A BALDWIN CITY NEWSPAPER
LOCAL INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION RETURNS JUNE 27
Baldwin City’s biggest summer celebration is set to return Saturday, June 27, bringing live music, food trucks, family activities and a fireworks show to the Baldwin City Golf Course.
Hosted by the Baldwin City Recreation Commission, the annual Independence Day Celebration has
grown into one of the community’s largest events, drawing thousands of attendees from Baldwin City and surrounding areas. This year’s event runs from 4 to 10 p.m., though organizers encourage guests to arrive early to enjoy everything the festival has to offer.
“We’ve continued to grow every year,” said BCRC Director Matt McClure. “Come early, stay late, and be ready to have a good time.”
Music Takes Center Stage
Headlining this year’s celebration is country music star Rodney Atkins, joined by rising artist Shaylen and two opening acts. Live music begins at 4 p.m. and continues throughout the evening before the fireworks finale at 10 p.m.
As BCRC continues to attract larger touring acts, organizers have made improvements to help everyone enjoy the performances.
One of the biggest additions this year is a relay speaker system designed to improve sound quality throughout the festival grounds.
“In past years it was difficult to hear if you were in the back,” McClure said. “We feel we have remedied that issue.”
Food Trucks, Kids Zone and More
The festival offers much more than music.
Sixteen food trucks will be serving a wide variety of food and beverages throughout the event. The Kids Zone, which opens at 3:30 p.m., will feature eight attractions and activities for children, all free to enjoy.
Festivalgoers can also visit several local vendors and organizations, including The Stix, Dry Gulch Leatherworks, Kansas State Bank, LeafGuard, Baldwin City Made and others.
For those looking to cool off and relax, beer service will be available through two beer tents operated by the Baldwin Golf Association, as well as inside the golf course clubhouse.
McClure also hinted at a new eating competition planned for this year’s event, with additional details to be announced closer to the celebration.
Arrive Early for the Best Experience
Organizers recommend arriving at least an hour before the music begins.
Many attendees spend time exploring the food truck offerings, visiting vendors and enjoying the Kids Zone before settling in for the evening’s entertainment.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and coolers. Outside food is permitted, although organizers hope attendees will support the food truck vendors on site.
Tents, umbrellas, fireworks, grills and other items that may block views will not be allowed.
Parking and Shuttle Information
Parking at the golf course costs $10 per vehicle. However, free shuttle service will be available beginning at 3 p.m. from three locations:
Baldwin Intermediate Center
Baldwin Primary Center
Baldwin High School
Shuttles will continue operating until midnight.
Those who choose to park at the venue may enter from either Main
Street or Orange Street. Organizers note that no road closures are planned, although traffic patterns will be in place when attendees leave after the fireworks.
Maps showing parking areas, shuttle locations and traffic flow are available at BaldwinRec.org under the Independence Day section.
Community Support Makes It Possible
The celebration continues to grow thanks to support from local businesses and organizations.
Title sponsors for 2026 include Mid-America Bank, the City of Baldwin City, Prime Motorsports, Maley & Sons Construction, Cody Anno State Farm, and Simoneau Law/Hayden Outdoors.
Gold-level sponsors include BTSK, One Choice Heating & Cooling, Graham Realty, The Dentist of Lawrence, Julie Kirsche American Family Insurance, Amplify Life Center and Baldwin State Bank.
Sponsor support helps offset event expenses and allows organizers to keep nearly all activities free for attendees.
The festival will feature 13 VIP sponsor tents this year, three more than in 2025, reflecting growing community and business support for the event.
A Bigger Fireworks Show
The evening concludes with one of the region’s largest fireworks displays.
With the nation’s 250th anniversary approaching, organizers say attendees can expect an even bigger show than usual.
“There really isn’t a bad place to watch the fireworks,” McClure said. “We are ramping up a bit for the 250th, and I believe the crowd will see that in the show we put on.”
COMMUNITY
For first-time attendees, McClure’s advice is simple:
“Come early, stay late, and be ready to have a good time.”
The Baldwin City Independence Day Celebration takes place Saturday, June 27, from 4 to 10 p.m. at the Baldwin City Golf Course. Admission is free, with only parking requiring a fee. For updates and additional information, visit BaldwinRec. org or follow the Baldwin City Recreation Commission on social media.
FAQ
When is the event?
Saturday, June 27, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Baldwin City Golf Course.
How much does it cost?
Admission is free, including live entertainment and the Kids Zone. The only cost is food, beverages, vendor purchases and parking at the golf course.
How much is parking?
Parking at the golf course is $10/vehicle.
Is there a free shuttle?
Yes. Free shuttles will run from Baldwin Intermediate Center, Baldwin Primary Center and Baldwin High School beginning at 3 p.m. and continuing until midnight.
What should I bring?
Lawn chairs, coolers, water, sunscreen and plenty of patriotic spirit. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to claim a good viewing spot.
Can I bring a tent or umbrella?
Lawn chairs and coolers are welcome. Tents, grills, fireworks and anything that may block another guest’s view are prohibited.
How many food trucks will be there?
Sixteen food trucks and vendors will be serving food and drinks throughout the evening.
What is available for kids?
The free Kids Zone features eight attractions and activities for children and families.
Why is the celebration on June 27 instead of July 4?
Event organizers say the earlier date works best for securing entertainment, vendors, volunteers and event staff while allowing Baldwin City to kick off a full week of regional Independence Day celebrations.
What if the weather is bad?
The event is scheduled rain or shine. Updates will be posted on Baldwin City Recreation Commission social media channels if conditions change.
Is handicap parking available?
A limited number of accessible parking spaces are available at the golf course parking lot. Standard parking fees apply.
What’s new this year?
A new relay speaker system has been added to improve sound quality throughout the festival grounds, especially for guests seated farther from the stage.
Any tips for first-time attendees?
Arrive early, explore the food trucks and Kids Zone, and plan to stay through the fireworks. Traffic leaving the event can be slow, so organizers ask attendees to be patient as crowds disperse.
COMMUNITY
A milestone birthday celebration this summer will honor a woman whose influence has touched countless lives while also helping support the future of a beloved local gathering place.
Friends, family and community members are invited to celebrate Robin’s 80th birthday on Saturday, July 11, from 5 to 9 p.m. at The Light Center. The evening will recognize Robin’s decades of service, friendship and leadership while bringing together those whose lives have been enriched by her presence.
“Eighty years. Countless lives touched. Endless love shared,” organizers said in announcing the event.
The celebration will feature live music from StarSister Revival, a community potluck dinner, birthday cake, ice cream and drinks. Organizers say the evening is intended to be a joyful
gathering filled with gratitude, stories and memories as guests honor Robin’s legacy and create new memories together.
In addition to the birthday festivities, supporters are invited to participate in a special project called “80 Blessings for Robin.”
The initiative encourages friends and community members to offer a blessing in Robin’s honor. A blessing may take many forms, including a financial contribution, a written memory, a prayer, a note of appreciation or a heartfelt wish.
Funds raised through the project will help complete The Light Center’s Bathhouse Project, an improvement organizers say will support future retreats, workshops, gatherings and community events hosted at the center.
Suggested donation amounts include $80, $160, $800 or any amount meaningful to the donor.
Organizers say the project reflects Robin’s lifelong commitment to community, service and creating spaces where people can gather, learn and connect.
Whether attending the celebration, contributing a blessing or both, supporters are invited to be part of honoring Robin’s impact while helping invest in the future of The Light Center.
The Light Center is located off a rural road where GPS directions may become unreliable near the destination. Visitors are encouraged to watch for the red mailbox marked “The Light Center,” follow the long driveway, and turn right at the sign directing guests to the new parking area. Accessible parking will be available near the main barn.
The event is open to all who wish to celebrate Robin and the community she has helped build over the past 80 years.
Story from baldwincity.gov
To keep Baldwin residents informed about the city’s finances, I have outlined several updates that I believe are important to share.
The city remains cautious with spending. Reserves for the sewer and water utilities still fall short of current policy requirements. Although these areas are slowly improving, the city continues to closely monitor reserve levels.
The City Council will meet soon to work on the 2027 budget. These meetings are open to the public, and I encourage anyone interested in the city’s financial future to attend. Meeting dates, times, and locations will be posted on the city website. The first Budget Worksession is scheduled for Tuesday, June 23rd, at 6pm at the Community Center.
The City Council and I have strengthened the city’s lease agreements for current and prospective tenants who rent city property. Earlier agreements did not adequately protect the city or its residents and created potential legal risks. The
current lease template, reviewed and approved by the City Council, addresses many of those concerns. Although the process has involved some challenges, the city’s adopted lease agreement is now more professional and better aligned with standard business practices.
As mayor, the best short-term approach is to continue steadily building all reserve funds. We can do this by avoiding major capital improvement projects for now.
I plan to focus on supporting Baldwin’s current businesses while also exploring opportunities for future revenue and growth through light industry.
During the summer, the city will update and repaint the downtown area, crosswalks, and traffic lane markings.
Finally, while we are working to control spending, some funds will still need to be used for unforeseen emergencies. Please know that the City Council and I will manage both emergency and routine operating expenses responsibly.
-- Gerry Cullumber
FIVE GENERATIONS OF CREATIVITY COME TOGETHER IN COLORFUL MOSAIC PROJECT
What began as a garage renovation became something much bigger for Baldwin City residents Debi Taylor and her daughter, Becki — a vibrant work of art that tells a family story spanning five generations.
The pair recently completed a large floral mosaic on the exterior of a detached garage that was transformed into a colorful living space. The project, which features whimsical flowers, bright colors and hidden family tributes, has already become a point of curiosity and admiration for passersby.
“We wanted something that popped with color and originality,” Taylor said. “Our goal for the entire property is to evoke a sense of adventure, a space that makes you smile and want to create some art of your own.”
A Wall That Needed Color
The idea emerged while Debi and Becki were renovating the garage into living quarters. Frequent trips to Habitat for Humanity ReStore yielded an unexpected treasure: hundreds of colorful ceramic tiles.
“I had been working with glass mosaic for some time and had collected quite a supply of glass,” Taylor said. “When the end of the garage was closed in, there was an obvious space that screamed, ‘Fill me with color.’ It just popped into my head that a mosaic would be nice there, and Becki agreed.”
The project began in late September with hopes of being completed by the Maple Leaf Festival. That deadline quickly proved ambitious.
The pair then shifted their goal to finishing before the first hard freeze, a challenge made more difficult because both grout and adhesive require temperatures above 50 degrees for several hours to cure properly.
“There were a few days we had to create a makeshift heat tent over the entire project because the temperatures were dropping too fast,” Taylor said.
By the time the final pieces were
placed and the grout dried, the motherdaughter team had invested approximately 250 hours into the artwork.
Flowers Without a Blueprint
Despite its impressive scale, the mosaic was never governed by a detailed design.
“The project had a very vague vision: flowers. That was it,” Taylor said with a laugh.
While Becki initially favored pastel colors, Debi insisted on incorporating a large collection of bright yellow tile she had discovered. Today, both agree the yellow became one of the design’s defining features.
After sketching the first two flowers, the project evolved organically.
“Everything after that was completely free form,” Taylor said. “Sometimes when we worked alone, I would add to her flowers and she would add to mine. It was freestyle collaboration all the way.”
Along the way, family members contributed ideas and requests. Several flowers honor children and grandchildren, including a striking black rose requested by Becki’s daughter, Haleigh.
One of the most meaningful additions came from the youngest member of the family.
“My great-granddaughter, Winter Moon, requested irises,” Taylor said.
A Legacy Across Five Generations
That small contribution helped turn the project into something much deeper than public art.
“What I love most about this project is the generational legacy involved,” Taylor said.
Her mother, Doris Scraper, designed and built the original garage in the early 1980s. Decades later, the same structure became the canvas for a collaborative work of art connecting five generations of women.
The family traces that legacy through the project itself:
Doris Scraper designed and built the original garage.
Debi Taylor led the renovation and
created the mosaic.
Becki helped design the living space and co-created the artwork.
Haleigh offered ideas and inspiration throughout the process.
Winter Moon, Doris’ great-greatgranddaughter, requested the irises that became one of the final additions.
The result is both a family tribute and a celebration of creativity.
More Than a Mosaic
The transformation extends beyond the mosaic. Debi and Becki completed most of the garage conversion themselves, handling nearly every aspect of the renovation except plumbing and electrical work.
“The garage project was basically a shell when we started,” Taylor said. “We
Continued on page 2
Photo courtesy Debi Taylor
COMMUNITY
completed the transformation in three and a half months, which I still find an incredible feat.”
Filled with vibrant artwork, eclectic collections and whimsical décor, the finished space reflects the same creative spirit found in the mosaic outside.
The pair intentionally leaned into bold colors and what Taylor describes as a “princess vibe,” creating a space that feels playful, artistic and welcoming.
A Community Work in Progress
As work progressed, the mosaic began attracting attention.
Curious drivers slowed down in the alley. Neighbors stopped to ask questions. Visitors requested photos. Others followed the process through social media updates.
“We loved it when people asked to take pictures,” Taylor said. “Townies would let me know they were watching the creation unfold.”
The community’s interest became part of the experience, turning the project into a shared conversation as it grew piece by piece.
Inspiring Others to Create
Today, the colorful floral wall serves as an extension of the property’s artistic personality.
For Taylor, the project’s success isn’t measured by the number of tiles or hours invested, but by how it makes people feel.
“We wanted the whole property to feel like an adventure,” she said. “When people leave, we hope they’re inspired to create something of their own and share their experience with others.”
And thanks to five generations of imagination, that adventure now begins with a wall full of flowers.
INTUITION OR LOGIC
By Jeanine Ross
I’ve always been an intuitive person. I never even gave it a second thought because I assumed (as most young people do) that everybody was intuitive. Then, when I went into the world to become a productive part of society, I learned that logic was valued over intuition, so I developed my logic and began to ignore my intuition (though it was still there). That went on for years!
At some point, I determined that, while I had developed my logic to a fine-tuned instrument, something was missing. As a young person, I knew things that nobody else knew. I could solve problems without ever having been exposed to all the parts it took to solve the problem, and I could read a person with 100% accuracy even when they didn’t know themselves. I had taken that for granted until I figured out how much more valuable it was to me than logic.
Now, don’t get me wrong. Logic has its place and its own value, and I’m not discounting that. However, if what you want is to know rather than to figure it out, intuition is better. But both need to be recognized, cultivated, and trusted. While logic is something you can teach yourself through trial and error and repetition, it is not divinely given. Whereas intuition is a gift from beyond.
We are all born with intuition that may show itself in varying degrees. Have you ever thought about somebody you haven’t seen in a long time, then out of nowhere, they call or drop by? How about when you walk into a group of people, and you feel uneasy, then something terrible happens? What about when your lover lies to you, and you have no reason not to believe them, but you don’t? Then later, you find out for sure it was a lie. All of that is your intuition speaking to you. Has anyone ever said to you, “Trust your first mind?” That’s because that is where your intuition lives. It always speaks first, quietly but with certainty, even though it may not make sense to you logically; if you go with it, you will always come out ahead.
Intuition is a divine gift that can be recognized, appreciated, trusted, and depended on, but it can not be taught or even rationally explained. Unlike logic, intuition does not depend on reasoning. Instead, to grow and develop your intuition, you must first turn your focus inward and learn all of the subtle signs of its existence through meditation, self-reflection, and attention to all those things some people call coincidence. We were born with everything we will ever need to successfully navigate this world. All we need to do is trust our intuition to lead us to the answers.
So, if you really want your life to change for the better, it begins by “Thinking Outside the Box.”
THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX
OBITUARY
JOHN D. MUSGRAVE
May 12, 1948May 3, 2026
John D. Musgrave was born to Wilda (Bartlett) Musgrave and Robert E. Musgrave on May12, 1948, several weeks early and feet first. It was the first and last time he was early for anything, and there has always been speculation that the footling delivery instilled in him a passion for skydiving. Thereafter, he referred to an umbilical cord as a “ripcord.”
Growing up in Sugar Creek & Independence, MO, John’s early idols included his big brother, Kenneth, actor John Wayne, his dad, and all the other WWII veterans that lived in his community at whose feet he sat avidly listening to accounts of their war stories. There he learned about duty, honor, courage, and patriotism at a time when those qualities still stood in high regard, and they became deeply entrenched in his heart. Between those stories and the war movies he adored, the determination to serve in America’s military was firmly etched in his future and he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the tender age of 17. He said he “felt he owed his country for 17 years of freedom.”
An Eagle Scout in the tribe of Micosay, John’s early years were blessed with peace and countless friends, the most significant perhaps being Jay Van Velzen. They became as close as brothers, and devised many a misadventure together, including enlisting in the USMC at the same time. Jay said he couldn’t resist John’s signature siren calls, “Come on, Jay, it’ll be fun!” and “We owe it to ourselves!” The week before he arrived at boot camp, John attended church camp.
During his deployment to Vietnam, John learned firsthand about the realities of combat (horrific, not at all like the movies) and observed the betrayal of our government in the casual sacrifice of young Americans to no positive end. This shaped his political views profoundly and laid the foundation for his path to demand truth and accountability from our government in all such situations. John said he returned to a different country after his third, near mortal combat wound in 1968, which only added to his disillusionment, anger, and sense of betrayal. His forced medical retirement from the Marine Corps for disability in 1969 all but broke his heart and solidified
his need to speak for his brothers who could no longer speak for themselves. Amid much opposition from family and community, John joined Vietnam Veterans Against the War and served as an activist, leader, and national spokesperson for many years. He was an active member of the POW/MIA movement for all wars until his death.
The most important truth about war John learned during his combat experience was the true meaning of love; that warriors do not actually fight for country, policy, or even freedom as much as they fight for each other. This love moved him to spend the rest of his life helping, counseling, guiding, and supporting combat veterans in all facets of their lives. An extraordinary extemporaneous speaker, John’s presentations were mesmerizing, eloquent, and inspiring, reaching varied audiences internationally. Many may be found online, even now, and are worth watching.
John dealt with his own PTSD, in part through skydiving and spent many years “giving his heart to the hawks” with friends and comrades. He was sorely resentful when his deteriorating physical condition required him to give up free fall, as well as the many adventures on his motorcycle he shared with family and his closest friends.
Writing turned out to be the second significant part of John’s healing from the brutal burdens of war after he wrote his first poem in the hospital following his return from Vietnam, and he earned his BA degree from Ottawa University in Ottawa, KS in 1973. Over the years, he published a book of Vietnam facts (with co-author Mike Clodfelter), as well as three books of poetry, one of which, “Notes to the Man Who Shot Me,” led to his receiving the Robert A. Gannon Award for Poetry through the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. His memoir, “The Education of Corporal John Musgrave; Vietnam and Its Aftermath,” was published in 2021 and was well received. John averred that “to tell the truth about combat is to cry out against war,” and he steadfastly did so in all his writings and public speaking.
John was honored to work with documentarians Ken Burns and Lynn Novick on “The Vietnam War,” released in 2017, as a featured speaker, appearing in seven of the ten episodes. He considered
that experience one of the highlights of his life and had tremendous respect for the work and integrity that went into the series, he was indebted to Ken and Lynn for this gift and many others.
Aside from the births of his children, the most profound moments of John’s healing occurred during his return to Vietnam in 2019, and again in 2023, the result of so many kind-hearted friends and benefactors. During the first visit, he declared at Con Thien, “There’s no place for me here now,” retrieving a huge piece of his soul to bring back home. He came home from the second visit a more centered, more complete man. The family can never adequately express their deep thanks to all the people and generous benefactors who made this happen for John.
John loved his family, his buddies, the USMC, history, movies, books, music, his Honda Goldwing, skydiving, being at sea, travel, more books, anything sweet, pot roast with mashed potatoes and brown gravy, his house, Mexican Cokes, so many books, and dogs. He gave credit to his many dogs for maintaining his sanity during different life chapters, at least once preventing him ending his life. It’s impossible to imagine him without a dog by his side or, more likely, in his lap.
John and his second wife Shannon (Woods) Musgrave made wonderful team, marrying in December 1998 and blending their families. He and Shannon traveled together, wrote together, helped host workshops for veterans and their families, and lectured about PTSD together. Mostly they laughed together
until tears ran and counted each other as best friends for eternity.
John’s last years were joyful, reflective, and full of love. He was preceded in death by his eldest daughter, Lillian Rose Arnold, his parents, sisterin-law Barbara Musgrave, and beloved friend Jay Van Velzen. He is survived by his brother, Ken Musgrave of Grain Valley, MO, in-laws Pat and A.D. Woods of Baldwin City, KS, sons Daniel Musgrave (Stephanie) of Morris, MN and Rye Musgrave (Rachel) of Lawrence, KS, youngest daughter Madeline Roger (Nate) of Baldwin City, KS, several cousins, niece Kendra, nephew Robert, and six beautiful grandchildren (Elsie Ward, Eleni and Cora Musgrave, and Addy, Andy, and Ally Growcock), in whom he delighted.
John’s physical life ended at home surrounded by his family, his pets, and abiding, immutable love.
A memorial event will occur on Saturday, June 27″ at Liberty Hall, 644 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, KS, 66044 from 1pm to 4pm. Private inurnment with military honors at Leavenworth National Cemetery will occur later this year. Many thanks to the staff at Midland Care for support and hospices services. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Lawrence Humane Society or a veteran’s assistance program of your choice. Please join us in celebrating the amazing life of this extraordinary man. Come on, now, it’ll be fun! And, you know, you owe it to
To leave a message for John’s family,
