(Editor’s note: the following Good Living Tour video was produced in part thanks to our sponsors — Center for Rural Affairs, Pinnacle Bank, Nebraska Arts Council, Humanities Nebraska and Nebraska Cultural Endowment.)
* * *
In June 2015, a team of Hear Nebraska journalists visited nine Greater Nebraska communities as part of HN’s Good Living Tour. Along the way, we interviewed young residents to hear, in their own words, what makes their community a distinctly attractive place to live, work and play.
Here’s what the residents of Ogallala had to say:
On that same trip, our Good Living Tour storytelling crew interviewed local musicians, venue operators, musical entrepreneurs and young professionals, all dedicated to cultivating the arts in their communities. Our editorial team produced two features from the trip to Ogallala. Read them below:
Nick Rich: From Addiction to Benediction | story and photos by Andrew Stellmon
Former professional drummer Nick Rich followed the hard-touring, rockstar lifestyle down a destructive path to addiction. After hitting rock bottom, he left behind fame and money for Ogallala’s New Hope Church, drawing on his tribulations and musical talents for community good.
Lou Kraus Music: How the Little Guy Survives [and Thrives] | story by Chance Solem-Pfeifer | photos by Chris Dinan
A 30-year regional fixture, Ogallala’s Lou Kraus Music Inc. has weathered the arrival of big box stores and the internet, expanding and diversifying its inventory and community presence.
Video Credits:
Video: Bridget McQuillan, Chris Dinan
Edit: Chris Dinan
Interview: Andrew Norman
Animation: Bryan Findell
Song: “Summer Jam” by Twinsmith