19 WEEKLY 2026
OCTOBER
A
B A L D W I N
C I T Y
N E W S P A P E R
N W O T E H T T N I PA
! A T N E G A M
Baldwin City just finished painting the town purple for homecoming. Now, we’re trading our purple for magenta — and this time, the entire community has a chance to help Baldwin High School win big! Baldwin High School has been selected as one of 40 Division Finalists nationwide in T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights competition, beating out more than 2,500 participating schools across the country. The recognition has already earned BHS a $25,000 grant, but the Bulldogs aren’t stopping there. Now, Baldwin is one of 10 schools competing in its division for an even bigger prize: $250,000, a Gronk Fitness weight room upgrade and a $5,000 “The Big Deal” Student Leadership Award scholarship for a BHS student. And if Baldwin wins its division? The school will advance as one of just four schools nationwide competing for
a $1 million home facility upgrade! The mission is simple: Vote every single day, spread the word and show the rest of the country what a small town can do when it comes together. From Purple to Magenta It’s a colorful continuation of a week already filled with Bulldog pride. On Wednesday, October 7, Baldwin City celebrated homecoming with its Paint the Town Purple parade through downtown, followed by a community pep rally at Sullivan Square. The following day, The Maple Weekly publisher Jenni Fish was invited to a special school assembly. School officials had asked her to keep the reason for the gathering a secret but wanted the local media there to witness the big announcement. Walking into the Baldwin Junior High gymnasium, it was clear something exciting was happening. Continued on page 3
VOL 4 NO. 37 FREE DIGITAL VERSION
19 OCTOBER
PG. 02
COMMUNITY
FORMER BALDWIN FOOTBALL COACH MERLE VENABLE NAMED TO KANSAS FOOTBALL COACHES HALL OF FAME
Longtime Bulldog coach to be honored December 12 in Wichita Former Baldwin High School football coach Merle Venable has been selected for induction into the Kansas Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame Class of 2026, recognizing a coaching career that spanned more than three decades and left a lasting impact on generations of studentathletes. Venable, who led the Baldwin Bulldogs for 19 years, was selected from a field of more than 30 nominated coaches during the association’s annual All-State selection meeting in Wichita. His wife, Janet Venable, shared the news with The Maple Weekly, noting that her husband had previously been inducted posthumously into the Kansas City area coaches Hall of Fame. Venable began his coaching career in 1960 as an assistant
coach and concluded his high school coaching career in 1994. During 30 years as a head coach, he compiled an overall record of 162 wins, 88 losses and two ties. His years at Baldwin were particularly successful, with the Bulldogs recording a 137-41-1 record during his 19 seasons. His teams made state championship game appearances in 1972, 1978 and 1982, capturing the state title in 1982. That same year, Venable was named Kansas Coach of the Year. In 1966, before the current playoff system was established, Baldwin was ranked No. 1 in the state by sportswriters. Venable also coached at Turner High School, where he took over a struggling football program that had not experienced a winning season in a decade. According to Janet, the team had gone three years without a victory and had not scored an offensive touchdown from scrimmage the season before his arrival. Within six years, Turner reached the playoffs. While his accomplishments on the field were significant, Janet said her husband’s greatest legacy was the difference he made in the lives of his players. “His ‘fame’ was not wins and losses, but how much he cared for his players and all kids in general,” she wrote in the information submitted for his induction. She described him as witty, wise in his training methods and deeply concerned about the wellbeing of his athletes, even when it came to the smallest injuries. “He made football fun,” she wrote. Janet also recalled a recent conversation with a mother who told her that Venable had saved her son’s life by making him a team trainer, giving him respect and responsibility. The Kansas Football Coaches Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place Saturday, December 12, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Wichita. Bethany Bowman of 810 Varsity Sports will serve as emcee for the evening. Former players, coaches, family members, friends and community supporters are welcome to attend the ceremony and celebrate Venable’s contributions to Kansas high school football. For the Baldwin City community, the recognition honors not only a championship-winning coach but also a mentor whose influence continues to be remembered decades after his final season on the sidelines.
HOMETOWN HALLOWEEN RETURNS OCTOBER 31! Get ready for a spooktacular afternoon in downtown Baldwin City!
OCTOBER 31 4 - 6 P.M.
Featuring trick-ortreating, decorated trunks and familyfriendly activities. Register Your Trunk! Businesses and organizations are invited to participate in the Trunk or Treat. Registration is free, and setup begins at 3 p.m. Participants should plan for approximately 800 trick-or-treaters. Per Baldwin City Ordinance #1196, dogs and other animals are not permitted. For registration information or questions, contact the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce at 785-594-3200 or admin@ baldwincitychamber.com.
19 OCTOBER
COMMUNITY WORDEN LOVES BALDWIN CITY OFFERS FREE HELP TO RESIDENTS Worden Cornerstone Church is giving back to the community through its annual Worden Loves Baldwin City volunteer event on Saturday, October 24. Volunteers are offering free assistance with small projects around the home, including outdoor cleanup and other tasks to make life a little easier for local residents. No job too small! The event is completely free, with a rain date scheduled for October 31. Residents interested in receiving assistance were asked to register by October 3. For more information, contact 785-893-1300 or 785-764-2560, or email wordenlovesbaldwincity@gmail.com.
Sunday School :
9:30 am
(in the church basement.)
Welcome Center Opens:
10 am
Services Start:
10:30am
SEE YOU SUNDAY!
+ Everyone is welcome! + Non- Denominational
One Hour
BIBLE STUDY
Wednesdays @ 6pm Men and women welcome!
Vinland Valley Community Church
1724 N 692nd Rd, Baldwin City, KS 66006
(785) 594-3256
STEP INTO WALKTOBER!
THE BALDWIN CITY RECREATION COMMISSION INVITES EVERYONE TO GET MOVING WITH ITS NEW WALKTOBER FITNESS CHALLENGE! THE GOAL IS TO WALK 250,000 STEPS THROUGHOUT OCTOBER, AVERAGING ABOUT 8,064 STEPS PER DAY. PARTICIPANTS CAN SUBMIT THEIR STEP COUNTS WEEKLY OR ENTER THEIR FINAL TOTAL AT THE END OF THE MONTH. ALL FINAL SUBMISSIONS ARE DUE SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, AT 11:59 P.M. EVERYONE WHO REACHES 250,000 STEPS WILL RECEIVE A SMALL PRIZE AND AN ENTRY INTO THE WALKTOBER GIVEAWAY! GET MOVING, TRACK YOUR STEPS AND ENJOY A HEALTHIER OCTOBER!
PG. 03
Continued from page 1
Students from both Baldwin Junior High and Baldwin High School filled the bleachers. Magenta banners, T-Mobile branding and signs decorated the gym, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. Then Activities Director Dayton Valentine shared the big news. Baldwin High School had been named one of just 40 finalists nationwide! To celebrate the achievement, T-Mobile sponsored Baldwin’s home football game on Friday, October 9, bringing games, giveaways, photo opportunities and other activities for students and the community. But the celebration was just the beginning. A Community Effort Baldwin City is already getting creative. Local businesses, organizations and individuals are jumping on board, showing their support for Baldwin students in a variety of ways. From decorating storefronts to participating in social media challenges, the community is working together to help the school earn additional votes. One of those challenges, Paint Your Town Magenta, encouraged communities to show their school spirit by covering their towns in T-Mobile’s signature color for a chance to earn 5,000 bonus votes. The challenge ended October 14, but Baldwin City’s enthusiasm is showing no signs of slowing down. Businesses, community organizations, families, students and alumni are all finding ways to get involved. Whether it’s sharing social media posts, decorating in magenta or simply remembering to vote each day, every effort helps build momentum for Baldwin High School. And if there’s one thing Baldwin City knows how to do, it’s rally around its Bulldogs. Every Vote Counts! Voting opened October 8 and continues through October 25. Supporters can vote for Baldwin High School once per day, every day. The school is encouraging everyone to share the voting link with friends, family, alumni and businesses, and to spread the word on social media using #FN5GL #Entry @TMobile. Votes can be cast at www.t-mobile.com/brand/ friday-night-5g-lights. From purple homecoming decorations to magenta storefronts, Baldwin City is proving that school spirit doesn’t have to come in just one color. The Paint Your Town Magenta challenge may be over, but the competition isn’t. Baldwin City, keep voting, keep sharing and let’s show the nation what Bulldog pride looks like!
19 OCTOBER
PG. 04
COMMUNITY
RAINBOW PRESCHOOL BINGO NIGHT RETURNS WITH “A NIGHT IN PARIS” What started as a simple evening of bingo, beer and barbecue has grown into one of Baldwin City’s most anticipated fundraising events. Rainbow Preschool’s Annual Bingo Night returns Friday, November 6, with this year’s theme, “A Night in Paris,” promising an evening of fun, food, prizes and a little Parisian flair. The event will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. at Enright Gardens, located at 2351 N. 400 Road near Baldwin City. The tradition began on November 4, 2018, when Rainbow Preschool’s board of directors organized the first Bingo Night at the Lumberyard Arts Center. What started as a casual community fundraiser quickly gained popularity, eventually outgrowing its original location. Over the years, Bingo Night has moved from the Lumberyard Arts Center to the former dance studio, then to the golf course, followed by several years at Stony Point. This year, the event makes another move to the beautiful setting of Enright Gardens. As the event has grown, so has the experience. What was once a laid-back evening of bingo, beer and barbecue has transformed into a themed night out, complete with dinner, drinks, elaborate costumes, cash-prize costume contests, bingo and a silent auction featuring an assortment of prizes. Each year brings a new theme, giving attendees an opportunity to dress up, get creative and enjoy an evening with friends while supporting a great cause. This year’s “A Night in Paris” theme invites guests to embrace a little French-inspired elegance for a night of fundraising and fun. Individual tickets are $70 and include admission, dinner, one drink ticket and five bingo cards. Tables of 10 are available for $650, providing reserved seating together along with dinner, one drink ticket and five bingo cards per guest. Several sponsorship opportunities are also available, ranging from $500 to $5,000, offering businesses and community supporters additional ways to contribute. Donations of any amount are welcome for those unable to attend. Although the locations, themes and activities have changed over the years, the purpose behind Bingo Night has remained the same: supporting Baldwin City’s littlest learners. The annual fundraiser brings together families, friends, local businesses and community members to support Rainbow Preschool and the early childhood education opportunities it provides. Whether you’ve attended since the first Bingo Night in 2018 or are planning your first visit, this year’s event offers another opportunity to come together for a fun evening that gives back to the community. Scan the code to the right to get your tickets.
COMMUNITY OH YEAH, HAVE YOU VOTED TODAY?
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ADVERTISE IN THE MAPLE WEEKLY! CONTACT US FOR MORE DETAILS! jenni@baldwinmaple.com
EVENTS
October 20
Model Trains
Baldwin City Libary, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
October 21
Chamber Networking
Baldwin City Beer Company, 5-6;30 pm
October 22
Women’s Self Defense Course
BC Community Center, 6-8 pm
October 23
Live Music: Caleb Geronimo
Baldwin City Distillery , 6-8 pm
October 24
Halloween Howl
Heritage Tractor , 8am-Noon
October 24
Seed Saving Workshop
Vinland Valley Farms, 1pm
October 24
Intro to Mahjong
BC Community Center, 9-11am
19 OCTOBER
COMMUNITY
PG. 06
DOUGLAS COUNTY APPRAISER’S OFFICE WARNS OF PROPERTY TAX SCAM
FROM DIRT TO DONE Let’s break ground on your next project.
785-330-5828
www.btskexcavating.com
letter, email or text you might receive,” Armbrister said. “There is never any harm in having a trusted person put a second pair of eyes on a form, particularly related to a financial matter. We would rather have people question something up front than try to react after it might be too late.” Legitimate property tax relief programs Douglas County offers a Property Tax Rebate Program for eligible homeowners who are 65 and older or disabled veterans. Eligible residents may receive a rebate of up to $400, or the county portion of their property tax, whichever is less. Eligibility requirements include: Applicant must be the current owner and occupant of the home Age 65 or older, or disabled veteran as defined by K.S.A. 79-4502 Total household income at or below the Kansas Homestead Refund program income limit or the HUD Very Low Household Income Guidelines for 2025, whichever is higher Household income includes 50% of Social Security and SSI Benefits Does not include Social Security Disability or SSI Disability Payments
SERVICES
The Douglas County Appraiser’s Office is warning homeowners, particularly seniors, about a property tax scam circulating through online videos and social media. The scam falsely claims that homeowners can reduce or freeze their property taxes by submitting a federal IRS form called “Form 1098-SR.” No such IRS form or federal property tax relief program exists. The false claims promote a nonexistent federal program that supposedly allows seniors and other homeowners to freeze their property taxes, lower tax bills or avoid local taxes. “Our office has received several inquiries about the claim, and we are letting residents know that it is a scam,” County Appraiser Brad Eldridge said. “There is no federal ‘Form 1098SR’ that freezes or reduces property taxes.” Property taxes are administered only by local and state governments, not the federal government. Residents who receive unsolicited communications promising tax savings should verify the information through an official government source before providing personal information or making a payment. Douglas County Sheriff Jay Armbrister emphasized the importance of verifying the sender. “Take steps to contact the appropriate office or agency through an official posted number — not one given to you in a
Residential & commercial excavation Site prep, grading & trenching Land clearing & dirt work Utility & drainage work Agricultural & municipal projects
County appraised value of home does not exceed $350,000 Home cannot be used as a short-term rental Applications for the 2027 tax year rebate will be accepted Jan. 15, 2027, through April 15, 2027. Information is available at dgcoks.gov/taxrebate. For questions, email propertytaxrebate@ dgcoks.gov, call (785) 832-5167 or visit the Douglas County Clerk’s Office at 1100 Massachusetts St. in Lawrence. The Kansas Department of Revenue also offers programs, including: Homestead or Property Tax Refund for Homeowners — https://ksrevenue.gov/homesteadbook25.html Kansas Property Tax Relief for Low Income Seniors — https://ksrevenue.gov/safesenior.html Watch for Medicare scams Senior Resource Center Manager Megan Poindexter also warns residents about scams related to Medicare open enrollment. “The best way to protect yourself is to be a skeptic and to slow down. If anyone asks for your personal information, you do not need to act with urgency,” Poindexter said. “Take time to verify who they are.” The Senior Resource Center will host a presentation by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office about how to identify scams and fraud at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at 745 Vermont St.
NEED FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR YOUR BUSINESS IDEA?
Reliable, local service ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CALL OR TEXT FOR MORE INFORMATION :
CHRIS NICHOLSON
(620) 770-0314
19 OCTOBER
COMMUNITY WAVE AND SMILE THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX By Jeanine Ross
Every morning (weather permitting), I walk my little dog, Maggie. We take the same route every day that gives us about a mile and a half of exercise, and every day we walk about ¼ mile down Sixth Street. One morning I was remembering the days when I used to drive to work and all the things I’d be thinking about along the way, and I thought it would have been nice to see a friendly face sometime. So I decided to be one. A few months ago, I started waving at the people on their way to work and school or doctor’s appointments or whatever. Aside from the fact that we are all one, the same drop from the ocean of humanity, I didn’t know any of them, and they didn’t know me. But it gave me pleasure to wish them well along their journey. To my sheer delight, they waved back! Some of them smiled. Some of them looked surprised. Some of them seemed confused, as if they were trying to figure out if they knew me. But they all waved and smiled back. Then there were the ones that looked right at me, but would not smile or wave back. I wondered why. I wasn’t asking them for
money or trying to make them stop. I just smiled and waved to bid them a good day. Among them was one man in particular. He drove a truck, and he had a full white beard, and I got the distinct impression he wanted me to know he was looking at me and deliberately not waving. I’m not sure if he was trying to intimidate me or not, but I was intrigued! I made it a point to look for him every morning, and he made it a point to look at me and look away. He didn’t look angry, just dismissive. This went on for weeks, but I refused to stop waving. Then one morning, he smiled! I was so happy! I thought about him the rest of the day and wondered what made him smile. Was it my billboard t-shirt that said “chocolate” with a big dipper of melted chocolate drizzling from a ladle? I didn’t know, but I couldn’t wait to see him the next day. But I didn’t see him for three days. I worried about him. I prayed that he was okay. This morning I saw the man in the truck with the white beard, and he smiled and waved! I was so happy to see him, I waved extra hard, and he laughed! It’s so easy to show love and kindness and let someone know they are loved. I do it with a smile and a wave. How do you do it? So, if you really want your life to change for the better, it begins by “Thinking Outside the Box.”
HONOR A VETERAN AT THE BALDWIN CITY LIBRARY The Baldwin City Library invites the community to recognize veterans through its Veterans’ Wall of Honor, now through November 15.
PG. 07
School Lunch Schedule Oct. 19-30
BHS SPORTS THIS WEEK: Oct. 19-24
MON., OCT. 19 Breakfast: Breakfast Scrambler Lunch: Fiesta Pizza, Lettuce/ Tomato/Peppers/Onions, Mexican Beans, Baby Carrots & Pineapple
Monday, October 19
TUES., OCT. 20 Breakfast: Dutch Waffle Lunch: Lasagna Roll with Cheese Breadstick, Steamed Cauliflower, Salad & Peaches
- Girls Golf: KSHSAA State, 8 a.m., Emporia Golf Course - JH Boys & Girls (7th & 8th Grade): Baldwin Triangular, 4 p.m., BJHS - Varsity Boys: Eudora vs. Baldwin, 4 p.m., BHS - JV Boys: Eudora vs. Baldwin, 6 p.m., BHS - JV Girls Volleyball: Louisburg vs. Santa Fe Trail, 4:30 & 5:30 p.m., Santa Fe Trail HS - Varsity Girls Volleyball: Baldwin vs. Louisburg, 4:30 & 5:30 p.m., Santa Fe Trail HS - Varsity Girls Volleyball: Baldwin vs. Santa Fe Trail, 6:30 p.m., Santa Fe Trail HS
WED., OCT. 21 Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza Lunch: Hamburger, Lettuce/ Tomato/Pickles, Fries, Cucumber Slices & Caramel Apple Slices THURS., OCT. 22 Breakfast: Breakfast Nuggets Lunch: Chicken Tenders, Baked Beans, Steamed Carrots, Celery Sticks & Pears FRI., OCT. 23 Breakfast: Muffin Lunch: Cheese Pull Aparts with Marinara, Green Beans, Grape Tomatoes & Grapes MON., OCT. 26 Breakfast: Breakfast Bagel Lunch: Grilled Chicken, Hash Browns/Dumplings, Asian Noodles, Mixed Vegetables & Oranges TUES., OCT. 27 Breakfast: CC Oatmeal Squares Lunch: French Toast Sticks, Sausage & Egg, Potato Smiles, Celery Sticks & Strawberries/Banana WED., OCT. 28 Breakfast: Cinnamon Breakfast Square Lunch: Stuffed Crust Pizza, Cauliflower with Cheese, Salad & Pineapple
Residents can add a veteran’s name to the display by picking up a form at the library’s main desk and providing the veteran’s name and branch of military service.
THURS., OCT. 29 Breakfast: Chicken & Biscuit Lunch: Chicken & Noodles/Roll, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Grape Tomatoes & Peaches
Veterans from across the United States are welcome to be recognized. Help honor those who have served by adding their names to the Wall of Honor!
FRI., OCT. 30 Breakfast: Breakfast Bread Lunch: Meatball Sub, Tri Taters, Green Beans, Baby Carrots & Pears
- Girls Golf: KSHSAA State, Emporia Golf Course — Cancelled - JV Boys: Baldwin at Bishop Ward, 4:30 p.m. - JV Boys: Christ Prep vs. Baldwin, 4:30 p.m., BHS
Tuesday, October 20
Wednesday, October 21
- Varsity: Royal Crest Lanes, 10:30 a.m. - BHS Band Concert: 7 p.m., BJHS
Thursday, October 22
- 7th Grade JV Girls: Tonganoxie vs. Baldwin, 4 p.m., BJHS - 8th Grade JV Girls: Baldwin at Tonganoxie, 4 p.m. - 8th Grade Varsity Girls: Baldwin at Tonganoxie, 5 p.m. - 7th Grade Varsity Girls: Tonganoxie vs. Baldwin, 5 p.m., BJHS - Varsity Boys: Blue Valley vs. Baldwin, 4 p.m., BHS - JV Boys: Blue Valley vs. Baldwin, 6 p.m., BHS - C Team Boys: Baldwin at Paola, 4:30 p.m. Friday, October 23 - Varsity Boys: Baldwin at Anderson County, 7 p.m.
Saturday, October 24
- Varsity Girls: KSHSAA Regionals, 10 a.m., Baldwin Golf Course - Varsity Boys: KSHSAA Regionals, 10 a.m., Baldwin Golf Course BHS = Baldwin High School | BJHS = Baldwin Junior High School Events and schedules are subject to change.
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Email: jenni@baldwinmaple.com
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