• Cuming County: Changes at St. Anthony’s Church
    Sep 9 2025

    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

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    9 mins
  • Madison County: Public Funds, Private Schools
    Aug 26 2025

    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

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    19 mins
  • Dixon County: Finding Refuge in Ponca State Park
    Aug 12 2025

    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


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    10 mins
  • Adams County: Building a Roomier Future
    Jul 29 2025

    Hastings has struggled to grow for over 20 years, and sufficient housing has not always been a guarantee. Hosts Henry Goodwin and David Swotek take a deep dive into the housing crisis impacting Hastings, Nebraska.

    Produced by KRNU Studios
    Written, voiced and edited by Henry Goodwin and David Swotek

    Special thanks to Brian Hoffman, Bri Narick, Patrick Markle and Shannon Landaur

    Primary music: "Critically Ill" FineTune Music Adobe Stock Asset ID: #481059801
    Secondary audio: Bizarre 1965 Civil Defense TV Spots - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzJS10SMJ-8&t=254s
    Construction Sound Effects - SFXsource.com - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVHyLmBfeA0
    Classroom Ambience (Royalty Free) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRjT_TjIlvU
    School Bell Sound Effect No Copyright - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0MIJnSlRyo

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    11 mins
  • Cheyenne County: Sinful Sidney
    Jul 15 2025

    In the small town of Sidney, Nebraska, the Boothill Restoration Committee is preserving the past of their sinful town. Join Angelina Pattavina and Maddie Hansen as they journey through Sidney's history: the cons, the crooks and the sins. Kathy Wilson and Marva Ellwanger share stories of the past and how they shaped the town to where it is today. From restoring a cemetery to recreating a brothel room, this story shows the importance of preserving the past and working toward a better future.

    Produced by KRNU Studios
    Written, voiced and edited by Angelina Pattavina and Maddie Hansen
    Thank you to Kathy Wilson, Marva Ellwanger and Kevin Hammond for sharing your stories with us.

    Additional Audio:
    Primary music - "Critically III" Fine Tune Music Adobe Stock Asset ID: #481
    Secondary music- "Dark Western" Pixabay Asset ID: #149423
    FOX News Clip at 6:38- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UatnTSwEUoc

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    19 mins
  • Wayne County: What the Cluck?
    Jul 1 2025

    Thousands of people flock to Wayne, Nebraska, each year for the Wayne Chicken Show. As egg prices rise, so does the popularity of backyard chickens. In this episode, Andrés López and Ana Wombacher crack into the Wayne Chicken Show, getting to the yolk of the festival and chicken owners of Nebraska.

    Special thanks to Vivian Landis, Heather Lange, Clara Osten, Emaline Richter, Ruby Richter, Luke Virgil and Emily Yelden.

    Secondary Music Beds sources from Udio.


    News Broadcasts:

    • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPfJRlJXVjM
    • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjQFTu1mbRE&t=4s
    • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVjx-x56OnQ&t=8s

    Produced by KRNU Studios
    Written, voiced and edited by Andrés López and Ana Wombacher

    Additional audio:
    Primary music - "Critically III" Fine Tune Music Adobe Stock Asset ID: #481

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    12 mins
  • Lincoln County: The Immortal Showman
    Jun 17 2025

    By most accounts, world famous wild west performer Willam F. Cody, died a hundred years ago. To the people of Lincoln County, however, he is still alive and well. For decades now, an impersonator has perpetuated the larger-than-life legend of Buffalo Bill for future generations to behold for themselves. In this episode of 93 Counties, we uncover the man, the myth and the ongoing appeal of William "Buffalo Bill" Cody by speaking to the people who tell his stories and bear his name.

    Produced by KRNU Studios

    Written, voiced and edited by Blake Milisits and Jakob Fisher

    Special thanks to Joe Crus, Bruce Richman, Christina Kirk and Jim Griffin


    PRIMARY MUSIC: “Critically Ill” FineTune Music Adobe Stock Asset ID: #481059801
    ADDITIONAL SOURCES: "Colonel Buffalo Bill" from Annie Get Your Gun by Keean Wynn; written by Irving Berlin; Amazon MGM
    Buffalo Bill Reads Mean Tweets on VisitNorthPlatte.com
    North Platte Gets Buffalo Bill's Seal of Approval on VisitNorthPlatte.com
    Little Big Man directed by Arthur Penn; written by Calder Willingham; based on Little Big Man by Thomas Berger

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    12 mins
  • Douglas County: A Season Cut Short
    Jun 3 2025

    The Omaha Benson High School Football team had to suddenly cancel the last two games of the season. Join Duke Rood and Hannah Nazarenus to find out what is next for the historic program, and the devastation open enrollment has caused to small OPS schools like Benson.

    Produced by KRNU Studios
    Written, voiced and edited by Duke Rood and Hannah Nazarenus

    News Clips Courtesy of
    KMTV: https://www.3newsnow.com/north-omaha/its-unfortunate-benson-high-school-football-cancels-remainder-of-season
    Nebraska Public Media: https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/lack-of-competitive-balance-boils-over-in-high-school-sports/?fbclid=IwY2xjawIhk9pleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHTQH3iXcySFNnrcOdPTj4fiS00oLyzuxhjPHEZg_9GTV4kVL1zqVJHjK5A_aem_jHHrb5xmwWN_9gmHzUGkCQ
    WOWT: https://www.wowt.com/2024/10/16/nsaa-responds-omaha-bensons-cancellation-own-football-season/
    KETV: https://www.ketv.com/article/benson-high-school-foundation-funds-new-baseball-softball-fields/64148150

    Thank you to Gary Sharp, Mike'l Severe, Brandon and Stacey Fiscus

    Primary music - “Critically Ill” FineTune Music Adobe Stock Asset ID: #481059801

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    13 mins