93 Counties

In this episode, Jaeden Brown is a Costa Rican man living in Fremont, Nebraska trying to run his dreams down through collegiate soccer. We take you through the peaks and valleys of his immigration story, and how he is adjusting to American life while maintaining his cutural identity. Produced by KRNU Studios Written, voiced and edited by Christopher Sullivan-Diaz & Kavanaugh Splittgerber Speci...

The Astro in Sarpy County serves as a year-round music venue that is one-of-a-kind in Nebraska. The amphitheater's indoor and outdoor stages serve as the perfect middle ground for artists too popular for smaller venues and not big enough for the major arenas. The Astro gives the people of Sarpy County an entertainment option while boosting the financial impact on nearby local businesses in the La...

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” FineTu...

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 Hask...

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 t...

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...

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 h...

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: "Cri...

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 ro...

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 Vir...

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...

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...

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, t...

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  A...

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

Take a peek behind the curtain and learn a little bit more behind the creation of the Thayer County Episode! Teghan Metcalf sat down with Lauren Behn and Macy Byars to talk more about their episode Thayer County: Run by Women! Primary music - “Critically Ill” FineTune Music Adobe Stock Asset ID: #481059801

Thayer County is home to the first permanent women's suffrage organization in the United States, establishing a place for Nebraskan women to influence their community. That history of strong female advocates and leaders lives on through the female leaders in the county's government, businesses and families. Join us as we talk with Thayer's museum curator, a women's club president, and a Hebron bus...

The Genoa Indian Industrial School Museum was started in 1884 and was in operation until 1934. An earlier form of the school was created as an agreement in the Treaty of Obligation between the Pawnee Nation and the United States Government. Despite the school's tragic past, historical landmarks like this museum bring healing to the community and inform the public about its history. Produced by KRN...

Join Teghan Metcalf and Joel Bierbower as they step into the wonder and awe that is Aurora, Nebraska’s own Susan’s Books and Gifts, a cherished small-town bookstore that embodies the spirit of generosity and love for literature. Susan shares her history and the importance of maintaining a physical space for human interaction via community donations and volunteer efforts, emphasizing how even a sin...

In this episode, Rukhshona Islamova and Madysen Early travel to York County to visit the Peyton Parker Lane Playground, the only one of its kind in the state. The Peyton Parker Lane Playground is a fully inclusive playground that allows children and adults of all abilities to play alongside one another. The two met with Julie Hoffman and April McDaniel, the mothers of Peyton, Parker and Lane. Insp...

In this episode, Jacob Schrantz and Camden Cohn take a road trip to Fillmore County and the city of Geneva, Nebraska to learn about their barn quilt trail. Featuring conversations with the creator of the trail, Renae Kamler, local quilt maker, Nancy Chaney, and curator of quilts at the International Quilt Museum, Carolyn Ducey.  Produced by KRNU Studios Written, voiced and edited by Jacob Schrantz...

Host Leilany Diaz travels to Platte County and visits the Columbus Children's Museum. The museum opens its doors to immerse young minds through the exhibitions that sparks their exploration, knowledge and discoveries of the essence of their own community.      Produced by KRNU Studios Written, voiced and edited by Leilany Diaz Thank you to Tim Kacena, Alyssa Miller, and Temple Bryant Additional au...

In this episode, hosts Alysia Stubblefield and Alaina Tomesh delve into the vibrant Blackstone District in Omaha's Douglas County. They uncover the rich history of the area and how it became a hub of activity, home to a mix of businesses. But it's not just about commerce—it's about community. Alysia and Alaina explain how the Second Saturday, a monthly event celebrating local businesses, artists,...

Take a peek behind the curtain and get the inside scoop behind the Polk County Episode! Teghan Metcalf sat down with Matt Johnson, the student responsible for creating the Polk County: Stromsburg Swedish Festival Primary music - “Critically Ill” FineTune Music Adobe Stock Asset ID: #481059801

The Polk County town of Stromsburg may seem like a normal rural town most of the year, but on the third weekend in June it transforms into a Swedish village straight out of the old country. Join me, Matt Johnson, as I speak with Sharon Noyd and Barb Lamoree about Stromsburg’s Swedish Midsommar Festival and its effect on the community that makes it happen. Produced by KRNU Studios Written, voiced a...