King in the Community

Darren Morawitz, Salina Art Center Warehouse, Repair Cafe — Sept. 7

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 of items. Whether it's electrical repairs, flat tires on bikes, jewelry mending, sewing projects, book binding, or small woodworking tasks, volunteers are ready to assist with quick fixes.
 
The event is a collaboration between the North Salina Community Development, the Salina Art Center Warehouse and the Kansas Wesleyan University Community Resiliency Hub. To learn more about the Art Center check out their website here. 
To contact Darren Morawitz, click here. 

Saline County Administrator, Phil Smith Hanes

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 evaluations, including potential renovations and new projects, and the visioning process for the county's future.
 

Vickee Spicer, Prairieland Market Executive Director

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, focusing on providing more organic and healthy food options while ensuring accessibility and affordability for all.
They discuss the importance of local food education, including the CSA food box program and cooking classes designed to empower the community with knowledge and skills for healthier living.

Salina City Manager Mike Schrage talks about Ambassador Hotel, animal services and more

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.
Mike also addresses Salina's breed-specific laws and the overcrowding of animals at the Salina Animal Shelter.
The conversation covers Salina Parks and Recreation's new pickleball courts and engaging and proactive community programs.
Lastly, they discuss the city and county's joint building needs assessment, which focuses on efficient space utilization and potential repurposing of existing structures.

Melanie Hedgespeth, Salina Public Library Director

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 role of volunteers like the Friends of the Salina Public Library in supporting the library's mission. Nathan asks about how the library plans to serve all age groups — Melanie explains how planned changes to the lower level will allow for all age groups including teens.
Melanie also reminds adults in the community about the upcoming summer reading party at Ad Astra Coffee House in Downtown Salina. 
Tune in to find out how the Salina Public Library is becoming more than just a place for books but a lively community hub with something to spark everyone's interest in learning and discovery.

Cash Hollistah/James Curtis, Daddy Bud Day

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 engagement. This episode also explores the challenges and triumphs of community development and the power of forming partnerships. 
Learn about the efforts to rename Pacific Park in honor of Hollistah's grandfather, John Curtis Sr. Find out how music shaped Hollistah's life and how he's using his platform to make a positive impact in Salina.

Phil Smith-Hanes, Saline County administrator talks 2025 Budget, Revenue Neutral Rate and more

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. Stay informed about critical local developments on the "King in the Community" podcast.

Mitch Robinson, Salina Community Economic Development Organization executive director

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 Saline County. Hear Mitch give an update regarding the significant local investments made by companies like Beck's Seed, Schwan's, Great Plains Manufacturing, and Garmin.

Lori Trow, president of Salina League of Women Voters

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 deadlines for the 2024 primary and general elections in Salina, Kansas. Additionally, Lori addresses recent changes in local government proclamation procedures and shares her perspective on the impact these changes may have on citizen participation in meetings.
Tune in for an informative discussion on voter involvement and local government.

Saline County Administrator, Phil Smith-Hanes talks 2025 Budget, Broadband Internet and more

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 August primary elections and reminds the public that Saline County also accepts proclamations.
Stay informed about the latest developments at Saline County and how they impact our community.