St. Anthony's Catholic Church outside of West Point, Nebraska was founded in 1867. In 2024, the church limited the number of services they have to twice a month. St. Anthony's has a rich history and is an important place for many, but it (and other rural churches like it) can't survive without parishioners and funds. Join hosts Brayden Selk and Noah Post as they discover how this community tries to keep legacy of St. Anthony's alive.

Produced by KRNU Studios
Written, voiced and edited by Brayden Selk and Noah Post
Thank you to Diane Oligmueller, Deb Wiegert and Father James Weeder for their time.

Additional Audio:
Primary Music: “Critically Ill” FineTune Music Adobe Stock Asset ID: #481059801

In this episode, hosts Jodi Soptic and Rayna Pytlik travel to Madison County to explore recent school-choice legislation in Nebraska. They speak with a Norfolk private school principal and include audio from State Senator Robert Dover about the benefits of private-school legislation. Tim Royers, president of the Nebraska State Education Association, and Daniel Russel, director of Stand for School share concerns about the impact on public education. Nebraska parents also weigh in on the issue. Through local voices and expert insights, this episode examines how school-choice policies are shaping communities across Nebraska.

Produced by KRNU Studios
Written, voiced and edited by Jodi Soptic and Rayna Pytlik

Additional audio:
Primary music - “Critically Ill” FineTune Music Adobe Stock Asset ID: #481059801
Secondary music - Juan Sánchez - Now The Silence" is under a Creative Commons (cc-by) license
Courtesy of Flatwater Free Press - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVtW1eyEtl8
Courtesy of 1011 News - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MK0UbMloSqw
Courtesy of Winter Whale - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vq-D8nEBr0E
Courtesy of NE Progressive Legislative Study Group - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOj4ceIrIPI
Courtesy of KLKNTV - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTzNHaSg64Q
Courtesy of NSEA - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qV-HgIwfkpk
Courtesy of KETV - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnruOfZEI_4
Courtesy of KETV - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGpDDj8Dkgo
Courtesy of KMTV - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbr4B8a2VIc
Courtesy of KETV - https://www.youtube.com/shorts/RQMOuGAz8rA
Courtesy of KETV - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcNjbffVzLc

In a world of constant online distraction and rising stress, Ponca State Park offers something rare—refuge. Nestled in the scenic hills of Dixon County, Nebraska, this 2,400-acre state park is more than just a getaway; it’s a living classroom, a conservation stronghold, and a sanctuary for both kids and adults. In this episode of 93 Counties, hosts Maddy Christiansen and Evie Storjohann explore how time in nature can restore our mental health, connect us to history, and inspire the next generation. With insights from park administrator Jeff Fields and 4-H educators Cara Wiebelhaus and Angela Apts, we take you inside the sounds, stories, and science of one of Nebraska’s most treasured spaces.

Produced by KRNU Studios

Written, voiced and edited by Maddy Christiansen and Evie Storjohann.

MUSIC: “Critically Ill” FineTune Music Adobe Stock Asset ID: #481059801
Juan Sánchez - Now The Silence" is under a Creative Commons (cc-by) license

SECONDARY SOURCES:
Gallup: https://news.gallup.com/poll/642704/americans-sleeping-less-stressed.aspx#:~:text=In%20Gallup's%20December%202023%20poll,lowest%20percentage%20in%20the%20trend.

Harvard: https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/time-spent-in-nature-can-boost-physical-and-mental-well-being/#:~:text=She%20 also%20s aid%20that%20 spending,urban%20environments%2C%E2%80%9D%20she%20said.

Ponca State Park: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BoN1lL6rd4&t=40s

Hiking Corps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UC17UmbUCAg

Nebraska Game & Parks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hr21dMsuE8s