Nebraska Rocks: A stout-hearted trapper,geological formations that defy physics, abundant blooms of every shade and shape, fearsome mammalsthat wandered the ancient grasslands, desperate pioneers and Indigenous people – the history of Western Nebraska is as dramatic as its ruggedlandscape. Rocks can’t talk, but this land still tells stories. Story by Megan Feeney / Sandhills Artist: A relative of Mari Sandoz, self-taught artist Rachel Brownlee creates charcoal pencil drawings inspired by“the living West” at her home on a family ranch in the Sandhills. The young artist is making waves at home and in the art world – and she says it’s not just her hands guiding the creation. Story by Joe ArterburnPhotographs by Audrey Powles / Big Mama’s Kitchen: Patricia “Big Mama” Barron served soul food and second chances at her North Omaha restaurant. As she was dying, Big Mama made her family promise to keep the restaurant and its brand of radical love alive at its new location on North 30th Street.The family is making good
