EXPLORE KANSAS FARMLAND AT THE 21ST ANNUAL KAW VALLEY FARM TOUR
This October, gather your friends and family for the 21st Annual Kaw Valley Farm Tour, set for Saturday, October 4, 2025 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and Sunday, October 5, 2025 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) across northeast Kansas. This year’s tour includes 33 farms and six heritage sites, featuring several local Baldwin City farms offering something unique for every visitor.
The Kaw Valley Farm Tour is a beloved event that lets people discover the rich diversity of Kansas agriculture—everything from vineyards and pumpkin patches to cut flowers, livestock, and sustainable farming practices. Expect fresh local produce, animal encounters, hands-on experiences, and a chance to learn from farmers about where your food comes from.
Born with the spirit of community, the tour offers a self-guided format, supported by a digital map to help you plan your route. It’s realistic to plan to visit 4–5 farms per day to make the most of the weekend.
Several Baldwin City farms are part of this year’s lineup. Visitors can enjoy wineries, nurseries, orchards, apiaries, heritage farms, and more. (Check the full list of participating farms on the tour’s official website for the most up-to-date details.)
To make the weekend even more special, there is a Harvest Party planned for Friday, October 3, 2025, at Vinland Valley Nursery in Baldwin City, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The evening includes live music, food and drink, art raffles, and a creative atmosphere to kick off the farm tour weekend. Proceeds from the Harvest
Party benefit the Lumberyard Arts Center.
Tickets for the tour are $15 per carload, giving access for the full weekend and covering entry to all farms and heritage sites. You can purchase tickets online, and pick up a physical guidebook at the first farm you visit.
Whether you’re interested in wine, flowers, farm animals, local food, or heritage sites, this year’s Kaw Valley Farm Tour promises a weekend full of discovery, connection, and appreciation for Kansas farmland. Be sure to check the official site for complete farm listings, map details, and tips to plan your tour.
BALDWIN CITY FARMS TO EXPLORE
Baldwin City is home to a variety of unique farms, each offering its own flavor of fun, learning, and local products. Be sure to add these must-visit spots to your farm tour itinerary:
Ad Astra Alpacas
168 E. 1700 Road, Baldwin City, KS
Get up close and personal with friendly alpacas! Enjoy alpaca feeding, watch fiber demonstrations, and browse unique alpacamade items. Kids will love the fun activities, including tree swings and a teeter-totter. www.adastraalpacas.com
Haven Pointe Winery
961 E. 1600 Road, Baldwin City, KS
Savor the taste of Kansas with a wine flight featuring red and white FrenchAmerican hybrid varietals, fruit wines, and meads crafted from local grapes, honey, and fruits. www.havenpointewinery.com
South Baldwin Farms
22 E. 1700 Road, Baldwin City, KS
Celebrate fall at this bustling orchard with u-pick pumpkins, family-friendly activities, and a behind-the-scenes look at the packhouse and cider room. Stock up on apples, peaches, blackberries, cider, and more for a true farm-to-table experience. www.southbaldwin.com
Vesecky Family Farms
1814 N. 600 Road, Baldwin City, KS
Step back in time with a tour of the farm’s late 1800s house and barn, then see today’s operations featuring pasture-raised chickens, ducks, turkeys, cattle, meat goats, hay, and crops. www.veseckyfamilyfarms.com
Vinland Valley Nursery
1606 N. 600 Road, Baldwin City, KS
Browse a full-service garden center filled with pottery, locally made goods, bulk products, and a beautiful cutting garden perfect for strolling and inspiration. www.vinlandvalleynursery.com
MAPS & GUIDEBOOKS
Purchase tickets online at kawvalleyfarmtour.com
After purchasing online, pick up your printed guidebook and map at the first farm you visit
Digital maps are also available on the website for planning your route
Tip: Plan to visit 4–5 farms per day, and watch for roadside signs markings
CANDIDATE FORUM QUESTIONS
THE BALDWIN CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HAS EXTENDED THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT QUESTIONS FOR THE UPCOMING CANDIDATE FORUM.
YOU NOW HAVE UNTIL SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH AT 11:59 P.M. TO SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS. PLEASE NOTE, NO QUESTIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED THE DAY OF THE EVENT, SO BE SURE TO GET YOURS IN BEFORE THE DEADLINE!
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS HERE: TINYURL.COM/4B3JXUFS
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD AND HELP SHAPE THE CONVERSATION AT THE FORUM!
SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE

K-STATE CONFERENCE HELPS BEGINNING FARMERS, RANCHERS RETURN TO THE FAMILY FARM AND PLAN FOR SUCCESSION
MANHATTAN, Kan.
— One of agriculture’s most pressing challenges — preparing the next generation’s return to the farm and ranch — is the focus of a series of free, statewide conferences hosted by Kansas State University’s College of Agriculture this fall.
The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Conference series, developed by Robin Reid and Ashlee Westerhold in K-Sate’s Department of Agricultural Economics, is designed to equip students, young producers and those new to agriculture with the tools needed to build successful, sustainable careers in farming.
“Returning home to the farm is more than just going back to work; it’s about ensuring the long-term viability of a business and maintaining strong family relationships,” said Westerhold, director of the Office of Farm and Ranch Transition.
The conference tackles such key issues as:
• Succession and estate planning.
• Business structures and intergenerational fairness.
• Farm financial management and lease agreements.
• Communication strategies for family discussions.
• USDA-FSA loan opportunities.
The Kansas Land-Link program.
She added that through interactive sessions and real-world examples, the conference encourages open
family communication and strategic planning, ideals that former student Garrett Korte credits for a successful return to his family’s 10,000-acre, seventh-generation farm.
“They [Westerhold and Reid] make it easier because they start the conversations a lot of people are scared to have,” Korte said. “You realize you’re not the only one figuring this out.”
The schedule of conferences includes:
Oct. 17 – K-State Student Union, Manhattan.
Nov. 19 – Butler Community College, El Dorado.
Dec. 3 – Garden City Community College.
Dec. 4 – Colby Community College.
All conferences run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with lunch and materials provided. The conferences are free to attend, but registration is required.
For more information or to RSVP, visit https:// www.agmanager.info/ beginningfarmer.
“If a beginning farmer or rancher can freely and openly communicate about their goals for the future of the farm with the older generation, they have a much better chance of succeeding,” Westerhold said. “These conferences are about helping make that happen.”
More information:
Ashlee Westerhold, 785532-4526, ashleecw@ksu.edu
Robin Reid, 785-532-0964, robinreid@ksu.edu
ADVENTHEALTH OTTAWA
LAUNCHES WEEKLY BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT GROUP
AdventHealth Ottawa is offering a welcoming and supportive space for new parents with its Breastfeeding Support Group, held every Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the hospital’s Conference Room C, located at 1301 S. Main St., Ottawa, KS.
Breastfeeding can be a unique journey for each family, and many parents find they need guidance as they navigate this important stage of caring for their baby. This support group is designed to help parents feel confident and informed, while providing an opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, and connect with others who are on a similar path.
Facilitated by a lactation consultant, the group offers valuable insights for parents at all stages of breastfeeding. A baby scale will also be available for families who wish to track their baby’s growth.
The sessions are free and open to the public, with no registration required. Parents can simply drop in and participate at their convenience.
Participants should enter through the south doors of the hospital off 14th Street and follow the Community Education signs to Conference Room C.
For more information or questions about breastfeeding, call the AdventHealth Ottawa Breastfeeding Warm Line at 785-229-8810.
This weekly gathering provides a safe, encouraging environment where families can receive the support they need to make breastfeeding a positive and successful experience.
COMMUNITY
PUBLISHING DAY UPDATE!
STARTING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, THE MAPLE WEEKLY WILL OFFICIALLY SHIFT TO A NEW PUBLISHING SCHEDULE. YOU CAN NOW EXPECT TO RECEIVE YOUR NEWSPAPER EVERY MONDAY, GIVING YOU A FRESH START TO THE WEEK WITH LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS, AND STORIES FROM RIGHT HERE IN BALDWIN CITY!
NO NEWSPAPER ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 20
THE MAPLE WEEKLY WILL NOT PUBLISH ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 20 AS OUR PUBLISHER TAKES A LITTLE TIME AWAY TO CELEBRATE HER ANNIVERSARY AND ENJOY A WELLDESERVED BREAK.
WE APPRECIATE YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND LOOK FORWARD TO BRINGING YOU THE NEXT ISSUE THE FOLLOWING WEEK, FILLED WITH ALL THE LATEST LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS, AND STORIES FROM BALDWIN CITY!
COMMUNITY
HEALTH OFFICIAL SPEAKS OUT ON FENTANYL CRISIS AFTER PERSONAL TRAGEDY
By Pat Melgares, K-State Research and Extension news service
MANHATTAN, Kan. — A community health educator with the Pottawatomie County Health Department is sharing her family’s personal tragedy to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and the broader opioid epidemic, urging Kansas communities to take action through education, conversation and emergency response training.
Jenni Ebert — whose family lost 22-year-old Jayson Ebert to fentanyl poisoning in 2021 — delivered a powerful presentation aimed at preventing similar tragedies. In addition to working for health departments in Pottawatomie and Riley counties, she spearheads the Jayson Ebert Foundation to educate about the dangers of fentanyl.
“Jayson didn’t know the dangers of fentanyl, and neither did we,” she said. “I hadn’t even heard of it before that day. He took a pill, not knowing it was laced with fentanyl — and that one pill killed him.”
Ebert’s talk kicked off the Fall, 2025 series of Kansas State University’s Living Well Wednesday webinar series, hosted by K-State Extension and family and consumer science professionals across Kansas.
Ebert said that the federal Drug Enforcement Administration’s “One Pill Can Kill” campaign launched just weeks after Jason’s death. “I often wonder if he had seen the campaign, if it would’ve made a difference,” she added.
According to information from the DEA, fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. While pharmaceutical fentanyl has legitimate medical uses, illegally manufactured fentanyl has flooded the streets, often disguised as prescription medication.
“The problem with fentanyl is that you can’t see it, smell it, or taste it,” Ebert said. “It can be in anything — counterfeit pills, stimulants, even marijuana — and you won’t know until it’s too late.”
She outlined the four waves of the opioid crisis: the over-prescription era of the 2000s; a surge in heroin use around 2010; the emergence of fentanyl in 2013; and its mixture into other drugs by 2014. Today, the crisis is affecting even young children, with accidental exposure among toddlers becoming a growing concern.
The Kansas Communities That Care survey, administered to students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12, now includes questions about fentanyl awareness. “Sixth graders haven’t heard much about it,” she noted, “but this stuff is being marketed to them on their phones like it’s candy.”
Ebert urged parents, caregivers, and community leaders to have open, honest conversations with youth. “You don’t need to know every statistic, but you do need to talk about it. That can save a life.”
She also highlighted the importance of having naloxone — also known by the brand name Narcan — readily available. “It’s a nasal spray that can reverse an overdose. You peel, press, and push. If it doesn’t work in a few minutes, you give a second dose. But always call 911 first.”
In Kansas, initiatives like the Safe Pledge encourage residents to lock up medications and dispose of unused prescriptions at designated take-back sites.
“We’ve come a long way, and naloxone access is saving lives,” Ebert said. “But the supply of fake pills is still massive. Awareness, compassion, and conversation are our best tools in fighting this crisis.”
NEW 4-WAY STOP AT 9TH AND ELM STREET
Baldwin City drivers will notice a change in traffic patterns at a key intersection. As of Wednesday, September 18, stop signs have been added to 9th Street, officially making the intersection of 9th and Elm Street a 4-way stop.
The decision was made by city officials following safety concerns raised about the area. Previously, only Elm Street traffic was required to stop, creating potential hazards for both drivers and pedestrians.
To help alert drivers to the new traffic control, the newly installed stop signs have been marked with bright orange flags. These flags are designed to draw extra attention during the adjustment
period as drivers become familiar with the new configuration.
City officials are urging motorists to use caution when approaching the intersection, especially in the coming weeks as the community adapts to the change.
The addition of the stop signs is part of Baldwin City’s ongoing efforts to improve traffic safety and address areas of concern identified by residents and city staff.
Residents with questions or feedback about the change can visit the City of Baldwin City’s website for more information and updates on local traffic improvements.

BALDWIN CITY UNVEILS NEW DOWNTOWN POLE BANNER DESIGNS
Baldwin City’s downtown streets are looking more colorful and creative thanks to the unveiling of nine brand-new pole banner designs, the result of a unique collaboration between local artists, community leaders, and organizations.
On Friday, September 19, during the Third Friday Market, the Lumberyard Arts Center hosted a special Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the launch of the banners and the talented artists who brought them to life. The evening included appetizers, beverages, and a chance for community members to mingle and enjoy a first look at the designs.
The project was truly a community effort, with over 20 people involved through a partnership between the Lumberyard Arts Center’s mural committee and the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce Design Committee. Additional support came from Baldwin City Main Street, the City of Baldwin City, the Maple Leaf Festival Committee, and other community members who helped bring the vision to reality.
Local artists Christina Malicke and Emma Bailey were selected to create the artwork that now brightens Baldwin City’s historic downtown. Christina contributed three designs, while Emma created six designs, each capturing elements of Baldwin City’s character, history, and community spirit.
The banners serve as a symbol of Baldwin City’s ongoing growth and creativity, celebrating the rich culture and strong sense of place that make the town unique.
Community members are encouraged to take a stroll downtown and experience the banners firsthand. For those eager to learn more about the inspiration behind the project and the artists involved, The Maple’s Issue #8, coming next month, will feature a deeper dive into the story and the creative process.
This project reflects the power of collaboration and the importance of art in public spaces, creating a lasting visual impact that celebrates Baldwin City’s heritage and its bright future.

USD348
NEW COACH WITH NEW FUTURE

Story by Acey Currie, Bulldog Bulletin, Photo by Caddian Rider
Baldwin High School has hired a new head coach for the 202526 football season; Jeff Melcher who has been a longtime assistant football coach at BHS.
“As an assistant coach, I learned the importance of attention to detail and the value of genuinely caring for your athletes,” Melcher said. “Being a head coach allows me to bring everything I have learned under my mentors and build a culture.”
This football season the coaches are making a big impact on culture and leading the students to take charge in accountability, toughness, and a team-first mentality.
“We are looking to bring pride back to the Baldwin football
BACK TO HIS ROOTS
Story by Halia Callahan, Bulldog Bulletin
This year Baldwin High School has welcomed a new Athletic Director, Dayton Valentine. Valentine is an alumni from BHS where he played football. Now he is giving back to BHS athletics with all he has.
“I’m looking forward to having someone I grew up with and had the opportunity to play sports with,” assistant football coach Jesse Austin said “I think he will be able to relate with a lot of things and I know his heart will always want to do the right thing for Baldwin and our kids, because he’s a Baldwin guy. Another person in our district that can say he’s Baldwin Built and understands what kind of culture we are building/upholding for our students.”
The homecoming that Valentine had when he decided to come back to Baldwin City helped influence his decision in coming here.
“Part of wanting to be the Athletic Director at Baldwin for me is because Baldwin is a special place,” Valentine said. “I’m from here and also I think sports are a big part of my life. Coming back to Baldwin is kind of special and the fact there is a homecoming.”
Previously, Valentine coached at Blue Valley Southwest where he was a football coach who was in charge of offense and special teams.
“Being athletic director is a cool opportunity to kind of oversee all sports and having a hand in helping a number of programs where as previously I was just coaching and it was just that sport,” Valentine said. “So to help more people, and more student-athletes I think was what was attractive about being Athletic Director.”
Valentine has big plans for the future of activities and plans on advancing programs the best he can for the future.
“I think there are a number of things that we can do just to help out. So I think different things like social media, I think this year I have given coaches access to an easier way to make graphics,” Valentine said. “I plan on doing a media day for each season to let kids have fun and showcase all sports, and then other things like new ideas in terms like budgeting, and how to get programs the things they need, and so I think there are a number of little things starting in the future. Then later to other things like improving facilities.”
program by being competitive in each game and making the playoffs,” coach Grant Bachura said.
“I want players to understand that attitude and effort are always within their control,” Melcher said.
This season Melcher is making a major influence on team first mentality. “Sucess definitely goes far beyond wins and losses,” Melcher said. “I would say we are doing right by players if they grow as students, athletes and young men.”
Being a team means you have to do your part for your family. This would consist of having integrity, empathy, a positive attitude, and sharing goals with your teammates.
Every team should have a goal but every player should have a
personal goal to reach for every day.
“Some personal goals I have is to become a better quarterback skillfully than I can and also become a better leader as much as I can,” junior Bryis Alford said.
“Our short term goals this season are establishing consistent effort, discipline, and building confidence are most important currently,” Melcher said. “Further in this season and the next few years I just want to build a program that our players, families, school and community can be proud of.”
The players are also excited about this new season.
“I believe that Melcher is going to bring a new foundation to our team that we have been missing for years now,” Alford said.

MINDFUL SPEAKING

THINKING
By
I don’t know about you but I’ve spent most of my life being reactive. Someone says something I don’t like and I would immediately respond. My grandkids call that “popping off.” I was certainly guilty of that! I always had an opinion and I always wanted to express it (whether you wanted to hear it or not). I wanted to be heard and seen and understood and praised for having such a brilliant opinions, which, according to me, were all brilliant! I spent the better part of my young life on automatic pilot. I knew what I knew and I was all to happy to share it!
It has taken me years to understand that “popping off,” was not only harmful to those who had to listen to me, but it was harmful to me, and my always present, search for peace. But I like words and I know a lot of them so why do I have to wait to use them? Because words have weight and a physical energy that can resonate within a person for years and years after they’ve been spoken. That’s why. Realizing that truth, changed me in ways I will never be able to explain but I am forever grateful that it did.
Can you remember a time when you were a child and someone said something to you that hurt your feelings or made you feel bad about yourself of frightened you so badly, you cannot speak of it even to this day? It’s because words have weight that can sit on you spirit forever unless you consciously remove them. Words have a powerful energy that cling to you on the inside and hinder your ability to move forward.
They can keep us stuck in such a way it colors everything else that comes after. Whoever said “sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never hurt me,” clearly had never been a target of a vicious tongue.
Mindful speaking means thinking before you speak. Ask yourself, if what you have to say is necessary, meaningful and kind. Necessary because it is helpful for someone to hear. Meaningful because it causes the person hearing it to reflect and consider its meaning, and Kind, because every human, no matter how they present themselves at that moment, is suffering in one way or another.
It’s never necessary to “pop off,” with some kind of quick, hurtful response no matter what is being said to you. When someone speaks unkindly, it says more about them than it does about you. If their words are meant to hurt you, it’s because they are hurting. Have you ever heard the phrase, “hurting people, hurt people.” When you truly understand that, the words meant to hurt you miss their mark and instead inspire pity and compassion inside you for them. That person deserves your pity and your understanding, even if they don’t understand themselves.
It’s not always easy to do that, but it is always your choice not to respond at all. Your silence will confuse and probably annoy them, but it will bring you peace as you walk away knowing, you didn’t add to their pain. At the end of the day, it is your responsibility and nobody else’s to protect your peace, so if silence is the path, isn’t that the best thing you can do for yourself and for them?
So, if you really want to change your life for the better, it begins with “Thinking Outside the Box!”
EVENTS EVENTS
September 26
BES PTO Presents: Movie Night
Baldwin Primary Center Gym 7:15 p.m.
September 27
Saturday Morning Farmer’s Market near Sullivan Square 8:00 a.m. - 10:30/11:00 a.m. hornbergerfarms@gmail.com
September 27
Midnight Farm’s Family Fun Day
Midnight Farm, 2084 North 600 Rd 10 a.m. -2 p.m.
September 27
Live on the Patio Uplift Baldwin, 112 6th St 10 a.m. -12 p.m.
September 27
Tombstone Cleaning
Prairie City Cemetery, 207 East 1600 Rd 10 a.m. -12 p.m.
October 4-5
Kaw Valley Farm Tour
Kaw Valley
www.douglas.k-state.edu/programareas/kaw_valley_farm_tour/
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 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

STEPS WORTH NOTICING

DEAR HOMEKEEPER
By Cat Henry
A favorite quote of mine by Martin Luther King, Jr. is “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” As I was putting up some festive autumn garland on the banister of my stairs, it got me thinking about staircases.
I’ve always felt long hallways and stairwells call out for some embellishment. Stairs are, after all, part of a home’s design, sometimes greeting you at the front door, other times leading up to bedrooms or down to lower living areas. In a split-level house I once lived in, the stairs led in both directions at the entryway. Wherever they’re placed, there are countless ways to add personality so that stairs feel more inviting, whether climbing or descending.
Experienced mountain climbers will tell you that descending a mountain is more dangerous than climbing up. Gravity and momentum make going down faster, and more people fall while descending.
Stairs are similar; going down requires more attention, especially if your hands are full. In my current home, I added a second handrail opposite the banister. I don’t know how I managed without it. If your stairs run straight without a landing, I highly recommend one.
Once I had a stairwell that turned partway up with a landing break. This staircase was a striking architectural feature. The same house also had kitchen stares. On these steps sat my beloved stair-step basket with a handle for collecting and then carrying those odds and ends that need to go upstairs. Many times, when the kids couldn’t find something, it was in the stairstep basket. I must admit now, when changing linens, I’d toss them down in a pillowcase down the stairs rather than risk carrying them without using a handrail to hold onto.
With a little bit of creativity and DIY effort, decorated stairs can be an unexpected delight.
I enjoy putting seasonal garlands up a couple of times a year on banisters.
Don’t think you have to cover the entire banisters, just doing half with a tail that extends to the floor is just as appealing. Most of the staircases in my life were not carpeted, which I was somewhat thankful for because the foot traffic dirt seemed so apparent. My alternative is nonslip stair tread rugs, adding color and noise reduction. Stenciling the rise of stairs also adds charm. At Christmastime, stick and peel stencil lyrics of the 12 days of Christmas go up my stairs, greet you at the front door. Which brings me to the outside stairs. Often, they are open-rise stairs, leaving a gap between each tread. It’s easy to get boards cut to that rise and adhere them. My whimsy goes crazy with painting copies of my favorite book spines or even a favorite phrase, like mentioned above, on the house’s back steps. To the entry up to my house, I have stairs with added handrails on each side. Already with risers, I stenciled the year my home was constructed (1884!) and illuminated my house number on the top riser of four steps. Many dress their front steps for curb appeal, adding seasonal touches with pumpkins, flowerpots, or urns.
With a few clever updates, something as simple as a can of paint can turn your stair railings into a feature that feels fresh, intentional, and surprisingly luxe. If your staircase is visible in a room, this can be a major focal point.
Don’t ignore the vertical walls along the wasted space of the stairwell. Homekeepers know that hanging family photos can tell a story or themed prints look beautiful, turning this passage or gallery into an experience, inviting people to linger and look. Many ways on how to hang grids, staggered or salon style photoscape can be found on the internet.
Storage shelves can be put up on the walls along the stairs going down into a basement.
Stairwells aren’t the first go-to place to decorate; however, the risk of neglect over time, they can look tired, and the whole home can feel like it’s lost its spark.
With you in the keeping, Cathenry. ch@gmail.com
P.S. Steps are thresholds, carrying us from one space and one moment into another.



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