’King in the Community’ an Eagle Media Podcast

Aaron and Michelle Peck, Owners of BEL Tree Farm

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas on King in the Community! Join Nate King as he welcomes Michelle and Aaron Peck, the dynamic duo behind BEL Tree Farm—a winter wonderland nestled just outside Salina, Kansas.
 
Michelle and Aaron share the heartwarming story of how they turned a cherished local tradition into a thriving family-run Christmas destination. From the farm’s fascinating name (spoiler: it’s “BEL” with one L for a reason!) to the magic of fresh-cut Christmas trees, they reveal how BEL Tree Farm has become a holiday favorite for generations of families.
Get ready to hear about all the joy-packed activities waiting for visitors, including horse-drawn hayrides, a cozy gift shop with more than 5,000 ornaments, free hot apple cider, and even Christmas donkeys! Whether you're hunting for the perfect tree or just soaking up the holiday spirit, BEL Tree Farm has it all.
Opening weekend starts the Friday after Thanksgiving, and the farm is open throughout the holiday season.
To check out their website, click here.
 

Maggie Spicer Brown, Director for Theatre Salina's production of 'The Sound of Music'

In this episode of the King in the Community podcast, host Nate King sits down with Maggie Spicer Brown to discuss the upcoming holiday production of The Sound of Music at Theatre Salina. Maggie, the show's director, shares a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process, the talented cast, and what it is like to direct such an iconic musical.
The production, running from November 22 through December 15, promises to deliver the magic and harm of this Rodgers and Hammerstein classic with a stellar cast, a live orchestra, and stunning visuals. Maggie highlights the collaborative efforts of the Theatre Salina team, including the creative crew, the inclusion of community families, and the dedication of everyone involved in bringing this timeless story to life.
They also delve into the significance of the show’s themes, the importance of family, and Theatre Salina’s ongoing efforts to expand and enhance its facilities through a capital campaign. Maggie emphasizes how the production will leave audiences with a sense of nostalgia and joy, perfect for the holiday season.
Learn more about the production and purchase tickets at salinatheater.com.
 

April Saskowski and Angie Andrewson, Building Blocks Learning Center

In this King in the Community episode, host Nate King interviews April Saskowski and Angie Andrewson from the Building Blocks Learning Center at Trinity United Methodist Church in Salina.
April shares the story of founding the preschool 13 years ago and how it has grown into a program that now includes childcare services. Angie discusses her experiences as a teacher and how her background in early childhood education helps her provide a nurturing and engaging environment for young learners.
For parents looking for a preschool or childcare program, this episode offers an inside look at how Building Blocks Learning Center is helping children thrive. To learn more, visit their website at https://preschool.triumc.org/ for enrollment details.

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.