NEW DONUT, COFFEE & BOBA SHOP OPENS IN BALDWIN CITY
A new locally welcomed business has opened its doors in Baldwin City, offering fresh donuts, specialty drinks, and a convenient stop for early mornings. Le Donut, Coffee, & Boba is now open at 126 U.S. 56, located in the former Taco Bell building.
Le Donut, Coffee, & Boba serves a variety of freshly made donuts, including apple fritters that have already been earning positive word-of-mouth from local customers. The menu also features boudin kolaches, along with coffee, boba, and other specialty drinks—making it a versatile stop whether you’re grabbing breakfast or a mid-morning pick-me-up.
The business is utilizing the existing drive-through,
offering a quick and convenient option for customers on the go, and the location provides ample parking for those who prefer to step inside.
Hours are listed as 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. daily, making it an ideal stop for early risers, commuters, and weekend treat seekers alike.
The Maple Weekly looks forward to sharing more about Laye Donut, Coffee, and Boba—including the story behind the business and its owners—in a future publication. For now, Baldwin City residents are invited to stop by, check out the menu, and welcome this newest addition to the local business community.
BALDWIN CITY WELCOMES NEW YOUTH WRESTLING CLUB
A new youth wrestling club is taking shape in Baldwin City, built on experience, structure, and a deep commitment to both athletes and families. Baldwin Warrior Wrestling, founded by Katie and Kaleb Michael, officially launched during the current club season and is already gaining momentum.
The idea for Baldwin Warrior Wrestling has been years in the making. The Michaels’ family has been involved in wrestling for more than 15 years, with five of their seven children participating in the sport—including their youngest, who is just getting started this year. Two of their children currently wrestle in school programs, while others are developing skills through club wrestling.
Both Katie and Kaleb also bring extensive coaching backgrounds across multiple youth sports. Kaleb has served as a head coach for rec baseball, an assistant wrestling coach for more than five years, and currently coaches youth softball teams. Katie has coached soccer, volleyball, and softball. Through those years of coaching, they observed Baldwin City’s youth athletics community grow— and recognized a need for a different kind of wrestling option.
CELEBRATE BALDWIN CITY AT THE 2025 CHAMBER AWARDS BANQUET
The Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce & Main Street is thrilled to announce our 2025 Chamber Awards Banquet, happening Friday, February 20, 2026, at the beautiful Stony Point Hall. This annual celebration is one of our favorite nights of the year, and we invite you to join us for an evening dedicated to connection, community, and celebrating all that makes Baldwin City special.
The evening will kick off with happy hour at 5:00 p.m., followed by dinner and awards beginning at 6:00 p.m. Guests will enjoy a catered meal and receive one drink ticket, all included with admission. Tickets are $55 per person, and as in past years, seating is expected to fill quickly. We have sold out several years in a row, so we encourage you to secure tickets early. The Chamber Banquet is a wonderful opportunity to gather with fellow business owners, community leaders, and neighbors to recognize outstanding individuals and businesses who contribute to Baldwin City’s success and spirit. It is truly a night to come together and Celebrate Baldwin City.
Businesses interested in increasing their visibility and showing support for our local community are invited to sponsor a full table of eight or a half table of four. Additionally, award sponsorships and other banquet activity sponsorship opportunities are available. If your business would like to participate in any of these ways, please contact the Chamber of Commerce for more information.
Tickets will be available in person at the Chamber office or online through our website, so don’t wait—get your tickets today. Find more information online here: https://www. baldwincitychamber.com/chamber-banquet
The Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce is proud to host this celebration, and we hope you’ll join us for a fun, meaningful evening honoring the people and businesses that make Baldwin City thrive.
Sincerely,
Dana Mullis Director, Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce & Main Street
Chris Nicholson President, Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce Board
NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR 2025 BALDWIN CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AWARDS
The Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce is calling on the community to help recognize the people, businesses, and organizations that make Baldwin City such a special place to live, work, and gather. Nominations are now open for the 2025 Baldwin City Chamber Awards, and residents are encouraged to take part by nominating those who go above and beyond for our community.
Each year, the Chamber Awards shine a spotlight on excellence, leadership, creativity, and service across a variety of categories. From education and innovation to community events and local heroes, these awards are powered by community voices—yours included.
How the Nomination Process Works
Community members are invited to submit nominations through the Chamber’s online form by January 31. While multiple nominations for the same individual or organization do not increase their chances, thoughtful, well-written nomination statements do—so nominators are encouraged to share why their nominee truly deserves recognition.
From the submitted nominations, the top three finalists in each category will be announced on February 10, with final winners revealed during the Chamber Awards Banquet on Friday, February 20, at Stony Point.
2024 Chamber Award Winners
Last year’s award recipients represent the heart of Baldwin City and serve as inspiration for this year’s nominations:
• Excellence in Education – USD #348: Baldwin
High School Musical
• Excellence in Education – Baker University: Dr. Frank Perez, Baker University
• Innovative Marketing Award: The Maple
• Best Community Event Award: Independence Day Celebration
• Friendship Award: Lumberyard Arts Center
• Local Heroes Award: Baldwin City Fire Department
• Business of the Year: Mid America Bank
Award Categories Open for 2025 Nominations
Best Community Event
Best Newcomer Award
Excellence in Education – USD #348
Excellence in Education – Baker University
Friendship Award
Innovative Marketing Award
Local Heroes Award
Business of the Year
“This is your chance to celebrate the people and places that make Baldwin City thrive,” Chamber leaders shared. “If you’ve been impacted by a great event, an inspiring educator, a welcoming business, or a local hero, we want to hear from you.”
Nominations are open now, and the Chamber encourages everyone to take a few minutes to recognize those making a difference. After all, the Chamber Awards are built on community pride— and every voice matters.
Nominate by January 31 and help celebrate the best of Baldwin City.
CREATE YOUR OWN FUTURE
HEART SCREENINGS AVAILABLE FOR LOCAL YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
The health and safety of students and families remains a top priority, and an important heart-health opportunity is being made available to the community.
On Thursday, February 19, My HeartCheck will be at the Baldwin Intermediate Center offering comprehensive heart screenings for youth and young adults ages 8 to 25.
My HeartCheck is a nationally recognized program that provides heart assessments conducted by trained medical professionals and overseen by pediatric cardiologists. To date, the organization has screened more than 18,000 young people, identifying serious heart conditions that may otherwise go undetected.
Through special arrangements, these screenings are being offered at a reduced cost of $179, compared to a typical hospital screening value of approximately $1,500.
Appointments are required, and pre-registration is essential, as availability is limited.
Families who may need assistance are encouraged to know that financial support is available through partnerships with the Strive for Life Foundation and the Jordan Robert Mann Foundation.
While the district does not formally endorse specific organizations, this opportunity is being shared as a helpful resource for families interested in supporting their child’s heart health.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.myheartcheck.org
BALDWIN RECREATION COMMISSION UPDATES:
DISCOUNT KU TICKETS:
Dribble, shoot, SCORE discount tickets to KU Women’s Basketball Sunflower Showdown. Cheer on the Lady Jayhawks as they take on K-State on January 25 in the legendary Allen Fieldhouse. Grab your exclusive discount tickets here!
SPRING SOCCER REGISTRATION:
Let’s kick it! Registration for Youth Spring Soccer is now open. NEW for Spring 2026: All teams 3rd grade and up will be split by gender. If there are not enough boys/girls to form separate teams, players will be combined into a co-ed team. K-2nd grade will remain co-ed. Learn more about our youth soccer program and register today at our website!
MICRO SOCCER REGISTRATION:
Registration for Micro Soccer is now open! Micro Soccer is an innovative program that introduces 2-4 year olds to the basic skills of soccer in a fun, ageappropriate manner. Check more details about Micro Soccer at our website and sign up your child up today!
TACOS AND TEQUILA CASINO NIGHT:
Who’s ready to “taco-bout” teachers? It’s almost time for the 2nd annual Tacos and Tequila Night! Join us on February 7 for El Patron tacos, a variety of tequila for tasting, an exhibit of BEF-funded classroom grants, and (NEW this year) a casino night! All proceeds from T&T go towards the BEF’s Teacher Assistance Grant program, which helps teachers enrich their classrooms with resources beyond the standard budget. Purchase your tickets today!
DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE:
Turn down the lights and turn up the glow—the 2026 Daddy-Daughter Dance is almost here! Join us for a bright night full of glow sticks, giggles, lively music, tasty treats, and a dance floor made for memory-making (and a few un-father-gettable dad moves). Registration opens Wednesday, January 14— stay tuned for more details!
COMMUNITY CENTER RENTALS:
Now accepting graduation party reservations. New rates just dropped! Did you know that the Community Center is available for private rentals? With a warming kitchen, recreation room (complete with PS5 and golf/soccer simulator), and plenty of tables and chairs, our facility is perfect for class reunions, birthday parties, celebrations, and more. Check out our new rental fees and book today!
19
PEASLEE TECH ANNOUNCES COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS FOR $10M PEASLEE PROMISE CAMPAIGN
LAWRENCE, Kan. — Peaslee Tech today announced the appointment of two respected community and business leaders, Smitty Belcher and Shirley MartinSmith, as co-chairs of the Peaslee Promise Campaign, a $10 million endowment initiative designed to expand access to technical training and ensure long-term affordability for students in Douglas County.
Launched in May 2025, the Peaslee Promise Campaign will establish an endowed fund to provide debt-free technical education for high school juniors and seniors from 12 partner schools, as well as adult learners from low-income households. The endowment will be managed by the Douglas County Community Foundation and will support both student scholarships and Peaslee Tech’s long-term financial sustainability.
“Smitty Belcher and Shirley Martin-Smith exemplify the leadership, generosity, and commitment to workforce development that define the Peaslee Promise,” said Dr. Kevin Kelley, Executive Director of Peaslee Tech. “Their lifelong dedication to this community and their belief in the power of skilled trades make them ideal champions for this transformational campaign.”
Smitty Belcher, Chairman of the Board of P1 Construction, is widely recognized for his leadership in the construction industry and his deep commitment to quality, safety, and workforce development. A longtime supporter of Peaslee Tech,
Belcher has played a significant role in advancing technical training opportunities, both regionally and nationally, and has been honored for his lasting impact on the Lawrence community.
“Careers in the skilled trades provide dignity, purpose, and opportunity,” Belcher said. “The Peaslee Promise ensures our community continues to invest in people who want to build meaningful careers while meeting the workforce needs of local employers.”
Shirley Martin-Smith, president of Martin-Smith Personnel Services Inc. and a founding leader of Peaslee Tech, brings decades of experience in workforce placement, public service, and civic leadership. A former Lawrence mayor and longtime advocate for job creation, Martin-Smith has served as Chair of the Peaslee Tech Board since its inception.
“Dwayne Peaslee believed deeply in the trades as a pathway to a good life, and that belief is at the heart of the Peaslee Promise,” Martin-Smith said. “This campaign will open doors for generations of students and strengthen the economic future of Douglas County.”
Together, Belcher and MartinSmith will lead a committee of community leaders and supporters in advancing the Peaslee Promise Campaign, building awareness, and securing philanthropic investment to reach the $10 million goal.
Tax-deductible contributions to the Peaslee Promise Endowment Fund may be made online at peasleetech. org/peasleepromise or by mail to: Douglas County Community Foundation
Attn: Peaslee Promise Endowment Fund
900 Massachusetts, Suite 406 Lawrence, KS 66044
COMMUNITY
COUNTY SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR BLACK JACK BATTLEFIELD ADVISORY BOARD
LAWRENCE, Kan. – Douglas County is accepting applications for three appointments to serve on a new advisory board that will help guide the future of Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park, a 38-acre property at 163 E. 2000 Road near Baldwin City. The site features the historic Robert Hall Pearson farmhouse, nature trails, Captain’s Creek, restored prairie, picnic areas and a sugar maple grove. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk.
The advisory board will make recommendations to Douglas County and the City of Baldwin City on:
• Short- and long-term park development
• Maintenance and capital projects
• Programming and public use
• Strategic planning
• Signage and marketing
Applications are open to Douglas County residents. The county is seeking individuals with personal or professional experience in areas such as local history, park maintenance and supervision, historic preservation, ecology and natural heritage, marketing and communications, fundraising, event coordination and production, tourism and economic development, and archaeology.
Residents interested in serving may complete the application form at https:// dgcoks.gov/apply/boards. The deadline for applying is Friday, Jan. 23.
The board will include seven members: three appointed by Douglas County, three appointed by Baldwin City, and one ex officio member, Steve Nowak, executive director of the Douglas County Historical Society. Baldwin City has already completed its appointment process.
Douglas County Heritage Conservation Coordinator Kaitlyn Ammerlaan will serve as staff liaison. She will coordinate meetings, prepare agendas and support the board’s work.
“The board’s primary deliverable will be a report with recommendations to Baldwin City and Douglas County on the preservation and maintenance of the property,” Ammerlaan said.
Douglas County and Baldwin City expect to finalize board appointments by spring 2026.
BALDWIN CITY BEER COMPANY KICKS OFF 2026 WITH NEW HOURS & WEEKLY FUN
The Baldwin City Beer Company is starting 2026 with several exciting updates designed to bring the community together—even during the winter months.
Beginning this month, Baldwin City Beer Company has expanded its hours, now opening at noon on Mondays for lunch and offering Sunday brunch starting at 9 a.m. The new schedule gives locals even more opportunities to stop in and enjoy food, drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere.
To help beat the winter blues, BCBC is also rolling out new weekly leagues and events: Mondays: Cornhole League at 6:30 p.m. No sign-up or experience required— just show up and play.
Wednesdays: Pool League started Jan. 7 A few spots are still available for those interested in joining. Participants can reach out directly to BCBC for more information.
Thursdays: Trivia Night starting Jan.15
Gather a team and test your knowledge during this new weekly trivia event.
With expanded hours and a full lineup of activities, Baldwin City Beer Company is making it easier than ever for the community to gather, connect, and enjoy the winter season together.
GOOD NEWS FOR NIGHT OWLS AND EARLY RISERS!
Starting January 18, Casey’s will officially be open 24 hours a day. Whether you’re grabbing fuel, snacks, pizza, or a late-night coffee, Casey’s will be there— anytime you need it.
No more watching the clock— Baldwin City convenience just got a whole lot better.
COMMUNITY
NEW SCHOLARSHIP HONORS BALDWIN HIGH SCHOOL CHEER TRADITION
A new scholarship has been created to honor a deep love for Baldwin High School cheerleading and a long-standing commitment to giving back to local students.
Kit and Sarah Harris have established the Purple Pride Cheer Scholarship in honor of their daughter, Malin Harris, with the goal of supporting Baldwin High School senior cheerleaders as they take their next steps after graduation.
The scholarship reflects both family values and gratitude for the opportunities provided through Baldwin USD #348. Kit Harris shared that no matter where life or retirement leads, giving back to the Baldwin school system has always been a priority for their family—and this scholarship is a meaningful place to begin.
For Malin, being part of the Baldwin High School cheer program was more than an extracurricular activity. It was a source of pride, purpose, and connection to a long tradition of success and hard work. Her parents say it was rewarding to watch her dedicate herself fully to the program and to see the impact of strong coaching and teamwork along the way.
Each year, the Purple Pride Cheer Scholarship will be awarded to one senior cheerleader at Baldwin High School. The scholarship will be presented in May and is designed to support a goal-driven, hardworking, and positive student as they pursue post-high school plans.
Scholarship criteria will include cheer team commitment, leadership, academics, and
character—qualities the Harris family believes best represent both the cheer program and the Bulldog spirit.
Donations to establish and grow the scholarship are being accepted through the Baldwin Education Foundation. Community members who wish to contribute can do so by selecting the “In Honor Of” option and directing their donation to the Cheer Scholarship. The Harris family has made a personal donation to launch the fund, along with support from other community members.
“We are very excited to choose the first recipient this May,” the family shared, “and to see this scholarship continue for many years to come.”
Those interested in supporting the Purple Pride Cheer Scholarship are encouraged to donate and help invest in the future of Baldwin High School cheerleaders.
PURPOSEFUL LISTENING
THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX
By Jeanine Ross
Too often I notice how people get up every morning, have their coffee with breakfast, shower, drive to work, stumble through their day go to bed then get up the next day and do the same thing all over again. I used to be one of those people. I thought as long as I met my financial obligations, took care of my family and managed to have a little fun along the way, that was all I was supposed to do. A lot of people feel that way. But for me, I always had a kind of restlessness deep inside that wouldn’t leave me alone. Something inside kept asking, “is this all there is?” I couldn’t shake it. I moved through my younger life, raising my kids and paying my bills in some kind of stupor. I was doing all the things I thought I was supposed to do, but that nagging question would not leave me alone.
Finally, my kids were grown and moved out on their own, living their lives like they thought they were supposed to and I had time. More time than I knew what to do with. I hung out with my friends more, but after a time, I found that depressing. It seemed to me they were just keeping each other company while they waited to die and that nagging question was getting louder, so I decided to try and find the answer to it.
I read books, and went to lectures, and took classes. I learned how to meditate and talk to God and the universe. But it wasn’t until I learned how to listen that I began to get the answers I craved. I wanted to know why I was here. I wanted to know
if walking through this life like a zombie was all there was. I searched every place I thought could give me the answers, but when I learned how to listen, I heard, maybe for the first time, that all the answers I needed were inside me. That was a revelation I wasn’t expecting and I wasn’t sure I believed it at first but I decided to try it anyway. What did I have to lose?
I began sitting alone listening to the thoughts that popped into my head and wondering where they were coming from. They didn’t sound like me, but I knew I’d been listening to and acting on them my whole life. That stunned me, so I listened closer. Eventually, I learned how to dismiss the thoughts that didn’t serve me and when I did, something miraculous happened! I heard a new voice. It wasn’t mine either, but it had so much good information that I’d been craving but didn’t know I was craving until I listened to the new thoughts that were hardly more than a whisper. The old thoughts kept trying to come back, but I had heard a new voice and the old thoughts weren’t as loud as they used to be and they were a lot easier to dismiss. Listening and responding to my new thoughts completely changed the direction of my life!
Now, I can tell you, without a shadow of a doubt, that my purpose has been revealed and I am living it! That nagging question has disappeared and every day I wake up excited to see what it will bring and knowing that I am doing exactly what I was put here to do.
If you have a nagging question, learn how to listen from the inside and you will find your answers too.
So, if you really want your life to change for the better, it begins by “Thinking Outside the Box.”
THANK YOU, CAT HENRY!!
The Maple would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Cat Henry for her many contributions to the newspaper.
Cat’s weekly column, Dear Homekeeper, has long been a thoughtful and comforting presence in our pages. Through her words, she shared warmth, wisdom, and reflection that resonated deeply with readers and added a special voice to our publication.
While Dear Homekeeper will no longer appear as a regular weekly column, we are grateful that Cat will continue contributing on a special, occasional basis. We look forward to sharing her writing when those moments arise.
Beyond the page, Cat is also known for offering bed and breakfast rooms2stay—Baldwin City’s only true bed and breakfast—extending her gift of hospitality to visitors and guests from near and far.
Thank you, Cat, for your writing, your heart for community, and the many ways you help make Baldwin City feel like home.
COMMUNITY
That realization, paired with encouragement from local parents, pushed them to act. Baldwin Warrior Wrestling was created to provide a competitive, fundamentals-focused program with a strong emphasis on discipline, respect, and enjoyment of the sport. The club’s goal is to develop not only skilled wrestlers, but confident, resilient young people.
Launching mid-season came with challenges. Many families had already committed to other clubs, and switching programs can be difficult. The club opened with just five athletes but has already grown, with additional families planning to join following the State tournament. Starting small, the Michaels say, has allowed for more individualized coaching and intentional development.
The program currently serves athletes from 10U through high school, welcoming both beginners and experienced wrestlers. Practices are held twice a week and include stretching, strength and conditioning, fundamentals, technique work, situational and live wrestling, as well as team discussions and skill-building games. The club also plans themed practices, camps, and community engagement opportunities.
Coaching staff includes Kaleb Michael as Director and Head Coach, along with assistant coaches Jaiden Michael and Canyon Burtis. Jaiden brings 15 years of wrestling experience, having started in Baldwin City at age six, competing at the club, school, Kansas team, and national levels, earning 99 varsity wins, and signing with Baker University Wrestling. Burtis is a former high school state qualifier and placer who currently wrestles for Baker University as well.
The Michaels’ roots in Baldwin City run deep. They have lived in the community since 2011, their children attend local schools, and two are currently
students at Baker University.
Kaleb has served Baldwin City as a firefighter and paramedic and continues to serve the region through Palmyra Fire District 2 and Johnson County Fire District 1. Katie owns Wildland Sky Photo Co., a Baldwin-based photography business serving local families.
Community involvement and family support are central to the club’s mission. Wrestling, they note, is demanding—not only for athletes but for families as well. While wrestlers step onto the mat alone, they do so backed by coaches, teammates, families, and the community.
“That support matters,” they said. “This program only works when everyone is invested together.”
Baldwin Warrior Wrestling encourages families who are new to the sport to try it. While wrestling may not be for everyone, the Michaels believe many kids discover confidence and pride they didn’t know they had— sometimes after just one practice.
Athletes may join at any time throughout the year, and competition is encouraged when wrestlers are ready but is never required. The club plans to attend several tournaments leading up to Districts and State, while allowing families to choose the level of competition that fits their goals.
Practices are held Mondays from 7:00–8:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 6:00–8:00 p.m. in the MPR room at the Junior High School, using the PAC entrance. Families interested in learning more are encouraged to message Baldwin Warrior Wrestling on Facebook or Instagram, or visit a practice in person.
With a focus on fundamentals, family, and long-term development, Baldwin Warrior Wrestling is building something designed to grow alongside the community it serves.xx
TREASURER’S OFFICE TO CLOSE COURTHOUSE LOCATION TO PUBLIC ON FEB. 13;
LAWRENCE, Kan. – The Douglas County Treasurer’s Office will close its public-facing services inside the historic County Courthouse, 1100 Massachusetts St., at 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, as part of an effort to consolidate operations and improve customer service. The Courthouse location will continue to be used for internal functions.
Beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, Feb. 16, all motor vehicle and real estate transactions in Lawrence will be handled exclusively at the Treasurer’s Sixth Street Office, 2601 W. Sixth St.
The Treasurer’s Office will continue operating its Baldwin City location inside Baldwin City Market, 112 Eighth St., during the second full week of each month.
Treasurer Adam Rains said the move is designed to increase efficiency for both customers and staff.
“Centralizing our operations is a strategic step toward improving how we serve Douglas County residents,” Rains said. “This transition will help us work more efficiently, respond more quickly and provide a higher level of service.”
The Sixth Street location offers a larger waiting area, free close parking and a single-level entrance without steps. A new greeter will assist customers by reviewing paperwork to ensure they have the documents needed to complete their transactions, similar to the process used by the Kansas Division of Vehicles.
Nine employees will transfer to the Sixth Street office, allowing the location to be fully staffed and enabling new employees to work alongside experienced team members.
The Treasurer’s Office collects and distributes property tax revenue to the state and local taxing districts, including townships and school districts. It also operates the county’s motor vehicle department for the State of Kansas. The office processes more than 130,000 motor vehicle transactions each year with a staff of 21 and answers an average of 2,200 phone calls per month.
Contact: Karrey Britt Communications and Media Coordinator Office: 785-330-2894
Mobile: 785-393-4109
kbritt@dgcoks.gov
“This move strengthens our team and our ability to serve the public,” Rains said. “Bringing staff together in one location improves collaboration, reduces burnout and ultimately creates a better experience for the people who rely on our services.”
All current services will continue to be offered, including the drop boxes located outside the Courthouse and the Sixth Street office, and these online payment options:
• Renew motor vehicle tags: https://ikan. ks.gov
• Pay property taxes: https://propertyinfo. douglascountyks.org
Renewals and payments can also be mailed. Rains will provide information at the Board of County Commissioners’ business meeting, which starts at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, on the second floor of the courthouse.
For more information, visit: https://www. dgcoks.gov/treasurer.
