Baker Announces 2018 Schedule

Press Release by Tyler Price, Assistant Director of Athletics | Communications  Baker University

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BALDWIN CITY, Kansas – The three-time defending Heart of America Athletic Conference Southern Division champion Baker University football team announced its upcoming 2018 schedule on Friday.

The Wildcats will feature five home dates and hit the road for five games. The No. 9 ranked Baker Wildcats opens up its season on September 1 at William Penn in Oskaloosa, Iowa at 11 a.m. in a game that will be broadcast worldwide on the ESPN App and locally on KSMO-TV.

The home opener will pin Baker vs. No. 11 Grand View on September 8 at 1 p.m. The Wildcats are 3-0 against the Vikings, since they joined the Heart in 2015.

Next up is a home date against Culver-Stockton on September 15 with kick-off set for 1 p.m. Baker is 34-4 all-time against the CS-C Wildcats.

Baker will then make the trek up to Lamoni, Iowa to face the Yellowjackets at 6 p.m. on September 22. BU has won 10-straight over GU.

BU Homecoming is set for Saturday, September 29, when the ‘Cats host rival No. 12 ranked Benedictine College at 1 p.m. inside Liston Stadium.

Baker is 20-14-1 all-time against the Ravens and BU hasn’t lost at home to BC since September 3, 2005.

The Wildcats will then travel to Peru State on October 6 to take on the Bobcats at 2 p.m. Since the Bobcats arrived in the Heart, Baker is a perfect 7-0 over Peru State.

October 13, Baker travels to rival MNU to take on the Pioneers in Olathe, Kansas at 2 p.m. BU has won three-straight over MNU since 2014.

After a BYE week on October 20, BU travels to CMU on October 27 to take on the Eagles. Baker has won 11-straight against CMU.

Then Baker has back-to-back home games to finish off the regular season, as they host rival Missouri Valley on November 3 at 1 pm at Liston Stadium. This match-up pins the two winningest football programs in NAIA history.

In the regular season finale, the ‘Cats will host No. 25 Evangel on Saturday, November 10 at 11 a.m. in another match up that will be featured worldwide on the ESPN App and KSMO-TV.

Since 2012, the Wildcats have captured four Heart championships and have appeared in five of the last six NAIA-FCS Playoffs including the 2016 NAIA National Championship game in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Baker is 64-13 in that six-year span overall and an impressive 35-9 against Heart of America Athletic Conference opponents.

	Day		@	Opponet	Location
September
	1	11:00 AM	@	William Penn University	Oskaloosa, Iowa
	8	1:00 PM	vs.	Grand View University	Liston Stadium
	15	1:00 PM	vs.	Culver-Stockton College	Liston Stadium
	22	6:00 PM	@	Graceland University	Lamoni, Iowa
	29	1:00 PM	vs.	Benedictine College	Liston Stadium
October
	6	2:00 PM	@	Peru State College	Peru, Nebraska
	13	2:00 PM	@	MidAmerica Nazarene University	Olathe, Kansas
	27	1:00 PM	@	Central Methodist University	Fayette, Missouri
November
	3	1:00 PM	vs.	Missouri Valley College	Liston Stadium
	10	11:00 AM	vs.	Evangel University	Liston Stadium

Area Happenings - Week of April 29

Here are the upcoming events that the Gazette has been made aware of as of  April 28, 2017.  To submit an item to the community events calendar, please email it to press@baldwingazette.com.

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April 29, 2018
Baker Wetlands Stargazing

Location:
Baker Wetlands 

1365 N 1250 Rd

Lawrence, Kansas 66046
Baldwin City, KS
8-19 P.M.

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May 1, 2018

Baldwin City Council Meeting
Location: Baldwin City Library
800 7th Street
Baldwin City, KS
7 P.M.

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May 3, 2018 

Chris Grubb Jazz Ensemble Concert

Location:
Baker University
Rice Auditorium

Baldwin City, KS
7:30 P.M.

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May 8, 2018
Spring Orchestra Concert

Location:
Baker University
Rice Auditorium

Baldwin City, KS
7:30 P.M.

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May 9th, 2018
This year’s Baccalaureate will be held on Wednesday, May 9th at 7:30 pm in the New Life Assembly of God Church at 5th and Baker Street, Baldwin City.

 message by Pastor Tom Greenwald, Youth Minister at Community Covenant Church in Lenexa.  

The public is invited to join the graduates and their relatives for this event. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall with cookies and punch provided. 

Location:  New Life Assembly of God Church

5th and Baker Street

Baldwin City.

Time: 7:30 P.M.

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May 9, 2018
Chris Grubb Jazz Guest Concert

Location:
Baker University
Rice Auditorium

Baldwin City, KS
7:30 P.M.

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May 12, 2018

Baker University Graduations

Time: 10:30 a.m.
Undergraduate Degrees
School of Professional & Graduate Studies


Time: 1:30 p.m.
Master’s & Doctoral Degrees
School of Professional & Graduate Studies, School of Education, School of Nursing

Location:  George F. Collins, Jr. Sports & Convention Center
524 Sixth St.
Baldwin City, KS

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May 12, 2018

Baldwin High Graduations



Location:
Baldwin High
Baldwin City, KS
Time: 10 a.m.

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May 14, 2018

Baldwin Junior High 8th Grade Promotion



Location:
Baldwin Junior High
Baldwin City, KS
Time: 7 p.m.

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May 15, 2018

Baldwin City Council Meeting
Location: Baldwin City Library
800 7th Street
Baldwin City, KS
Time: 7 P.M.

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May 19, 2018


Free Admission - A Traditional German Celebration of the Arrival of Spring, Live Music by Wakarusa River Band, Farmhaus Barn and Market Open, Tours of Clearfield Grounds, Historic School, Clearfield Historic Information, Kids Activities - Games/Maibaum/Maypole Festivities.

Hamburgers, Bratz, Hotdogs, Sides, Drinks, Farmhaus Baked Goods, Farmhaus Market Items and Wakarusa River Band C.D.s Available All Day For Purchase.

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May 20, 2018

Baker University Graduations

Undergraduate Degrees
College of Arts & Sciences, School of Education, School of Nursing
Location: George F. Collins, Jr. Sports & Convention Center
524 Sixth St.
Baldwin City, KS
Time: 1 p.m.

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May 26, 2018

 The Baldwin City Gravel Grind aka the "Cappuccino Ride"...
Gerard brings us another gravel classic out of Baldwin City, KS.

More info and course map soon.

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June 2, 2018

Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting of Dunn's Vista

Location: Dunn's Vista
424 Washington St
Baldwin City, KS

Time: 7 P.M.

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June 5, 2018

Baldwin City Council Meeting

Location: Baldwin City Library
800 7th Street
Baldwin City, KS
Time: 7 P.M.

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June 15, 2018

Wine Fest
Lotatorium
4-9 P.M.

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June 19, 2018

Baldwin City Council Meeting
Location: Baldwin City Library
800 7th Street
Baldwin City, KS
Time: 7 P.M.

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Third Friday Art Walk and Farmers Market

Downtown Baldwin City

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Every 4th Thursday of the Month
10 A.M. - 11 A.M.
Mobile Food Bank
Baldwin City New Life Assembly of God
118 5th St  Baldwin City, KS
Stay in your car, line up and drive through

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Every Tuesday through October  
Eudora Local Gardening Farmer’s Market
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm Tuesdays
through October 2016
1402 Church Street
Eudora, KS.
In the parking lot of Gene’s Hartland Foods.
Local, fresh produce and foods offered by local growers and producers!

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Every Wednesday through October
De Soto Farmer’s Market (Fresh Promise’s Market)
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Wednesdays through October 2016
at The Barn at Kill Creek Farm
9200 Kill Creek Road
De Soto, KS
Local, fresh produce and foods offered by local growers and producers!

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Every Thursday through October 
Cottin's Hardware Farmer's Market on Thursdays from
4:00 pm - 6:30 pm
through September
at Cottin's Hardware & Rental back parking lot
1832 Massachusetts Street
Lawrence, KS
Local vendors offer a variety of goods including produce, baked items, hot foods, meats, eggs, soaps, jams, jellies, herbs, fudge and much more!;

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Every Friday through October
Perry Lecompton Farmers' Market
Fridays from 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm
at Bernie's parking lot
24 Hwy and Ferguson Road
Perry, KS
Visit the market to find fresh vegetables, fruits, homemade jams and jellies, baked goods, honey, fresh cut flowers, farm fresh eggs, handmade crafts and more!

Obituary: Marilyn June Davault

Marilyn June Davault was born to Ada Tot (Minnick) and Ellsmere Merle(Joe) Davault, on May 2, 1939, in Vineland, Kansas. Marilyn passed peacefully from this life, on January 18, 2018. At her time of passing, Marilyn was 78 years old and resided at The Citadel, in Mesa, AZ.

Marilyn June Davault

As a child, Marilyn grew up in both Kansas and Missouri. Her mother Ada, was a homemaker and her father Joe, owned and operated the Springfield Equipment Company. Marilyn attended Central High School, in Springfield, Missouri and graduated with a scholarship in music. She also received the title of Seven Star Thespian, in dramatic arts. Marilyn attended Hamlin Baptist Church, as a girl, also in Springfield, where she was baptized and an active member of the church choir. She also sang for weddings and many other special events. Marilyn was a very talented singer/actress and played the piano with great joy and enthusiasm, throughout her life.
Instead of pursuing a college career, in 1957, she married Charles Elvin Smith and they had three children from this union: in 1958, Candice Olivares-Prangley of Apache Junction, Arizona, in 1960, David Joseph Smith of Phoenix, Arizona, and 1962, Gregory Allen Smith, Peachtree, Georgia.
Marilyn had a very full and colorful life. She was later married to Air Force Master Sargent, James D. Dockens. They were stationed abroad, in both Spain and England, when her children were young.
While in England, she was very interested in antiques and visited many historical places. Upon her return to the United States, she resided mainly in Phoenix, Arizona, for the remainder of her life, working as a care provider.
In her later life she loved to go fishing on the boat, traveling around and visiting beautiful places in Arizona, coloring in her coloring books and enjoying playing the piano, singing, and enjoying good food family and friends. She always wanted to have a party and invite all of the kids!
She is survived by her daughter Candice, her son David, six grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her son Gregory Smith, of Peachtree, Georgia, both parents, Ada and Ellsmere (Joe) Davault of Springfield, Missouri, and a brother, Larry Joe Davault, of Blueye, Missouri. Also, a half brother and half sister, Norman Dee Spring of Kansas and Norma Jean Tabor, of Kansas City, Missouri.
May the Lord be with her and bless her... and may she rest in eternal peace.

26th Year of the Baldwin Baccalaureate for Baldwin High 2018 Graduates, Family, and Friends

PRESS RELEASE by Jay Coffman

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Baldwin City -- This will be the 26^th year a baccalaureate will be provided by the Baldwin Baccalaureate Committee for the graduating class of Baldwin High School. The occasion provides an exciting and inspiring view of their future from a non-denominational Christian perspective and it is one more time the class could be together before the end of their secondary education career.

This year’s Baccalaureate will be held on Wednesday, May 9^th at 7:30 pm in the New Life Assembly of God Church at 5^th and Baker Street, Baldwin City. The message will be given by Pastor Tom Greenwald, Youth Minister at Community Covenant Church in Lenexa.

The public is invited to join the graduates and their relatives for this event. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall with cookies and punch provided.

The first baccalaureate in 1993 was begun by Doris Miller, then editor of the Baldwin Ledger, and Jay Coffman, BHS class of 1986. Mr. Coffman has chaired the committee every year since. For many years, the event was held in USD 348 facilities. Scheduling complications in recent years and the inception of rental costs for the Performing Arts Center this year, forced the event to be moved. Pastor Mark Halford and the congregation of the New Life Assembly of God church graciously offered their facility.

Free will donations for future events can be given at the door, to committee members, or to the Baccalaureate Fund at the Baldwin State Bank.

  

Baldwin City Fitness Celebrating One Year

Kevin Surbaugh

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Recently Baldwin City celebrated its one year anniversary with an open house. Co-owner Scott White said during the open house that they started March 24, 2017.  The first week or so that they were open Moore said he and his partner camped out at the facility round the clock, until they could get the automatic twenty-four hour door installed on April 1, 2017.  He said that he owned the building and when the medical clinic relocated, he wieghed his options as far as renting out the space.  It happened that the fitness center up on Ames (Highway 56) was closing at about the same time. So he contacted the owner of that gym and was able to secure a deal on some of the equipment from that facility.
In her introduction of the owners, Jeanette Blackmar said that she can't think of another business the city can benifit from than a fitness center.
Moore thanked several perople , who helped establish the business ver the last year, in particular, he thanked Gene "Butch" Vaughn who he said was the fitness centers first member. He also said, he would like to create a program to help encourage members to stay on track.  Something like a "gym buddy.  Those with gym buddies don't quit.  To that end, he said that they were looking at having a sign-up sheet  for those who want to be paired with a buddy.

Open House in Pictures

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a

Refreshments at the one-year celebration for Baldwin City Fitness
included healthy snacks as well as cake.
Photograph by Kevin Surbaugh

Scott White and Sarah Moore, owners of Baldwin City Fitness,
along with Jeanette Blackmar, Director of the Baldwin City Chamber of
Commerce addressed those who showed up to celebrate the occasion.
Photograph by Kevin Surbaugh

Derek Moores (green shirt) and Kali Kostelac (blue shirt)
members of the fitness center get in a work out during 
the open house.
Photograph by Kevin Surbaugh

Marvin Hawver: At the Rail - Week of April 23

By Martin Hawver

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Martin Hawver

The experts, college professors, legislative staffers and all got together last week and computed/calculated/guessed/hoped that the state is going to take in $217 million more than expected in this now-waning fiscal year and $316 million more than expected in the fiscal year that starts July 1.

Well, that’s gotta be good, it means a little more change in the state’s pocket, and maybe nothing that we like to see our state tax money spent on must be cut, or at least not by much.

But it also appears ready to spark a fight among lawmakers. Do they just toss that $80 million into the K-12 school finance bill that got left out due to some last-minute rewrite of the bill and the shuffling of money within the K-12 budget and call it good?

That’s what many lawmakers believe the Kansas Supreme Court wants them to do to get that “adequacy” portion of the school finance operation up to high court standards. The Legislature has already apparently solved—or believes it has solved—the “equity” problem in the school finance arena, making sure that the money is split up among the 286 school districts fairly.

So, there’s just that $80 million now confirmed on hand—and which was actually on hand before that new smiley-face revenue estimate of last Friday—to write the check for, and then start scrapping over what to do with the rest of the $217 million they have to spend if they care to.

Care to spend? We’re betting yes, this being the year that the House members stand for reelection and are hoping to find something nice to do for registered voters who will decide whether they winter in Topeka the next two years.

So, what’s both possible and attractive to those voters in 125 House districts who decide whether legislators make it through this November’s general election?

Well, there’s an income tax cut bill that the Senate has approved, and the House may want to look at. It is a little complex, but basically, it uses money that is freed up by last December’s federal income tax cut. The less federal income tax you pay, the more of your money is available for the state to levy income taxes against. It means more revenue for the state—over and above the $217 million for the remainder of this year and the $316 million for the upcoming fiscal year. That’s a jackpot worth several hundred million dollars that the state didn’t levy, that will just roll in because Congress said so.

Now, everyone wants more money, and many legislators would like to have their name on a bill that hands Kansans money.

Looks like the big fight when lawmakers return for their wrap-up session on Thursday will be whether to hand Kansans an income tax cut.

That federal trickle-down, some lawmakers believe or are at least saying, isn’t the doing of the state and ought to be handed back in the form of election-year tax cuts.  Ideally, each legislator would be able to get that tax cut money for his/her district and distribute it in cash as they are going door-to-door to campaign. But that’s not going to happen.

But watch that new money. Does anyone really care about the cash balance in the State General Fund? When’s the last time you went to a party to celebrate a bigger state ending balance?

Or, do voters care about better health care for the poor, better roads, more law enforcement…or maybe push more of that money into their children’s and grandchildren’s schools?

We’ll see, won’t we…

Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is the publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at www.hawvernews.com

Letter to the Editor: Don't Lose Sight of the True Purpose

Scott D. Schultz
Founder and President
Morning Star Care Homes
Fredonia, Neodesha, Baldwin City, Ottawa

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Dear Editor,
My wife and I founded Morning Star  Care Homes in memory of our grandparents who suffered in institutional nursing facilities because we wanted something better for our parents' generation. We knew that we were called to create real home environments for all levels-assisted, memory and total care-as alternatives to traditional nursing facilities. We know our residents as our own family members and treat each person with the highest level of care.
 In the burgeoning Senior Living industry, the problem is not that we are unprepared for the massive influx of baby boomers needing care. The problem is that with this demographic change at the door, the corporate Senior Living industry is not just unprepared, it is in complete crisis and chaos.
A New Jersey company allowing 36 facilities in Kansas and Nebraska to be taken over by the State to protect elderly residents is barely news these days. The stories come so regularly we are desensitized to the horror. Residents in Houston up tp their hips in flood water. Heat-related deaths in Florida because the facility failed to evacuate. Local facilities put on the State of Kansas watch list.
And lest our non-profit facilities, our home health, home care and hospice claim the high ground, they regularly receive publicity about committing Medicare fraud, or for employing caregivers who steal their client's assets while working in their personal residences.
The largest provider of Senior Living in the United States was reportedly in talks about selling out to the Chinese, and now discusses its proposed solutions as a "strategic pivot." As an owner and operator, I mused as to how one "pivots" after accepting responsibility for the health and welfare of 100,000 residents and a roughly similar number of employees, then financially while the former CEO took home $6.6 million in pay. Some of the large players are currently investing profits in professional sports franchises.
After all these years in business I continue to believe in the following fundamentals for our care homes: Maintain local ownership and operate a small number of facilities to insure you are involved at the ground level. Staff to the level of care the residents need. Provide a real home enviroment. And finally, be ethical in all you do.
It is imperative that the corporate Senior Living industry not lose sight of the true purpose of our chosen profession. We all must do better to implement solid solutions before the wave of seniors arrives.

Area Happenings - Week of April 22, 2018

Here are the upcoming events that the Gazette has been made aware of as of  April 21, 2017.  To submit an item to the community events calendar, please email it to press@baldwingazette.com.

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 April 17, 2018
Baldwin City Council Meeting
Location: Baldwin City Library
800 7th Street
Baldwin City, KS
7 P.M.

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April 26, 2018

Jaw Bats 
Open House

Check out Baldwin City's own baseball bat manufacturing facility. Come expecting a super fun baseball-themed open house, with ballpark food and appearances by Baldwin City Blues and  Keepers of the Legends.

Time: 5-6:30 p.m.

Location: JAW BATS LLC
606 High Street Suite B
Baldwin City, Kansas

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April 26, 2018

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Eggs & Issues: A Conversation with Dr. Lynne Murray

April 27, 2018

Time: 7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m.

Location: Kansas State Bank
602 Ames St
Baldwin City, Kansas 66006

 *formerly known as Coffee & Conversation*

Eggs & Issues is a civic engagement program brought to you by the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce, Kansas State Bank and the City of Baldwin City, Kansas.  At the April 27th event Dr. Lynne Murray, president of Baker University (Official), will host a conversation about Baker University and Baldwin City.

New Location: Kansas State Bank Breakfast chef: George McCrary, Business Development Officer of Kansas State Bank.

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April 27, 2018
Spring Choral Concert

Location:
Baker University
Rice Auditorium

Baldwin City, KS
7:30 P.M.

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April 29, 2018
Baker Wetlands Stargazing

Location:
Baker Wetlands 

1365 N 1250 Rd

Lawrence, Kansas 66046
Baldwin City, KS
8-19 P.M.

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May 1, 2018

Baldwin City Council Meeting
Location: Baldwin City Library
800 7th Street
Baldwin City, KS
7 P.M.

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May 3, 2018 

Chris Grubb Jazz Ensemble Concert

Location:
Baker University
Rice Auditorium

Baldwin City, KS
7:30 P.M.

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May 8, 2018
Spring Orchestra Concert

Location:
Baker University
Rice Auditorium

Baldwin City, KS
7:30 P.M.

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May 9, 2018
Chris Grubb Jazz Guest Concert

Location:
Baker University
Rice Auditorium

Baldwin City, KS
7:30 P.M.

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May 12, 2018

Baker University Graduations

Time: 10:30 a.m.
Undergraduate Degrees
School of Professional & Graduate Studies


Time: 1:30 p.m.
Master’s & Doctoral Degrees
School of Professional & Graduate Studies, School of Education, School of Nursing

Location:  George F. Collins, Jr. Sports & Convention Center
524 Sixth St.
Baldwin City, KS

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May 12, 2018

Baldwin High Graduations



Location:
Baldwin High
Baldwin City, KS
Time: 10 a.m.

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May 14, 2018

Baldwin Junior High 8th Grade Promotion



Location:
Baldwin Junior High
Baldwin City, KS
Time: 7 p.m.

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May 15, 2018

Baldwin City Council Meeting
Location: Baldwin City Library
800 7th Street
Baldwin City, KS
Time: 7 P.M.

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May 19, 2018

Free Admission - A Traditional German Celebration of the Arrival of Spring, Live Music by Wakarusa River Band, Farmhaus Barn and Market Open, Tours of Clearfield Grounds, Historic School, Clearfield Historic Information, Kids Activities - Games/Maibaum/Maypole Festivities.

Hamburgers, Bratz, Hotdogs, Sides, Drinks, Farmhaus Baked Goods, Farmhaus Market Items and Wakarusa River Band C.D.s Available All Day For Purchase.

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May 20, 2018

Baker University Graduations

Undergraduate Degrees
College of Arts & Sciences, School of Education, School of Nursing
Location: George F. Collins, Jr. Sports & Convention Center
524 Sixth St.
Baldwin City, KS
Time: 1 p.m.

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May 26, 2018

 The Baldwin City Gravel Grind aka the "Cappuccino Ride"...
Gerard brings us another gravel classic out of Baldwin City, KS.

More info and course map soon.

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June 2, 2018

Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting of Dunn's Vista

Location: Dunn's Vista
424 Washington St
Baldwin City, KS

Time: 7 P.M.

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June 5, 2018

Baldwin City Council Meeting

Location: Baldwin City Library
800 7th Street
Baldwin City, KS
Time: 7 P.M.

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June 15, 2018

Wine Fest
Lotatorium
4-9 P.M.

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June 19, 2018

Baldwin City Council Meeting
Location: Baldwin City Library
800 7th Street
Baldwin City, KS
Time: 7 P.M.

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Third Friday Art Walk and Farmers Market

Downtown Baldwin City

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Every 4th Thursday of the Month
10 A.M. - 11 A.M.
Mobile Food Bank
Baldwin City New Life Assembly of God
118 5th St  Baldwin City, KS
Stay in your car, line up and drive through

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Every Tuesday through October  
Eudora Local Gardening Farmer’s Market
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm Tuesdays
through October 2016
1402 Church Street
Eudora, KS.
In the parking lot of Gene’s Hartland Foods.
Local, fresh produce and foods offered by local growers and producers!

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Every Wednesday through October
De Soto Farmer’s Market (Fresh Promise’s Market)
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Wednesdays through October 2016
at The Barn at Kill Creek Farm
9200 Kill Creek Road
De Soto, KS
Local, fresh produce and foods offered by local growers and producers!

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Every Thursday through October 
Cottin's Hardware Farmer's Market on Thursdays from
4:00 pm - 6:30 pm
through September
at Cottin's Hardware & Rental back parking lot
1832 Massachusetts Street
Lawrence, KS
Local vendors offer a variety of goods including produce, baked items, hot foods, meats, eggs, soaps, jams, jellies, herbs, fudge and much more!;

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Every Friday through October
Perry Lecompton Farmers' Market
Fridays from 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm
at Bernie's parking lot
24 Hwy and Ferguson Road
Perry, KS
Visit the market to find fresh vegetables, fruits, homemade jams and jellies, baked goods, honey, fresh cut flowers, farm fresh eggs, handmade crafts and more!

Opinion: Helpful Resources for Farmers

by Cora Fox,  Center for Rural Affairs

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Cora Fox, Center for Rural Affairs

Whether you are a beginning farmer or have been farming for 30 years, it is important to know resources are available to assist you in your farming venture – through education, technical assistance, mediation, or counseling.

Maybe you’d like financial counseling or support during land transitions, but aren’t sure where to go? Are you concerned about your farming operation or do you need mediation services?

The Center for Rural Affairs has compiled a list of well-established organizations to aid farmers in navigating these resources. While this list is not all-inclusive, it covers a wide array of services.

Kansas Agricultural Mediation Services, 800.321.FARM (800.321.3276), ksre.k-state.edu/kams/ is a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) certified program that has helped farmers and ranchers explore options through mediation as well as other financial and legal concerns. The program helps with appeal options for USDA adverse decisions, including farm loan delinquency and denial. Staff support producers with agricultural financial counseling and legal assistance.

Center for Rural Affairs, 402.687.2100, www.cfra.org, operates a helpline with information on farm bill programs that can help farmers or ranchers get started or implement conservation programs. The staff makes referrals to organizations that may better address questions or concerns.

Farm Aid, 800.FARM.AID (800.327.6243), www.farmaid.org, connects farmers to resources with an online directory listing more than 750 organizations. Farm Aid also provides information on farm start-ups, sustainable agriculture, legal issues in farming, farm financing, and farm activism and organizing.

Michigan State University Extension, 517.279.4311, msue.anr.msu.edu, has a free online program. “Weathering the Storm: How to Manage Stress on the Farm,” addresses signs and symptoms of chronic stress and helps farmers cope with challenges.

National Farmers Union, 202.554.1600, nfu.org, plays an active role in the farm bill and works on grassroots-driven policy. They have connections with numerous farm organizations and make referrals.

Rural Response Hotline, 800.464.0258, imneb.org/imn-programs/farming/rural-response-hotline/, is available for farmers, ranchers, and rural residents to call. Staff makes referrals to attorneys, financial counselors, clergy, other farmers, and mediation services, as needed. In addition, staff assists with stress, depression, or other mental health concerns.

National Center for Appropriate Technology, 800.346.9140, attra.ncat.org, provides information and technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, extension agents, and others involved in implementing sustainable agriculture practices. Specialists provide one-on-one technical assistance. Publications, webinars, and other resources are available.

Governor Colyer Signs School Funding Bill into Law; Calls on Legislature to Fix Error

Press Release

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TOPEKA –  Governor Colyer today signed Sub. Senate Bill 423, appropriating an increase of more than $500 million in K-12 funding over the next five years, at a ceremony at Seaman High School in Topeka. The bill, which aims to provide adequate and equitable funding for all Kansas schools, was passed by the legislature moments before they adjourned their regular session in early April.

“Kansas wants to lead the way in education,” said the Governor. “I’m very proud to sign this legislation as it means more money in the classroom, more accountability measures and a focus on student outcomes. Most importantly, it keeps our schools open without raising taxes on hardworking Kansas families.”

The Governor also called on the Legislature to fix the error that inadvertently decreased expenditures to schools by $80 million. “It’s important that we get this right,” said the Governor.

Governor Colyer was joined by several legislators including president of the Seaman School Board, Chairman Fred Patton, and Representative Brenda Dietrich.

The Governor has now signed 57 bills into law this session. By law, the Kansas governor has 10 calendar days to sign bills into law, veto bills or allow bills to become law without his signature.

 

At the Rail - Taxes

By Martin Hawver 

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Sometime Friday afternoon the state’s official financial gurus—the Consensus Revenue Estimating Group—will meet and come to agreement on just how much money the state will receive in the remaining few months of this fiscal year and next fiscal year which starts July 1.

That memo, called CRE, will be not quite as big a deal as a puff of white smoke rising above the Vatican, but for Kansas government/legislative/ political purposes it will be close. Very close.

That estimate of revenue becomes the official estimate of revenue and everything that happens after it is announced is tied to that estimate.

Right or wrong, high or low, it’s the basis for nearly everything that is going to happen to or for Kansans for the fiscal year.

The issues that are going to be decided based on those estimates are school finance, of course, and a potential income tax cut for some Kansans, investments in water supply, highway improvements/repair and the pensions of thousands of Kansans who are members of the Kansas Public Employee Retirement System. Oh, and don’t forget health care for thousands of Kansans and payments for hospitals and nursing homes that take care of the elderly and frail.

A lot of issues based on that Friday afternoon meeting? Sure are, and the number that the CRE presents also will influence legislators—the entire House of Representatives, which is up for election this fall.

How does that figure into life for folks who don’t spend their day hanging around the Statehouse? It determines just what the state can afford and can’t afford and that determines just what legislators can pass or not pass that will make Kansans’ lives better or at least no worse.

Schools are of course at the top of the list, and there is that roughly $80 million that was inadvertently left out of the school finance bill that Gov. Jeff Colyer will sign into law this week. Sign a bill to boost state aid to elementary and secondary schools that doesn’t include all the money that lawmakers thought they were spending? Yes, because that bill, though it doesn’t contain all the dollars it should, also put lawmakers on the hook for it. They will have to pony up the money to accomplish what they thought they were voting on to convince the Kansas Supreme Court that they actually intend to make state funding for public schools constitutional. Not much backing out room there, is there?

But the other major issue that is dependent on that CRE will be an income tax cut for thousands of Kansans because the state can’t cut taxes—that’s taxes for most of us, and revenue for the state—without an estimate that shows the state can afford it. And who doesn’t want a tax cut and the bullet point on those House members’ palm cards that show that they cut your taxes?

It’s a federal trickle-down deal, the less federal income taxes you pay the more of your money is left sitting around to levy state income taxes against. And, if the CRE comes in big enough, well, the state won’t need to tax that cash left over from your federal taxes, and it will appear that the state isn’t just gobbling up the federal tax leftovers.

Enough money for schools and a tax cut? What’s still on the plate can be spent for those roads, the water supply, care for the elderly and poor, law enforcement, prisons, a lot of things that have been scrimped on in recent years. If the CRE says the money is there.

Yes…Friday afternoon. We’ll see how that works out, won’t we…?

Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is the publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at www.hawvernews.com

Former First Lady Barbara Bush Dies at 92

Kevin Surbaugh

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Credit: Maria Rachel Melchor | Defense Imagery
Management Operations Center |
Date Taken: 06/10/2012
Former first lady Barbara Bush smiles for a
photograph aboard her husband's namesake ship and the U.S.
Navy's newest aircraft carrier, the USS George H.W. Bush
(CVN 77), June 10, 2012, in the Atlantic Ocean. The ship
hosted Bush, her husband and members of their family,
including former President George W. Bush, for the ceremony
in the ship's hangar bay. (U.S. Navy photo by
Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class
Maria Rachel D. Melchor)

Houston, TX - Just after 7 p.m. last on April 17, 2018, the news broke that former first lady Barbara Bush had passed away early Tuesday evening.
CNN reported,

Barbara Bush, the matriarch of a Republican political dynasty and a first lady who elevated the cause of literacy, died Tuesday, according to a statement from her husband's office. She was 92.

She was only the second woman to have had both a husband and a son who was elected President.
It had been announced Sunday that the former First Lady had chosen to not receive any further medical treatment, instead to focus on "comfort care".
Funeral services are set for 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Martin's Episcopal Church (717 Sage Road) in Houston, which she and former President George H.W. Bush regularly attended, according to the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library's website. She will lay in repose on Friday at the church from noon until midnight. Burial will be at the Library College Station.

She is survived by her husband and their children George, Jeb, Neil, Marvin, and Dorothy.  Barbara Pierce Bush was born June 8,1925.

Council Agenda - Baldwin City - April 17

Baldwin City Council Agenda
Tuesday, April 17, 2018 7:00 PM
Location: Baldwin City Public Library
                800 7th Street

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 A. Call to Order- Mayor Casey Simoneau

B. Approval of Agenda

 C. Consent Agenda

1. Minutes of the April 3, 2018 Regular Meeting

2. Winefest

D. Public Comment:

Members of the public are welcome to comment on items relating to City business not listed on this

Agenda. Please stand and wait to be recognized by the Mayor. As a general practice, the comments may

or may not be acted upon by the Council during the meeting, or Council may refer the items to staff for follow up.

If you wish to comment on an item listed on the Agenda, a sign-up sheet is provided for you to sign in and provide your address. You will be called on when the Agenda item of interest is under discussion by the Council.

E. Special Reports or Presentations

1. Sidewalk Sales event

F. Old Business

1. Senior Housing

2. Utility Rate Study

3. Fireworks ordinance

4. Midland Railway Trail Easement Agreement Amendment

G. New Business

1. Conditional Use Permit - Short term rental

2. Mural Program

H. Committee and/or Commission Reports

1. Budget and Finance - A.J. Stevens/David Simmons

2. Community Development - Tony Brown/Brian Cramer

3. Public Health and Safety - Brian Cramer/Tony Brown

4. Public Works - David Simmons/Susan Pitts

5. Utilities - Susan Pitts/A.J. Stevens

6.  Legislative - David Simmons/Susan Pitts

I. City Administrator and Staff comments

1. Audit report

2. 2018 Cases - Police Department

J. Council & Mayor Comments

K. Executive Session

L. Adjourn

City Council meets every first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Library community meeting room. Council work sessions are held the last Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the American Legion Hall.

Council Committees:

Budget and Finance - 2nd Thursday, 7:30 AM at City Hall

Community Development - 4th Thursday, 3:00 PM at City Hall

Public Health and Safety - 2nd Thursday, 3:00 PM at City Hall

Public Works - TBD

Utilities - 3rd Thursday, 7:00 PM at Public Works

Baldwin City Makes Top Schools in Kansas List

Kevin Surbaugh

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This past week, backgroundcheck.org announced it's annual list of the top one hundred school districts in Kansas. In a media release, the organizers at BackGroundCheck.org said,

The top five districts are: Waconda, Blue Valley, Spring Hill, De Soto, and Andover.
The following contributed to the ranking: student performance (math and reading test scores), dropout rates, school funding, and area poverty rates. Data was collected from a total of 9,577 school districts.

Graphics courtesy of Backgroundcheck.org

Several districts in the area made the list. Number two, Blue Valley, which was the school mentioned in the television show Mama's Family is located in Stilwell and Overland Park. Spring Hill, which came in number three, is in Johnson and Miami Counties. Other nearby districts that made the list include, Gardner Edgerton, which is just down the road, Silver Lake, which is just north of Topeka, Auburn Washburn which covers parts of southwest Topeka and Olathe all made the list.

Baldwin City ranked number 15 on this years list.  The complete list, by rank, is below. Backgroundcheck.org is a public safety focused organization committed to increasing public safety, community involvement, and education.

Top Districts in Kansas
Rank	District	City
1	Waconda USD 272	Waconda
2	Blue Valley  USD 229	Stilwell
3	Spring Hill USD 230	Spring Hill
4	Desoto USD 232	Desoto
5	Andover USD 385	Andover
6	Gardner Edgerton USD 231	Gardner
7	Silver Lake USD 372	Silver Lake
8	Goddard USD 265	Goddard
9	Piper Kansas City 203	Kansas City
10	Olathe USD 233	Olathe
11	Valley Falls USD 338	Valley Falls
12	Rock Creek	City
13	Auburn Washburn USD 437	Topeka
14	Circle USD 375USD 323	Towanda
15	Baldwin City USD 230	Baldwin City
16	Cheney USD 268	Cheney
17	Maize USD 266	Maize
18	Basehor-Linwood USD 458	Basehor
19	Hays USD 489	Hays
20	Hesston USD  460	Hesston
21	Vermillion USD 380	Vermillion
22	Louisburg USD 416	Louisburg
23	Pike Valley USD 426	Scandia
24	Lyndon USD 421	Lyndon
25	Little River USD 444	Little River
26	Burlingame USD 454	Burlingame
27	Holton USD 336	Holton
28	Hodgeman County Schools USD 227	Jetmore
29	Durham-Hillsboro-Lehigh USD 410	Hillsboro
30	Phillipsburg USD 325	Phillipsburg
31	North Ottawa County USD 239	Minneapolis
32	Clearwater USD 264	Clearwater
33	Comanche County USD 300	Coldwater
34	Eureka USD 389	Eureka
35	Renwick USD 267	Andale
36	Valley Center
37	St. Francis Community
38	Smokey Valley
39	Paola	Paola
40	Augusta	Augusta
41	Cimarron-Ensign
42	Buhler
43	Meade	Meade
44	Norton Community	Norton
45	Barnes
46	Seaman	Topeka
47	Lincoln
48	Lawrence	Lawrence
49	Sedgwick Public Schools
50	Dighton
51	Hoxie Community Schools
52	Canton-Galva
53	Wellsville	Wellsville
54	Concordia	Concordia
55	Manhattan-Ogden	Manhattan
56	Nickerson
57	Thunder Ridge
58	Hiawatha	Hiawatha
59	Victoria
60	Woodson
61	Oakley
62	Spearville
63	Uniontown
64	Lansing
65	Twin Valley
66	Norhern Valley
67	Frontenac Public Schools
68	Oswego	Oswego
69	Mulvane	Mulvane
70	Kaw Valley
71	Southern Lyon County
72	Royal Valley
73	Remington-Whitewater
74	Moundridge	Moundridge
75	Ellsworth	Ellsworth
76	Wamego	Wamego
77	Riley County
78	Chapman	Chapman
79	Rose Hill
80	Southeast Of Saline
81	North Lyon County
82	Jefferson West
83	Smith Center
84	Republic County
85	Newton
86	Barber County North
60	Clay Center
61	Chase County
62	North Jackson
63	Sylvan Grove
64	Cherokee
65	Minneola
93	Eudora	Eudora
94	Mill Creek Valley
95	Inman	Inman
96	Girard	Girard
97	Humboldt	Humbolt
98	Belle Plaine
99	Haven Public Schools
100	Garnett	Garnett