LJWorld.com

Baldwin City once again has a newspaper that the community can call its own.

It's official: The Baldwin City Signal is the name chosen as the city's new newspaper.

"The Signal has the history associated with Signal Oak, and will also serve as reference to the future -- signaling ahead, just as Signal Oak was used for," said Dolph Simons III, co-manager of WorldWest Limited Liability Company, the company that brought the Baldwin City Signal to the community.

The flag of the new newspaper represents two elements so vital to the Baldwin City community -- Signal for the oak and its historical significance and the maple leaf, also known for its community history and the more recent awareness as the biggest draw for the annual festival.

"The flag of our new newspaper has Signal Oak as the name and the maple leaf as elements," said Dan Simons, co-manager of World West. "It's not a mistake. It's intended. It draws two elements of Baldwin tradition into play."

The name of the newspaper has come after months of consideration. Hundreds of entries in the "name the paper contest" were compiled. Will Nelson, Baldwin City, was the winner. Nelson won a free subscription.

In the history of Baldwin City, there have been at least 15 papers, according to various historical accounts. The first, dated 1859, was called the Messager, although some references to it are the Messenger.

"Although there have been many newspapers in Baldwin over the years, starting a new one isn't something that happens in this day and age," said Dolph Simons III. "The community has made it clear that it wants a new voice and we're extremely pleased to provide it.

"The name and flag elements reflect what's important to residents of Baldwin City, based on the hundreds of entries in our contest," he said. "History is a very vital element and so is the Maple Leaf Festival. But the vision ahead was also reflected in the names submitted."

Baldwin City is in the midst of change, with unprecedented growth all around, he said. But, he added, the history and small-town atmosphere remain vitally important to its residents.

"We wanted to be a part of the growth that is shaping Baldwin City. That's why we wanted to bring a new voice to the city," said Dan Simons. "But, more importantly, we wanted to capture the city's historic significance and preserve it in a way that will help carry it forward into the new millennium.

"We view the Signal as linking that history through Signal Oak, as well as being a signal to the future," he said. "The maple leaf element also reflects that with its long-standing tradition and its recurring role as the city's premier annual event."

The Baldwin City Signal will be published on Wednesdays. Charter subscriptions are available for $20 through the end of March. Regular subscription price will be $30 for Douglas County residents, by carrier and mail, and by mail to immediate four-county area; $35 by mail elsewhere in Kansas; and $40 by mail elsewhere. All subscriptions are on an annual basis.

The office is located at 703 High, P.O. Box 970, Baldwin City 66006. Phone number is (785) 594-7080, advertising number is (785) 594-7083 and the fax number is 594-7084. E-mail addresses are jmyrick@baldwincity.com, newsroom@baldwincity.com and ads@baldwincity.com.

Along with the new paper, the Web site at baldwincity.com has also been redesigned. It includes the new flag and many features previously not available, such as links to other sites.

• Signal Oak history. Page 4.