UNFORTUNATELY NO. Animals are NOT allowed at the festival in accordance with Baldwin City Ordinance #1196. Exceptions are limited to Certified Service Animals with documentation.
Violators will be fined.
BETTER ANSWER: There will is a Kid’s Zone at 7th and High St.
PATIENCE: Many of the individuals serving food are volunteers for an organization. BE KIND ALWAYS.
CAN I BRING
MY
IF YOU WANT TO AVOID TRAFFIC: Park at The Baldwin High School, Intermediate Center, or Primary Center then SHUTTLE IN TO THE FESTIVAL.
FURBABY? WHERE SHOULD I PARK?
FESTIVAL
For a more chill, lingerand-discover kind of vibe. SUPPORT LOCAL
marketplace feel.
IF YOU WANT TO AVOID WALKING TOO FAR OR LIKE THE THRILL OF THE HUNT: Travel the perimeter of the festival. Homeowners, organizations and businesses offer PAID PARKING close to the festival. (Heads up: You may be parking in someone’s grass or driveway. Don’t be that guy!)
SHOULD I BRING A STROLLER?
MARCHING BANDS Galore POSSIBLE GOODIES (bring a sack) PRO
ARRIVE EARLY to get a good spot or have enough room for chairs.
YES!! Their legs WILL get tired and you will need your hands free to eat.
Warning: Strollers may hinder speedy and efficient shopping.
PRO TIP:
If you plan to ‘get a little of everything’... BRING A WAGON.
Warning: Wagons may cause sore wrists and traffic jams.
COMMUNITY
HISTORIC TOURS SATURDAY, OCT. 18
LOCAL HISTORY BUS TOURS
• 2:30 Tour - North of Baldwin Area: Palmyra, Hickory Point, Vinland
• 3:30 Tour - Baldwin & South Area: Baldwin, Media, Prairie City, & Cemeteries
• FREE - Bus leaves from 6th & High Street – in front of Baldwin Beer Co.
BLACK JACK CABIN OPEN
• Historical Replica Log Cabin with artifacts
• Was a stop on the Santa Fe Trail – Black Jack Crossing
• Open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Sat. only – FREE
• 3 miles east of Baldwin City
• 2011 N. 200 Road, Wellsville, KS 66092
o (on south side of US 56, east of E. 2000 Road)
SANTA FE TRAIL WAGON RUTS & WALKING TRAIL
• Walk around and through the ruts left by Santa Fe Trail wagons
• Audio tour available (Free – uses your cell phone)
• Informational Displays
• Located by Black Jack Cabin (see above)
• Open daily – FREE
• 3 miles east of Baldwin City
• 2011 N. 200 Road, Wellsville, KS 66092
o (on south side of US 56, east of E. 2000 Road) Sponsored by The Santa Fe Trail Historical Society of Douglas County Santafetraildouglas.org
OLD CASTLE
MUSEUM OPEN
• The oldest building at Baker University
• Building where the first classes were taught
• See displays of local and Baker history
• FREE: Open Noon – 4 p.m. Sat & Sun
• Guided Tours available: 12:15, 1:15, 2:15, 3:15
• 511 5th Street
PALMYRA GROCERY & POST OFFICE OPEN
• Restored building from town of Old Palmyra, located north of US 56
• See displays of Blood’s Grocery Store, two printing presses, other printing objects.
• FREE: Open Noon – 4 p.m. Sat & Sun
• 511 5th Street (next to Old Castle Museum)
QUAYLE BIBLE COLLECTION OPEN
• Baker University’s collection of over 1000 religious texts
• Includes over 14 Bibles signed by US presidents
• Housed in beautiful dark-oak paneled room from 15001600’s English manor house
• Current special exhibit: “God’s Outdoors – The Bible and Nature”
• FREE: Open Noon – 4 p.m. Sat & Sun
• 518 8th Street - on Baker University campus (enter from 8th Street)
DOUGLAS COUNTY OFFERS ACCESS TO TELADOC HEALTH’S MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE AT NO COST
Douglas County is partnering with Teladoc Health to provide residents with free, confidential access to its mental health service, available online 24/7.
Teladoc Health’s mental health service offers support for people managing depression, anxiety, stress, sleep issues, grief, relationships and more. Users can set health goals, track progress and receive personalized plans with suggested activities tailored to their needs.
According to Teledoc Health, 90% of users report feeling better after using the service.
Residents can sign up at TeladocHealth.com using access code: DouglasCounty.
Douglas County has funded an online resource since 2019 through a quartercent behavioral health sales tax at an annual cost of about $28,500. Previously branded as myStrength, the mental health service was recently renamed as part of its integration into the Teladoc
Health brand. Existing myStrength users received instructions on how to activate their new accounts with all prior data carried over.
“We are excited to continue offering free and unlimited access to a mental health resource for Douglas County residents,” said Bob Tryanski, director of behavioral health projects for Douglas County. “Teladoc Health’s mental health service gives community members the freedom to pursue personal wellness in a selfdirected way.”
Community health partners also use the platform with clients and promote the resource. Partners include LMH Health, Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, Heartland Community Health Center, Heartland RADAC, HeadQuarters Kansas, Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health, Lawrence Community Shelter, Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority and Community Children’s Center.
BALDWIN EDUCATION FOUNDATION RECEIVES COMMUNITY GRANT TO SUPPORT STAFF WELLNESS
The Baldwin Education Foundation (BEF) has been awarded a $1,700 Community Grant from the Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) to support an initiative titled “Educating for Excellence Begins with Staff Wellness for a Healthier USD 348 School Community.”
The grant, announced in a letter dated September 30, 2025, recognizes BEF’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the Baldwin City school community through innovative programs that benefit both students and the educators and staff who support them each day.
The Educating for Excellence project focuses on promoting the health and wellbeing of USD 348 staff members—an area BEF has identified as vital to maintaining a thriving learning environment. By providing resources and programming that support teacher and staff wellness, the foundation aims to enhance morale, reduce stress, and ultimately improve the educational experience for Baldwin students.
The $1,700 award comes through the Douglas County Community Foundation’s Community Grants Program, which funds projects that improve the quality of life across Douglas County. The recognition highlights the value of collaboration between local foundations and educational organizations committed to community well-being.
COMMUNITY
The Baldwin High School Booster Club is once again rallying community support for students through its 2025–2026 Donor Program — an initiative that helps fund and promote the many activities that make Baldwin High School a place where students can grow, connect, and succeed.
The Booster Club proudly supports all students, not just athletes. From band and choir to forensics, theater, debate, and student leadership, the organization’s mission is to ensure that every Bulldog has access to the tools and experiences they need to thrive.
“The Booster Club fills in the gaps,” explained Booster Club representative Jessica. “Not every program or activity receives the same level of funding, so these sponsorships truly make a difference in creating opportunities for every student.”
Funds raised through the Donor Program go far beyond individual events — they strengthen the entire school community. Donations help make possible things like Prom Walk, Senior Send-Off, and Staff Appreciation events, as well as supplemental funding for student organizations, clubs, and teams. Whether it’s a new set of uniforms, supplies for a competition, or support for travel expenses, the Booster Club ensures that financial limitations don’t stand in the way of student achievement.
This year’s Donor Program is also designed to celebrate and recognize sponsors throughout the entire school year. Each contribution tier includes visible recognition through signage, social media, and event acknowledgments, allowing local businesses and individuals to show their Bulldog pride in tangible ways.
Sponsorship levels for 2025–2026 include:
Bulldog Booster – $25: sign
Black – $100: sign and two car decals
Silver – $250: sign, two car decals, two activity passes
Purple & White – $500: sign, two car decals, two activity passes, two social media mentions, two tumblers, and name on banner in the Performing Arts Center
Bulldog Pride – $1,000: sign, four car decals, two activity passes, two social media mentions, two tumblers, and name on banner in the PAC
Baldwin Built Business – $3,000: sign, four car decals, four activity passes, four social media mentions, four tumblers, and logo on banner in the PAC
Beyond the recognition, though, is something deeper — the sense of community that comes from investing in the next generation. Contributions to the Booster Club directly impact students’ daily lives, helping create lifelong memories and building pride that extends far beyond the classroom or playing field.
“When the community steps up to support our students, it sends a message,” Jessica said. “It shows them that Baldwin believes in their potential, their effort, and their future. That encouragement means more than we can ever measure.”
Businesses and community members interested in becoming sponsors or learning more about the Donor Program can contact Jessica at 913-568-8625.
The Booster Club extends heartfelt thanks to all who have already contributed — and invites others to join in. Together, Baldwin can continue building Bulldog pride and investing in the bright future of every student who walks through the doors of Baldwin High School.
CULINARY STUDENTS RAISING FUNDS FOR TRIP TO FLORIDA
Story by: Phyla Gordon, BHS Journalism
Baldwin Highschool Culinary class is taking big steps and raising money for a Disney World trip in May of 2026. There will be 9 students going to Disney World for Culinary; Dalton Bertels, Aiden Soper, Xander Johnson, Jordan Wilson, Aftyn Wills, Lauren McCart, Rylee Webb, Austin Chambers, and Gracie Hildebrand. All of these students are in Culinary 3 which is the advanced cooking class which requires three years of culinary beforehand.
They are now fundraising $25,000.
“Currently we are fundraising for our trip to Disney world where we will cook with professional chefs in Epcot,” Hildebrand said. “We are continuing our fundraising process and are planning to make cookies for Baker and make freezer meals for the community.”
Taking this trip means that this is a
lot of hard work to cook and to bake for the community. They have to raise a lot of money to be able to cook with the cooks at Disney World. Student Austin Chambers has also been in Culinary since his freshman year.
“We’re asking for donations from the school district, doing a few sales throughout the year,”Chambers said. “Hopefully hosting a few events like a fancy dinner night.”
Their teacher Caylee Tannahill has been teaching Culinary for 3 years here in Baldwin.
“Mrs. Tannahill is definitely one of my favorite teachers,” said Hildebrand. “She is always there when someone needs help no matter what it is, I appreciate all she has done for me in her years here at BHS and will be sad to leave after this year. The upcoming classes definitely have a great Culinary teacher.”
Student Rylee Webb is the only
Junior in Culinary 3. She has taken every culinary class that she has been able to get up to this moment.
“Being the only junior in Culinary 3 is really cool for me,” Webb said “I love working with the seniors in my class and I’m going to be really sad when they graduate. I am very excited to go to Disney World. I can’t wait to gain culinary experience from professionals in the industry and get to meet people from all over the country.”
BALDWIN EDUCATION FOUNDATION
RECEIVES COMMUNITY GRANT TO SUPPORT STAFF WELLNESS
The Baldwin Education Foundation (BEF) has been awarded a $1,700 Community Grant from the Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) to support an initiative titled “Educating for Excellence Begins with Staff Wellness for a Healthier USD 348 School Community.”
The grant, announced in a letter dated September 30, 2025, recognizes BEF’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the Baldwin City school community through innovative programs that benefit both students and the educators and staff who support them each day.
The Educating for Excellence project focuses on promoting the health and well-being of USD 348 staff members—an area BEF has identified as vital to maintaining a thriving learning environment. By providing resources
and programming that support teacher and staff wellness, the foundation aims to enhance morale, reduce stress, and ultimately improve the educational experience for Baldwin students.
The $1,700 award comes through the Douglas County Community Foundation’s Community Grants Program, which funds projects that improve the quality of life across Douglas County. The recognition highlights the value of collaboration between local foundations and educational organizations committed to community well-being.
Through initiatives like this, the Baldwin Education Foundation continues its mission to foster innovation, connection, and excellence across USD 348—one project, one teacher, and one student at a time.
DIVING INTO THE ROLE OF ARIEL
Story by: Molly Cohorst, BHS Journalism
The BHS Fall production of “The Little Mermaid” is in the works. Junior Petra Morris, cast as Ariel, is giving 100% towards the preparations for her role.
“I have so many songs that everyone has already started to work on their lines but I’m still working on my songs, and I have not started to work on my lines,” Morris said.
“I see Petra working on her music like all of the time, even when we’re together hanging out she’s working on her music,” said Isabel Walker, cast as Ursula.
Speaking of roles, The Little Mermaid has so many, and it will take a lot of talent to put the show together.
“I think that this show was casted very perfectly and I think that it’s just gonna be a really good experience and a fun thing for the audience to watch,” Morris said.
“Petra has been super selfmotivated and taking this opportunity very seriously,” said Choir Director Shelby Hanna. “I have loved watching
her thrive.”
It’s going to be a difficult show, but she is confident that it’s going to be a good one.
“I think Petra is going to do great for the musical this year, she has put in a lot of work and is a fantastic singer,” said Camden Cox, playing the role of Prince Eric.
“I am so happy that Ms. Jacobson has entrusted me with this role,” Morris said.
There are so many things contributing to a musical, like costumes, lines, and acting. When asked what she is most looking forward to, Morris said the solo songs she’ll be singing. `
“I’m really looking forward to Part of Your World,” Morris said. “I think I’ve added a lot of character to it and I can’t wait to express that.”
We all have high hopes for the show, and the leads especially want it to go well.
“I think that as long as we all put in the work and the effort, it will be really good,” said Morris, who is looking forward to the show. With one final word, she said: “Jesus loves you!”
BEF HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS OPEN!
THE BALDWIN EDUCATION FOUNDATION HAS LAUNCHED ITS NEW HALL OF FAME TO HONOR INDIVIDUALS WHO’VE MADE A LASTING IMPACT IN ACADEMICS, ARTS, ATHLETICS, AND SERVICE WITHIN USD 348.
• NOMINATIONS OPEN THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2025
• INDUCTEES ANNOUNCED JANUARY 31, 2026
• HONOREES CELEBRATED AT THE BEF SPRING GALA – MARCH 27, 2026
SUBMIT NOMINATIONS AT BEF348.ORG
NEW 4-H YEAR BEGINS, BRINGING NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR KANSAS YOUTH
By Pat Melgares, K-State Extension news service
MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas youth have a fresh slate of opportunities to learn, lead and grow as the new 4-H year begins Oct. 1, according to Sarah Maass, program director for Kansas 4-H Youth Development.
“4-H has been around for over 100 years,” Maass said. “At the State Fair next year, we’re going to wrap up our 120th year of Kansas 4-H.”
From science and leadership to gardening and public speaking, the organization has long been a staple for youth development in both rural and urban areas across the state.
“The big thing with 4-H is helping youth develop soft skills and life skills that they’re going to use throughout their life,” Maass said. “Through their project work, through working with caring adults and volunteers and parents, they gain a sense of community and find their place within it.”
Listen to an interview by Jeff Wichman with Sarah Maass on the weekly radio podcast, Sound Living
Young people can begin their 4-H journey as early as age 5 or 6 as “Cloverbuds,” a noncompetitive way to introduce them to 4-H. At age 7, youth become full 4-H members and can participate through high school.
This year, Maass said, brings exciting additions — including a new 4-H Engineering and Technology specialist starting at the end of September.
“We’re really excited about the programmatic opportunities within engineering and technology that we will be able to see in 2025-26 and beyond,” she said. “Youth today have not known a time without the internet. We need to help them navigate that world.”
Maass said 4-H continues to evolve to reflect the lives and interests of Kansas youth.
“You just never know what’s going to inspire a young person,” she said. “Whether they live in the city or on a farm, 4-H offers them the opportunity to imagine what could be and make it their own.”
4-H projects span from animal science to urban gardening, often blending rural and urban experiences.
“There’s a lot of crossover,” Maass said. “We learn from one avenue and apply it to the next.”
Leadership development is a cornerstone of 4-H, starting with simple club demonstrations and talks.
“It’s a safe space for youth to explore, achieve, and even fail — with their peers encouraging them,” Maass said. “There’s nothing more heartwarming than seeing a young person help another young person move toward their goals.”
Maass emphasized the importance of finding the right club. Her advice to families: “Visit more than one (club). You never know where your child is going to find the best fit.”
Volunteers are essential to the program’s success.
“Without our volunteers, we could not do what we do,” Maass said. “If anyone has a talent to share or wants to explore what it might be like to be a volunteer, I encourage them to reach out to their local extension office.”
A new initiative, 4-H Beyond Ready, is also launching nationally and in Kansas.
“It’s all about preparing our youth to be ready for work and life,” Maass said. “(The concept) is not new to 4-H, but this initiative is helping us be more intentional about developing leadership and communication skills.”
Maass said 4-H’s reach goes beyond its official members. School enrichment, afterschool, and library programs bring 4-H to many more young Kansans.
“Our goal is that every youth in Kansas, at some point in their childhood, has a 4-H youth development experience,” she said.
One statewide initiative, 48 Hours of 4-H, which takes place Oct. 11-12 this year, encourages youth to identify and meet local community needs through service.
“It’s all about belonging,” Maass said. “Giving back helps them see how they fit into the bigger picture.”
WANT TO ADVERTISE?
EVENTS EVENTS
October 13-29 Rubber Ducky Costume Contest
Baldwin City Library
October 13 Not Your Typical Book Club
Baldwin City Library 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
October 13 Wills & Trust
Baldwin City Library, 3-4 p.m.
October 14
2nd Tuesdays Are for BEF
Baldwin City Beer Co
October 15 BookTALK
Baldwin City Library, 7:00 p.m.
October 16 Bijoux (annual fundraiser for The Willow Domestic Violence Center) Maceli’s, 6:00 p.m.
October 18-19 Maple Leaf Festival
downtown Baldwin City
October 25
Maple Leaf Gravel Grind
downtown Baldwin City 8:00 p.m.
October 25
Maple Leaf Beer, Wine, and Spirit Fest
downtown Baldwin City 2:00-5:00 p.m.
November 8 Local Author Talk: John Musgrave Baldwin City Public Library 12p .m.
November 22 Bingo: A Masquerade Soiree Hosted by Rainbow Preschool Stony Point Hall
November 22 Baldwin City Trivia Night
Hosted by the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce
Baldwin City Community Center Details TBD December 6 Festival of Lights Parade
Downtown Baldwin City 6:00 p.m. Details TBD
COMMUNITY VOICES
SEASONAL KITCHEN RESET
By Cat Henry
I’m glad to live in a world where there are Octobers (a quote borrowed from Anne of Green Gables). It’s time for planning and looking forward to the upcoming three months of the last quarter of the year that are full of opportunities for family gatherings, entertaining, cooking, and, of course, simple decorating by bringing the outdoors in. Notice the change in seasonal energy rhythms. How shorter days call us to rest earlier and cook slower, heartier meals.
Perhaps in your last couple of months, you took advantage of grilling and eating outdoors. As it gets cooler, we transition back inside.
The homekeeper knows the heart of the home is usually the kitchen.
Do you cook differently during the autumn and winter months? More hearty soups and stews are on my menu, pot roasts and meat loaf, maximizing the seasonal produce of apples, pears, pumpkin, squash, cranberries, and pomegranates. If pumpkin spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, sage, cloves, rosemary, or allspice can be added, consider it done. It’s a time for more hot apple cider than apple juice, more warm spice blend herbal teas than iced tea, and cozy cups of hot chocolate and even vanilla milk (warm milk with vanilla and a pinch of nutmeg).
To set the cooking atmosphere for how I want to feel in the upcoming season, I make it a point to organize and deep clean the kitchen in anticipation of cooking different kinds of foods. It leaves me with a clean plate and counter (sorta speak), one that ready to use in the days ahead.
Now’s the time to check your basic food inventory. The best way to do this is by cleaning the fridge and pantry/cupboards. This reboot helps locate expired items and creates the opportunity to clear away summer treats. Make room for the upcoming season’s treats, such as spiced nuts or candied pecans, warm soft pretzels with mustard or cheese dip, gingerbread cookies or snickerdoodles, or hard fruits like pears and apples with cheese. Try
rezoning your fridge to feature these items. Prep the fridge and freezer by clearing space for broths and pie crusts, while putting the last of summer’s fruits to use through freezing or preserving.
You might have seasonal mugs you can bring out. Set up a hot beverage bar for coffee, tea, and hot chocolate with all the trimmings.
Add some decorations to the kitchen, like an edible cornucopia of fruit, for a quick grab snack.
I saw a cute idea that doesn’t take premium counter space. Take a round curtain rod or even a pole from a short kitchen broom and decorate it with a seasonal garland of inexpensive accents like faux flowers, autumn leaves, or oven-baked orange slices that are strung together. You can add strings of Halloween-themed trimmings or autumn foliage, even a small strand of batteryoperated lights. Those upper cabinets that create a natural frame, leaving an open stretch of wall above the sink, are a great spot to hang garland. This swag can be swapped out for each of the holidays with signature trimmings throughout the rest of the year.
Sneak in an oven cleaning before the baking season is upon us. Move the pots and pans around so that the heavier ones and soup pots, Dutch ovens, and casserole dishes are readily within reach. Inexpensive wire risers (for the fridge and cabinets) and square fabric storage containers for nonperishable items not being used and stored on the top shelf.
Cold, juicy, and handheld treats give way to warm, spiced, and sometimes interactive ones like cookies to decorate, maybe popcorn balls to shape, even s’mores fixings brought indoors on a rainy day, cooked over the fireplace or a tabletop fire bowl. These shifts remind us about tending to the atmosphere as it is about food, and just as much about nurturing family rhythms as it is about preparing meals. Board games reappear on tables, stories are read under blankets, and hot drinks linger longer in mugs as evenings grow darker. In these small ways, family life takes on the seasonal memories.
With you in the keeping, Cathenry.ch@gmail.com P.S. Freshening the home’s heart for the season ahead.
GROWTH HAPPENS SLOWLY
THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX
By Jeanine Ross
In this world of instant gratification, we want everything to happen now! We want to lose ten pounds in a day, so we stuff ourselves with whatever witch doctor remedies promise the fastest results. We want long hair flowing down our backs, so we glue in hair extensions. We want to instantly get rid of wrinkles, so we slather our faces with skin glue that lifts and tightens, and smooths. We’re obsessed with give it to me now! But those things that have permanent and lasting effects happen slowly. They can’t be rushed, no matter how much we demand that they are.
I know you’ve heard the expression, watching paint dry. Well, growth can be a lot like that. We decide we are ready to change, so we do all the things we’re supposed to do to make change happen, and we wait impatiently, checking every five minutes to see if change has happened yet. Sound familiar?
Well, you are not alone. We all do that. But the things we want to change didn’t happen overnight, and the internal change we want won’t either. So, what do we do in the meantime? How do we find the patience to wait until change comes?
Honestly, there is no quick and easy way to learn to wait. You just wait. Once you decide to change things, practice what the new you will look like when the change takes place. Deciding to change is only the beginning, putting that change into practice is when the real work begins.
Let’s say you decide to stop fighting with your significant other and instead, listen to their point of view and do your best
to understand. That’s great! Your significant other will be ever so grateful. But deciding to do it and actually doing it are two different things. It will take practice, patience (for yourself and your significant other), to control your tongue and your temper when things aren’t going your way. Just because you’ve decided to be calmer and more willing to listen doesn’t mean it will magically happen. Wanting change is not enough when you have to change your behavior. It requires practice. Then, at some point, that practice (if you stay with it) will develop into change. It will stop being so hard to listen or understand, or to control your temper. That is the process of change. When your energy changes, everything around you changes. It is inevitable that if you change, so will your environment and the way people treat you and your interactions with others. Your internal change is the key to the change you want around you. Because everything is energy, when you start putting your energy into what you truly want for your life, not how someone should or shouldn’t respond to you, but what you truly want (peace, love, calm, tranquility), the energy around you will change. That means anyone who comes into your energy field, will respond accordingly, or they will leave. Either way, you will have what you came for, peace, love, calm, tranquility, and that takes time. So, decide what you want to change. Be patient with yourself. Practice daily and know that change comes slowly, but if you continue, it will come. So, if you really want your life to change for the better, it begins by “Thinking Outside the Box.”
