’King in the Community’ an Eagle Media Podcast

Welcome to another episode of 'King in the Community,' where we delve deep into issues affecting Salinans and the citizens of Central Kansas.  Join us as your host, Nate King, engages in thought-provoking discussions with Kansas State Representative for the 69th District, Clarke Sanders, about the recent kick-off for the legislative session. This episode covers topics including the proposition of...

On this episode, I speak with Saline County Administrator Phil Smith-Hanes about issues the Saline County Commission hopes to address in 2024 and highlights from projects completed in 2023.  Topics we discuss include Reallocation of American Rescue Plan dollars given to Saline County Request for proposal for an evaluation of how Saline County facilities are used Saline County's Sky West incentive...

Just in time for Shop Small Saturday on Dec. 2, Saline County Public Information Officer Melissa McCoy stops by to discuss an exciting new shop local rewards program - Choose Saline County .  The app allows users to earn and redeem stars, which are local rewards from Saline County. Earning Saline Stars is simple - users can link their credit or debit cards, join reward offers, and shop at particip...

On this episode of "King in the Community," I visit with Salina screenwriter, Ed Harlowe about the recent developments for a movie that will be filmed in Salina — "Fred." Notably, Harlowe shares with me the "Hollywood A-List Celebrity" he wants to play Fred, a wise-cracking senior citizen who is caught in the throws of growing old. Harlowe also shares with us details about another screenplay he's...

The story you know, the music you love; Theatre Salina hopes you find yourself feeling like you're not in Kansas anymore as it presents, "The Wizard of Oz" Nov. 17-30, Dec. 1-2, Dec.15-17.  Join me on this episode of King in the Community where we get a behind-the-curtain look at the show from Musical Director and Theatre Salina Executive Director Michael Spicer.   About the "Wizard of Oz" L. Fran...

Since opening its doors in 1970, OCCK, Inc. has been facilitating partnerships and relationships with people who have disabilities, families, communities, businesses, social service agencies, and more.   On this episode, I speak with OCCK President and CEO Shelia Nelson Stout about a wide array of topics which include, what drew her to work at OCCK, the various local partnerships being formed with...

On this episode of the King in the Community podcast, I visit with Salina Dowtown Inc. Executive Director, Leslie Bishop about the exciting holiday events taking place in Downtown Salina this Nov. and Dec.    Upcoming Salina Downtown Holiday Events Holiday Open House Nov. 5   Stores downtown will be open from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. and you will be able to get a head start on your holiday shopping, or b...

On this episode, I speak with Saline County Administrator Phil Smith-Hanes about The Saline County Jail ribbon cutting taking place on Oct. 31 and events that will showcase the new jail Plans for what the county intends to do with the soon-to-be "old jail," The Sept. meeting of the Saline County Planning and Zoning Committee and the confusing vote to deny a battery storage facility  How property t...

Rafael Mendez, a Salina resident and member of the Leadership Kansas Board of Advisors, joins me on this episode to discuss the recent visit of the Leadership Kansas 2023 class to the Salina area.    Leadership Kansas is a statewide program designed to enhance and motivate leaders from various Kansas communities. Each year, Kansans representing various occupations in the private, public, and non-p...

It may not be a presidential election year but plenty of local municipal general races in Saline County will be decided in the Nov. 7 General Election. Saline County Clerk Jamie Doss talks to Nate King about upcoming deadlines and things to know for the 2023 Election.  "In a November of an even year election, we're at about 62 to 65% for voter turnout," Doss said. "In this city school election, we...

On this episode, I sit down with Captain Jim Hughes, with the Saline County Sheriff's Office, to learn about free trauma first aid kits and classes that will be available to the public this winter.   Listen in and learn about what trauma first aid is and how an eight-hour training will empower and prepare you to save a life. Hughes also addresses the delays in offering the course, attributing them...

On this episode of King in the Community, I sit down for my monthly conversation with Salina City Manager Mike Schrage. Topics discussed in this episode include An update on the pickleball court project and when we can expect to play on the courts The Smoky Hill River Renewal Project The role of the Law Enforcement Citizen's Review Board Community interest in restructuring the city commission into...

On this episode of King in the Community Saline hear how County Treasurer helped me find $150 dollars of unclaimed property the State of Kansas owed me. I'm not alone, in Saline County alone there is $4.2 million dollars of unclaimed property. There is a quick and easy way to see if you have money owed to you. Go to the State Treasurer's website here and search your name to see if Treasurer Steven...

On this episode of King in the Community, I sit down with Michelle Weis, executive director of the Saline County Emergency Management Department, to discuss the department's plan for preparedness. This year, the department will take a new approach to its emergency training, utilizing a Dungeons and Dragons dice-rolling system to create unique and random scenarios.  The emergency management departm...

On this episode on King in the Community, we hear an update on the Smoky Hill River renewal project from Jane Anderson, executive director at the Friends of the River Foundation. The river renewal project dates back to the 1970s. Listen in as Anderson explains how the Smoky Hill River became a damaged ecosystem, how potential Corps of Engineer dollars will restore the river to its original flow al...

In this first episode of a monthly series with Saline County Administrator, Phil Smith-Hanes, we discuss Saline County's innovative uses of ARPA funds [Federal COVID-19 Dollars], the soon-to-be-completed Saline County Jail, and the duties and responsibilities of the county administrator.    Learn about what led, Phil, a Kansas native, to pursue a career in local government and hear him express why...

In this episode of King in the Community, I spoke with Esther Kency, Director of Crisis Services at  Central Kansas Mental Health Center  (CKMHC), and Megan Willis, mental health first aid youth coordinator for CKMHC. Our discussion centered around the vital importance of being aware of mental health issues and ways the Salina community can raise awareness about suicide prevention. Kency and Willi...

By SALINA POST Abilene event organizers are finishing the last-minute preparations for the  6th Annual Oktoberfest . The family-friendly event is free to enter and will take place from Sept. 15-16 in downtown Abilene.  Jamie Greening, Abilene Oktoberfest organizer, said Friday night will have more activities than in previous years.  The festival kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday with activities, vendors,...

On this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with LaNay Meier about her newly published book titled "The Feelings Umbrella." Meier is holding a book-read event at Ad Astra Coffee House on September 16 at 2:00 p.m.    Meier told Salina Post that she invites both children and grown-ups alike to attend because in her words-"adults, especially need to talk about their feelings."   During our conver...

On this episode of King in the Community, I sit down with Katie Zey, head of marketing at The Salina Public Library to talk about September adult and youth programs offered at the library and the upcoming TEEN-TOBER campaign.    Since she started working for the Salina Libary last year, Zey said she has been blown away by how much the library does for the local community. "There is always somethin...

During my monthly chat with Salina City Manager Mike Schrage, we discussed the 2024 City Budget, continuing our conversation about the city's road improvement timeline, the passage of a charter ordinance that will allow the city to post public notices on its website, and Salina Animal Services. 

Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical is taking the page to the stage starting this weekend at Theatre Salina.  Experience this captivating masterpiece from the Royal Shakespeare Company that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination, and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. On this episode of...

By NATE KING Salina Post Earlier this month, Shannon's Stars Twirling Club won the gold medal in the Show Twirl Accessory Corp team competition at the 2023 World Baton Twirling Championships and Nations Cup held in Liverpool, England.    Shannon Meis, head coach at Shannon's Stars, said the audience's reaction following the team's "no drop" routine will be something she will always remember. "It's...

Have you ever wondered why your garden isn't producing the way you thought it would? How about questions about landscaping or yard maintenance? Have pests you don't know how to get rid of?   K-State Research and Extension has the answers.  On this episode of King in the Community, I sit down for a conversation with Jason Graves, Horticulture Agent for K-State Research and Extension- Central Distri...

In this episode, I chat with the Saline County Clerk, Jamie Doss about the revenue-neutral rate and upcoming elections.   Doss walks me through the letters that have been sent out regarding taxing entities in their community. We discuss the impact of this rate on property taxes and how it affects county homeowners. We also discuss the importance of participating in local elections and how the Cler...