King in the Community

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. 

Mike Schrage, Salina City Manager discusses Friends of the Salina Animal Shelter, the Cozy Inn civil case and more

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 proclamation process, which now allows organizations to present their proclamations independently, balancing free speech with the city's role.
Lastly, Schrage provides the City's perspective regarding the recent dissolution of the Friends of the Salina Animal Shelter and the city's efforts to maintain high standards despite changes in volunteer participation. Stay informed and engaged with the issues that matter in Salina on the King in the Community podcast.

Jack Maytum, Senior Broadband Analyst with Design Nine

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 patterns, and coverage gaps, and proposes strategies for improvement.
Call to Action:
Community participation is crucial. Residents and business owners are urged to complete the broadband surveys by clicking on one of the links below. 
Resident Survey Business Survey Español
 
No Internet? No Problem: Paper surveys are available at these locations:
Eagle Communications Media Center, 1825 S Ohio St, Salina, KS 67401
Ad Astra Coffee, 135 N Santa Fe Ave, Salina
Assaria Hardware, 104 W Main St, Assaria, KS 67416
Gypsum Exit 14 Restaurant, 512 Maple St, Gypsum, KS 67448
Salina Public Library, 301 W Elm St, Salina, KS 67401
City/County Building, 300 W. Ash St., Salina, KS 67401
Salina Family Healthcare Center, 651 E Prescott Rd, Salina, KS 67401
Funded by $48,000 in ARPA funds, this study is essential for identifying service gaps and developing strategies to improve broadband access in Saline County.

Salina City Clerk, Nikki Goding

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: Discover how Salina is leveraging technology to enhance city services, improve transparency, and engage citizens more effectively.
New City Commission Meeting Schedule: Hear how the revised meeting schedule is impacting city workers and what it means for the community's involvement in local governance.
Tune in and find out more about the inner workings of city government on this episode of King in the Community