A BALDWIN CITY NEWSPAPER
LISTENING TO THE QUIET SIGNS
Story published at lmh.org
Robin Goff had a routine checkup with a doctor at the LMH Health Main Campus. Everything was normal, but she started feeling a bit queasy. When she got off the elevator as she left the appointment, Robin thought she should sit down because she just didn’t feel right.
“My sternum was aching, and I felt shaky and weird, so I thought I should sit down for a few minutes before I went out into the heat,” she said.
Volunteer Trudy Rinne looked at Robin as she sat in the hospital lobby and knew something didn’t look right. Trudy turned to her supervisor, Guest Services Manager Shane Heiman, for help.
“Trudy told me she was concerned about someone in the lobby and knew she needed help,” Heiman said. “I approached Robin and told her I thought she needed to go to the Emergency Department to get checked out.”
It was a moment that quietly changed everything.
From subtle symptoms to a serious event
Robin has run a natural sanctuary near Baldwin City for 31 years, teaching about energy and natural healing. She was getting close to age 79 and was, by her own account, pretty healthy. Her blood pressure and pulse were generally low. She had a few episodes of atrial fibrillation before, but she didn’t think much of it since they’d always resolved.
Robin was having a heart attack.
Robin’s next stop was the cardiac cath lab, where interventional cardiologist Dr. Christopher Larson discovered the extent of her cardiac issue.
“Robin had a non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), which is a type of heart attack caused by a partial blockage of blood flow to the coronary artery. It reduces blood flow to the heart muscle,” Dr. Larson explained.
The cath lab team needed to place stents in Robin’s heart to restore the blood flow. Typically, they insert a catheter into a patient’s wrist, thread it to the heart and inflate a small balloon so the cardiologist can place a stent to open the blocked artery.
“I didn’t say anything to the doctor because I felt a little silly, but when Trudy came and asked if I was okay – it really made me question myself,” Robin said.
When she arrived at the Emergency Department, things moved quickly. Assessments showed that Robin’s pulse was only 40 and her troponin levels – the measurement of proteins in the blood released when heart muscle is damaged – were significantly elevated.
After the catheter was inserted, the team took additional diagnostic images.
Those showed that Robin’s cardiac issue was more complex than initially thought.
A larger catheter was needed, which meant taking a different approach through the femoral artery in her leg.
“Ultimately, a blood clot caused a couple of blockages in Robin’s left circumflex artery and the left main artery also had an 80-90% blockage, so we placed three stents in her heart to restore the blood flow,” Dr. Larson said.
After more than two and a half hours in the cath lab – more than twice the time a typical case lasts – Robin was transferred to an inpatient unit to begin her recovery.
Women’s heart attacks are different
Why didn’t Robin know she was having a heart attack? Dr. Darcy Conaway is Robin’s cardiologist at the LMH Health Heart Center. She explained that women often present with atypical or “silent” symptoms, including
unusual fatigue, indigestion and shortness of breath.
“Women often don’t present with classic chest pain,” said Dr. Conaway. “About 40% have atypical symptoms, and they can be attributed to other causes which can make it harder for clinicians to diagnose.”
The bottom line: If something doesn’t feel right, it’s important to get checked out. Don’t hesitate.
“If something feels new or different and you’re not sure what it is, get checked in the emergency department,” said Dr. Conaway. “When it comes to heart attacks, treating it early is the key to doing well.”
Recovery, rehabilitation and the new normal Robin’s recovery didn’t end when she was released from the hospital. It continued with cardiac rehab, a personalized treatment plan that’s an important part of care for patients who have been treated for a serious cardiac event.
Inpatients at LMH Health receive a referral to the cardiac rehab team, who follow up after discharge to schedule an appointment.
“The program is tailored for each individual patient. We work as their coaches for diet, exercise and medication, and we provide them with knowledge about heart disease, heart health and risk factor modification,” said registered nurse and cardiac rehab team member Leann Dickson. “Each session we go over a different topic, like a diet recommended by the American Heart Association. It may only be a few minutes out of your session, but getting the information in these little bites really sticks with our patients.”
The monitored exercise and instant feedback gave Robin the boost she needed.
“Cardiac rehab gave me confidence,” she said. “It helped me trust my body again.”
Another big change for Robin was adjusting from the naturopathic approaches she’d always followed to learning to incorporate medication into her everyday life.
“This is a whole new ballgame with tests, interventions and medications,” she said. “It’s been quite an adjustment, but I trust Dr. Conaway and I’m following her recommendations.”
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COUNCIL UPDATE - JUNE 2
The Baldwin City Council tackled several ongoing issues during its June 2 meeting, including continued discussions surrounding city-owned property leases, a proposed update to municipal court fines, and a conditional use permit for a mobile home park. Fireworks stand applications and routine city business were also approved as part of the consent agenda.
Lease Policy Remains in Focus
The most anticipated item on the agenda was the continued discussion regarding cityowned property leases. The issue has been under review for several months and stems from the city’s effort to create a standardized commercial lease agreement for all cityowned properties.
The discussion has drawn considerable public attention due to its connection with The Bullpen, which leases a city-owned building downtown. However, city officials have repeatedly emphasized that the conversation is not solely about The Bullpen, but rather about establishing a consistent policy for all city-owned commercial properties moving forward.
Included in the council packet was a 12page commercial lease template intended to serve as the city’s standard agreement. Among other provisions, the template addresses lease terms, maintenance responsibilities, assignment of leases, business transfers, and requirements for compliance with city regulations. The document also states that if a business is sold, the city may require a new lease agreement with the incoming owner.
The packet also included a professional appraisal of the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) building at 609 High Street, one of the city’s leased properties. The appraisal examined market rent conditions and existing lease arrangements, suggesting the city continues to evaluate whether rental rates at city-owned properties align with current market conditions.
What This Means for The Bullpen
While many residents continue to associate the lease discussion with The Bullpen, the June 2 agenda did not include a separate item specifically addressing the business. Instead, council members continued reviewing the broader lease framework that would apply to city-owned properties generally.
The Bullpen owner Niki Manbeck participated in the discussion and offered
rebuttals to several statements made by council members and city staff regarding the proposed lease structure, rental rates and the city’s approach to managing its commercial properties.
Following the meeting, Manbeck provided additional comments to The Maple regarding her concerns with the proposed lease. According to Manbeck, when city officials asked what she would like to see happen, she requested that the city honor the lease agreement approved when The Bullpen moved into the building while allowing for a reasonable market-rate increase of 3 to 5 percent.
Manbeck said she believes the city’s proposed lease would increase her monthly payment by 35.5 percent in the first year and by as much as 55.5 percent over five years. She compared the increase to raising the price of a $4 beverage to $5.42 immediately and eventually to $6.22, arguing that most customers would view such increases as unreasonable.
Manbeck has maintained that her concerns are not solely about The Bullpen, but about the challenges small businesses may face if similar lease increases are applied to other city-owned properties in the future.
While council members reiterated that the discussion is intended to establish a standardized policy for all city-owned properties rather than target any single tenant, much of the public interest continues to center on The Bullpen because the business has become the most visible example of how the proposed lease changes could affect current tenants.
As of the June 2 meeting, no final lease agreement had been approved specifically for The Bullpen, and no action was taken that would require the business to vacate its location. Discussions regarding the city’s lease policy and its application to existing tenants remain ongoing.
Mobile Home Park Receives Further Consideration
Council members also revisited a conditional use permit for a mobile home park located at 219 Baker Street. The permit was requested by CVO LLC and had previously been reviewed by the Baldwin City Planning Commission, which recommended approval. The permit would allow operation of a mobile home park subject to continued compliance with city zoning and use regulations.
COMMUNITY
The issue has been before the council previously as part of efforts to bring the property into compliance with city ordinances.
Proposed Changes to Court Fines
Another item listed under new business involved municipal court fines. While the agenda packet identifies “Court Fines” as a discussion item, details included in the publicly available packet were limited. Council members were expected to review potential updates to the city’s court fine schedule as part of ongoing municipal operations.
Fireworks Stands Approved
Council approved applications for four fireworks vendors as part of the consent agenda. Approved applicants included Pyro Papas Fireworks, the Knights of Columbus, Trieb’s Fireworks and Garrett’s Worldwide Enterprise. Documentation in the packet included site plans, insurance information and proposed sales locations throughout Baldwin City.
The stands will operate during the annual fireworks sales period leading up to Independence Day.
City Business and Operations
The council also reviewed the scheduled claims list, which totaled approximately $53,884. Notable expenditures included utility infrastructure materials, pool chemicals, fiber testing services, audit work, fire department equipment and public works supplies.
Committee reports were also scheduled from the city’s Budget and Finance, Community Development, Public Safety, Public Works and Utilities, Strategic Planning and Lake Advisory committees.
Looking Ahead
The lease discussion remains one of the most significant policy issues facing the council. While no final resolution regarding The Bullpen was evident in the June 2 agenda materials, the city continues to work toward a standardized approach for leasing publicly owned buildings. Future meetings will likely determine how those policies are implemented and whether additional changes are made to existing lease agreements.
With the lease review still underway and court fine discussions beginning, several topics addressed at the June 2 meeting are expected to return before the council in the coming weeks.
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Prevention playbook
Dr. Larson emphasizes that genetics play a significant role in heart disease, but what matters just as much are the risk factors people can control.
“Avoid tobacco in all forms,” he said. “That includes smoking, vaping, chew, and nicotine pouches. Focus on a hearthealthy, Mediterraneanstyle diet, and if cholesterol is elevated, medication may be an important part of reducing long-term risk.”
Dr. Conaway reinforces the importance of daily habits and preventive care.
“Move your body for 30 to 60 minutes most days,” she said. “Prioritize good sleep, manage stress, and stay current with recommended screenings— like cholesterol checks and coronary calcium scoring— so potential problems can be identified early.”
Awareness saves lives
Robin is grateful for the experience she had with the nurses and physicians across LMH Health and shares her story with anyone who will listen.
Her message to women is be alert to subtle symptoms, genetics and stress matter, and don’t wait or dismiss what your body is telling you. She knows she wouldn’t be doing as well as she is without having had Trudy’s watchful eye. She now refers to Trudy and Shane as her angels.
“If I hadn’t been in that building on that day, the outcome would have been very different. One person paying attention changed my whole story.”
USA 250 FIELD DAY TO CELEBRATE NATION’S
In honor of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, the Knights of Columbus at Annunciation Catholic Church are inviting community members of all ages to take part in a free evening of competition, fellowship and patriotic celebration at the inaugural USA 250 Field Day on Friday, June 26.
The event will be held at Annunciation Catholic Church and is open to anyone in the community, regardless of church affiliation. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m., with competitions starting at 6 p.m.
According to organizer Dan Jarrell, the idea grew out of the Knights of Columbus’ mission to support individuals and strengthen the community.
“The Knights strive to help each person in our community live abundantly his or her God-given life,” Jarrell said. “We see this as an event to not only help children be their best physically and spiritually, but also as a way for the community to come together and celebrate 250 years of independence.”
The organization has long sponsored activities for local youth, including its annual free throw contest held
each winter. Jarrell said the USA 250 Field Day is a natural extension of those efforts.
“Each winter we sponsor a free throw contest open to all boys and girls in the community,” he said. “This summer we wanted to host a similar event in celebration of the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding.”
More than anything, organizers hope participants leave with a renewed sense of community and gratitude.
RESIDENTS URGED TO BEWARE OF FRAUDULENT MESSAGES
Douglas County officials are warning residents about fraudulent text and email messages that appear to be from District Court regarding a traffic summons. These messages are not from Douglas County District Court.
Residents should be skeptical of unsolicited messages purporting to be urgent, especially those claiming legal action. Do not click
on any links. Instead, contact the court or law enforcement agency directly using an official phone number listed online.
If you believe you are a victim of a scam, contact the Consumer Protection Division of the Kansas Attorney General at 785-296-2215 or https://www.ag.ks.gov/file-acomplaint.
“We hope people take away faith in our Creator, hope in our future, and love of our God, our country and our neighbor,” Jarrell said.
The USA 250 Field Day will take place Friday, June 26, at Annunciation Catholic Church. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m., with competition starting at 6 p.m. Participation is free and open to all ages.
STEP ABOARD FOR A JOURNEY THROUGH LOCAL HISTORY
Community members will have the opportunity to explore two important pieces of local history during a pair of free guided bus tours on Saturday, June 13.
Hosted by the Santa Fe Trail Historical Society and the Baldwin City Public Library, the tours are part of the ongoing “Our Local History” Series, which aims to connect residents with the people, places and stories that have shaped the Baldwin City area over the generations.
The tours will depart from 7th Street next to the Baldwin City Post Office, with the first tour beginning at 9 a.m. and the second at 10:30 a.m. Both tours are free and open to the public. Seating is limited, and organizers note that seats will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are being accepted.
The first tour will focus on the historic Santa Fe Trail route through the Baldwin area, offering participants a chance to better understand the significance of one of America’s most important transportation corridors of the 19th century.
Established in 1821, the Santa Fe Trail connected Missouri to Santa Fe, New Mexico, serving as a major trade route and helping shape the development of communities throughout Kansas. Portions of the trail passed through Douglas County, leaving a lasting impact on the region’s settlement and growth.
Local historians leading the tour will discuss the route’s history and share stories about how travelers, traders and settlers interacted with the landscape that residents know today.
The second tour, departing at 10:30 a.m., will explore the Vinland area, one of the oldest communities in Douglas County.
Founded in the years before Baldwin City was established, Vinland has a rich agricultural and cultural history.
Participants will learn about the area’s early settlers, historic landmarks and the role the community has played in the development of the region.
According to organizers, both tours are designed to bring history to life by allowing participants to experience the locations where historical events took place rather than simply reading about them.
“Local history is all around us,” organizers noted. “These tours help people see familiar roads, landmarks and landscapes through a different lens.”
The event also reflects a growing interest in preserving and sharing local history throughout the Baldwin City area. Through partnerships between community organizations such as the Santa Fe Trail Historical Society and the Baldwin City Public Library, residents have access to programs that highlight the stories and heritage that make the community unique.
Organizers say the tours appeal to a wide variety of participants, from longtime residents who enjoy learning new details about familiar places to newcomers interested in understanding the history of their adopted hometown. History buffs, families and visitors are all encouraged to attend.
Information throughout the tours will be presented by local historians with extensive knowledge of the region, providing attendees with historical context, anecdotes and insights that may not be found in traditional history books.
Because seating is limited, those interested in attending are encouraged to arrive early. Buses will pick up passengers along 7th Street adjacent to the post office.
FROM SMALL JOBS TO LARGESCALE BUILDS
The guided bus tours will take place Saturday, June 13, at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Participation is free, and no reservations are required.
BALDWIN CITY TO WELCOME SOCCER FANS WITH WATCH PARTIES AND SUMMER ACTIVITIES
While the eyes of the soccer world will be focused on Kansas City this summer, Baldwin City leaders hope to give visitors and residents alike a chance to join in the excitement a little closer to home.
The Baldwin City Recreation Commission (BCRC) has announced a series of community events designed to celebrate the international soccer tournament taking place in the Kansas City region, including free public watch parties at Sullivan Square and a youth soccer camp led by local athletes and coaches.
“Community, connection and fun” are at the heart of the effort, according to BCRC, which sees the summer as an opportunity to bring people together while showcasing the hospitality of small-town Kansas.
Kansas City is expected to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors throughout the tournament, creating excitement and economic activity across the region. While Baldwin City sits outside the immediate host area, local organizers believe communities throughout eastern Kansas can benefit from the increased attention focused on the region.
For Baldwin City, that means creating opportunities for residents and visitors to gather, celebrate and enjoy the atmosphere surrounding one of the world’s largest sporting events.
“We are excited to show off the hospitality of America’s heartland this summer,” BCRC said in announcing the activities.
Watch Parties Planned at Sullivan Square
The centerpiece of Baldwin City’s celebration will be two free public watch parties at Sullivan Square, located at 710 High Street.
The first event is scheduled for June 12, when the United States takes on Paraguay. Food trucks and family-friendly activities will begin at 6 p.m., followed by the match kickoff at 8 p.m.
A second watch party is planned for July 11, featuring a quarterfinal match. Activities and food trucks will once again begin at 6 p.m., with the game airing on the big screen at 8 p.m.
Organizers hope the events will create a festival-like atmosphere downtown while giving residents a chance to experience the excitement of the tournament without traveling to Kansas City.
In addition to the games themselves, attendees can expect opportunities to gather with friends, enjoy local food vendors and connect with fellow soccer fans.
Local Soccer Programs Join the Celebration
As an added bonus to the summer festivities, Baldwin High School’s boys and girls soccer programs will host a youth soccer camp June 8-12.
The camp is designed to introduce younger players to the sport while building skills and confidence through age-appropriate drills, games and scrimmages.
Participants can choose from preschool and kindergarten through eighth-grade divisions. Camp instructors will include local athletes and coaches from Baldwin High School’s successful soccer programs.
The Baldwin girls program enters the summer as a five-time Class 4A-1A regional champion, while the boys team is coming off a runner-up finish at the 2025 state tournament.
Organizers say the camp is intended to help young players develop a love for the game while connecting them with older student-athletes who serve as role models within the community.
Bringing the Community Together
Beyond the matches and activities, BCRC sees the summer as an opportunity to strengthen community connections.
The watch parties provide a place for residents to gather downtown, support local vendors and share in a global event that will capture international attention. At the same time, they offer visitors a glimpse of the welcoming atmosphere and community spirit that Baldwin City is known for.
Whether attendees are lifelong soccer fans or simply looking for a fun evening with family and friends, organizers hope the events will bring people together and create lasting memories.
The June 12 and July 11 watch parties are free and open to the public. More information about the youth soccer camp is available through the Baldwin City Recreation Commission.
FIVE LOCAL STUDENTS AWARDED SUMMER GRANTS TO PURSUE THEIR PASSIONS
Five local students will have the opportunity to expand their talents and pursue their passions this summer thanks to a grant program designed to support youth involvement in athletics and the arts.
Recently announced summer grant recipients include Finnley K., Tehya B., Zara M., Arwen M., and Evelyn P., representing a diverse range of interests including wrestling, dance, band and theater. The grants are intended to help students participate in summer experiences that encourage growth, learning and personal development.
Organizers celebrated the recipients by noting that the grants will help students continue pursuing activities that challenge and inspire them while creating meaningful summer memories.
Finnley K. received support for wrestling, a sport that requires dedication, perseverance and discipline. Through training and competition opportunities, the grant will help continue the development of skills both on and off the mat.
Tehya B. was selected for dance, an art form that combines athleticism, creativity and selfexpression. Summer dance experiences often provide students with opportunities to strengthen their technique while building confidence and performance skills.
Two students, Zara M. and Arwen M., received grants supporting participation in band activities. Music programs help students develop teamwork, focus and discipline while encouraging creativity and artistic expression. Summer opportunities can include camps, workshops and advanced instruction that allow young musicians to continue growing
outside the traditional school year.
Evelyn P. was awarded a theater grant, helping support involvement in an activity that fosters imagination, communication and confidence. Theater programs encourage students to work collaboratively while developing storytelling and performance skills.
In announcing the recipients, organizers expressed appreciation for all students who submitted applications and emphasized that every applicant demonstrated passion, dedication and a willingness to pursue their interests.
While only five grants were awarded this year, organizers noted that the selection process highlighted the many talented and motivated young people in the community. The grant program aims to invest in those students by helping remove financial barriers that might otherwise limit participation in valuable summer experiences.
Programs such as these often have benefits that extend far beyond the summer months. Participation in athletics, performing arts and music helps students develop leadership skills, build friendships and gain confidence that carries into the classroom and everyday life.
As the recipients prepare for a summer of wrestling practices, dance instruction, music education and theatrical experiences, organizers say they look forward to seeing how each student continues to grow and share their talents with the community.
The grant recipients were congratulated for their achievements and encouraged to continue pursuing their dreams throughout the summer and beyond.
YOU MATTER: COMMUNITY PARTNERS IN DOUGLAS COUNTY LAUNCH 988 LIFELINE SIGN INITIATIVE
Signs that focus on connecting people experiencing crisis to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline are now placed at public parks and recreational areas in Douglas County.
“Suicide prevention is a community responsibility. As law enforcement officers and first responders, we are too familiar with people unfortunately visiting some of these sites with the intention of taking their own life,” Douglas County Undersheriff Stacy Simmons said. “These signs represent a collaborative effort among so many groups to come together and share the message that everyone needs to hear: ‘You matter.’”
Douglas County Public Works crews began placing signs in April at sites around Clinton Lake, Wells Overlook and several other sites across the county. The City of Lawrence is working to add signs, and the plan is to expand and place more signs in parks and public places in Lawrence, Baldwin City, Eudora and Lecompton in the future.
This intervention originated from the first Suicide Fatality Review Board meeting after the Sheriff’s Office and first responders identified a pattern of crisis calls in parks and recreation areas. The Sheriff’s Office provided funding for the project as well as dispatch data to identify hot spots.
Research from suicide prevention organizations across the Midwest and around the country supports the use of 988 Lifeline signage as an effective awareness tool. Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health examined both the data and research, then formed a work group to carry out the initiative.
LDCPH and Douglas County also lead the work group for the Behavioral Health plank of the Douglas County Community Health Improvement Plan.
“Too many members of our community struggle without a sense of hope or the supports they need. What they need to know in those moments is that they matter, that life’s worth living, and you can always find a reason to be hopeful,” said Bob Tryanski, Douglas County’s director of behavioral health projects.
“The purpose of this project is to ensure that folks know the help they need is available by pressing three
numbers on their phone: 9-8-8.”
The Community Health Improvement Plan includes an objective to decrease the county’s ageadjusted suicide mortality rate from 14.3 to 12.8 per 100,000 population by 2029.
“Even though 988 has been a national initiative since 2022, many people still do not know about it. You do not have to be the person experiencing a crisis or thinking about suicide to call,” said Megan Bridges, director of crisis services at HeadQuarters Kansas. “If you are concerned about someone, you can call anytime to connect with a trained counselor, 24/7. The 988 lifeline is free and confidential through one-on-one assistance with a skilled, judgement-free counselor. 988 is available 24/7 by calling, texting, or chatting by visiting 988lifeline.org.”
The signs include the 988 number and the 988LifeLine.org link with the goal of providing immediate resources to someone in crisis. The 988 Lifeline can also be accessed in Spanish by calling 988 and selecting “2” or texting “ayuda” to 988.
“Thanks to the leadership of the Sheriff’s Office and our partners across Douglas County who showed up for each other, we have been able to deliver a simple but long-lasting message that you matter and that help is available when and where you need it,” said Sarah Landry, Zero Suicide program coordinator at LDCPH.
The 988 sign work group included members of LDCPH, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, HeadQuarters Kansas, Douglas County, DCCCA and Engage Douglas County.
The group marked the community project with a sign-dedication ceremony on April 30 at Wells Overlook Park.
COMMUNITY F.E.A.R.
THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX
By Jeanine Ross
I think fear is such a misunderstood emotion. I once heard a preacher describe fear as False Evidence Appearing Real, and that stuck with me. It made me think about what things frighten me and how I feel when they do. It made me wonder if I was afraid because my parents were afraid or because society told me to be afraid. Then I started to wonder, what fear really was, and why does every living creature experience it, and that’s when the truth revealed itself.
What is fear? Well, fear, like love and happiness and joy is an emotion designed to express something we are feeling. It is not a bad thing, it is necessary to warn us of some kind of impending danger. Unfortunately, unlike love and joy and happiness, fear is never examined or understood or allowed to grow and change. As a result, things that frightened us when we were children (bugs, dogs, thunder, spiders) can still frighten us as adults. But when we take the time to understand fear now and as it is happening to us, we can teach it how to help us as well as what things to let go of.
For example, if you had a negative experience with a dog, and maybe you were bitten. Your mind immediately determines that dogs are dangerous and must be avoided at all costs. Therefore, when you see a dog or a dog comes near you, fear will trigger the fight or flight instinct, and you will run or scream and avoid getting close to it, no matter
what kind of dog it is or what size. But if you understand that not all dogs are dangerous, and just because it is a dog does not mean it will bite you, fear will understand that and may make you alert, but it does not send you the fight or flight signal. That is the same with bugs, or thunder, or spiders, or anything that ignites the emotion of fear. It also helps to mature the fear instinct.
Fear is not a bad thing by any means. In fact, fear is as important to have as love, joy, and happiness, but like love, joy, and happiness, it must be understood and respected and allowed to grow and mature, so it can serve you well. When we continue to allow fear to control our responses to every little thing, we can end up neurotic, anxious, or mentally unbalanced. Fear is a built-in tool, like all our emotions. If we appreciate it and groom it and teach it as we grow, it will become your friend, not something else to be afraid of or dread or try to repress.
So, the next time you feel fear, ask yourself if it is reasonable to have fear for whatever it is. Is it really reasonable to be afraid of a bug or a spider that you can so easily step on? Or thunder that simply alerts you that lightning is coming, so you can protect yourself. The emotion of fear is a built-in response to danger, but you can teach fear what is actually dangerous! Remember, you are not a victim of your emotions. You are the captain of your ship, and you have dominion over EVERYTHING!
So, if you really want your life to change for the better, it begins by “Thinking Outside the Box.”
COMMUNITY
OBITUARY
JOANN ARNOLD
November 8, 1949-May 16, 2026
Our beloved mother and grandmother, JoAnn Arnold, 76, of Baldwin City, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 16, 2026, surrounded by her family in Lawrence, Kansas.
JoAnn was born on November 8, 1949, in Lawrence, Kansas, to Charles Mitchell and LeNore (Hill) Mitchell. She graduated from Baldwin High School with the Class of 1967.
Throughout her lifetime, JoAnn built a legacy of hard work, generosity and caring for others. She began her career with Hallmark and Kansas Color Press in Lawrence. She later managed Bell Automotive and Bell Auto Parts for many years before embracing her entrepreneurial spirit to include running several successful restaurants.
JoAnn owned and operated the Baldwin Dari Ring, a local favorite, from 1993 to 2000. After a brief semi-retirement, she opened S & J Catering and later became the owner and operator of the Wooden Spoke restaurant. In 2019, she officially retired, passing the business on to her daughter, Sandy Roller. Even in retirement, she remained a familiar and welcoming presence in the restaurant, often in the kitchen or greeting guests. For JoAnn, food was more than a profession; it was her love language, and she is remembered by family and friends as always having a seat open at her table. All were welcome and there was always enough.
Outside of her work, JoAnn found joy in cooking for her family, rebuilding old hot rods, and caring for her flowers. She had a special place in her heart for animals, particularly her three beloved Great Pyrenees dogs; Ellie, Baby and Duke and before them, Maggie and Millie. She was actively involved in fostering dogs and once nurtured a neglected & starving Great Pyrenees back to health, eventually adopting him as her own. Above all, JoAnn cherished her family and considered them to be her greatest legacy. She was the heart and soul of her family, the center of their world, and took great pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her absence will always be felt, but so will her love.
JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and LeNore Mitchell, and her brothers, Charles Mitchell and Thomas Mitchell.
JoAnn is survived by her significant other, Kenneth Bell of Wellsville, Kansas; her son, Jacob Arnold of Grain Valley, Missouri; her daughters, Sandy Roller of Baldwin City, Kansas, Jennifer Schnitz of Baldwin City, Kansas, and Emily Crum of Trophy Club, Texas; her brother, Jim Mitchell of Baldwin City, Kansas; her sister, Peg Burkdoll of Lyndon, Kansas; her grandchildren, Sydney Cross, Sophia Byers, Chance Puckett, Zach Crum, Ethan Crum, River Arnold, and Alex Schnitz; as well as seven great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 28th, from 1:00–4:00 PM at the Wooden Spoke in Baldwin City, KS. Please feel free to stop by at any time during these hours to spend a few moments with the family. A small private family burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Baldwin City, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in JoAnn’s honor to Great Pyrenees Rescue of Missouri, sent in care of Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 64, Baldwin City, KS 66006. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.lamb-roberts.com.
June 11
Vinland Valley Nursery 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm Everyone is welcome to explore one of Baldwin’s excellent businesses. Indulge in botanical drinks, a free craft, and appetizers.
June 12 Soccer Tournament Watch Party
Sullivan Square, 8:30 pm
June 13
Baldwin City Pool, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
June 13
7th St. Near Post Office, 9 am & 10:30 am
June 13
Vibe Hair Studio 6:45 pm
Spots are limited. Please RSVP to 785-331-5999
