude and thanksgiving and embrace the newness of the season you are in now. There is so much to be explored and discovered and experienced in every season! Let your past be a pleasant memory as you unravel the mysteries of your present, no matter what season you are in. Let go of who you were so who you are can flourish in the here and now. You still have so much to learn and so many ways to grow and so much of life to experience. But you can’t do it if you are stuck in a past that you can never have again. Here’s my moto, “If you cannot change it, or make it better or fix it in any way, let it go!” Stop rehashing it in your mind. Stop digging it up from the past and reminding others of things better left buried. Stop trying to be someone you’re not anymore! Discover who you are now, shed the past, and embrace the gift called the present! So, if you really want your life to change for the better, it begins by “Thinking Outside the Box
22 DECEMBER
COMMUNITY
PG. 08
BALDWIN WAX & WICK: A CLEAN CANDLE COMPANY ROOTED IN COMMUNITY
What began as a pandemic pastime has grown into a beloved local brand, lighting up homes—and hearts— throughout Baldwin City and beyond. Baldwin Wax & Wick was born during the COVID shutdown, when founders Kristen Seele Amburgey and Jenni found themselves, like many others, spending more time at home. With candles burning constantly in the background of their work-from-home days, the pair realized something was missing. “We were burning a lot of candles and didn’t love any of them,” Kristen shared. “Once we started researching, we learned how many unhealthy ingredients can go into candles. That really pushed us to create something cleaner that also smelled amazing.”
What started as curiosity quickly turned into purpose. The duo dove deep into candle-making research, determined to develop a product they felt good about using themselves—and confident sharing with others. That commitment to clean, natural ingredients has remained at the core of Baldwin Wax & Wick since day one. “We didn’t want unhealthy ingredients in our homes, or in the homes of our families, friends, and customers,” Kristen said. “We wanted something we could truly stand behind.” From the beginning, keeping the business local was just as important as keeping the ingredients clean. Conversations with friends revealed a need in the community for high-quality,
thoughtfully made candles. The operation started—and still remains—in their kitchens, where each candle is handpoured in small batches. As life grew busier, the team grew too. Claire joined Baldwin Wax & Wick to help keep production running smoothly while maintaining the quality customers had come to expect. Today, the business is proudly female-owned and fueled, with each team member playing a key role. Kristen jokingly refers to herself as the “point guard,” handling supply ordering, communication, and daily operations. Jenni works behind the scenes managing finances and taxes, while Claire brings her design skills to life through labels, marketing pieces, social media, and hands-on production of candles and wax melts. Balancing business ownership with family life hasn’t come without challenges. “Life is busy,” Kristen said. “It really takes teamwork—and a village— especially during candle season.” She credits careful planning, selective event participation, and the support of family (especially her mom) for helping make it all work. Despite the demands, there’s no shortage of joy in the process. From the calming aromas during production to the excitement of developing new scents, creativity remains a highlight. “It’s always fun when we come up with an amazing
new scent we can’t wait to name,” Kristen said. One scent in particular holds special meaning: Pumpkin Spice Latte. Inspired by childhood memories of sneaking coffee grounds from her great-grandmother’s house just to keep the comforting aroma close, Kristen knew she had found something special when she paired coffee notes with fall spices. “That’s when the lightbulb moment happened,” she said. “They were meant to be. As Baldwin Wax & Wick has grown, so has the community support behind it. “The support from our community is unmatched,” Kristen shared. “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported our small business over the years.” Customers can currently find Baldwin Wax & Wick candles at Baldwin City Market, Om Grown, Eccentricity, and This & That KC. The brand is also known for its presence at local events and pop-ups, including community candle-pouring parties—an experience the team loves sharing. “It’s fun to hear the stories behind the candles,” Kristen said. “Favorite scents, gifting stories, and the love people have for our product—it’s all incredibly heartwarming.” From clean ingredients to community connections, Baldwin Wax & Wick continues to pour intention, creativity, and care into every candle—proving that sometimes the best ideas really do start at home.