The Baldwin Beacon
Vol. 30, July 25, 2022
We know July is legally required to be hot and slow in Kansas, but has anyone checked the thermostat recently? Seems like maybe a curious six year old has been playing with the thermostat. First it’s too hot to sustain life, and then it’s inordinately cool and rainy.
If you’ve made it all the way to Monday in this bouncy ball weather, you probably spent as much time outside yesterday as you could manage. Take advantage of the temporary cool today to check out the murals around town, especially the new one just dedicated last Friday evening inside the Chamber Office at 719 High Street. Read the Lumberyard’s page about the murals here, and explore the story and histories behind each one. There’s also a photo album of the various murals around town over here.
Now, just in case you’ve missed some of the information we’ve put out on our website and social media lately, here’s a recap of what’s been happening.
Emerald Ash Borer Beetle
This ridiculously lovely little beetle is killing ash trees in the area. Tree Board President Roger Boyd spells out what’s happening and why it’s important to take action now in this article.
Senior Wheels Drivers Needed
Are you looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity? Consider Senior Wheels! Help Baldwin seniors access safe, affordable transportation. SRC provides the van and training; you provide the friendly smile and the driving. Volunteering is flexible, weekdays only. SRC’s team of drivers tell us how much fun they have, and how they love making a difference in the lives of Baldwin neighbors. For more information, call Heidi Briery at 785-842-0543 or Randy Rezac at 913-706-2186.
Door-to-door sales
Summer brings door-to-door salespeople. Here are some things to know about how that works in Baldwin City.
Rural Housing Incentive District Creation
What does rural housing have to do with Baldwin City? We’re not rural… right? Well yes and no. In 2021, SB 90 expanded the definition of a “rural community” allowed into Kansas’ Rural Housing Incentive District program to include any city with a population less than 60,000. Essentially, this program allows the city to use property tax gains created by developer projects to reimburse developers for infrastructure costs like utilities, sidewalks, street grading and paving, street lighting, and more.
The resulting lower cost for developers incentivizes more housing developments at various price points. Baldwin is officially part of the RHID program after going through the application process earlier this year as spelled out here. If you’re interested in the Housing Needs Analysis, it’s available here. There are enough numbers and charts to satisfy the geek in anyone, and it explains in detail why Baldwin City needs more housing and what our challenges are specifically.
Farmers Market
The last Friday evening Farmers & Makers Market on July 15th was a success, in spite of the too-high thermostat. If you’ve missed the June and July editions, make plans to be at the August 19th and/or September 16th markets. They’re like mini Maple Leaf Festivals, hand-tailored for locals and well worth your time. These markets are coordinated by Baldwin City Main Street and the Lumberyard Arts Center.
A new number for those in crisis
In case you hadn’t heard, there’s a new “911”-style number for those in crisis or with mental health needs. 9-8-8 phone calls are routed by the caller’s area-code to a near-by, local crisis call center. The people of Kansas are served by three, 9-8-8 crisis call centers which are COMCARE of Sedgwick County, Johnson County Mental Health Center, and Kansas Suicide Prevention HQ. All 9-8-8 crisis call centers strive to provide quality services aligned to best-practice, clinical recommendations approved by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Crisis call centers also undergo an accreditation process, which evaluates the quality of their training programs and service delivery. More information is available here.
Vinland recycling center
A new Vinland drop-off recycling site at 1704 N 700 Road is now open for residents who live in the unincorporated areas of Douglas County. The County service provider will pick up recycling on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Upcoming Meetings & Events
August 2 — Council Meeting
August 4 — Municipal Court
August 9 — Planning Commission
August 9 — Council Worksession
August 16 — Council Meeting
August 19 — Farmers & Makers Market
August 26 — Smoke on the Bricks
Later
September 16 — Farmers & Makers Market
September 18 — Gods of Rock Concert
October 15 & 16 — Maple Leaf Festival
As always, city meetings are posted to our website, as well as council documents and videos.
And finally, this mural of “Baldwin City Beginnings” inside Baldwin State Bank is the favorite of Communications Director Lynn Hughes. What jumps out at you in this mural? And which one is your favorite? Just hit reply and let me know!
