Curious Nebraska

Nebraska's Age of Majority is 19

In most states, turning 18 means becoming a legal adult. It's more complicated than that here in Nebraska when you're a minor until you're 19. Curious Nebraska producer Andy Hermann investigates why it's like this and how it's impacted real people. Guests, in order of appearance: Lauren McNeal, UNL honors thesis, An Examination of Nebraska’s Law Setting the Age of Majority at Nineteen (2020); Kent Rogert, former Nebraska state senator (2007-2011); Sheridan Macy, featured in Lauren McNeal's thesis; Faith Walker, advocate for children.

Marble Museum

A roadside museum, a million marbles, and one man's lifelong passion. Curious Nebraska producer Andy Hermann plays for keeps in this report on Lee's Legendary Marbles and Collectibles. Guests, in order of appearance: Lee Ann Klemz, daughter, Lee Batterton; Michael Legband, manager, Lee's Legendary Marbles and Collectables; Chris Haussler, glassworker, Pixybug Designs. Additional audio: "Nebraska's Marble Museum" (2008) from KETV Omaha; "GONE MARBLIN' - A Cross Country Marble Hunt and Road Adventure" (2024) from Refresh Quest.

Ankle Deep soda pop

Why are three-sided glass bottles from nearly a century ago going for up to $100 on auction sites and antique shops? In this report for Curious Nebraska, producer Andy Hermann cracks open the story of Ankle Deep soda pop from David City. Guests, in order of appearance: Renee Kosch, co-owner, Renee's Same As It Ever Was; Nicole Kosch, co-owner, Renee's Same As It Ever Was; Jim Reisdorff, historian, Butler County Nebraska Historical Society; Nathan Hoff, antique glass bottle hunter. Special thanks to the "Nebraska bottle collectors" Facebook Group and The Token Store.

Pickle Cards

You've probably seen them in taverns across Nebraska... those small cards with pull tabs for instant winnings. In this report for Curious Nebraska, producer Andy Hermann set out to find how they came to be called pickle cards. Guests, in order of appearance: Evan Schrodek, new Nebraskan and pickle card enthusiast; Brian Rockey, Director, Nebraska Lottery and Charitable Gaming Division; Arlis Steiner, accounting and finance, Technik Mfg.; Doug Obal, sales and marketing, Technik Mfg.; John Adams, former regulator, Nebraska Department of Revenue & former general counsel, International Gamco.

National Museum of Roller Skating

Nebraska is home to the only roller skating museum in the country... but the capital city doesn't have a rink! In this report for Curious Nebraska, producer Andy Hermann rolls through the National Museum of Roller Skating and asks how the sport disappeared from Lincoln. Guests, in order of appearance: Max McKillip, Archivist, National Museum of Roller Skating; Brent Benson, Operations Director, USA Roller Sports; Bob Hartsock, former manager, Skate Zone; Ember Hartsock, former manager, Skate Zone; Cassie Stout, former owner, Good Life Skate Center. Music: "Bounce, Rock, Skate, Roll Pt. 2" by Vaughan Mason and Crew. Additional audio: National Museum of Roller Skating's Self-Guided Tour; starting gun and speed roller skating sounds from Nebraska Nightly on Nebraska Public Radio (August 10, 1994). Special thanks to Alexis Scargill, Media Archivist, Nebraska Public Media.