The Baldwin Beacon, Vol. 43
Baldwin Summer is pool time, road work, ice cream and picnics, fireworks, community events, and flowers everywhere. We want to give the Recreation Commission a huge shout out for their successful planning and management of the July 5th Independence Day Celebration. Attendance was estimated at 10,200 folks! Wow!
A lot happened in June, and plenty more is coming up. Here are a few highlights, in the photos below: The Library hosted a phenomenal Touch a Truck event to kick off the Summer Reading Program, and City workers jumped right in. Vanessa Garza of the Baldwin City Police Department earned a promotion to Detective — congrats Detective Garza! Speaking of the Police Department, their newest officer, Liam Murphy, was sworn in at the July 1st City Council meeting. And BHS girls brought home a huge win from the state track meet, which the Mayor acknowledged with a proclamation at the July 1st meeting as well.
Read on for what’s coming up, and what you need to know. Happy Summer!
Road Work & Infrastructure Updates
Douglas County Chip and Seal Program Begins Mid-July
Douglas County will begin chip and seal work on 26.5 miles of county roads in mid-July, including the lake road near Baldwin City and 1055 north of Baldwin City. Expect temporary lane closures and minor delays. Work will be done in two-mile stretches.
🔗 Read More
City Road Resurfacing Program
Baldwin City’s annual resurfacing program is underway, targeting streets on the southeast side of town for mill and overlay work. City crews are currently working to fill and patch pot holes, and Bettis Asphalt is expected to be in town mid-to-late August. More information is available on the project page.
🔗 Project Details
Brick Street Restoration Project
A project page is now available for the Brick Street Restoration Project, with an overview of the project, documents, photos, and updates as they become available.
🔗 Check Out the Page
Brick Street Leaf Insert Survey
Residents are invited to provide input on a proposed leaf insert design for the intersection of 8th and High. This survey closes on Monday, July 14th, at 12pm.
🔗 Take the Survey
City Property for Sale by Closed Bid
A parcel of city-owned property on Highway 56 is available for purchase through a closed bid process.
🔗 Property Info & Bid Instructions
Events Coming Up
Third Friday Market
Friday, 6-9pm, July 18, August 15, & September 19 | Downtown Baldwin City
Where local food, art, and music strengthens community! This event is coordinated by the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce and hosted by the Chamber, Library, Lumberyard, and Recreation Commission. It takes place the third Fridays of June, July, August, and September. For more information or to register as a vendor, contact the Baldwin City Chamber.
Saturday Morning Farmers Market
8am-11am every Saturday morning all season | near Sullivan Square
Stop downtown every Saturday morning, rain or shine, to peruse homemade and homegrown goods from local vendors! This event takes place on the sidewalk in front of Sullivan Square, located at 710 High Street. Interested in being a vendor? Contact Ashley Hornberger at HornbergerFarms@gmail.com.
Smoke on the Bricks
Friday & Saturday, August 8 & 9 | Downtown Baldwin City
This Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanctioned competition is a qualifying event for the American Royal World Series of Barbecue and the Jack Daniels 2025 World Championship. Check the Rec’s website and social media for more details.
Big Hair on the Square
Saturday, September 20 | Sullivan Square
Celebrate Baldwin City’s 155th birthday with music, food, and fun for all ages. More details coming soon — watch the Rec’s website!
Now Hiring
Crossing Guard – 4th & Ames
Part-time position to help students cross safely before and after school, working with the Baldwin City Police Department. Training and safety gear are provided.
🔗 Apply Here
Maintenance Technician I – Public Works
Full-time role supporting street maintenance and city infrastructure. Perks of the job include excellent benefits and a great team of coworkers.
🔗 Apply Here
City Council & Committee Meetings
Next City Council Meeting: July 15, 2025, 7:00pm, at the Baldwin City Community Center
City Lake Advisory Committee: Meets July 22, 6:30pm, at the Baldwin City Community Center
Strategic Planning Committee: TBD
Public Works & Utilities Committee: Meets August 14, 9:00am, 2nd Floor Conference Room at City Hall
Public Safety Committee: Meets August 12, 4:00pm, 2nd Floor Conference Room at City Hall
Community Development Committee: Meets July 21, 4:00pm, 2nd Floor Conference Room at City Hall
Budget & Finance Committee: Met July 11, 7:30am, 2nd Floor Conference Room at City Hall. Next meeting TBD.
Thanks for reading! See you next time, and in the mean time, why not share this newsletter with your neighbors?