From all of us behind our cameras at Salina311, we want to wish our community a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. It’s an honor to capture the moments, memories, and milestones that tell the story of our local towns throughout the year.
While our goal is to highlight happenings in and around our community, here's a brief look into each of the Salina311 Photographers:
Front Row: Brittany and Kyla Back Row: Diane, Lisa, Eric, Kin and Jo. Photographed at Salina Country Club by Kin (Jo) Hurst
Brittany Pappada is the mom of two boys, ages 4 years and 2 years old. She's also a cat mom of three fur babies. Brittany has been shooting for Salina311 since the Spring of 2021. A local graduate of Salina South (2014), she's also a graduate of Kansas Wesleyan University (2021) where she received her degree in Communications. In addition to raising her 2 boys, Brittany works in daycare, by guiding, teaching and spoiling many little children. Her favorite holiday tradition is driving around looking at Christmas lights.
Kyla Johnson is married to Randy and the mother of Gavin, Garrett and Kalli. Kyla has been capturing moments for Salina311 since November 2021. Kyla recently returned to the classroom as a Wichita State student and is working towards an elementary education degree, while working at Stewart Elementary's preschool. Her family's Christmas tradition is going out on Christmas Eve wearing their finest Christmas pjs, driving around town seeing the light displays and singing Christmas songs.
Diane Dowell has been a fur mom furrrrever to a variety of critters. She claims the title of being the coolest aunt to her great nieces & nephews. She is nearing the 20-year mark at her full-time job, as well as being a part-time care giver. Diane has been with Salina311 since the spring of 2022. Raised in north central Kansas, Salina became her home after obtaining a BA at Kansas Wesleyan University. Her favorite holiday tradition is buying gifts for either the children's angel tree or the angel tree for the elderly.
Lisa Morris is the mom of two teenagers, each involved in their respective sporting activities. Lisa has been shooting events for years, then in September 2024, she joined Salina311 as one of the photographers to help cover our area schools and events. She is also a local graduate of Salina Central and Kansas Wesleyan University. In addition to Salina311, she is currently the manager of Chili's Grill and Bar, going on 23 years. Lisa's favorite tradition during the holidays is to drive around looking at the Christmas lights and also visiting the Georgetown Santas.
Eric Lorson is married, and he and his wife are soon to be parents to a sweet baby girl. In addition to the soon to be birth of his daughter, Eric is also a dog dad. Eric is the newest photographer to join Salina311, coming onboard in January 2025. In addition to Salina311, he shares his photography talents in photo galleries/shows around town. He's a hometown graduate of Salina Central and Salina Area Technical College. Aside from Salina311, he is the General Manager of 404-Move Inc and the house photographer for the Stiefel Theatre. His favorite holiday tradition is hanging decorations with his beautiful wife and pretending its warm outside.
Kin and Jo Hurst, the dynamic husband/wife duo, are the parents to two preteens. Kin graduated from Salina Homeschool then attended Kansas State University-Salina earning a BA Electrical & Computer Engineering Technology. He utilizes his degree at Sunbelt Solomon as an engineer. Kin's favorite holiday tradition is driving around town seeing the Christmas lights and displays.
Jo received her CNA training at Pima Medical Institute - Mesa Arizona. She is heavily involved in their children's education by being a stay-at-home parent and teacher and a go-to when a quick photo is needed. Jo's favorite holiday tradition is attending the Parade of Lights. They both started with Salina311 in June 2023.
Thank you for welcoming us onto your fields, into your events, and along your everyday journeys. We look forward to another year of sharing the heart and spirit of our community through our lenses.
May you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Brittany, Kyla, Diane, Lisa, Eric, Kin and Jo
