’King in the Community’ an Eagle Media Podcast

  In this episode of King in the Community, host Nate King sits down with Joe Hay Jr., the Saline County Board of Commissioners chairman, to discuss his journey into local government and the critical issues currently facing Saline County.   Joe shares his unique path to becoming a commissioner, which began with a coin flip during a city commission race and reflects on his dedication to serving the...

In this episode of the King in the Community podcast, Nate King sits down with  Saline County Health Educator , Meagan Rico. Rico, an experienced RN and Salina Native shares her journey from home health nurse to her current role, where she focuses on health equity, addressing the social determinants of health and connecting the public with resources. They discuss how the health department reaches...

In this episode of King in the Community, Salina Post News Director Nate King is joined by Salina City Manager Mike Schrage. They cover the city’s storm debris cleanup efforts, the impacts of switching to automated trash collection, and the latest on landfill expansion. Mike also gives an update on the turf field use fee increase, downtown city campus space planning, and the mental health co-respo...

In this episode of King in the Community, host Nate King sits down with Michael Spicer, the executive director of Theatre Salina, to discuss the highly anticipated 64th season opener, Disney’s The Little Mermaid . They dive deep into the magic of bringing this beloved story to life on stage, exploring the necessary planning that goes into selecting each season’s productions, and the unique challen...

In this episode of "King in the Community," host Nate King sits down with Darren Morawitz, Education Director at the Salina Art Center Warehouse, to discuss the upcoming Repair Café event taking place on Saturday, September 7 from 9 a.m. to Noon at the Salina Art Center Warehouse.    The Repair Café is a community-focused initiative where skilled volunteers offer their expertise to fix a variety o...

In this episode of King in the Community, Salina Post News Director Nate King welcomes back Phil Smith-Hanes, Saline County Administrator, for a discussion on current developments in Saline County. Phil provides insights into the recent National Night Out event, the adoption of the 2025 budget, and the county's response to recent storm damage. Smith-Hanes talks about the Saline County facility eva...

Join Nate King on the King in the Community Podcast as he visits with Vickee Spicer, Executive Director of Prairieland Market, about the exciting move to Santa Fe Avenue in Salina. They cover the latest construction updates, new kitchen, and the market’s commitment to expanding organic and healthy food options for all residents. Spicer shares the market's vision for expanding its offerings, focusi...

In this episode, Nate King sits down virtually with Salina City Manager Mike Schrage to discuss the happenings at recent city commission meetings, ongoing discussions amongst community members, and proactive planning for city-owned property. Nate asks about the  Salina City Commission's decision to deem the Ambassador Hotel a dangerous structure , and Mike explains the criteria and future steps. M...

In this episode, Salina Post News Director Nathan King talks with Salina Public Library Director Melanie Hedgespeth about how the library has changed and adapted to the community's needs. They share exciting updates about new services, including digital materials, youth services, and unique things like seed packets and spice libraries available to everyone. Melanie also talks about the important r...

In this episode, Nate King sits down with local community leader and musician Cash Hollistah (James Curtis) to discuss how his grandfather started Daddy Bud Day and what inspired Cash to revive an event with close ties to the Black community and the City of Salina. Hollistah shares his passion for his hometown, highlighting the opportunities for families and the importance of ensuring community en...

Join Nate King on the "King in the Community" podcast for his monthly conversation with Saline County Administrator Phil Smith-Hanes. Nate and Phil discuss the 2025 Budget, covering the decision to exceed the revenue-neutral rate and its financial implications. Nate asks Phil about the collaborative facilities study with the City of Salina and upcoming community events like National Night Out. Sta...

Tune in for another conversation with Mitch Robinson, Executive Director of the Salina Community Economic Development Organization. Nate asks him about the Kansas Department of Commerce's new program "Love Kansas" and the state's efforts to bring back former residents. They also discuss the current employment gap experienced at the national and local levels and the current lack of housing in Salin...

In this episode of King in the Community, Salina Post News Director Nate King interviews Lori Trow, president of the Salina League of Women Voters. Lori discusses the League's mission to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented. She explains how the local chapter empowers voters through advocacy, education, and litigation. Listen in for reminders of crucial dates and dea...

In this King in the Community episode, Salina Post News Director Nate King talks with Saline County Administrator Phil Smith-Hanes about recent efforts to improve broadband access in Saline County, including a community survey. Smith-Hanes also provides an update on the 2025 budget, outlining necessary cuts due to lower property valuations, and mowing services. Phil also previews the upcoming Augu...

Join Salina Post News Director Nate King for another conversation with Salina City Manager, Mike Schrage. Discover how the city supports the Smoky Hill River Festival through extensive planning and coordination, ensuring a smooth and safe event despite unpredictable weather. Schrage also discusses the ongoing civil suit affecting signage regulations. Learn about the recent changes to the city’s pr...

Tune in for another episode of the King in the Community podcast with Salina Post News Director Nate King. This episode features Nate's conversation with Jack Maytum, Senior Broadband Analyst at Design Nine, Inc. Maytum speaks about the importance of reliable broadband access and the comprehensive broadband study for Saline County. Maytum outlines the assessment of existing infrastructure, usage p...

Join Salina Post News Director Nate King for an insightful conversation with Nikki Goding, the Salina City Clerk, as she takes us behind the scenes of the city's digital transformation and governance.  In this episode, we dive into: Nikki's Role and Responsibilities: Learn about the pivotal functions she performs as the City Clerk and her journey in public service. Digital Transformation Efforts:...

Join Salina Post News Director Nate King as he interviews Kansas Wesleyan University President and CEO Dr. Matt Thompson. Listen in as they discuss the university's record-setting growth in enrollment and the successes in academic programs, athletics, and community engagement. Dr. Thompson emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and reflects on the university's resilience fo...

Join host Nate King on The King in the Community Podcast for a special episode featuring Smoky Hill River critters Bella Beaver, Bartholomew Bullfrog, Edna C. Channel Cat, and Timmy the Turtle. These hand puppets, created by Anne Hoekstra, education outreach coordinator for the Friends of the River Foundation, are animated by Anne and Friends of River Foundation Executive Director, Jane Anderson. ...

Join Nate King, News Director of the Salina Post, in this episode of "King in the Community" as he engages with Salina Police Chief C.J. Wise. They discuss the revival of Salina's drug task force after a hiatus due to manpower issues, highlighting significant achievements in the past four months, including major drug seizures and community outreach. Explore the ongoing drug problem in Salina, and...

Join Nate King on this episode of King in the Community as he chats with Susan Eberwein, Director of Artyopolis at the Smoky Hill River Festival . Susan shares her journey from working at the festival as a teen to taking her children there, and the amazing growth of Artyopolis from a single table to a vibrant kids’ zone featuring Creation Crossing, Paintchooo Plaza, and more. Get excited for the r...

Join Salina Post News Director Nate King as he sits down with Kansas Lieutenant Governor/Secretary of Commerce David Toland to explore the economic growth of Salina and statewide initiatives. Toland discusses factors driving Salina’s success, such as population growth, housing, and arts investments. Toland also commends local economic development leaders Salina Area Chamber of Commerce's Renee Dux...

Join Nate King as he interviews Jane Anderson, Executive Director of the Friends of the River Foundation, about the exciting Smoky Hill River revitalization project. Discover the impact of local and federal funding, the challenges faced, and the potential generational impact on the Salina and the Central Kansas community.  During the podcast, Jane provides a timeline of project construction, histo...

Join host Nate King on the King in the Community podcast as he talks with Sarah Keck, entertainment director for the 48th annual Smoky Hill River Festival in Salina, Kansas. Sarah shares a sneak peek of the music acts at the festival, including diverse genres and performers. Sarah also discusses the collaborative effort in selecting artists and highlights returning favorites like Papa Green Shoes...

Join host Nate King and guest Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab on the latest episode of the "King in the Community" podcast as they discuss Kansas’ election security laws and important dates/deadlines for the upcoming Primary and General elections this year.  Schwab emphasizes his office's robust security measures to prevent fraud and reiterates his appreciation and commendation of the work...