BALDWIN CITY BLUES: A CORNERSTONE OF COMMUNITY AND BASEBALL EXCELLENCE

The Baldwin City Blues, a pillar of the local community and a beacon of baseball excellence, have carved out a notable legacy since their humble beginnings. Initially formed as a neighborhood coach-pitch team in the Johnson County Parks and Recreation League, the Blues have grown into a formidable force in the Mid-Plains League, with a storied history and a bright future.
From Humble Beginnings to League Champions
The Baldwin City Blues’ journey began in local parks, where young players first took to the diamond. Their entry into the historic Ban Johnson League in 2012 marked a turning point, as the Blues quickly
garnered respect and made history by becoming the youngest team in the league’s 85-year history to clinch the title. This early success set the stage for further achievements and growth.
In 2014, the team relocated to Baldwin City, Kansas, and played a pivotal role in establishing the Mid-Plains League. With Michael Moore as the General Manager and Chris Faddis as Team Manager, the Blues found their new home at Baker University’s Sauder Field, a partnership that has flourished ever since.
Leadership and Management
The
management and coaching staff. Owner and General Manager Michael Moore, a cornerstone of the team since its inception, works tirelessly each season to assemble a roster of talented and principled young men. The team is managed by Tanner Kilmer, a former state champion from Lawrence High School and a standout collegiate player. Tanner, who also serves as the associate head coach for Baker University, was named the 2023 MidPlains League Manager of the Year. His father, Wilson Kilmer, brings a wealth of experience as an All-American player and long-time assistant coach at the University of Kansas.
Home Field Advantage
The Blues play their home games at the field located at 100 Bullpup Dr, adjacent to the Intermediate Center, which also serves the local high school team. This facility offers a close-knit and accessible venue for fans to enjoy high-quality baseball.
Building a Competitive Roster
Michael Moore’s extensive network of college coaches nationwide allows the Blues to recruit players who are not only skilled but also embody the values of dignity, pride, and hard work. Each spring, the goal is to build a competitive team that will represent Baldwin City with honor.

Community Engagement and Impact
The Baldwin City Blues are deeply integrated into the local community. Their players are expected to engage with residents and participate in various events, such as the annual youth baseball camp, the Christmas Parade, and the Last Day of School Ice Cream Social. These activities help foster a strong connection between the team and the community, making the Blues more than just a baseball team.
Standout Players
The 2024 roster boasts several exceptional players, including Maverick Rockers, a former Kansas Jayhawk Junior College All-Conference selection now playing for the University of Saint Mary. Brennan Johnson, a Mid-Plains League All-Star and recipient of the 2023 Connor Taylor AwaRd currently plays for Baker University. Another standout, Andrew Brubeck, hit .444 last spring for Missouri Southern State University and is also a former Kansas Jayhawk Junior College AllConference selection.
A Unique Approach
What sets the Baldwin City Blues apart is their commitment to developing well-rounded individuals. The organization aims to prepare players not only for potential professional careers but also for success in all areas of life. This holistic approach to player development is a hallmark of the team’s philosophy.
Supporting the Blues
The community can support the Baldwin City Blues by attending home games, where admission is free for residents and $5 for non-residents. Concessions and team gear are available, making each game an enjoyable and immersive experience. Local businesses can also get involved through various sponsorship opportunities, which are crucial for the team’s ongoing success.
Inspiring Future Generations
Young aspiring baseball players are encouraged to get involved with the Blues by attending games and observing the dedication and skill of the players up close. The intimate setting of their home field allows fans to learn and be inspired by the action on the field.
For more information on sponsorship opportunities or to learn how to get involved with the Baldwin City Blues, contact Justin Hoffman at 785-979-4646. Join us in celebrating a team that not only excels on the field but also enriches the community it calls home.
CITY-WIDE GARAGE SALES
Friday, May 31
Saturday, June 1
Ladies and gentlemen, bargain hunters, and treasure seekers, welcome to the Baldwin CityWide Garage Sale! It’s that magical time of year when attics, basements, and garages across Baldwin City open their doors, and the streets transform into a bustling marketplace of hidden gems and curious finds. Ever dreamt of owning a slightly used lava lamp, a collection of ceramic garden gnomes, or that perfect, slightly dented toaster? Well, dream no more!
With over 90 garage sales to explore, there’s something for everyone. So grab your most comfortable shoes, a sturdy tote bag, and maybe a friend with a pickup truck. It’s time to embark on a grand adventure through the treasure troves of Baldwin City! Happy hunting, and may the best bargain be yours!
WEST BALDWIN
1119 Jersey St
Satuday ONLY, 8-noon. Books, kitchen items, décor, knick knacks, lots of extra home items-no clothes or furniture
1108 Fremont St
Lots of miscellaneous, clothes, home decor, weed eater, bicycles. baby toys
1221 Fremont St
Tons of clothes, shoes, home decor, craft supplies, end tables, coffee table, Wii fit boaRd photography light kit, bookshelf, and so much misc stuff!
1521 South St
Friday and Saturday, 8-4. Bicycles, books, kitchen table and chairs, desk, and other miscellaneous items, power washer, wheel barrow, house hold items.
1103 Fremont St
Big variety! Clothes, decor, books, tons of dvd/blu rays, electronics, etc!
1124 High St
Saturday & Sunday. Multi family sale! Baby girl items, Maternity clothing, Men scrubs, toys, clothing, household, 2 fixer upper pop up campers, books and much more.
1217 Elm St
Electronics, Motorcycle gear, tools, patio table and chairs, misc items.
1102 Dearborn St
Collectible, books, fishing rod’s & reel, king sizes bed, small appliances and dishes and misc,
1217 Fremont St
Large gently used area rug, kids clothes, toys, puzzles, child bike seat, 4-in-1 bed (child), pitch machine, lightly used high chair and pack & play, and more
180 Lawrence St
Baby clothes, baby items, adult clothing, household items, furniture, lots of misc. Across from hilltop vet. Fri 8-?, Sat 8-?
1106 Grove St
Wood saw, tool, weed eater, misc.
1301 High St
Name Your Price Sale to benefit
General Edward Hand DAR! Holiday, household, kids to adults there is something for everyone! Come see us!
1114 High St
Baby furniture and accessories, toys, kids, maternity and adult clothes
1101 Chapel St
Recliner, fire pit, 5th Wheel, Lots & Lots of Misc.
1315 High St
Rocking glider, bar table and chairs, jewelry, antique porcelain, wk out trampoline, DVDs & VHS, other items being added.
320 11th St
Home decor, Hot wheels, Baby (clothes & more), Scrubs (XS-M), Women’s clothes (S-L), Kitchen Misc, Men’s clothing (Lg Carhartt)
SOUTH BALDWIN
906 7th st
Child toys, area rugs, shelving and containers, misc.
1014 Indiana St
Camping equipment, water sports, clothing, toys, baby items.
919 Indiana St
Fishing rods/reels, tackle boxes, fishing tackle, antique dresser, knick knacks, lawn mower, tools, art, comforter w/shams, much much more
COMMUNITY
1307 9th St
Multi family yard sale. Housewares, seasonal decor, small furniture and miscellaneous treasures!
1004 Eighth St
Friday and Saturday, 8-?. Baby items, house decor, kitchen supplies, women’s clothing, men’s clothing, kids clothing, women’s shoes, kids shoes, household misc items, camping supplies, kitchen table and chairs.
1115 7th St
SATURDAY ONLY. Wedding
Decor Items, Rae Dunn, Household items, bicycles, inversion table, cookware, patio furniture
703 jersey st
1114 9th st
Furniture, clothes, Pokémon cards
1419 8th St
Antique dealers getting rid of overstocked inventory. Signs, pottery, cookie jars, depression glass, toys, misc items, etc. Fri 9-5 & Sat 9-3
714 Monroe St
Puzzles, 2 different types of bunk beds, barco lounger, misc items, clothes & toys.
1101 10th St
Estate & garage - anything and everything
1016 Jersey St
Weber Spirit 315 Grill, like new, Craftsman Tiller hand push, mower, power tools, household items, yard decor
NORTH BALDWIN
721 Ashley Ct., Home Decor, Girls clothes, Misc.
314 Chapel St
Kitchen misc., small appliances, clothing, electronic accessories.
908 Ridge Rd
power airfryer, antique bed, leather recliner, Ben table - old, 7 cu. foot upright freezer, old red dresser & mics
1022 bluestem Dr, Misc items chairs
720 Ashley Court, 3 family sale. Toys, child’s bike, humidifier, ice cream maker, kitchen, living, fabruc scraps, dining, bedroom stuff. Must see!
131 Ames St
Hodaka Motorcycles, kids toys, kids clothes, men’s and women’s clothes, lots of household items. Everything priced to sell.
120 Washington St
Saturday only. Household items, some furniture, some children’s items, emptying two storage units!
409 Firetree Court general
611 Flame Way
Women and Kids clothing, home decor, stroller, lots of misc items, and large rectangular trampoline with full safety net only used one year, in great condition. Only asking $200, pd over $500.
416 Blaze Blvd, multifamily -- Tween clothes, antique dresser, home decor, horse tack & books, shelves, lots of misc.
526 Signal Ridge Dr, Furniture, toys, home decor, books, pet supplies, like new punching bag with gloves, exercise equipment, storage containers, clothing -- teen boys and girls, mens, and womens
312 Flame Way
Furniture, kids toys, house decor, bookshelf
308 Flame Way
Closing daycare lots of toys, baby items, cubbies, tables and chairs, furniture and appliances as well.
1214 Long Creek Court
VW Sand rail, books, furniture, kitchenware, baseball gear, Men’s clothing size L-XL, toys, Trailer, artificial ficus office tree, Paintball equipment
102 Washington, girl clothes like new (3-4 T), white loft bed, beautiful antique wooden bed, hump-back trunk, free trampoline, girls bike, board games, household items, women’s clothes (M-XL)
221 Signal Ridge Dr baby clothes, Keurig, TV, tripod sprinklers, pop up canopy, home decor, and much more. Priced to move
712 Ashley Court
Toddler toys: Little Tykes Coupe & slide, balance bike, Radio Flyer scooter, toddler books, boys toddler clothes $1.00, womens clothes large $1.00, rugs, household misc.
709 Ashley Ct.
Multi Family Sale! Baby and kids items, washer and dryer, men’s and women’s clothing and shoes, teen girls clothes, Pearl Drum Set, Queen size bed, furniture, vacuum, farmhouse decor, antique farm/yard decor, and more
RURAL BALDWIN
388 E 1600 Rd
Lots of household items and decor. Baby stuff. Women’s clothes. Lots of misc.
316 E 900th Rd Antiques vintage collectibles
1348 N 550 Rd
Open at 7:30 AM. Antique
Hoosier cabinet; sauna; likenew fridge and dryer; furniture; gently used kids clothing and toys; gently used women’s clothing; bikes; musical instruments, and more.
1874 N 201 Diagonal Rd
Furniture, clothes, shoes, handbags, home decor
1418 N 330 Rd; Baldwin
Plenty of home decor’ including rugs, pillows, wall items, antique primitives, gardening items, tools, electronics, LOTS of good stuff! No kids items, sorry!
1884 N. 500 Rd Baldwin
HUGE multi family sale!
Furniture, camping items, tools, fiesta bowls, tons of clothes and new shoes (women, men, kids), books, lots of decor brand new, yoga items, electronics, Coach purses, vintage items, kids games and toys, baby items. TONS OF GREAT STUFF!
364 E 1750th Rd
baby items, clothing of all kinds, shoes, kitchen, misc.
227 E 1250th Rd
Huge Multi Family Sale! Boutique Closing Sale
388 E 1600 Road
Saturday only, 8 - ?. Multi-family. Lots of household items, decor, Christmas trees, metal desk & women’s clothing. Lots of misc. Priced to sell, worth the drive
1454 N 300th Rd
Queen bed, dining room table, recliner, misc house and garage items
1452 N 500th Rd
Furniture, kitchen items, antiques, tools, depressionware, children’s toys, ornaments, collectibles, bedding, dolls, lamps, luggage, decor, photo frames & albums, & much more. Clean & Priced.
346 E 1100 Rd
Tools, household items, furniture, building supplies, macrame, 20 drywall panels, 4x6 ft granite slab
1743 N 600 Rd
Camping gear, rosaries, word art, bikes, eggs
1654 N 400 Rd
Old metal playground slide, garden pots, garden tools, Sears 2 wheel trimmer, fish pole & tackle box, vintage table, old tools, lots of free stuff, garage refrigerator

EAST BALDWIN
118 5th St
Multi-family sale with household, children’s, antiques, macrame, and more!
109 Elm St
Baby items, clothes, household misc.
505 Santa Fe Court, Friday 8-noon; Saturday 8-noon. Iris Rhizomes (multiple colors), Home decor, Books, Frames, kitchen items, bedroom set with mattress and box springs with bed, dresser and chest of drawers, Christmas/ Holiday decor, Breville juicer and book, indoor stationary bike trainer, floor lamp, faucet timers for hoses, champagne glasses, stemless wine glasses, bird baths.
213 Hillside Dr
Man’s 26” bike, baseball equipment, space heater, fabric scraps, travel refrigerator, camping items and lots of misc.
414 4th St
Baby/children’s everything, girl and boy items, antiques, household items, decor, and much much more. HUGE sale!
404 5th St Electronics, Antiques, Misc
201 Hillside Dr
Toys, Board Games, Small Furniture, Books, etc.
504 Heritage Dr
Senior exercise equipment, walkers, sm antique oak desk, misc household items, off the floor dog bed, clothing, tvs, full size mattress and box springs,, home decor and more.
402 Fremont St
Chair and ottoman, end table, hallway table, new marine deep cycle battery, 17 inch Blackstone with stainless steel cart
505 Sibley Court Friday 6-6, Saturday 6-12, large charcoal grill, patio furniture set, over toilet shelf, gamer chair, bookcase, giant mega blocks, toys, kids clothes up to 4T, shelves
419 second St
Teen/womans clothes and accessories, woman’s shoes, furniture, miscellaneous items.
110 Hillside Dr
Toddler bed, kids clothes, old metal school desk, microwave stand,BMX bike, small Christmas tree for outside, kids toys, books, etc…
511 Santa Fe Court, Misc household items, toys/ children items, clothes, shoes, books, multi household
115 Ames st Tools, clothes, furniture, lamps, toys, shoes, lots, lots more
512 Santa Fe Ct
Something for everyone, collectibles, snap on, tools, clothes - kids and adult, toys, and household items.
219 56 Hwy
Microwave, Toaster Oven, Toys, Games, Suitcase, Tote Bags, Kitchen misc, Camp Stove, Sporting Goods, Books, Twin Comforters.
118 5th St
Vintage metal lawn chair, wash stand, phone chair, hay grapple table, old door knobs/hinges, Wonder Horse, Cozy Coupe, toddler bike/trikes, kitchen items, quilting supplies, Halloween costumes, Barbies
113 Fremont St baby items, toys, kid’s clothes, houseware
DOWNTOWN/ BAKER
916 Baker St
Furniture, kitchen items, sports equipment, tools, clothes, shoes, home decor, pet supplies, lawn mower, clocks, antique items, misc. stuff
814 Indiana St
Donation-based multi-family sale to raise money for PCHC Emergency Fund
622 High St
Pitt Stop -- serving hotdogs, chips, and drinks
609 10th St
2 electric bikes & train sets 1950, 35mm Camera EQ, various items from my Grandmother, and whatever my kids bring over
821 Chapel St
Home decor, craft supplies, books, toys, and clearance sale on some of my craft business items.
800 7th St
Friday 8am - 4pm Saturday 8am - 4pm Sunday 11am-2pm - Fill a bag
Large selection of books for children, youth, adults, hard cover, paperback,
fiction, nonfiction, reference, historical, also puzzles, CDs, DVDs and more!
911 9th St
Clothes washer old but still works, women’s clothes, men’s clothes, womens shoes, yard tools, teracotta pots, ceramic flower pots, dolly, 2 sets of bar stools, leather chair, storm door, custom made drapes and rods, dishware, full size bed frame, very old tractor wheels and misc......
303 8th St
Household items, collectibles, clothing, fixtures, and miscellaneous.
502 Ames,
Home decor, games, clothes all sizes weed eater lots of misc. Cash only Friday and Saturday
910 Fremont St
New and like-new building materials, incl. bronze exterior lights and oak flooring; lots of bedding and household items; bike carrier; collectibles, incl. Frank White statue, Alvamar glasses; Office equipment and supplies, cordless phone system; many spoiled pet items.
1011 High St
golf items, queen bed, dining room table, softball items, unicycle, fish tank, house items
910 Dearborn St
bread maker, flower pots, holiday decor, metal washtubs on stands, LB baskets, coffee grinder, wooden hall tree, pillows, misc.

COMMUNITY
GRILLIN’ AND CHILLIN’? REMEMBER FOOD SAFETY, SAYS K-STATE EXPERT
Story by K-State Research and Extension news service
Kansas State University food scientist Karen Blakeslee says food safety needs to be part of summer parties, especially when those get-togethers involve grilling food outdoors.
“To start with,” she said, “wash your hands. That’s the No. 1 step before you start handling any food, and then wash them again after you’ve handled any kind of raw meat.”
Much like cooking food indoors, home chefs need to keep a food thermometer close at hand, Blakeslee said. For meat, there are three temperatures that consumers should store to memory:
145 degrees Fahrenheit for steaks, roasts, chops, fish and other whole cuts of meat.
160 F for ground meat, including beef, pork and lamb.
165 F for all types of poultry.
Those temperatures include products that are smoked, cooked on a grill or indoors.
The recommended temperatures relate to the internal temperature of the meat. “Without a food thermometer, it’s very subjective” as to whether the meat is cooked properly, Blakeslee said. Judging doneness by color or pressing the meat with your finger are also subjective, she noted.
To more accurately measure for doneness, insert the tip of the thermometer into the center of the meat. With a digital thermometer, the temperature sensor is normally in the tip, so those can be inserted into the top of the meat product.
“But the ideal way to do it – like with a hamburger – is to insert it from the side,” Blakeslee said. “That is the best way to reach the center of the product.”
A thermometer with a dial display is another option. “If you look on the stem of a dial face thermometer, there should be a dimple, about halfway up the stem. Insert this type of thermometer into the food so that the little dimple gets into the meat product to get an accurate measurement.”
Some other food safety tips that Blakeslee offered: Keep meat cold until you’re ready to use it
Resist the temptation to let meat sit on a counter for long periods of time. “You could let it warm up a little bit (before cooking) – about 30 minutes. But please refrain from letting it sit out for hours. That invites any bacteria that could be on the meat to start growing, and cooking may not destroy all of the bacteria.”
Freeze meat that won’t be used soon after you buy it
If planning an event, consider buying meat 2-3 days before cooking it. Otherwise, Blakeslee said, “you need to freeze it.”
Frozen meat is best thawed in the refrigerator, not on a countertop. “Plan ahead for thawing,” Blakeslee said.
“The amount of thawing time you’ll need depends on the size of your meat product.”
Steaks can typically be thawed in a refrigerator in 24 hours. A brisket might take 3-4 days.
Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold Side dishes are usually cold foods; keep them in a refrigerator until you’re ready to serve them. Ice chests are handy for chilling side dishes. Cold foods should be kept at 40 F or lower, while hot foods should be kept at 140 F or higher.
Store food and eat leftovers promptly
Store food within 1-2 hours of serving them. Foods should be divided into shallow containers and placed in the refrigerator. “Today’s refrigerators are very efficient, so you do not need to set them on the counter until they cool,” Blakeslee said.
Leftovers should be eaten within 3-4 days, otherwise transferred to the freezer for later use. “We all need to work better at reducing food waste,” she said. “One way to do that is managing leftovers. Leftovers are great; they make an easy lunch or quick supper, or you can re-purpose them into a completely different meal.”
‘Give Mayo a Break’
Blakeslee said mayonnaise often gets a bad rap for being a food safety concern, but the popular dressing is high in acid and can fend for itself.
“Mayonnaise is not the problem,” Blakeslee said. “It’s what you mix into the mayonnaise that can be the problem. Cooked potatoes, hard boiled eggs…those are the ingredients that need refrigeration to reduce food safety risks.
“The mayonnaise is just holding the mixture together and adds flavor,” she adds. “So, give mayonnaise a break. It’s how you handle the rest of the ingredients in the potato salad that really matters.”
Blakeslee publishes a monthly newsletter called You Asked It! that provides numerous tips on being safe and healthy. More information is also available from local extension offices in Kansas.

EDUCATION
& MORE

CONGRATS TO THE STATE CHAMPS!
4A 4X800 METER RELAY CHAMPS!
SHEA GRIFFITH, LILY BRECHEISEN, KAMI MOORE, IRELYN KENNEDY OF BALDWIN CITY WIN WITH A TIME OF 9:32.13.
BHS BIDS FAREWELL TO 116 YEARS OF DEDICATION


3RD PLACE FINISH FOR BRENDEN O’CONNOR
SOPHOMORE BRENDEN O'CONNOR PUTS THE BOYS TEAM ON THE SCOREBOARD AS HE THREW 51-8 TO EARN A 3RD PLACE PODIUM FINISH IN THE BOYS SHOT PUT.

COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY CENTER UPDATE
Renovation work at the Community Center is moving along, with the second story offices mostly framed in, drywall installed, and painting taking place. Wiring, plumbing, and sewer work has been completed, along with the new parking spots along 8th Street.
New windows have been installed in the front facing Chapel Street, and seeding and landscape work is planned for the next couple of weeks. There’s still plenty of work that needs to take place to finish, like flooring and handrails on the stairs, interior doors, partitions, and much more. Substantial completion is expected around the end of July.
There is no move-in date scheduled as of yet, since construction deadlines are anything but set in stone.
MAY 21ST COUNCIL RECAP
City Council met at the public library on Tuesday, May 21st, at 7pm. Present were Casey Simoneau, Mayor; Scott Lauridsen, Council President; Susan Pitts; and Jerry Smith. Cory Venable was absent.
The consent agenda included the May 7th meeting minutes, the monthly scheduled claims list, and a special event application. Everything on the consent agenda was approved unanimously.

The Chamber of Commerce/Main Street submitted a special event application for a Golf Tournament, which is a fundraiser taking place from 12-5pm on May 31st at the Golf Course.
No public comment took place.


There was no Old Business on the Agenda, so Council moved on to New Business. Council motioned, seconded, and unanimously voted to approve an ordinance allowing the city to issue Industrial Revenue Bonds for the new Heritage Tractor addition. This creates a ten year property tax abatement for the business, and exempts construction materials purchased for this project from sales tax. It does not obligate the City to any financial risk.
The next order of business was to appoint a representative to the Douglas County Emergency Planning Board. Chief Mike Pattrick was requested as the designee by the board, as he has served over the last few years, and the Council re-
appointed Chief Pattrick to that role.
A Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) ordinance was recommended for amendment by staff and outside analysts. After discussion, the recommended amendment was sent to the Budget & Finance Committee to detail specifics of the PCA.
The City contracted with an outside firm, Austin Peters, to conduct a full wage and salary study of all City positions. The report was presented to Council. The City Administrator recommended moving all staff immediately to the 60th percentile of the average wage ranges presented in the study, and considering moving to the 70th percentile in the 2025 budget. Some discussion took place, and Councilman Lauridsen stated he would like to see the study as part of the 2025 budget discussions. No action was taken.
Council Committees gave their reports regarding various projects, and Council went into Executive Session for a lawyer/client privileged discussion at approximately 8pm. After two 15 minute sessions of lawyer/client privilege, they began another session to discuss a staffing matter. This also took two 15 minute sessions.
There is a Council Worksession on the 2025 Budget scheduled for May 28th, at the Police Department, at 7pm. The next Council Meeting is scheduled for June 4th, at 7pm at the Library.
SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 1492
On May 21, 2024, the governing body of the City of Baldwin City, Kansas passed an ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF BALDWIN CITY, KANSAS, TO ISSUE TAXABLE INDUSTRIAL REVENUE BONDS (HERITAGE TRACTOR PROJECT), SERIES 2024, FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING FUNDS TO PAY THE COST OF ACQUIRING, PURCHASING, CONSTRUCTING, INSTALLING AND EQUIPPING A COMMERCIAL FACILITY, INCLUDING LAND, BUILDINGS, STRUCTURES, IMPROVEMENTS, FIXTURES, MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT; AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO ENTER INTO CERTAIN DOCUMENTS AND ACTIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE ISSUANCE OF SAID BONDS.
The Bonds approved by the Ordinance are being issued in the maximum principal amount of $2,000,000, for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, furnishing, and equipping a commercial facility (the “Project”) for Muth Properties LLC, a Kansas limited liability company, and constitute limited obligations of the City payable solely from the sources and in the manner as provided in the Indenture, and shall be secured by a transfer, pledge and assignment of and a grant of a security interest in the Trust Estate (as defined in the Indenture) to the Trustee and in favor of the owners of the Series 2024 Bonds, as provided in the Indenture. In connection with the issuance of the Bonds, the Issuer approves a 10 year exemption from ad valorem property taxes for the Project.
A complete text of the Ordinance may be obtained or viewed free of charge at the office of the City Clerk, 803 8th St Baldwin City, Kansas . A reproduction of the Ordinance is available for not less than 7 days following the publication date of this Summary at https://www. baldwincity.org/.
This Summary is hereby certified to be legally accurate and sufficient pursuant to the laws of the State of Kansas.
DATED: May 21, 2024.
/s/ Dakota Loomis, City Attorney
WHY BOTHER MEDITATING!

Meditation is one of those exercises that I believe is widely misunderstood. Many think it got its origins in some kind of hippie experience (no offense to hippies. I’m forever a hippie) and don’t credit it for the enormous benefits it has.
Let’s start by defining meditation. Even the dictionary has a hard time defining mediation. It states, “meditation is the act of meditating”. Under meditating is states “to muse over, contemplate or ponder”. Neither definition defines meditation. Let’s go deeper.
Meditation is a practice in which an individual uses a technique – such as mindfulness, or focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity – to train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state.
Meditation may significantly reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and pain, and enhance peace, perception, self-concept, and well-being. Research is ongoing to better understand the effects of meditation on health (psychological, neurological, and cardiovascular) and other areas.
Ok Jeanine, but how do you do it? This is the most common question as it pertains to meditation. Some think you have to “stop” thinking, which is of course not likely. Instead of stopping thinking, meditation is the practice of getting your thoughts under control. Without meditation, our minds are all
over the place! We think about what just happened, what happened last week, things from our childhoods, what our parents taught us, what we said that we wish we hadn’t or what we plan to say the next time someone says something we don’t like and we have these lightening fast thoughts all within milliseconds inside our heads! Mostly we don’t know what we are until we take control) and most people don’t think there’s nothing they can do about it! Well, that’s what meditation is for!
Once you realize you can control what you think and make those thoughts work for you, meditation becomes as much a part of your daily routine as brushing your teeth! So how do you do it! The first step is to carve out time in your day (as little as 5 minutes can make a significant difference) then turn off your phone and your TV and find a place where you won’t be disturbed. Next sit in a chair with a back and your feet flat on the floor. Now close your eyes and intentionally pay attention to every thought that crosses your mind and dismiss the ones you don’t want. This is how you begin. Over time you will notice that those negative thoughts become less and less and the thoughts you want become more and more.
I meditate thirty minutes a day then several smaller times during the day especially when I notice I’m feeling sad or upset about something. Dismissing those negative thoughts and replacing them with more positive thoughts is the secret of meditation. Try it!
So, if you see me around town and you want to know what I think “Just Ask Me, I’ll Tell You!”

COMMUNITY
MEMORY HUNTERS AND GATHERERS

DEAR
HOMEKEEPER
By Cat HenryGlimpsing life through a child’s eyes, particularly when it’s their first discovery of something is a precious serendipity I cherish. Various themes about exploring how to hold onto significant memories often come from scheduled events. As a homekeeper, I at times would create an experience particularly for my grandchildren to share a favorite memory, sans technology. These experiences can fall under the category of the classic (like when I showed them once how to dye Easter eggs with food coloring).
Opportunities to create lasting memories occur outside the home, especially when a special keepsake from that event can trigger the memory for self and others. One such opportune moment coming up is on June 1: the annual Baldwin City’s Citywide Yard Sale. The sign-up deadline is May 28 so to be included in Digital & print maps listing. Maps will be available at the Library, City Hall, and in the Maple Weekly. New this year: a thrift store truck will be available in town for sellers to donate any unsold items.
To be honest I was never much into yard sales. Depending on the stage of life, you might find yourself needing things, then get in the accumulation stage only to later need to declutter. Then one year after I moved here, I signed up for the city-wide yard sale when I was moving into a smaller house. Ironically, due to another life change, I ended up replacing most of what I sold! Letting go of things is a challenge for me, often wanting them back the day after I part with them.
Community-wide yard sales, like those promoted by a city, are especially fortuitous for both sellers and buyers. At a nearby military installation where service assignments change annually, an all-installation-wide sale event is held to help military families unload items before moving. Although it sounds inconvenient, buyers could not park on the installation (only on the peripheral surrounding Sts off base) but would walk through the sales and then carry their treasures back to their cars, often with license plates from Missouri, Iowa, and Nebraska. During one such event, we asked a military resident if we could sell six of the ten lab puppies left over from a litter. We provided a playpen to corral the puppies and while the playpen took a beating, they were all sold. I believe the playpen
made the presentation of the pups even more adorable.
With this experience in mind, I signed up for the Baldwin City Yard sale. I made much more money than I anticipated and was inspired by overhearing the customer’s ideas on how they were going to use items. I staged similar items together and showed how to combine them in a decorative fashion which made it even more enjoyable at set up time. Two teachers bought all the various eclectic desk accessories and organizers I had accumulated over the years for each of my four kids’ desks and the home office. They planned to use the accessories at the various learning stations in their classrooms. It was also enjoyable to meet my neighbors and other town folk.
In the spirit of repurposing, reusing, and recycling things, yard sales are budget-friendly for a homekeeper not to mention the bargains for the homekeeper’s budget. You can make it a familyoriented outing which admittedly takes some persuasion. Don’t let that deter you. We’ve all had serendipitous outings come together unexpectedly for the best memorable experience. Here collectors can make unique discoveries, or grandparents can find extra toys to keep for when the grands visit, and others can discover a cool picture frames, unique lamps, or a small piece of furniture to showcase memorabilia at home.
If you are a seller with children, involve them in the process to teach them retail skills and the ability to “let go” of some things. Be sure to compensate them! Kids could also host a lemonade stand at your sale or ask another yard sale host if they can set up a refreshment stand. Homekeepers can initiate the creation of a memory, from your own recollections by participating in just such a local event.
Until next time, warmest regards. Cathenry.ch@gmail.com
P.S. One person’s stuff can be another person’s treasure.
EVENTS
June 1
Friends of the Baldwin City Library Book Sale 8am-4pm Baldwin City Library, 800 7th St
June 1
Battle of Black Jack 168th Anniversary Events 1-4pm
Black Jack Battlefield, 163 East 2000 Road Wellsville, KS, 66092
June 1-2 City Wide Garage Sales 7am-5pm
June 3
Best Movie Night 6pm | Baldwin City Library 800 7th St.
Best Movie Night featuring Funny Farm.
June 5
Annual BHS Blood Drive 2-6pm | Baldwin High School Cafeteria, 415 Eisenhower St
June 8
Bulldog Hold’Em 7pm | Baldwin City Beer Co, 520 High St, Baldwin City, KS 66006 Email BEF@usd348.com to reserve your seat.
June 8
Citywide Cleanup 8am-2pm | 1015 Orange St
June 8
Touch a Truck and Summer Library Program Kickoff 10am-12pm | Baldwin City Library, 800 7th St

THE VINLAND RURAL HIGH SCHOOL REUNION
WILL BE HELD
JUNE 2, 2024 @ 1PM AT THE VINLAND VALLEY COMMUNITY CHURCH 1724 N 692 ROAD
A POTLUCK DINNER WILL BE HELD AT 1 PM. ALL FORMER STUDENTS, TEACHERS AND VINLAND COMMUNITY FRIENDS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.


Happy Summer! Come check out what we have in store for you!
DROP BY AND SEE FOR YOURSELF! We’re Open: 10 am – 4 pm, Tues.-Sat.
715 8TH ST INSIDE THE GALLERIA! (...and check the sidewalk!)
ORCHARD LANE IS NOW REOPENED TO THROUGH TRAFFIC
Orchard Lane has officially reopened to through traffic. This reopening comes after the completion of a significant culvert replacement project that had closed the road for several weeks.
The primary work involved replacing the culvert under the road, a critical infrastructure update that promises to enhance the safety and durability of Orchard Lane. With the road now open, traffic flow in the area is expected to improve significantly, easing the daily commute for many Baldwin City residents.
While the road is accessible once again, the project is not entirely finished. The contractor is currently focusing on completing the wing walls, which are essential for supporting and protecting the new culvert structure. Additional finishing touches and clean-up work


are also underway to ensure the project meets all safety and quality standards.
City officials have expressed their appreciation for the community’s patience and understanding during the construction period. The updates to Orchard Lane are part of a broader initiative to maintain and improve the city’s infrastructure, ensuring safe and efficient transportation for all.
Residents are encouraged to continue exercising caution while driving through the area, as workers may still be present and minor construction activities may continue in the coming days.
Stay tuned for more updates on local infrastructure projects and other community news.


IN LOVING MEMORY OF MERLIN B. HALVERSON

Merlin B. Halverson, 82, passed away on May 6, 2024, in Lawrence, Kansas. He enjoyed singing especially in his church choir and barbershop quartet, telling jokes, reminiscing with friends and neighbors, and working in his home workshop.
He was a proud recipient of an MBA from Iowa University and earned a Mechanical Engineering Degree from Kansas University. His engineering manager career included John Deere, Case IH, Kenworth, and Ottawa Truck. Through his career he received several patents and was recognized by his peers as being a creative and innovative leader. His work gave him many opportunities to travel, including extended time in China, where he developed a love of exploring different countries and cultures. He also had a passion for farming and was honored to be a member of the farming community in Iowa.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Judy, their two children, Lorann Halverson (Mike Hand) and Eric (Jill) Halverson. Also surviving are his siblings Helen (Don) Beneke, Dee (Dean) Maupins, Robert Halverson, Donnie (Chipper) Halverson and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Merlin was predeceased by his parents, Donald and Alice Halverson.
The visitation to celebrate Merlin’s life will be Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 5:307:30pm at Warren-McElwain, 120 W. 13th St Lawrence, Kansas. Funeral service will be Monday, May 13th, at 2:00 pm at Good Shephard Lutheran Church, 2211 Inverness Dr, Lawrence, Kansas, with a short reception afterwards at the church. A burial service will be at a later date in Linn Grove, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Good Shephard Lutheran Church or Wounded Warrior Project and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th St Lawrence, KS 66044.
Merlin’s charisma, witty humor, and unwavering kindness will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched. May he rest in eternal peace.
For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.
