Arbor Day Proclamation

At the April 6th Council Meeting, Mayor Simoneau proclaimed April 30th, 2021, as Arbor Day in Baldwin City. Roger Boyd of Baldwin City's Tree Board was on hand to accept the proclamation. Roger said the Tree Board will celebrate Arbor Day with 5th grade b...

CANCELLED: Water Conservation Notice

There is an electrical failure of unknown origin at the water pumping station north of town. A tech is currently on site evaluating the problem. Currently there is no water coming into town so we are using what is stored in the water towers.

There is adequ...

Call for Volunteers

City Seeks Clerk Applications

Position:  City Clerk, Baldwin City, Kansas

The City of Baldwin City, KS (pop. approx. 5,000), located in Douglas County, Kansas is currently accepting applications/resumes to fill the position of City Clerk.

Position Summary:  Under the s...

The Baldwin Beacon: Vol. 20

In this edition:
February Council Meeting Recap
Sidewalk Gap Project Approved for Transportation Alternatives Grant
Blackouts Avoided for Baldwin
Baldwin City Joins Kansas Main Street
City Clerk Retires
City Seeks Mowing Bids
Library Corner
Read it now!

New public health order removes hour of operations restrictions for restaurants, bars

LAWRENCE – Public health leaders have updated the local public health order to expand the mass gathering limit and have now removed restrictions on hours of operation for venues and establishments serving food and drinks indoors.

City Requests Bids from Mowing Contractors

Sidewalk Gap Project Approved for Transportation Alternatives Grant

IMMEDIATE RELEASEFebruary 19, 2021

For more information:Lynn Hughes, Baldwin City Communications Director

785-594-6427

lhughes@baldwincity.gov

Baldwin City among the 18 Communities to Receive KDOT Transportation Alternatives Program Funding

Kansas Governor Lau...

Power Update

POWER UPDATE

The 25 minute outage that occurred this evening beginning around 5:30pm was caused by the faulty relay. We are expecting delivery of this part next week, which will fix the issue. In the meantime, if it goes off again a city employee will be d...

The Baldwin Beacon, Vol. 18: A Year to Remember

Here’s a quick look back at some of the things that caught your attention in Baldwin City in 2020, in no particular order.

Baldwin Beacon: Snow Edition

Since we haven’t talked about snow yet this year, we pulled out this conversation with the Public Works director from last year.

Some important notes:

• If it’s expected to snow more than an inch, try not to park your vehicle on the street if possible to allo...

The Baldwin Beacon, Vol. 17

The Baldwin Beacon Number 17 is available now.

In this edition:

Holiday Happenings

Sales Tax Survey

Announcements

...and a hint of some fun coming up next weekend.

Click here to read, or click on the image below.

Read on...

Would you vote for a .5% sales tax for a community center?

Would you vote for a .5% sales tax to fund a community center in the old gym, AKA the Bauer Building? Register your opinion now in the form below. More information on the project: Baldwincity.gov/BauerBuilding.

Take the survey

Drive-by Santa Event

Santa and his elves are stopping by for a drive-by visit 

Directions...

Baldwin Beacon, Special Edition

The Baldwin Beacon, Special Edition: Sewer Project Overview

Click here to read.

Proposed Community Center Discussion

BCPD to Move Into New Building This Week

We'll be moving to our new headquarters the end of this week, October 15th and 16th. For that reason, we'll be closed to all administrative functions including VIN inspections Thursday and Friday, October 15 and 16. As always, officers will remain on duty...

Chip and Seal to Begin Thursday, October 8

Chip and seal will take place Thursday, Friday, and Monday - October 8, 9, and 12. The contractor will begin in Firetree and move into Signal Ridge. Please see the example below of the door hangers placed at affected homes for more details. Working hours ...

Safe Routes to School plans developed for final approval

Even if your kids don’t currently walk or bike to school, weigh in on our draft plans to make walking and biking to school in Lawrence, Eudora, and Baldwin City more comfortable. After temporarily pausing the Safe Routes to School planning proce...

Power Outage

City hall phones are down due to a possible blown transformer. City crews are en route and we’ll update you when we have more information.

USD 348 Seeks Substitute Teachers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING REZONE PETITION

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN AND TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on October 13, 2020, the Baldwin City Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at the Public Library meeting room, 800 7th Street, Baldwin City,...

Citywide Cleanup

Citywide Cleanup is taking place on October 10, 2020, rain or shine.

BALDWIN CITY RESIDENTS ONLY

Proof of residency is required (i.e. utility bill or ID/Driver License).

1015 Orange Street is the Public Works Building/Wastewater Treatment Plant/Power Plant

Wh...

Sidewalk Projects Update

The Eastside and Elm Street sidewalk projects are coming along. Much of the concrete is already poured, and the hard surfaces should be finished within the next couple of weeks. Enjoy these drone photos from August 27th, courtesy of Pitts Photography, and...

Flag Contest Results

What about solar?

What about Solar?    

Chris Croucher, Director of Electric Distribution has received a number of calls about solar panels lately. 

Here’s a brief overview of how residential and commercial solar works in Baldwin City. Pl...

East Sewer Interceptor Project Overview

What: This is a large project intended to upgrade the main sewer pipes on the eastside of town to current standards in order to improve long term waste water management.

When: Prep work has begun on the project, and you will see more activity beginning aro...

The Baldwin Beacon, Vol. 15

New Beacon available now. 

In this issue:

• Project updates
• Recap of survey results & flag design contest
• Women’s suffrage events, a mural bench unveiling, and a movie night with strong female leads

Read on...

Top 2 Flag Designs

Congratulations to the top two flag design winners!

Designs by Ashley Kretzschmer and Laura Hartman came out ahead in the popular vote. Thank you to each and every one who submitted designs and cast a vote, whether online or by paper ballot. We had over 40...

Music Survey Results

Thank you for participating and giving feedback. We appreciate you sharing your thoughts with us.

Based on the results of the survey, it was stated at council meeting August 4, 2020 (around 49:00) the music hours will be modified as follows:

Monday-Thursday...

VOTE for a Baldwin City Flag!

CDBG-CV Application

Emergency Community Development Block Grant

Download the Application Packet Here.

Questions? Call Laura Hartman, City Clerk, at 785-594-6427 or email lhartman@baldwincity.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are companies with more than 50 employees eligible for C...

The Baldwin Beacon: Vol. 14

New Baldwin Beacon available.

Topics range from Hakuna Matata, to flag designs, to Mystery Mike and a downtown music survey. Go read it now!

Read now

About Pioneer Cemetery

A grant was recently secured to restore the tombstones out at Pioneer Cemetery. If you haven’t been out there recently, you should go. It’s a remarkably peaceful and quiet place to eat lunch, chase butterflies, or stalk wildlife. We me...

Elm Street Project FAQ

Talking Sesquicentennial on Timeline Radio

Listen to Timeline Radio’s recorded episode from June 22, 2020, with Clenece Hills hosting Mayor Casey Simoneau and Councilman Brian Cramer. Topics discussed include:

• Lucy Sullivan Sweet
• Sesquicentennial celebration
• Sullivan Square
• Mural Benches in ...

Fireworks are cancelled.

After much debate between the City, the BGA, the Recreation Commission as well as the fireworks provider, it is with much disappointment that tonight’s scheduled firework show is cancelled due to the heavy rainfall from this afternoon. ...

Storms and Power Outages

Storm season is here, and the Baldwin City Electric Crew has a few tips to help keep you safe.

• If you see a downed line, please do not touch or drive over them. Please contact your utility provider immediately - this could cost you your life.
• If there is a ...

Baldwin City Sidewalk Projects 2020

Elm Street

Timeline: Summer/Fall 2020

Funding: Primarily through KDOT Transportation Alternatives (TA) grant. Funding for this project was announced in December, 2018.

Project: 6-foot wide new sidewalk, ADA accessibility, decorative lighting and benches from...

The Baldwin Beacon, Vol. 13

Baldwin Beacon Volume 13 is live now, with information about:

• Fireworks
• The Flag Contest
• USD 348 Fall Planning
• Block Grants for businesses affected by Covid-
• Swimming Pool programming
• Census 2020

...and of course, our #FunFriday150

Happy weekend, Baldwin City!

Read on...

Arbor Day Activities

Arbor Day in usually in April, but this year the Baldwin City Tree Board rescheduled the day to June 20th. About 110 trees were given out at the Annual Tree Give-away.

At 11:30am, the Tree Board planted three little-leaf lindens in the city right-of-way in...

The Baldwin Beacon, Vol. 12

New Baldwin Beacon out now! In this issue:

• What to know about upcoming city meetings & event
• Door-to-Door sales rules & what you should know
• Video interviews with the Library Director and Recreation Commission Director
• #FunFriday150
• Commemorative Sesqu...

The City's Story

Our side

In February of 2020, Midland approached the City unhappy with the arrangement they had with Santa Fe Trail Historical Society: 35 cents/ticket sold, capped at $9,000/year. They approached the city asking to purchase the depot from the city. The st...

Door-to-Door Sales

Summertime means door-to-door sales people.

Here’s what you need to know about how the city handles requests to sell in town.

• Anyone going door to door or selling from the street or their vehicle must apply for a license through the City Clerk.&am...

The Baldwin Beacon, Vol. 11

The Baldwin Beacon, Vol. 11, out now at a newsstand near you! 

(Kidding. It’s online, you don’t even have to go buy it.)

In this issue:*Phase 3 starts Monday, June 8th.*Council Meeting recap.*$132,000 grant to be distributed to ...

Eastside Sidewalk Improvement Project Community Discussion

Monday, June 8th, City Council will host a question and answer informational discussion at the American Legion Hall about the Eastside sidewalk improvement project. The project engineer will be on hand and community members are invited to bring their ques...

2020 Pavement Maintenance Project

The 2020 Pavement Maintenance Project includes sealing road surfaces, something new for Baldwin City.

UPDATE: Council approved this proposal on June 16th, 2020 as is, without alternates.

Here’s what that means.

Due to significant cost savings, Bald...

Playgrounds Are Open - Use at Your Own Risk

Caution tape and hazard fencing surrounding Baldwin City playgrounds has been removed as of June 1st.

Use at your own risk. Please observe all current social distancing recommendations and review CDC guidelines for playground usage.

Read on...

Municipal Court Notice

MUNICIPAL COURT NOTICE: If you are scheduled to appear in Baldwin City Municipal Court on Thursday, June 4 at 9 am, Court will be proceeding as scheduled. If you are not comfortable with appearing in person due to COVID-19, please contact City Hall and sp...

Baldwin Beacon Vol. 10

New Baldwin Beacon out now!

In this edition:

• Interview with Matt McClure from Baldwin City Recreation Commission about the pool, summer activities, and events.
• Q & A with Mayor Casey.
• Digitized Centennial Special Edition newspaper from 1970, with loads of...

2020 Pool Information

2020 Pool Information

The Baldwin City Recreation Commission is pleased to share information on the upcoming 2020 pool season.  While there are many moving pieces and contingencies, we feel we are providing safe, responsible solutions to many ques...

Citywide Cleanup

Citywide Cleanup IS taking placeJUNE 13, 2020, rain or shine.BALDWIN CITY RESIDENTS ONLYProof of residency is required (i.e. utility bill or ID/Driver License)1015 Orange Street is the Public Works Building/Wastewater Treatment Plant/Power PlantWhat we&am...

The Story Begins

Imagine that the walls around us dissolve. All the bricks and lumber fall away. The buildings outside melt and disappear. There are no streets, no cars, no campus. 

A breeze ruffles your hair. Above you is sky, blue with fat white clouds. All arou...

BCPD to Resume In-Person Services with Limitations

As we move into Phase 1.5 of reopening Kansas, the Baldwin City Police Department will be reopening the lobby on Monday, May 18th. 

VIN inspections and fingerprinting services will resume.

Some important restrictions to be aware of:

• Only one person ...

City Hall, BCPD, and Public Works to Reopen Lobby Spaces with Limitations

Moving into Phase 1.5 of reopening Kansas, City Hall, Baldwin City Police Department, and Public Works will reopen with limited capacity.

For more information about the Police Department reopening, VIN’s, and Fingerprinting Services: www.baldwinc...

Governor Kelly Announces $9 Million in CDBG Funds for Community Response

ATTENTION SMALL BUSINESSES

UPDATE, 6-24-2020: YOU MAY APPLY NOW. INSTRUCTIONS HERE.

$9 million in federal funding will be made available to the state’s Community Development Block Grant program to support community responses to the COVID-19 crisis...

The Baldwin Beacon, Special Edition: Waiting

Waiting. Governor Laura Kelly’s press briefing is at 6:30pm today, and we’ll have a better idea what the next few weeks will look like after that. In the meantime, here’s what we know will continue around town for now.

Read it

FAQs About Utility Deferment Program

Q: Who is this deferment program for?

A: Anyone who needs it, either residential or business. If you are struggling financially, we want to offer you options at this time.

Q: Is there a fee or cost for deferring my utilities?

A: No. There is no interest char...

Trash Talk

We know 6:30am is very early, and we’ve heard a lot of concerns about the new Ottawa Sanitation requirement for trash and recycling.  We’ve been fielding a lot of questions at City Hall. 

Here’s an honest and...

Incident: 100 Block of Ames

Update: The deceased in the incident on Monday night, January 25th, has been identified as 31 year old Baldwin City resident Clayton Schofield. Mr. Schofield’s next of kin has been notified out of state.  The investigation has confirmed...

Where we stand

On Monday, June 8th, 2020, county law enforcement partners met with Douglas County District Attorney’s Office - Kansas to discuss our current policies. Here’s where Baldwin City Police Department stands on each of the items highlighted...

BCPD to Move Into New Building This Week

We'll be moving to our new headquarters the end of this week, October 15th and 16th. For that reason, we'll be closed to all administrative functions including VIN inspections Thursday and Friday, October 15 and 16. As always, officers w...

BCPD Closed for Deep Cleaning July 24th

UPDATE 7.28.2020: Both officers who were exposed to Covid last week have received negative test results. They will remain in quarantine until two weeks from their exposure date as an extra safe guard. Our office opened yesterday after a weekend of extensi...

BCPD to Resume In-Person Services with Limitations

As we move into Phase 1.5 of reopening Kansas, the Baldwin City Police Department will be reopening the lobby on Monday, May 18th. 

VIN inspections and fingerprinting services will resume.

Some important restrictions to be aware of:

• Only one person ...

CANCELLED: Water Conservation Notice

There is an electrical failure of unknown origin at the water pumping station north of town. A tech is currently on site evaluating the problem. Currently there is no water coming into town so we are using what is stored in the water towers.

There is adequ...

What If the Power Goes Out?

10th Street Closed through December 11th

10th Street is currently blocked at Dearborn and Fremont and will be for the rest of the week. The contractor is finishing up the road crossing for the Elm Street sidewalk now that the fiber line they were waiting for has been moved.

East Sewer Interceptor Project Overview

What: This is a large project intended to upgrade the main sewer pipes on the eastside of town to current standards in order to improve long term waste water management.

When: Prep work has begun on the project, and you will see more activity beginning aro...

2020 Pavement Maintenance Project

The 2020 Pavement Maintenance Project includes sealing road surfaces, something new for Baldwin City.

Here’s what that means.

Due to significant cost savings, Baldwin City Public Works director Rob Culley is proposing the city use "chip and s...

Playgrounds Are Open - Use at Your Own Risk

Caution tape and hazard fencing surrounding Baldwin City playgrounds has been removed as of June 1st.

Use at your own risk. Please observe all current social distancing recommendations and review CDC guidelines for playground usage.

Read on...

Citywide Cleanup

Citywide Cleanup IS taking placeJUNE 13, 2020, rain or shine.BALDWIN CITY RESIDENTS ONLYProof of residency is required (i.e. utility bill or ID/Driver License)1015 Orange Street is the Public Works Building/Wastewater Treatment Plant/Power PlantWhat we&am...

Arbor Day Activities

Arbor Day in usually in April, but this year the Baldwin City Tree Board rescheduled the day to June 20th. About 110 trees were given out at the Annual Tree Give-away.

At 11:30am, the Tree Board planted three little-leaf lindens in the city right-of-way in...

Talking Sesquicentennial on Timeline Radio

Listen to Timeline Radio’s recorded episode from June 22, 2020, with Clenece Hills hosting Mayor Casey Simoneau and Councilman Brian Cramer. Topics discussed include:

• Lucy Sullivan Sweet
• Sesquicentennial celebration
• Sullivan Square
• Mural Benches in ...

The Early Days - an interview

An interview with Roger Boyd of the Santa Fe Historical Society.

Topics include: 

• How the Santa Fe Trail brought people to the area of Baldwin City
• A brief introduction to the founding of Baker University
• The railroad comes to town - but which town?
• T...

The Story Begins

Imagine that the walls around us dissolve. All the bricks and lumber fall away. The buildings outside melt and disappear. There are no streets, no cars, no campus. 

A breeze ruffles your hair. Above you is sky, blue with fat white clouds. All arou...

The Baldwin Beacon: Vol. 20

In this edition:
February Council Meeting Recap
Sidewalk Gap Project Approved for Transportation Alternatives Grant
Blackouts Avoided for Baldwin
Baldwin City Joins Kansas Main Street
City Clerk Retires
City Seeks Mowing Bids
Library Corner
Read it now!

The Baldwin Beacon, Vol. 18: A Year to Remember

Here’s a quick look back at some of the things that caught your attention in Baldwin City in 2020, in no particular order.

Baldwin Beacon: Snow Edition

Since we haven’t talked about snow yet this year, we pulled out this conversation with the Public Works director from last year.

Some important notes:

• If it’s expected to snow more than an inch, try not to park your vehicle on the stree...

The Baldwin Beacon, Vol. 17

Click here to read, or click on the image below.

Read on...

Baldwin Beacon, Special Edition

The Baldwin Beacon, Special Edition: Sewer Project Overview

Click here to read.

Baldwin Beacon, Vol 16

New Beacon out now!

Items of interest:

--> Proposed sidewalk grant

--> What about Halloween?

--> Bauer Building Hub

...and more.

Click through to read The Beacon.

The Baldwin Beacon, Vol. 15

New Beacon available now. 

In this issue:

• Project updates
• Recap of survey results & flag design contest
• Women’s suffrage events, a mural bench unveiling, and a movie night with strong female leads

Read on...

The Baldwin Beacon: Vol. 14

New Baldwin Beacon available.

Topics range from Hakuna Matata, to flag designs, to Mystery Mike and a downtown music survey. Go read it now!