93 Counties

Nebraska News Service

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NEWS
UPDATED BIWEEKLY

93 Counties is a weekly show hosted by students at the College of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Each episode is a story from one of the 93 counties in Nebraska, rural and urban, from the panhandle to the Missouri River.

09/09/2025

Cuming County: Changes at St. Anthony’s Church

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 StudiosWritten, voiced and edited by Brayden Selk and Noah PostThank 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

9 min
08/26/2025

Madison County: Public Funds, Private Schools

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 StudiosWritten, voiced and edited by Jodi Soptic and Rayna Pytlik Additional audio:Primary music - “Critically Ill” FineTune Music Adobe Stock Asset ID: #481059801Secondary music - Juan Sánchez - Now The Silence" is under a Creative Commons (cc-by) licenseCourtesy of Flatwater Free Press - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVtW1eyEtl8Courtesy of 1011 News - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MK0UbMloSqwCourtesy of Winter Whale - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vq-D8nEBr0ECourtesy of NE Progressive Legislative Study Group - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOj4ceIrIPICourtesy of KLKNTV - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTzNHaSg64QCourtesy of NSEA - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qV-HgIwfkpkCourtesy of KETV - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnruOfZEI_4Courtesy of KETV - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGpDDj8DkgoCourtesy of KMTV - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbr4B8a2VIcCourtesy of KETV - https://www.youtube.com/shorts/RQMOuGAz8rACourtesy of KETV - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcNjbffVzLc

19 min
08/12/2025

Dixon County: Finding Refuge in Ponca State Park

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: #481059801Juan 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

10 min
07/29/2025

Adams County: Building a Roomier Future

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 StudiosWritten, 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: #481059801Secondary audio: Bizarre 1965 Civil Defense TV Spots - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzJS10SMJ-8&t=254sConstruction Sound Effects - SFXsource.com - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVHyLmBfeA0 Classroom Ambience (Royalty Free) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRjT_TjIlvUSchool Bell Sound Effect No Copyright - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0MIJnSlRyo

11 min
07/15/2025

Cheyenne County: Sinful Sidney

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 StudiosWritten, voiced and edited by Angelina Pattavina and Maddie HansenThank 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: #481Secondary music- "Dark Western" Pixabay Asset ID: #149423FOX News Clip at 6:38- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UatnTSwEUoc

19 min
07/01/2025

Wayne County: What the Cluck?

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 StudiosWritten, voiced and edited by Andrés López and Ana Wombacher Additional audio: Primary music - "Critically III" Fine Tune Music Adobe Stock Asset ID: #481

12 min
06/17/2025

Lincoln County: The Immortal Showman

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: #481059801ADDITIONAL 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

12 min
06/03/2025

Douglas County: A Season Cut Short

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 StudiosWritten, voiced and edited by Duke Rood and Hannah Nazarenus News Clips Courtesy ofKMTV: https://www.3newsnow.com/north-omaha/its-unfortunate-benson-high-school-football-cancels-remainder-of-seasonNebraska Public Media: https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/lack-of-competitive-balance-boils-over-in-high-school-sports/?fbclid=IwY2xjawIhk9pleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHTQH3iXcySFNnrcOdPTj4fiS00oLyzuxhjPHEZg_9GTV4kVL1zqVJHjK5A_aem_jHHrb5xmwWN_9gmHzUGkCQWOWT: 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

13 min

93 Counties is a weekly show hosted by students at the College of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Each episode is a story from one of the 93 counties in Nebraska, rural and urban, from the panhandle to the Missouri River.

Creator

Nebraska News Service
Years Active

2022 - 2025
Episodes

50
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2025 Nebraska News Service