After two months, the Baldwin City Recreation Commission’s effort to build a community center is about to be restarted.

In November, BCRC board members addressed the Baldwin City Council and the Baldwin school board, announcing the board’s intent to push for a community center. Board member Ginny Honomichl got what she wanted from the city council: a pledge to support the BCRC’s exploration of options to build and finance a community center. Nothing was asked of the school board, although board members were told the district would be asked to provide property for the facility.

Soon after the school board presentation, the BCRC board backed away from the aggressive schedule it shared at the council and board meetings, which called for having town hall meetings on the community center as early as January. Instead, it was decided to establish the steering committee of representatives from the city, school district, Baker University and BCRC so that all the stakeholders could be on the same page. The first task assigned to the steering committee was to select the site for the community center.

BCRC executive director Steve Friend said steering committee representatives have toured three possible sites, all of which the school district owns. The three properties considered potential sites were the Ruhlen property northwest of the high school; a property once earmarked for a community center at Bullpup Drive and Elm Street; and the vacant city block east of Sixth Street between Chapel and Dearborn streets.

Friend said it was his intent to take a site request to the school board at its Feb. 15 meeting. In the interim, the steering committee will meet with new Baldwin City Administrator Glenn Rodden after he starts Monday to brief him on the project and hear his feedback. Once a site is selected, the process of getting a community center design and a plan to pay for it should speed up, Friend said.

Other news and notes:
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? The Baldwin High School 12th-Man Club will have a fundraiser at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Baldwin Golf Course Clubhouse. The event will feature a poker tournament and a live silent auction. The money raised will be used to purchase new high school football uniforms and practice equipment.

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? Seniors and others looking to get a break on their insurance rates should consider attending a driver improvement class sponsored by Eudora Parks and Recreation. The class will be held from noon to 4:30 p.m. Monday at City Hall, 4 E. Seventh St. Those interested should call 542-3434 to register. The cost is $20 and includes materials.

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? The city of Eudora will have a public hearing at 7 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall regarding the possible revision of off-street parking and loading regulations. Among the issues to be reviewed for a possible text amendment are side-yard parking, driveway extensions and recreational vehicle storage.

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? The Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly meeting from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday at The Lodge, 502 Ames St. Bert Hull of Sunflower Publishing will speak at the meeting about the spring/summer issue of Baldwin City Living Magazine. Sunflower Publishing is a division of The World Company, which is the parent company of the Journal-World and LJWorld.com.

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? Ives Chapel United Methodist Church will have its monthly free community meal from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the church, 1018 Miami St., in Baldwin City.