’King in the Community’ an Eagle Media Podcast

Salina Fire Chief, Tony Sneidar

On this episode of King in the Community, Nate King speaks with Salina Fire Chief Tony Sneidar about the Salina Fire Station Four project, the new Phoenix G2 Fire Station Alerting System by USDD Honeywell and recent City authorized purchases for new fire trucks and apparatuses.

Salina Mayor Bill Longbine discusses housing, emergency services and more

On this episode of King in the Community, Salina Mayor Longbine shares his background and reasons for running for commission, the city's response to homelessness, emergency first responder facility upgrades, BSL, and more. 
Hear more about Longbine's tour of city facilities and the need for a new fire station due to outdated design and cramped living quarters. Learn about the city's state-of-the-art police training facility and how the equipment and exercises better prepare local officers to respond to high-stress situations.
They discuss potential upcoming economic developements and economic development project zones, and an update on deteriorating properties like the Ambassador Hotel and St. John's Hospital.
 
Nate also asks Longbine about ongoing challenges faced by the Salina Animal Shelter and the City's response to growing concerns about the current breed specific laws.
Longbine shares how the City is addressing homelessness and his takeaways from the Salina City Commission homelessness forum held in Jan. featuring guest speaker Julia Orlando, Founder and CEO of Julia Orlando Consulting.
 
Longbine shares his skepticism about operating a homeless shelter, while Nate suggests alternative solutions. Tune in to "King in the Community" for an insightful look at the issues and initiatives shaping the city of Salina.
 
For Mayor Longbine's official remarks after becoming city mayor, click here. 

State Representative Steven Howe, Legislative Update

Host Nate King chats with State Representative Stephen Howe to discuss the highly debated topic of Medicaid expansion in Kansas. Representing District 71 in Topeka, Howe shares an insider's take on current state matters and the potential implications on local communities, with a specific focus on the challenges witnessed in rural areas.
Hear Howe discuss his duties in the capacity of chairman for the House Higher Education Budget Committee and his responsibilities on other committees he is a member of. He is also on the Kansas House Appropriations Committee
With soaring waiting lists for services, there's a notable urgency to address such matters for the betterment of Kansans with intellectual and developemental disabilities.
The episode wraps up with insights into the importance of investing in families and children, proposing state-level child tax credits, and understanding the societal and economic impact of eroding birth rates. The discussion further explores personalities' roles in creating a more positive atmosphere for political discourse and Howe's thoughts on the January 6 Insurrection at the United States Capitol Building. 

Sacred Heart Jr./Sr. Highschool Theatre, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown

UPDATE: Due to unforeseen circumstances the performances will now be held at Salina South High School. All performance times will remain the same except tonight's show may start closer to 7:30 p.m. 
 
Join Nate King, news director for the Salina Post, as he chats with Sacred Heart Junior/Senior High School musical director Matea Gregg, and actors Eva Matteucci and Dayne Goss about the upcoming production of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." We discuss rehearsals, character preparation, and Matea's directing approach. Tune in to gain insight into this captivating musical production, running on February 8th, 10th, and 11th.
For ticket information click here.
 
 

Salina Community Economic Developement Organization Executive Director, Mitch Robinson

Welcome to King in the Community, on this episode we sit down with Mitch Robinson, the executive director of the Salina Community Economic Development Organization, to discuss the unique challenges and success stories that have shaped Salina's economic landscape. With four decades of experience, Mitch explores the crucial role of industrial revenue bonds and housing incentives in attracting businesses and facilitating growth.
In addition, get an insider look into the automated manufacturing systems and expansion processes of Schwann's and Kubota. Hear about projects going on at The Salina Airport Authority like K-Aries, a virtual reality project aimed to bring Hollywood closer to Salina,  
Gain insight into key legislative achievements, multimodal transportation projects, and the city's commitment to address the childcare crisis. All this and more only on King in the Community.

Representative Clarke Sanders on Flat Tax, Medical Marijuana, and More

Welcome to another episode of 'King in the Community,' where we delve deep into issues affecting Salinans and the citizens of Central Kansas. 
Join us as your host, Nate King, engages in thought-provoking discussions with Kansas State Representative for the 69th District, Clarke Sanders, about the recent kick-off for the legislative session. This episode covers topics including the proposition of a flat tax, medical marijuana legislation, abortion rights, and more. 
Discover Representative Sanders's analysis of Governor Kelly's focus shift towards rural Kansas issues. Dig deeper into the topic of flat tax implementation, examining possible advantages and drawbacks through various perspectives. Sanders shares his philosophy of providing underserved individuals with opportunities, underscoring the need to reduce dependence on government aid.

Saline County Administrator, Phil Smith-Hanes talks Sky West proposal, ARPA dollar reallocation and more

On this episode, I speak with Saline County Administrator Phil Smith-Hanes about issues the Saline County Commission hopes to address in 2024 and highlights from projects completed in 2023. 
Topics we discuss include
Reallocation of American Rescue Plan dollars given to Saline County
Request for proposal for an evaluation of how Saline County facilities are used
Saline County's Sky West incentive and ongoing proposal for Sky West to continue to serve as a provider of Essential Air Service, as well as restored direct flights to Denver and Chicago
The conclusion of the proposal and withdrawn appeal for a Plus Power battery storage project in Gypsum
Job openings for Saline County
Issues likely to be addressed by the commission in 2024
Have a question or concern for Phil? Contact him here. 
To view job openings at Saline County click here. 

Melissa McCoy, Saline County Public Information Officer

Just in time for Shop Small Saturday on Dec. 2, Saline County Public Information Officer Melissa McCoy stops by to discuss an exciting new shop local rewards program - Choose Saline County. 
The app allows users to earn and redeem stars, which are local rewards from Saline County. Earning Saline Stars is simple - users can link their credit or debit cards, join reward offers, and shop at participating local businesses.
After making qualifying purchases, users will receive Saline Stars in their app balance. These stars can then be redeemed at selected businesses, helping the local economy recover and grow.
We also discuss the privacy and security measures in place, including the use of Plaid, a trusted provider for card linking. Tune in to learn more about this innovative app and how it benefits both residents and businesses in Saline County.

Ed Harlowe, Salina screenwriter

On this episode of "King in the Community," I visit with Salina screenwriter, Ed Harlowe about the recent developments for a movie that will be filmed in Salina — "Fred."
Notably, Harlowe shares with me the "Hollywood A-List Celebrity" he wants to play Fred, a wise-cracking senior citizen who is caught in the throws of growing old. Harlowe also shares with us details about another screenplay he's working on, "Heartbreak City," a film that focuses on the life and death of a Hollywood actress most people have never heard of, Peg Entwistle.
Learn about Entwistle's tragic death, possible Salina filming locations, and more on this episode of King in the Community.  

Michael Spicer and Theatre Salina presents, ”The Wizard of Oz”

The story you know, the music you love; Theatre Salina hopes you find yourself feeling like you're not in Kansas anymore as it presents, "The Wizard of Oz" Nov. 17-30, Dec. 1-2, Dec.15-17. 
Join me on this episode of King in the Community where we get a behind-the-curtain look at the show from Musical Director and Theatre Salina Executive Director Michael Spicer.
 
About the "Wizard of Oz"L. Frank Baum’s classic novel comes to life in The Wizard of Oz. This faithful adaptation by the Royal Shakespeare Company features all the most beloved songs and moments from the 1939 classic film, brought to life onstage. Young Dorothy Gale is swept away by a tornado from her Kansas farm to the magical land of Oz. There, she encounters a host of whimsical characters: good witches, bad witches, animals that talk, scarecrows that walk, and things magical to behold.
To find her way home, she must journey along the Yellow Brick Road to see the mysterious and all-powerful Wizard in Emerald City. Along the way, she makes new friends, but must also brave many dangers, including the Wicked Witch of the West, who will stop at nothing to get her hands on Dorothy’s magical ruby slippers. To make it home safely, Dorothy must learn an important lesson: there’s no place like home.
Narrative provided by Stage Agent