Volcanic Ash in Western Nebraska: Past ... and Future?

The final event in the 2018-2019 Science on Screen film-and-discussion series at the Midwest Theater will take place the first week of May, with a special co-hosted pair of events to celebrate Scotts Bluff National Monument’s Centennial. On Thurs., May 2, at 7:30 p.m., the Midwest Theater will present “Volcanic Ash in Western Nebraska: Past . . . and Future?” featuring two geologists and a disaster movie. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Emeritus Professor of Geology James Swinehart and University of Northern Colorado Associate Professor of Geology Emmett Evanoff will talk about local geology, including the volcanic ash layers at Scotts Bluff National Monument. The geologists will then provide commentary about geological science during a screening of the 1997 disaster film “Dante’s Peak,” in the style of the television show “Mystery Science Theater 3000.” Prior to the event, educational booths will be set up in the lobby for visitors to learn about geology, fossils, and preparing for natural disasters, featuring Scotts Bluff National Monument, Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, and Region 22 Emergency Management. This event is open to the public, and admission is FREE, thanks to event sponsors and partners, including the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Panhandle Research and Extension Center, Scotts Bluff County Farm Bureau, WyoBraska Gives donors, Monument Inn & Suites, Nebraska Arts Council, and Nebraska Cultural Endowment. Every audience member will get a free ticket for a chance at winning a raffle prize.