93 Counties

Cherry County: Fire on the Plains

This episode of 93 counties unpacks the controversy surrounding prescribed fire to combat invasive Red Cedar Tree encroachment in Cherry County following the 2026 Anderson Bridge Fire. Produced by KRNU Studios Reported, written, produced and edited by Jacqueline Lovci and Wes Erickson Thanks to Ashley Garrelts, Chad Christensen and Ryan Sexson Primary Audio:  Primary Music: “Critically Ill” FineTune Music Adobe Stock Asset ID: #481059801

Colfax County: Champions Under Pressure

This episode of the 93 Counties podcast highlights the intersection of high school athletics and community identity in rural Nebraska. It tells the story of a soccer program that transitioned from underdogs to state champions, using their success on the field to navigate social and political pressures. Produced by KRNU Studios Written and edited by Leah Bryan Voiced by Lucy Mendez and Kristin Haskell Thank you to the Schuyler Central High Warriors boys soccer team, head coach Ulises Fuentes, Schuyler Community Schools teacher Nicole Taylor, and UNL associate professor and sports broadcaster John Shrader. Additional Audio: Primary music - “Critically Ill” FineTune Music Adobe Stock Asset ID: #481059801 Courtesy of AtlasAudio - https://pixabay.com/music/nostalgia-documentary-documentary-music-507827/ [https://pixabay.com/music/nostalgia-documentary-documentary-music-507827/] Courtesy of ViacheslavStarostin - https://pixabay.com/music/solo-piano-dramatic-dramatic-serious-music-513033/ [https://pixabay.com/music/solo-piano-dramatic-dramatic-serious-music-513033/] Courtesy of Nebraska School Activities Association - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2eue4dJbWs [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2eue4dJbWs] Courtesy of MS NOW - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UVBITMPvgA [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UVBITMPvgA] Courtesy of C-SPAN - https://www.c-span.org/clip/campaign-2024/donald-trump-on-illegal-immigrants-poisoning-the-blood-of-our-country/5098439 [https://www.c-span.org/clip/campaign-2024/donald-trump-on-illegal-immigrants-poisoning-the-blood-of-our-country/5098439] Courtesy of CNN - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxZkg0rOWI4 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxZkg0rOWI4] Courtesy of Justsoundfx - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zGkyAgmXPE [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zGkyAgmXPE] Courtesy of Bliss Corner - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2nw9fcehYo&t=605s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2nw9fcehYo&t=605s] Courtesy of Jetsantouki - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ih0JJLoMIg&t=5s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ih0JJLoMIg&t=5s]

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 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

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 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

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: #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 [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 [https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/time-spent-in-nature-can-boost-physical-and-mental-well-being/#:~:text=She%20also%20said%20that%20spending,urban%20environments%2C%E2%80%9D%20she%20said]. Ponca State Park: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BoN1lL6rd4&t=40s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BoN1lL6rd4&t=40s] Hiking Corps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UC17UmbUCAg [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UC17UmbUCAg] Nebraska Game & Parks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hr21dMsuE8s