King in the Community
Join Salina Post News Director, Nate King, as he talks with local and regional government officials, first responders, non-profit leaders, and unique individuals with interesting stories from Saline County and beyond. Learn about how organizations in your neighborhood leverage their partnerships to create a more interconnected community.
Episodes
![C.J. Wise, Salina Police Chief](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog5606041/Untitled_design_zws59w_300x300.jpg)
Friday Jun 07, 2024
C.J. Wise, Salina Police Chief
Friday Jun 07, 2024
Friday Jun 07, 2024
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 the necessity of partnerships with other law enforcement agencies. Chief Wise also addresses building trust with underserved communities and the difficulties in recruiting and retaining officers.
Stay informed and connected with "King in the Community," where every episode brings you closer to the critical issues affecting Salina.
![Susan Eberwein, Artyopolis Coordinator](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog5606041/ezgif-3-c55a3148f2_mx77at_300x300.jpg)
Friday May 31, 2024
Susan Eberwein, Artyopolis Coordinator
Friday May 31, 2024
Friday May 31, 2024
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 return of the Flint Hill Fairies, a lineup of new and returning entertainers at Arty's Stage, and amenities like a misting station and baby station. Susan also shares need to know details about the nostalgic First Treasures event, where kids aged 4-13 can purchase exclusive artwork at a reasonable price.
Tune in to see what activities children can do at the 48th Annual Epic Arts Party in Oakdale park.
For more information check out riverfestival.com
![Kansas Lt. Gov./Sec. of Commerce, David Toland](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog5606041/Lieutenant-Governor-Secretary-of-Commerce-David-C-Toland_Official_gu4xcj_300x300.jpg)
Wednesday May 29, 2024
Kansas Lt. Gov./Sec. of Commerce, David Toland
Wednesday May 29, 2024
Wednesday May 29, 2024
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 Duxler and Salina Community Economic Development Organization's Mitch Robinson.
This episode covers key topics like the passage of the Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion (APEX) Legislation, Panasonic’s $4 billion plant made possible thanks to APEX, workforce challenges in the state, broadband internet development in rural areas, and the strategic use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
Toland also addresses Medicaid expansion and its potential benefits for Kansas.
On this episode of King in the Community, listen to Toland share an overview of recent local and statewide economic developments and the importance of civic engagement and community involvement.
![Jane Anderson, Update on Smoky Hill River Renewal Project funding](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog5606041/326345347_523466873209812_8130398706735238103_n_m7iwjm_300x300.png)
Tuesday May 28, 2024
Jane Anderson, Update on Smoky Hill River Renewal Project funding
Tuesday May 28, 2024
Tuesday May 28, 2024
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, historical context for how the river ecosystem deteriorated, and the ways that US Senator Jerry Moran has helped make this dream project a reality.
![Sarah Keck, Smoky Hill River Festival Entertainment Director](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog5606041/ezgif-1-3f3e4e6df2_fibcd8_300x300.jpg)
Friday May 24, 2024
Sarah Keck, Smoky Hill River Festival Entertainment Director
Friday May 24, 2024
Friday May 24, 2024
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 and new additions like Wilderness and Scott Mulvahill. Don't miss this celebration of music and community spirit at the 48th annual Smoky Hill River Festival June 13-16.
![Kansas Secretary of State, Scott Schwab](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog5606041/Schwab_Headshot_gjjzty_300x300.jpg)
Tuesday May 21, 2024
Kansas Secretary of State, Scott Schwab
Tuesday May 21, 2024
Tuesday May 21, 2024
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 being done by county clerks to ensure elections run smoothly at the local level.
In this episode, you'll learn from Schwab how difficult it is to vote illegally in Kansas.
Believe it or not, overseeing statewide elections is just a small part of what Schwab does as Secretary of State. In addition to serving as the state's Chief Elections Officer, Schwab is also in charge of maintaining business filings.
![Mike Schrage, Salina City Manager discusses Smoky Hill River Project, road improvements and more](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog5606041/1685990553365_8h3ejf_300x300.png)
Friday May 17, 2024
Friday May 17, 2024
Join host Nate King and special guest Salina City Manager Mike Schrage for a discussion about the Smoky Hill Revitalization Project, increasing the amount of affordable housing, continued road improvements, new city commission meeting schedule and more.
Hear a brief update on the Cozy in versus the City of Salina civil suit reagarding the partial mural/sign displayed on the north wall of Cozy Inn Hamburgers in Salina, Kansas.
Tune in each month for an update from Salina City Manager Mike Schrage here on the King in the Community podcast.
![Crystal Hammerschmidt, Smoky Hill River Festival Visual Arts Coordinator](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog5606041/Hammerschmidt-Crystal-April-2023_300dpi_tin2yj_300x300.jpg)
Thursday May 16, 2024
Crystal Hammerschmidt, Smoky Hill River Festival Visual Arts Coordinator
Thursday May 16, 2024
Thursday May 16, 2024
Join host Nate King as he sits down with Crystal Hammerschmidt, the Visual Arts Coordinator for the upcoming Smoky Hill River Festival in Salina. Crystal shares her insights on the festival's visual arts, highlighting the talented artists and diverse artwork that will be showcased.
From paintings to sculptures to handmade crafts, listeners will get a sneak peek at what art to expect at this year's festival. Tune in to learn more about how the arts community is thriving in Salina and how you can support local artists at this exciting event.
For more information check out the Smoky Hill River Festival website here.
![Saline County Administrator, Phil Smith-Hanes talks Choose Saline County, broadband access and more](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog5606041/phillip_nffcjy_300x300.jpg)
Tuesday May 14, 2024
Tuesday May 14, 2024
Join Nate King, News Director at Salina Post, as he discusses key community issues with Saline County Administrator Phil Smith-Hanes on this episode of King in the Community.
They cover the unexpected shutdown of the Choose Saline County app and potential solutions. They also dive into ARPA funds, 2025 budget requests, and upcoming Saline County Commission meetings.
Smith-Hanes discusses the closure of the South tag office in Saline County and its impact on residents. The importance of broadband access, particularly in rural areas, is highlighted, emphasizing the need for faster, more affordable internet speeds.
Tune in to learn about Saline County's path forward and the role of community involvement in shaping its future.
![Jason Graves, Horticulturist with K-State Research and Extension Central District](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog5606041/JGraves_nt26aj_300x300.jpg)
Friday May 03, 2024
Friday May 03, 2024
Join Nate King on "King in the Community" as he chats with K-State Research and Extension Central District Horticulturist Agent, Jason Graves, about the secrets to successful gardening.
From planting tips to soil testing, mulching, composting, and lawn care, they cover it all. Discover how to prevent winter kill, the importance of mowing height, and get a sneak peek at the upcoming 2024 KSRE Central District Garden Tour set to take place June 8.
Tune in for expert advice to help your garden not just survive this summer, but thrive.