Arts, Culture & Community

McCOOK, Neb. — A young man with a mission will pass through McCook this week, carrying not only a backpack but also a message of health, resilience, and hope in the fight against addiction. Andy Kaucic, known online as Andy’s Ventures, began his walk five months ago on a beach in Maine. Since then, he’s traveled down the East Coast through Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C., before turning west across the mountains and into the Midwest. His route will take him through McC

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 Galaxy of Stars People’s Choice competition at the Nebraska State Fair — and she’s representing McCook with her powerful vocals and big dreams. “I’ve been singing since I could talk,” Angelina said, pushing herself to get better every day. A sophomore-to-be at McCook High School, she’s the daughter of Courtney and Robert Wagner. Angelina recen

McCOOK, Neb. – Two McCook youth soccer teams made an impressive showing at the 2025 Cornhusker State Games in Lincoln earlier this month, proving that local talent can hold its own against experienced travel teams. Southwest Seabreezers 12U Team Coach Leah Christensen with players, back row: Caleb Christensen, Bentley Stritt, Luis Almanzo; front row: Beckett Fox, Chase Reichert. The McCook Crossfire 15U team earned a silver medal in their division, while the newly-formed Sou

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 in stories, names, and memories that paint a vivid picture of the area’s creative history. Stevens, a retired language arts teacher, didn’t set out to become an artist. But after years in the classroom, she decided to take a chance on something new. “I always had an interest, but I didn’t have the background—color, value, all of that,” she re

McCook, Neb. — The Southwest Area Training Service (SWATS) is on a mission to help individuals with developmental disabilities live self-determined, independent lives—and under new leadership, that mission is taking on a renewed energy and focus. “Our primary mission is to support the individuals we serve to live their lives in a self-determined manner—to make their own choices, take risks, and learn from those risks, just like anybody else,” said Kayla Rork, Services Directo

McCOOK, Neb. — Texas musician Josh Weathers, who recently helped raise more than $500,000 for Central Texas flood victims, will bring his high-energy country-soul sound to the Red Willow County Fair this week. Weathers spoke by phone Monday from Ingram, Texas, where he has been assisting flood victims. “It looks like a third-world disaster area down here,” he said. “Everywhere I look, there’s debris piled up. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life.” The Fort Worth-based

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 middle of the COVID-19 lockdown. For McCray, those words were heartbreaking, funny, and profound all at once—and they became the title of one of her most powerful works, a large-scale colored pencil portrait included in her exhibit Mother, Lasting. On Saturday afternoon, the ArtBank in McCook hosted McCray for an intimate artist talk that was as

McCook Neb. - The McCook ArtGuild will host its monthly artist reception tonight, Friday, July 18, from 5 to 7 p.m., featuring three unique exhibitions on display through July 31. In the Main Gallery The Association of Nebraska Art Clubs (ANAC) Traveling Show brings some of Nebraska’s most celebrated artwork to McCook. ANAC is the only organization in the U.S. that unites all of a state’s art clubs. Each year, hundreds of entries are judged by a nationally recognized artist,

McCook Neb. - The ArtBank will open a deeply personal and thought-provoking exhibition this week, welcoming renowned artist and educator Irene Delka McCray with her series “Mother Lasting.” The show, curated by Lucas Kotschwar of the 6th Floor Project, opens Thursday, July 17 (1–8 p.m.) and continues through August. McCray will give an artist talk on Saturday, July 19, at 2 p.m., offering visitors the chance to hear firsthand how her work developed out of an intimate and emot

McCOOK, Neb. — On Saturday night, something truly unexpected happened behind the ArtBank: a music and skateboarding event that felt fresh, inclusive, and unlike anything McCook has seen before. “Break the Bank” was a collaboration between organizers Brigham Larington, Devon Strunk, and Elise Larington, who helped bring the evening to life. It combined live music, a skate competition, and a vibrant atmosphere—without a drop of alcohol, and with free hot dogs and water provided

McCook, Neb. - Warden Steve Fannon and Unit Manager Carolyn Sommer from the Nebraska Work Ethic Camp (WEC) visited with McCook Rotary for an informative presentation on the facility’s mission, operations, and community impact. The Work Ethic Camp, located just outside McCook, has evolved over the years into a unique correctional facility focused on rehabilitation, skill-building, and community service. Rehabilitation and Reentry Focus Warden Fannon emphasized that the Work Et

McCook, Neb. - The area’s live music scene is getting a fresh boost with Break the Bank, a new all-ages event coming to The Artbank this Saturday, July 12th at 6 PM. The evening promises a mix of live performances, skateboarding competitions, and community connection—plus free hot dogs while the last, courtesy of Renegade Removal. Organized by Brigham and Devon, with creative support from Brigham’s wife Elise, who designed the event poster, Break the Bank reflects a grassroo

McCook, Neb. - Norris Park came alive Thursday evening as the North Platte band Platinum Pearls headlined Hot Summer Nights, an annual community event hosted by McCook National Bank. Community members gathered for the evening of live music and family fun, including long-time attendees John and Debra Walters. The event featured face painting, root beer floats provided by the McCook Community Foundation, and a community meal served by the Community Chest. “We make it a traditio

McCook, Neb. - This past week, I had the privilege of working alongside SWATS and the ArtBank on the pilot phase of a new art program designed to provide creative opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities in our community. The idea for this program grew out of conversations with Tom DiMaria, Director Emeritus of Creative Growth in Oakland, California, and founder of Arts Access for All. Tom has spent his career supporting artists with disabilities, helping

McCook, Neb. — Miss Nebraska 2025, Makinzie Gregory, kicked off her year of service with a visit to the McCook YMCA summer camp on Monday, July 1. Speaking to an energetic group of students, Gregory shared her personal journey and encouraged the campers to prioritize their health and well-being. “You are able to do what you love better when you take care of your health,” she told the students. “Whether it’s school, friendships, or your favorite activities, healthy habits help

The Elizabeth Project: A Community’s Answer to Stray Cat Overpopulation McCook Neb. - Courtney Hampton is leading a compassionate grassroots initiative called The Elizabeth Project, created to address the growing problem of stray cat overpopulation. Named in honor of the late Elizabeth Schaffert—a young woman remembered for her deep love of animals and her tireless efforts to rescue kittens—the project seeks to carry forward her legacy through humane, community-driven solutio

Submitted Community Feature: The following article was submitted by a local community member and has been lightly edited for clarity. Photo and article from Brigham Larington. Third Thursday’s Fashion Show Invites Spectacle from Beyond McCook Neb. - On June 19, at ArtBank in downtown McCook, local artists and designers Asher Long, Isabelle Claus, Vania, Maria, and Fatima Rodriguez curated a fashion exhibit featuring mannequins dressed in garments designed by Creative Growth a

McCOOK, Neb. - The Red Willow Western Rural Fire Department has issued a strong advisory against open burning, citing current and forecasted weather conditions that significantly elevate the risk of wildfires. Despite requests for burn permits, the department will not be issuing them at this time, prioritizing public safety. In a recent Facebook post, the department emphasized the critical factors they consider before granting a burn permit: "Did you look at the 7-10 day for

McCook, Neb.- ArtBank in McCook is buzzing with anticipation for tomorrow's opening of "Beyond Trend," a distinctive fashion exhibit. This unique display showcases handmade garments from 10 years of Creative Growth Art Center's renowned fashion shows. Curated by ArtBank Interns Asher Long, Fatima Rodriguez, and Isabelle Clause, the exhibit promises a vibrant celebration of artistic expression and inclusivity in the contemporary art world. Creative Growth Art Center, located i

McCook Neb. - The McCook Art Guild recently concluded a highly anticipated three-day painting workshop led by nationally recognized Nebraska artist, Todd A. Williams. Held on June 16, 17, and 18, 2025, at the McCook Art Guild on Norris Avenue, the immersive experience provided local artists and enthusiasts with a unique opportunity to learn from a master of his craft. Todd Williams, known for his stunning works displayed in museums and sought by prominent collectors, guided p