Keith County Area Development

08/13/2026

Free adult art class TODAY at 2:30 p.m.!

Head over to the Petrified Wood and Art Gallery for a fun, hands-on art experience inspired by our local ecology! Create a one-of-a-kind relief print using cedar wood from Cedar Point Biological Station, featuring intricate insect tracks left behind by wood-boring beetles.

All materials are provided, and no experience is necessary! Space is limited, so call 308-289-4595 to reserve your spot. This class is made available through the Art Society of Ogallala.

08/12/2026

Did you know KCAD offers small business assistance?

Do you have a business idea? Are you looking to expand or transition your existing business? KCAD can help connect you with resources and tools to support you along your small business journey.

Give KCAD a call at 308-284-6623, and we’ll connect you with our Community Development Coordinator, Molly Jeffres, who is passionate about supporting small businesses and local entrepreneurs! Since starting at KCAD, Molly has assisted more than 90 small businesses in Keith County and the surrounding area.

At KCAD, we believe that investing in local businesses is an investment in the future of our community. Supporting small businesses helps create a stronger, more vibrant community for everyone!

08/10/2026

Thank you to everyone who helped make the Western Trails Creative District’s first-ever Youth Summer Arts Series a success!

This free summer program was created to give local youth the opportunity to explore the arts through engaging, hands-on experiences while inspiring creativity, supporting local artists, and strengthening community connections.

Throughout June, July, and August, we hosted three unique arts classes in partnership with local volunteer artists and our wonderful host site, MPCC Ogallala Campus!

A special thank you to our incredible instructors Art by Breeanna Benton , Bridgette Lillethorup from Art at Cedar Point , and Kate Wright from Eccentric Lamb Fiber Arts, Ltd. for sharing their time and talents with our young artists! We’re also so grateful to Mid-Plains Community College for providing a fantastic space for all three classes.

Most importantly, thank you to all the kids who participated and brought their creativity and enthusiasm to each class—and to the parents and guardians who made it possible for them to be part of the experience.

We can’t wait to see how this program grows and continues to bring the arts to youth in our community!

08/06/2026

If you fish, you might know that moment when a fish gets away. That's the inspiration behind Fish Out of Water by Joe and Terry Malesky. Listen to the whole story behind the art when you download the Otocast app or visit https://app.otocast.com/guide/Ogallala_SculptureWalk
And when you're not on the water at Lake Mac, stop in town to see this big fish.
"

08/05/2026

When people think about economic development, they often picture new businesses, housing developments, or job creation. While those are all important, thriving communities are built on much more than that.

First Impressions projects like beautification efforts, public art, parks, landscaping, community gathering spaces, and placemaking—help create communities where people want to live, work, visit, and invest.

A community's appearance sends a powerful message. It reflects local pride, encourages residents to stay engaged, attracts visitors, supports local businesses, and gives potential employers, investors, and future residents confidence that the community is vibrant and forward-thinking.

These projects don't just make a place look better. They strengthen economic vitality by improving quality of life, fostering community pride, and creating welcoming spaces that support long-term growth.

Because when a community invests in itself, others are more likely to invest in it too.

08/03/2026

We are so excited for this incredible FREE event taking place in September! Registration is now OPEN.

ATTENTION: Registration for our inaugural event on September 26th at Haythorn Ranch & Cattle Co. in Ogallala is OPEN!

WHAT TO EXPECT: The event will feature narrative film screenings, visual art installations, guided ranch tours, and community centered programming. The gallery is FREE for all to attend!

WHERE TO REGISTER? Click the link to register today!
https://pears.io/events/nebraskaextension/8814/

07/31/2026

Thank you to the Petrified Wood and Art Gallery for sponsoring "Bark Burst" by Nathan Johansen in this year's Western Trails Sculpture Walk!

We are incredibly grateful for your generous support of this rotating public art display. Community partnerships like yours help ensure the long-term success and sustainability of programs like the sculpture walk.

If you haven't seen "Bark Burst" in person yet, be sure to stop by the Petrified Wood and Art Gallery . It's the perfect location for this one-of-a-kind sculpture!

07/28/2026

Business Development Opportunity in Keith County!

Looking for the perfect location to grow or relocate your business? The Ogallala North Business Park offers development-ready lots in a prime location designed to support commercial and industrial growth.

Interested in learning more? Contact KCAD to request a copy of the property covenants and see if the North Business Park is the right fit for your business. We'd be happy to answer your questions and help you explore the opportunities available.

Invest in Keith County. Build your future here!

07/27/2026

We couldn't be more proud to call Keith County home! 💙

We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming generosity shown during this year's Keith County Big Give. Your support is a powerful reminder of what makes our community so special!

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in our community and investing in its future. We are truly grateful!

07/21/2026

We’re so excited to welcome this wonderful new addition to our community! Investing in our youngest learners is an investment in the future of Keith County, and we can’t wait to see the finished project come to life. Congratulations to everyone who has helped make this vision a reality!

You're invited! A new chapter is beginning for the youngest members of OG Nation.

Join us as we celebrate the Community Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for Tiny Trails Early Learning Center. This new space represents years of planning, community partnerships, generous donors, and a shared commitment to investing in children from the very beginning.

Whether you've supported the project from day one or simply want to see the finished center, we'd love to celebrate this milestone with you.

📅 Friday, August 14
⏰ 4:30-5:30 p.m.
📍 Tiny Trails Early Learning Center
601 West 9th Street
Ogallala, Nebraska

We hope you'll join us as we officially welcome Tiny Trails to the OG Nation family!