17County
Society & Culture
About
The 17-County Podcast showcases rural York County, Nebraska through its vibrant stories. It highlights businesses, local leaders, entrepreneurs, and residents as they share their experiences and insights, celebrating what makes the York County community a great place to live and work. Join host Grace Staehr as we explore what makes York County truly special, one story at a time.
Episodes
- Episode 145 - Betsy Forbis and the Future of the York Chamber of Commerce
In this episode of the 17 County Podcast, we sit down with Betsy Forbis, the new Executive Director of the York Chamber of Commerce. Betsy has spent her life in York, and now she’s stepping into a leadership role focused on supporting the…
- Episode 144 - The Voice of Local Stories: Parker Garlough at York News-Times
Parker Garlough is helping tell the stories that shape York County every day. In this episode, we talk about Parker’s journey into journalism, what brought them to a small-town community like York, and what it really looks like to cover lo…
- Episode 143 - A New Chapter at Wessels Farm: Shauna Bigelow’s Journey and Ideas
Shauna Bigelow steps into her new role as Director of Wessels Living History Farm with a strong background, fresh perspective, and big ideas for the future. In this episode, we talk about her journey, what led her to York County, and how s…
- Episode 142 - It Starts with People: Heather Hultgrien on Culture, Leadership & Growth
If there’s one thing that can transform a business, a team, or a community… it’s people. In this episode, Heather Hultgrien returns to the podcast for the third time to share insights on leadership, employee engagement, and what it really…
- Episode 141 - Tiny Steps, Big Futures: Libby Brouillette & Norah Hernandez at Little Blessings Preschool
What does the future of a community look like? It starts in a preschool classroom. In this episode, Libby Brouillette and Norah Hernandez from Little Blessings Preschool share how small, everyday moments—learning, playing, feeling safe—are…
- Episode 140 - Introducing Grace Staehr
Eric introduces Grace Staehr, the new Event Coordinator for YCDC. She talks about getting settled in her new role, upcoming events for YCDC and what listeners can expect for the podcast.
- 2026 Update with Lisa Hurley
On this episode of the 17 County Podcast, we bid a fond farewell to Emily Perry as she pursues a new endeavor, meet the new YCDC Event Coordinator, Grace Staehr and get a look ahead at upcoming functions with Lisa Hurley.
- Episode 138 - Ink, Impact, and Involvement: A Conversation with Rick Pfeifer
Today we’re joined by Rick Pfeifer, a familiar face both in local journalism and in community leadership. Rick brings years of experience in media as the Circulation Manager with a local news outlet, giving him a deep understanding of how…
- Episode 137 - Digital Branding (and Skateboarding!) with Eric Eckert
Welcome today’s guest, Eric Eckert—a creative powerhouse with a deep background in media and journalism. He’s the go-to for website development, content production, and digital branding in York. On top of that, he’s deeply involved in the…
- Episode 136 - Sebastian Rodriguez
Sebastion Rodriguez is a York native and served as an intern for the City of York. From heavy involvement to personal growth, Sebastian brings a unique perspective to what it is like to grow up in York.
- Episode 135 - In-Home Services with Shelia Decker
Today we’re joined by someone doing quiet, powerful work behind the scenes to support families when they need it most. Sheila Decker is the In-Home Family Services Manager at Epworth Family Services, where she leads a dedicated team workin…
- Episode 134 - Some recruiters find you a job. Kiley Palmertree helps you find your place.
Today, we’re talking with Kiley Palmertree, Recruiting Manager at Klute Inc., one of the nation’s leading substation steel fabricators. Kiley brings over 18 years of experience in relationship management — from education to banking — and n…
- Episode 133 - Shaping the future of manufacturing talent with Doug Rood
Today we’re sitting down with someone who's at the front lines of both high-tech manufacturing and long-term workforce strategy. Doug Rood is the Senior Manager of Operations Quality at Collins Aerospace in York, a global player in aerospa…
- Episode 132 - Growing Bright Futures: A Look Inside Little Jewels with Heather Nunnenkamp
Today’s guest plays a critical role in helping our youngest learners grow with confidence, curiosity, and care. Heather Nunnenkamp is the Director of Little Jewels Childcare and Enrichment Center — an early childhood program dedicated to n…
- Episode 131 - Full Circle: Big-City Experience, Hometown Impact with Elizabeth Fillman
Today’s guest brings both deep roots and broad horizons to the table. Elizabeth Fillman, now one of the leading attorneys at Fillman Law Offices in York, grew up right here in our community—before taking off to pursue education at a presti…
- Episode 130 - Opening Doors, Changing Lives: The Foster Care Mission with Sheryl Canales
Today’s guest brings both heart and leadership to one of the most vital conversations we can have — how we care for children in crisis. Sheryl Canales is the Director of the Foster Care Program at Epworth Family Services, where she leads a…
- Episode 129 - Guiding Minds, Shaping Stories: A Conversation with Joanna Carver
Today’s guest is the kind of educator every community hopes for — insightful, deeply dedicated, and always growing in her craft. Joanna Carver serves as the Elementary Counselor and Media Specialist at McCool Junction, where she supports s…
- Episode 128 - Dr. Clark Roush, Endowed Chair for the Performing Arts at York University & Director of the York Creative District
Cultivating Creativity: How the York Creative District Took Shape Dr. Clark Roush, Endowed Chair for the Performing Arts at York University & Director of the York Creative District Today’s guest is someone who needs no introduction if you’…
- Episode 127: Barry Redfern, the Mayor of York
Today on the 17-County Podcast, we’re joined by someone at the heart of community leadership and strategic momentum—Barry Redfern, the Mayor of York. With a strong commitment to public service and smart growth, Barry has been instrumental…
- Episode 126: Jay Colburn, Vice President of Long Term Care, York General
Today’s guest is Jay Colburn, Vice President of Long Term Care Services at York General. Jay’s journey into healthcare leadership is rooted in a deep respect for community, quality of life, and the belief that aging should come with dignit…
- Episode 125: Sam Witherby with CareerPathway.com
“Connecting Talent and Opportunity: The Future of Workforce Development” Today’s guest is Sam Witherby, a passionate advocate for workforce solutions and a key player on the team at CareerPathway.com. With strengths in outreach and communi…
- Episode 124 - Deb Robertson, Director of Kilgore Memorial Library
Beyond the Books: Libraries as Anchors of Community Advocacy, Access, and Innovation Today’s guest is Deb Robertson, a dynamic force behind some of the most forward-thinking work happening in York. As Director of Kilgore Memorial Library,…
- Episode 123 - Heather Brahmsteadt, Nursing Director of Med Surg, York General
Leading with Care: A Journey into Nursing and Community Leadership Today’s guest is Heather Brahmsteadt, the Nursing Director of Med Surg at York General, is a leader whose career journey is rooted in purpose, growth, and a true passion fo…
- Episode 122 - Madonna Mogul with the Chamber
From just next door, we chat with Madonna Mogul today: The Executive Director at the York Chamber of Commerce. Lover of the community, Mogul tells us about recent Chamber events, community changes, and some of her favorite milestones. Spon…
- Episode 121 - Visiting with Avery Blum from YC3
From a new location to time and true community help and involvement, we dive deep with Avery Blum, Executive Director at York County Community Coalition. Sponsors: K-Junction/OPPD and Overland Ready Mixed HOST: Callie Hurley This podcast i…
- Episode 120 – Visiting with YCVB Director, Alex Saathoff
I’m here with Alex Saathoff, director at York County Visitor Bureau, for an update on what they got going on next door! Sponsors – Max Country/Kool Radio and York Medical Clinic HOST: Callie Hurley This podcast is produced by the York Coun…
- Episode 119 – YCDC Update with Lisa Hurley
I’m here with Lisa Hurley, Executive Director here at York County Development Corporation, back for an update! Sponsors – Black Hills Energy and Kopsa Otte HOST: Callie Hurley This podcast is produced by the York County Development Corpora…
- Episode 118 – Katelin Rood – Macks Golden Grounds
I’m here with Katelin Rood, owner of local coffee shop, Mack’s Golden Grounds. Welcome to the podcast! Sponsors – Tall Grass, Union Bank and Trus HOST: Callie Hurley This podcast is produced by the York County Development Corporation. For…
- Episode 117 – Emily Eggar – STEM in York County
I’m here with Emily Eggar, she is a York University Alum, a phlebotomist at York General, an assistant at Century House Chiropractic, and is also a volunteer firefighter and EMT with York Fire and Rescue! Welcome to the podcast! Sponsors –…
- Episode 116 – Michelle McClelland with The Photo Experience
I am here with Michelle McClelland, she is a local photographer and business owner of The Photo Experience! Welcome to the podcast! Sponsors - Corteva Agriscience & Green Realty and Auction HOST: Callie Hurley This podcast is produced by t…
- Episode 115 – Jeanne Simmons
Callie speaks with Jeanne Simmons, she is a local business owner of Genie Fae Creative Connections and Workshop, and recently she won an award at the YCDC Spark contest! Welcome to the podcast! Sponsors: Collins Aerospace, York Public Scho…
- Episode 114 – Emory Conrad – Owner of Goody Pop
Callie is here with Emory Conrad, she is a local young entrepreneur, owner of Goody Pop, and most recently, she won an award at the YCDC Spark contest! Welcome to the podcast! Sponsors – BluCor Construction Group LLC, JLC Incorporated and…
- Episode 113 – Vini Pie – YU Student and Community Involvement
Today, we have Vini Pie joining us, he is an international student here at York University pursuing a degree in Business. Among other things, he is the YU FBLA President and is even a fellow podcast host, hosting Future Leaders Podcast at…
- Episode 112 – Jordan Klute – The Soaring Growth of Klute Inc.
Today we have Jordan Klute joining us, among other things Jordan is the President of Klute Incorporated here in 17 County Nebraska, Welcome to the podcast! HOST: Callie Hurley This podcast is produced by the York County Development Corpora…
- Episode 111 – Emily Perry – The Host Get’s Interviewed
My name is Callie Hurley, I will be the temporary host for Emily for a few months so I figured before I completely took over, I should start with interviewing her. Emily Perry is the York County Development Corporation - Development Coordi…
- Episode 110: Callie Hurley, Temporary 17-County Podcast Host
Callie Hurley is the mornings in the country producer for the max country morning show! Callie is going to be the host for 17-County podcast while I am on maternity leave, so you’ll be hearing from her a lot! Welcome to the podcast! HOST:…
- Episode 109: Brennan Cole – AMP & Recreation
Today we have Brennan Cole joining our podcast! Brennan is the attendance monitoring program or ‘amp’ supervisor. Brennan also has been dubbed ‘the king of rec’ because he is very involved in local recreation activities! Thanks for joining…
- Episode 108: YES Bond w/ Katie Burger and Chelsey Klein
York Elementary School is in need of some upgrades and principal Katie Burger and Early Childhood Education Coordinator Chelsey Klein are here to discuss the importance of early childhood education and why York Elementary needs this bond i…
- Episode 107: What’s Going On with the YCDC?
Join today’s podcast as YCDC Executive Director Lisa Hurley as she sits and gives an update on what’s happening. From quality-of-life initiatives to small business work, YCDC has been busy! HOST: Emily Perry This podcast is produced by the…
- Episode 106: Trey Perry McCool Junction Schools Teacher and More
Trey Perry does a lot at McCool Junction public schools and in today's episode, you learn why he does it and a bit more about where Trey comes from. HOST: Emily Perry This podcast is produced by the York County Development Corporation. For…
- Episode 105: Volunteering & Community Involvement
Kim Mortensen is the Business Development Specialist at Cornerstone Bank. She is also heavily involved in the community and can always be seen actively showcasing the groups she is a part of. Hear from her about why being involved is so im…
- Episode 104: Marie Steskal - Remote Work & Moving to York
Marie is a UNL graduate, and her husband moved to York in 2022. She works remotely for Vivayic as a Learning Designer. She teaches CCD for 3rd grade at St Joseph’s, volunteers at the York Pregnancy Resource and Family Center, is on the you…
- Ep. 103 Janeen Sorensen YCDC's Newest Team Member
Deb has retired and although she will never be replaced, we welcome Janeen Sorenson to the YCDC team! Janeen is excited to jump in and get started with us here at the YCDC. HOST: Emily Perry This podcast is produced by the York County Deve…
- Episode 102: Austin "The Stache" and his New Gig
Austin Pistulka returns to the podcast to talk about his new position at KOOL Radio. He is now the host of KOOL Mornings with The Stache! He has big goals with the new show to grow the community around the show and do big things in the com…
- Ep. 101 Meghan Cowger - Recruitment Coordinator
Meghan Cowger joins our podcast today! She is the talent acquisition and recruitment coordinator for York general. You can often find Meghan finding more learning opportunities, engaging with clients or potential staff, or traveling to new…
- Episode 100: Doreen Lopez - York High School JAG Coordinator
Doreen Lopez is the JAG Coordinator at the York High School. She emphasizes the importance of meeting students where they are at while best preparing them for their future adventures. HOST: Emily Perry This podcast is produced by the York…
- Episode 99 : Derek Dauel – Owning a business & Food Services
We are excited to bring back a familiar voice to this podcast! Derek Dauel, who used to manage and host the podcast before Emily, agreed to come back to share about his business, Billie’s Grilled Cheese! Derek does it all – the marketing,…
- Episode 98 Anthony Hodson - York University Student
In this unique podcast, we bring Anthony Hodson on. Anthony is pursuing a degree in Sports Management with a masters in Organizational Leadership. He also works at the YCDC as the Development Support Specialist. He talks about what it is l…
- Impact Award Recipient Doug Rood
This episode we bring back Doug Rood, who was recently awarded with the YCDC’s Impact award. Take a listen to see why we found him so deserving! HOST: Emily Perry This podcast is produced by the York County Development Corporation. For mor…
- Ep. 97 - Hilary Mundt Recruiter with Advanced Services Inc
Hillary is knowledgeable about what it takes to not only find a job you will enjoy, but can also help you land the position. Coming from a history of volunteering and community involvement, Hillary is a wealth of information on what it tak…