93 Counties

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 

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

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

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

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

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

In this episode of 93 Counties, hosts Seth Stutzman and Camden Otto take you inside the incredible rise of the Johnson-Brock Eagles boys’ basketball team. This small-school powerhouse defied the odds to win three straight Nebraska state championships. Through exclusive interviews with players and coaches, they explore how a rural program built a winning culture, the impact of youth development, the deep ties between the team and its town, and what’s next after the legendary Coach Lucas Dalinghaus steps down. It’s a story of determination, teamwork, and the lasting legacy of high school sports in a close-knit community.

Produced by KRNU Studios
Written, voiced, and edited by Seth Stutzman and Camden Otto
Thank you to Coach Dalinghaus and the Eagles players. 

Additional audio: 
Primary music - "Critically III" Fine Tune Music Adobe Stock Asset ID: #481
Secondary music - "Soft Waves Forming" Aavirall
Extra Clips - Nebraska Public Media Facebook
Extra Clips - 10/11 News Facebook

Join hosts  Brandon McMiller and Nolan Benbow in this captivating episode of our podcast series as they uncover the inspiring story of the Aquinas Catholic High School Show Choir, "Forte." An enlightening story about their experience as a smaller show choir as they travel and compete in Norfolk, Nebraska. 

Produced by KRNU Studios 
Written, voiced and edited by Brandon McMiller and Nolan Benbow 

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

Take a peak behind the curtains and get the inside scoop of the creation of the Butler County episode! Teghan Metcalf sat down with the students responsible for creating the Butler County: Try Everything episode. 

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