Arts, Culture & Community

McCook Neb. – This Friday, June 13th, the Buffalo Commons Storytelling and Music Festival offers a unique opportunity to delve into significant moments of American history, combining a visit to a historic battlefield with an encounter with the powerful art of the late John Thein. The "Last Battle on the Plains" tour, running from 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., promises a journey through the events leading up to the final major intertribal battle between the Sioux and the Pawnee. Pa

Trenton Neb. - Step into Ginny Anderson’s studio in Trenton, Nebraska, and you’re not just entering a tattoo parlor; you’re stepping into a vibrant extension of her soul, a testament to her diverse artistic spirit. The air thrums with creativity, surrounded by a vibrant mural on one wall, a curated collection of works by artists she admires on another, and, of course, her own captivating creations in various mediums—acrylic, watercolor, and even printmaking—adorning a third.

MCCook, NE – The unique sounds of Pondstock Music Festival at Lake Hedke will be echoing across the water for the final day today, Saturday, June 7th. This self-supported, independent gathering of musicians, friends, and family is celebrating its 20th year, bringing diverse acts to Southwest Nebraska. The spirit of Pondstock remains strong, largely thanks to organizer Vic Giron, known by his stage name El Jefe. Giron emphasizes the festival is a group effort, cultivating an e

McCOOK Neb. - Prepare to encounter a unique artistic vision later this week at McCook's ArtBank with the opening of Brigham Larington's "33rd Street Angels" exhibit. This show promises a compelling exploration of nature, perception, and the surprising beauty woven into the fabric of the everyday. Larington's inspiration draws from unexpected sources, including a burl—a distinctive growth on trees he describes as “like a scab, but a little bit like cancer too...they form when

McCOOK Neb.- The ArtBank will soon feature "To Be Afraid of Trees," an exhibition of stunning black-and-white photographs and thoughtful poems by Nebraska artist Quentin Fortney. The show opens next week, April 26th. Fortney, who lives in Lincoln, shared insights about his upcoming show. This marks the first time he has created a complete black-and-white collection of work. The photographs in this series were taken during Fortney's three-month stint in Yakutat, Alaska, where

McCOOK Neb.:  Carrie Clay's life is a powerful transformation narrative, a journey of extraordinary resilience. From a dedicated paramedic to a mother forging a new path, her story illuminates the strength of the human spirit in the face of insurmountable challenges. A Seismic Shift on Sept. 4, 2021, marked a profound turning point. During the birth of her daughter in Huntington, West Virginia, a complication from an epidural resulted in paralysis. "Sept. 4, 2021, I was paral

McCOOK Neb.– Art enthusiasts rejoice! ArtBank is set to reopen its doors for its second full season tonight, April 3rd, at 5:00 PM. After an off-season filled with artistic exploration across the globe, including visits to major art hubs like New York, Paris, and Berlin, Chad Graff and his wife, JoAnn Faulkenburg, are ready to unveil a dynamic lineup of exhibits and programs. Graff emphasized the focus on accessibility and community engagement, stating, “We'll reopen on Thurs

Indianola, Neb. – The Indianola Historical Society celebrated a significant milestone today with the successful relocation of a historic schoolhouse, a tribute to Red Willow County's rich educational past. This project honors a time when the county supported 71 schoolhouses, including District 27, before their decline in the early 1960s. The schoolhouse, formerly located on Griff Malleck’s property five miles southwest of Indianola, holds a special place in the community. Gri

Photo credit: Alexis Popp

McCOOK, Neb.- The Nebraska Art Teachers Association (NATA) conference held at the ArtBank in October featured an impactful presentation by Tom Di Maria, Executive Director of the Creative Growth Art Center. His heartfelt message focused on the crucial connections between art and disability, capturing the attention of attendees.During his address, Di Maria urged educators and advocates to acknowledge the transformative power of creative expression for individuals with developm

McCOOK Neb.– The YMCA of McCook is excited to announce a Community Book Swap event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 22 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. The premise of the event is to find a new book to read and enjoy at no cost for event attendees. Those wanting to participate are encouraged to clean out their bookshelves, bring their books to the YMCA in preparation of the event from February 3-21 or on the day of the event, and then attend on Feb. 22 to shop for a new book or two. All

McCOOK Neb. - In a world where music enthusiasts often find themselves pricing out from their favorite artists, one passionate fan is making waves in advocating for change. Olivia Johnson, a dedicated “Swiftie” with over 29,000 followers on Facebook, has become a vocal advocate for fair ticketing practices in the live music industry. Shockingly, Johnson traveled to Europe to attend a Taylor Swift concert, revealing that the entire trip—flights, hotel accommodations, meals,

In the heart of rural America, where family farms meet the creative spirit, Emily O’Byrne stands out as a beacon of inspiration.

OBERLIN Kan .- In the quiet community of Oberlin, a profound sadness has settled as family and friends grapple with the devastating loss of 11-year-old Casen Keith-Tomas Kiehn. Casen, born on Dec. 14, 2012, to Andrew and Malenda Kiehn, passed away on November 25, 2024, a victim of the silent struggles that plague too many young lives. Casen was a vibrant soul, a beacon of joy in the lives of those who knew him. He attended Oberlin Elementary School and Christian Academy and

McCOOK Neb. - In a reflective interview, Dave Eaton, a Vietnam War veteran, shared his experience of being drafted at 19 years old—when many young men found themselves thrust into a conflict they barely understood. Drafted in 1966 from Rapid City, S.D., Eaton's journey began with basic training at Fort Bliss, Tex., followed by advanced infantry training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, informally known as "Tiger Land." This training was designed to simulate the challenging conditions

MCCOOK Neb. — The Cancer Awareness Committee of Community Hospital is pleased to share the success of this year’s Light of Hope Cancer Survivor Dinner, held on Saturday, March 1. The inspiring evening brought together over 30 attendees, uniting survivors and their loved ones in a celebration of resilience, perseverance, and hope. The night began with a warm social gathering and beautiful live music performed by Simply Strings, setting the stage for an uplifting event. Amber

With International CVS Awareness Day approaching on March 5, 2025, the Cook family is urging the community to learn more about CVS and show

News Release from the Family Resource Center

McCOOK, Neb. – Fantasy enthusiasts are celebrating as AJ Larington releases the second installment of her captivating series, The Wynera Kingdom, titled Song of Sin and Orchids. Following the success of her debut novel, Land of Shadow and Wolves, which made the Barnes & Noble bestsellers list shortly after its release last October, Larington's latest work has generated significant buzz, culminating in a sold-out hardcover edition at last night’s early release party. Just five

A poem inspired by Invitation by Shel Silverstein.