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.

In this King in the Community episode, host Nate King interviews April Saskowski and Angie Anderson 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 www.buildingblockstrinity.com for enrollment details.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.