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Arts and Culture
Stories about all things related to the arts and culture. Including the theater, food, museums etc.


SWNCTA Announces Auditions for Spring 2026 Production of Clue
December 6, 2026 McCOOK, Neb. — Southwest Nebraska Community Theatre Association (SWNCTA) is bringing a classic whodunit to the stage this spring with its 2026 production of Clue, directed by Rachel Witt. Auditions will be held December 7–9 at Central Elementary in McCook. Witt, a longtime SWNCTA volunteer and McCook High School graduate, said she’s thrilled for the chance to direct a show she has loved since childhood. “Clue has always been one of my favorite movies,” she s

Anna LaBay
2 days ago3 min read


Nebraska’s Legacy: Sheldon Statewide Exhibit Returns to the Museum of the High Plains
McCook Neb. — The Museum of the High Plains is proud to once again host the Sheldon Statewide Exhibit, continuing a vital, long-standing partnership that has brought fine art from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Sheldon Museum of Art to McCook every year since 1987. This year’s captivating traveling exhibition, titled Nebraska’s Legacy, celebrates more than a century of artistic growth, education, and innovation at the University of Nebraska. The exhibit highlights the p

Anna LaBay
Nov 72 min read


Indianola Historical Society Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for Restored One-Room Schoolhouse
INDIANOLA, Neb. (October 28, 2025) — The Indianola Historical Society marked a major milestone Tuesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of its restored one-room schoolhouse on D Street. Cutting the ribbon was Vickie Malleck, joined by members Don Behnke, Paul Schaffert, Ken Kircher, Jim Winchell, Randy Dean, Veronica Waddell, Marcy Rodriguez, and Donna Behnke. The event drew chamber representatives, community members, and local history enthusiasts from a

Anna LaBay
Oct 312 min read


Weaving Faith, Family, and Fine Art: The Passion of Skyla Hegwood
McCOOK, Neb. — In the southwest corner of her kitchen, where sunlight pours through a wall of windows, oil painter Skyla Hegwood spends countless hours bringing portraits and stories to life. Her easel — a cherished gift from her college art instructor — fits perfectly in that bright corner, transforming the space into a home studio that’s part of her daily rhythm. “It’s where everything happens,” she said with a small laugh. “I love that I can paint right here, close to my

Anna LaBay
Oct 224 min read


From Film Scores to the Fox Stage: Pianist and Composer Philip Daniel Comes to McCook
McCook Neb. — Hailing from Lincoln, Nebraska, Philip Daniel has built a career on emotion — weaving stories not with words, but with sound. A classically trained pianist and acclaimed film composer, Daniel’s music has been streamed more than 30 million times around the world, connecting deeply with audiences who crave music that feels as much as it sounds. Daniel’s journey began at the piano bench, earning a graduate degree in Piano Performance from the UMKC Conservatory and

Anna LaBay
Oct 152 min read


More Than Books: Diane Lyon Highlights the Library’s Legacy and New Chapters Ahead
McCOOK, Neb. — Longtime children’s librarian Diane Lyon joined the McCook Rotary Club this week to share the remarkable story of how McCook’s public library came to be — and how it continues to evolve as a vital community resource. From Temperance to Carnegie: The Birth of a Library McCook’s first public reading space appeared in 1885, when the Women’s Temperance Union offered newspapers and magazines in their reading room. At the time, most libraries were private or charged

Anna LaBay
Oct 132 min read


Maker Monday: TJ Peterson weaves together creativity, comfort, and a touch of tarot
McCOOK, Neb. — For nearly a decade, TJ Peterson has been reading tarot cards — first for herself, then for friends, and now, for anyone curious enough to sit down with her at Familiar Finds, where she offers walk-in readings on Saturdays from 10-3 p.m. ✨ Introductory pricing — $5 for a single card or $10 for a three-card spread — runs through the end of October. “This is the first time I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone to do in-person readings for other people,” TJ says. Wi

Anna LaBay
Oct 133 min read


At Just 19, Addison Corey Turns a Passion for Handmade Art into a Thriving Business
McCOOK, Neb. — At just 19 years old, Addison Corey is doing something many twice her age would hesitate to try: running her own business. The admittedly shy and soft-spoken young woman has stepped into ownership of the shop once known as “Plants by Ashley,” a vibrant hub for local makers, artists, and dreamers — all while continuing to grow as a creator herself. What began as a vendor booth for her handmade jewelry has blossomed into a full-fledged small business, and Addison

Anna LaBay
Oct 113 min read


Everyday Objects, Extraordinary Rhythm: Omaha Street Percussion at the Fox
McCOOK, Neb. — The Fox Theatre came alive this morning as area students filled the seats for a special matinee by Omaha Street Percussion...

Anna LaBay
Sep 242 min read


Heritage Days Mixer Kicks Off Week with Honors, Royalty, and Community Spirit
September 18, 2025 McCOOK, Neb. — Heritage Days officially opened Tuesday evening with the MNB Bank Mixer, a community tradition that...

Anna LaBay
Sep 183 min read


Come to the Table Brings Families Together in McCook
McCOOK, Neb. — Prairie Plains CASA invites the community downtown tonight, Thursday, September 18, for Come to the Table, a special event...

Anna LaBay
Sep 182 min read


Heritage Days 2025 Brings Four Days of Fun to McCook
September 17, 2025 McCOOK, Neb. — The countdown is over. Heritage Days 2025 kicks off this week, bringing four days of community...

Anna LaBay
Sep 173 min read


Editor’s Life Update
✨ Exciting News ✨ I’m honored to share that I’ve accepted the position of McCook Creative District Coordinator beginning this month. This...

Anna LaBay
Sep 11 min read


McCook’s Own Angelina Cruse Competing for People’s Choice at Nebraska State Fair
McCook has a rising star, and she’s ready for your vote! McCOOK Neb. — Fifteen-year-old Angelina Cruse is one of the finalists in the...

Anna LaBay
Aug 121 min read


Norma Stevens Reflects on McCook’s Rich Art Legacy
McCook, Neb. — When you sit down with Norma Stevens, you don’t need to ask many questions—her love for McCook’s art community overflows...

Anna LaBay
Jul 242 min read


From Flood Relief to Fair Fun: Josh Weathers Set to Perform in McCook
McCOOK, Neb. — Texas musician Josh Weathers, who recently helped raise more than $500,000 for Central Texas flood victims, will bring his...

Anna LaBay
Jul 222 min read


Love, Loss, and Color: Artist Irene Delka McCray Brings Mother’s Story to Life at the ArtBank
McCook, Neb. — “I’m not here,” Irene Delka McCray’s mother said one day, pressing her hands to her face during a video call in the...

Anna LaBay
Jul 213 min read


A Night of Nebraska Art: Traveling Show and Local Talent at the Art Guild
McCook Neb. - The McCook ArtGuild will host its monthly artist reception tonight, Friday, July 18, from 5 to 7 p.m., featuring three...

Anna LaBay
Jul 182 min read


Community Members Speak Out on Future of MCC Music and Theater Programs as Tipton Hall Demolition Begins
McCook, Neb. – The future of music and theater programs at Mid-Plains Community College sparked concern at Tuesday night’s Board of...

Anna LaBay
Jul 172 min read


ArtBank Hosts “Mother Lasting” – A Moving Exploration of Aging, Memory, and Love
McCook Neb. - The ArtBank will open a deeply personal and thought-provoking exhibition this week, welcoming renowned artist and educator...

Anna LaBay
Jul 162 min read
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