King in the Community

Michelle Cardinal Dolan, Executive Director of Music at KWU

On this episode of King in the Community, Nate King speaks with Michelle Cardinal Dolan, Executive Director of Music at Kansas Wesleyan University, about the recent growth in student enrollment, renovations at Sam’s Chapel and the recent "Come Home" concert. Dolan highlights how the upgraded rehearsal spaces and the addition of a new Steinway grand piano enhance the music department's offerings.
The discussion also covers upcoming events, including the annual Christmas by Candlelight concert, and how the university engages with the Salina community and beyond through music and the arts.
 
To view the KWU Music Department "Come Home" concert, click here. 
 
 

Leslie Bishop SDI Executive Director, The Holidays in Downtown Salina

Welcome to the King in the Community Podcast! In this episode, Nate is joined by Leslie Bishop, Executive Director of Salina Downtown, Inc., to explore the magic of the holiday season in downtown Salina.
From Pink Friday shopping on November 22 to the dazzling Parade of Lights on November 23, and festive family moments like Santa photos on December 14 and 21, Leslie shares all the exciting events and opportunities to shop local this holiday season. Tune in to hear how supporting downtown businesses strengthens the community while creating unforgettable holiday memories.
Whether you're a 67401 local or just passing through, this episode has everything you need to celebrate the season in Salina. 

Jeff Hammond, Salina Director of Parks and Recreation

In this episode of King in the Community, host Nate King welcomes Jeff Hammond, the City of Salina's Director of Parks and Recreation, for an engaging conversation about the city’s parks, recreation projects, and community initiatives. Jeff shares a little about his career and what led him and his family to live in Salina.
They dive into the recent upgrades and future plans for Salina’s parks, including significant improvements to Jerry Ivey Park and continued implementation of the Parks Master Plan. 
Jeff also talks about Dean Evans Stadium, updates on the possible animal shelter expansion, and the ongoing community debate around breed-specific legislation. 

Build A Pro, Salina Non-Profit Apprenticeship Intermediary Organization

In this episode of King in the Community, host Nate King welcomes Kevin, Ash, and Amanda from Build A Pro—a new nonprofit in Salina transforming the path to skilled trades. Build A Pro connects young people, second-chancers, and veterans with hands-on apprenticeships, guiding them from beginners to certified plumbing, electrical, and culinary arts professionals. With divisions dedicated to youth and the military and the "Lazarus Project" for those rebuilding their lives, Build A Pro offers comprehensive support, from technical skills to financial literacy and conflict management.
 
Tune in to hear how this apprenticeship intermediary is filling a critical need in Salina’s workforce, helping participants achieve mastery in their fields—all while keeping education accessible and debt-free. For more information or to get involved as an apprentice or business partner, visit Build A Pro's website.

Marian Gagna, Radiologic Technologist at the Salina Breast Diagnostic Center

Nate King sits down for a conversation about breast health with Marian Gagna, radiologic technologist from Salina Regional Health Center’s Breast Diagnostic Center. In this episode, Marian provides insights regarding the importance of early detection, recent advancements in mammography imaging technology, and the steps involved in self-examinations and mammograms. With more than 30 years of experience, Marian provides and in depth look at the processes at Salina’s Breast Diagnostic Center, from biopsies to imaging techniques.
Statistics show that when breast cancer is found at its earliest localized stage, the five-year relative survival rate is 99%.
 
Schedule your mammogram today. 

Saline County Administrator, Phil Smith-Hanes, Sundowner, county insurance, election

 
In this episode of King in the Community, host Nate King sits down with Saline County Administrator Phil Smith-Haynes to discuss the importance of emergency preparedness, especially as severe weather events like Hurricane Helene and Milton affect parts of the U.S. While Salina doesn’t face hurricanes, local residents still need to be ready for potential disasters such as winter storms, wind events, and power outages. Phil shares insights on how Saline County and its Emergency Management Department are helping residents prepare for emergencies, emphasizing the need for backup plans, essential supplies, and community involvement through CERT training.
Nate and Phil dive into local topics, including Saline County’s self-insured health plan, ongoing efforts to address the water crisis in the Sundowner Mobile Home Park, and 2024 Election information. 

Salina City Manager, Mike Schrage

In this episode of King in the Community, host Nate King welcomes back Salina City Manager Mike Schrage to discuss a wide range of local topics. They begin by exploring the impacts the BOOM! Salina Street Art and Mural Festival has on the local economy, highlighting the role of private sector involvement in bringing international artists to Salina. Schrage clarifies the city's role in supporting the event and addresses public misconceptions about funding for the murals.
The conversation shifts to ongoing issues, such as the incomplete Cozy Inn mural, the legal process involved, and the timeline for resolution. They also touch on the city’s fleet of automated trash trucks, discussing their efficiency, cost savings, and improvements to the fleet.
Finally, King and Schrage dive into the Magnolia Village housing development project and the infrastructure improvements planned for the surrounding area. The episode concludes with an update on the city's financial planning for road projects and debt management.
 

Rep. Clarke Sanders, incumbent seeking reelection for Kansas' 69th House District

In this episode of King in the Community, host Nate King sits down with Kansas Representative Clarke Sanders to discuss the 2024 state elections, focusing on local politics and his campaign for the Kansas 69th House District.
 
Skip the national headlines—this conversation dives into the heart of state-level issues. Sanders, who has served since 2021, shares insights on the political dynamics in Topeka, including special education funding, Medicaid expansion, and rural broadband development. Sanders also reflects on his own journey in public service, his views on state regulation and more. 

Renee Duxler, Salina Area Chamber of Commerce update

In this episode of King in the Community, Nate King speaks with Renee Duxler, President and CEO of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, about the groundbreaking of the $100 million K-AIRES facility, a new hub for augmented and virtual reality technology.
 
Renee shares how Pure Imagination, a company originally based in Silicon Valley, chose Salina over New Mexico due to the community’s strong support and local incentives. The new facility is expected to bring over 100 jobs to the area, many of which will benefit K-State Salina graduates. Renee also discusses the chamber’s focus on workforce development, emphasizing the need for childcare, affordable housing, mental health services, and immigration reform to address labor shortages.

Lori Blake, Candidate for the 69th Kansas House District

In this episode of King in the Community, host Nate King interviews Lori Blake, a candidate for the Kansas 69th House District. Blake shares her campaign platform and discusses a range of issues, including the balance of decision-making power between state and local governments, the importance of adequately funding special education, and the need for Medicaid expansion to address healthcare access across Kansas.
Blake also discusses her professional background, including her work with local organizations like the Child Advocacy and Parenting Services (CAPS) Center and her experience in human resources, public education, and disability services. With more than 25 years of community involvement, she explains how these roles have prepared her for the challenges of public office.
Throughout the conversation, Blake addresses key concerns raised by voters, such as property taxes, mental health services, and rural economic development. She also touches on broader issues affecting Kansans, such as gun safety, juvenile justice reform, and the need for more resources to support small businesses and farmers.
 
This episode offers an in-depth look at Blake’s perspectives and goals as she campaigns for the 2024 election, providing voters with a clear understanding of her priorities if elected to the Kansas legislature. Stay tuned next week for Nate's conversation with current incumbent for the seat Rep. Clarke Sanders.