Baldwin City, KS - Municipal Government

05/01/2026

A new council-approved project is launching on May 1st, to bring updates about utility outages and other information to residents.

Over the next few days, you may receive a text notification that asks if you’d like to opt in to receive information related to utility service, public safety, and community well-being. If you do not opt out by texting STOP to 785-594-5168, you will receive updates. You may also choose to send information to 785-594-5168 in the event of an outage, and you will have the ability to ask questions directly.

Each customer will also receive a postcard with information about the software, called Outifi, asking if you’d like to update your contact information with the City. You may also just call City Hall directly at 785-594-6427 to update your phone number, or email [email protected].

How to Report an Outage or Water Leak
Text or call (785) 594-5168 to report a power outage. Please note this is not the same number for reporting as in the past.

Text “START” - Start receiving messages
Text "OUTAGE" – Report a power outage
Text "STATUS" – Receive the current status of a power outage
Text “STOP” - Stop receiving messages
More information about the program and a live outage map are available on the Utility Alerts page: https://www.baldwincity.gov/utility-alerts.

04/27/2026

POWER OUTAGE UPDATE FOR MONDAY, APRIL 27

Due to the stormy weather this morning, a tree at the corner of Washington Street and Ames Street split and fell across all three phases of the power lines. This caused a power outage on the northeast circuit beginning at approximately 5:30am.

The northeast circuit covers USD 348 Junior High and High School, as well as most of the part of town north of Highway 56 and east of 6th Street.

The line crew was able to clear the tree off the line quickly and restore power by 6:45am.

04/27/2026

04/26/2026

There is a public storm shelter available at the Baldwin City School District (USD 348) Performing Arts Center, if tornado sirens are activated in Baldwin City. Please note the information regarding which doors to use in the School District’s post below.

04/25/2026

Today is National Takeback Day, and it’s time to spring clean your medicine cabinet of unneeded Rx meds and drop them off at the Baldwin City Police Department today until 2pm for proper disposal.

You may also check for other participating locations at www.DEATakeBack.com.

The drug overdose epidemic in the United States is a clear and present public health, public safety, and national security threat. DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day reflects DEA’s commitment to Americans’ safety and health, encouraging the public to remove unneeded medications fro...

04/17/2026

Dear Baldwin Families,

In an abundance of caution, we’ve decided to dismiss school early at 1:00 pm today, Friday, April 17, 2026, due to the forecasted severe weather. Our buses will leave our lots at 1:00 pm. We will engage our early release lunch schedule to ensure students are fed. There will be no PM preschool today.

Any family that wishes to pick up their student earlier than 1:00 pm may do so. Please contact your school's office.

Also, any families of bus-riding students who wish to pick up their student up today may do so. Please call the transportation office and inform them of your decision at 785-594-7433.

All district after-school activities for today have been canceled, including the Baldwin City Rec Commission after-school program.

Thank you for your continued support, patience, and understanding. Please be safe.

Respectfully,

Mark Dodge
Superintendent
Baldwin USD 348

04/08/2026

Outdoor Burning is prohibited for all unincorporated areas of DGCO Today (04/08). High fire danger conditions, due to low humidity, SSW Winds 24, Gusts 36. DO NOT BURN. Check recent burns. Report wildfires to authorities EM3 04/08 0638

03/26/2026

Douglas County is now under a Red Flag Warning beginning now until Friday night at 9 pm. Also, we will be in a Fire Weather Watch from Saturday morning through Saturday evening.
Winds Friday from the North -10-20 mph with gusts to 30 mph; Saturday, South winds at 10-20 mph, gusts to 25 mph. Relative humidity Friday and Saturday as low as 20 %. Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly and difficult to control. Burning is prohibited. Kari W EM 6

03/25/2026

Baldwin City Police Department is currently hiring. Contact Police Chief Mike Pattrick with questions at [email protected], or find out more and get an application on the City website: https://www.baldwincity.gov/jobs/police-officer.

03/24/2026

Interested in working in the best small town in Kansas? Check out what the Baldwin City Police Department can offer you, in addition to a hometown family atmosphere and the best colleagues in the world:
- Police Officer Pay range $26.08 to $36.54 DOQ
- Signing Bonus of $3000 ($1500 upon start and $1500 upon academy graduation)
- Skill Incentive program – Up to $6250 additional annual compensation for special skills (i.e. language, education, military etc.)
- Paid Military Leave
- 50% College tuition reimbursement for classes pertaining to profession
POSITION SUMMARY
Under the supervision of the Police Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Chief, the Police Officer is a nonexempt position under FLSA. The position protects and serves the citizens of Baldwin City. This position provides citizen assistance, enforces all federal, state, and local laws, and performs patrol duties. Making arrests, issuing citations for traffic violations, and investigating crimes and accidents are the primary responsibilities of this position. This employee should possess excellent communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills.
Police Officer Pay range $26.08 to $36.54 DOQ
This position works 12-hour shifts with no bid system and every other weekend off.
Full job description and application available here: https://www.baldwincity.gov/jobs/police-officer.