The Baldwin City Public Library has its first new director in three decades. Kathy Johnston has retired from the position she held for 30 years, and Cheryl Sylvester took over as director on July 13.

Sylvester has worked at community libraries since she took a position as children’s librarian in 1990 at her hometown Ottawa library. She later held similar positions with the Atchison and Leavenworth libraries. Her career took a different path when she started getting interested in the budgetary and administrative sides of libraries. After earning a master’s degree from Emporia State University’s library science program, Sylvester took a job as the director of the Winchester Public Library.

Sylvester said she always admired the Baldwin City community while growing up. Her admiration grew when her daughter went to Baker University, she said. That admiration played a big role in her decision to take the Baldwin City job, she said. Other factors were the library’s strong and active friends group, and her commitment to libraries in rural communities, Sylvester said.

She hasn’t had a lot of time to think about changes, Sylvester said. Any that she might recommend would have to be a fit for the library and community, she said.

“I’m just getting my feet wet,” she said. “I have been visiting with people about things that have been done and what could be done as we move forward. One of the things I’ve learned is they would like a writers’ group here. I have a special love for children, so we might expand children’s programing.”

Earlier this month, Eudora Parks and Recreation celebrated a partnership with Hamm Inc. and CFS Engineers to repave the asphalt pathways in Blue Jacket Park. Recently, the city took action to get another trail project underway.

The Eudora City Commission voted this month to award a contract to Kansas Heavy Construction LLC to construct the second phase of the Eudora South Trail. Kansas Heavy Construction was the low bidder for the project.

The project is being completed through a Kansas Department of Transportation enhancement grant approved in April 2016. With the approval of the bid, the city’s share for the project will be $170,481. KDOT indicates the trail will be completed by Christmas.

The 10-foot-wide, 3,500-foot long trail, which is part of the city’s parks master plan, will run along County Road 1061 from Kansas Highway 10 to Shadow Ridge Park southeast of Eudora Middle School. Other sections of the trail will connect Shadow Ridge Park and the Eudora Middle School to two access points in the Shadow Ridge subdivision.

The Eudora Community Center will be closed Aug. 7 through Aug. 13 for maintenance and improvements. The closure includes the fitness room, gym, meeting room and common areas. The swimming pool and restrooms will remain open.

The Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce will have its next coffee and conversation session from 8 to 9 a.m. Friday at the Baldwin City Academy of Dance and Voice, 1715 High St. Brad Smith, the chief financial officer for Baldwin City, will speak on city budgeting.