Latest News from the Governor's Office

CONTACT:    

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495   

Gov. Pillen Hosts ‘Growing Nebraska’ Summit, Inaugural Youth Summit in Kearney

LINCOLN, NE –  Today, Governor Jim Pillen welcomed more than 900 participants to Kearney for the 2025 Governor’s Summit: Growing Nebraska and the first-ever Governor’s Youth Summit.

The annual Governor’s Summit, co-hosted by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), convenes the state’s economic development community to discuss shared strategies to grow Nebraska. This year’s event featured breakout tracks on manufacturing, workforce development, agriculture and the emerging bioeconomy.

The inaugural Youth Summit facilitated one-on-one interactions between high school students and business, college, and military leaders. Throughout the day, employers and educators presented student attendees with internship, scholarship, and job offers in Nebraska.

“Our state’s family farms and multi-generational manufacturers can compete with anybody, anywhere,” said Gov. Pillen. “Today was all about connecting youth to the great careers being created by our homegrown businesses. The message to our kids is clear: you can achieve your dreams here in the Good Life.”

Husker football coach Matt Rhule kicked off Thursday’s activities with keynote remarks. He was then joined by current Cornhuskers—and Nebraska natives—Derek Branch (Lincoln), Heinrich Haarberg (Kearney), Carter Nelson (Ainsworth), and Luke Lindenmeyer (Papillion) for a special session of the Youth Summit. Speaking to student attendees, the Husker players shared why they’ve chosen to spend their college careers in Nebraska.

Gov. Pillen moderated a lunchtime panel of state agency directors. The panelists spotlighted system improvements within state government that are resulting in better outcomes and savings for Nebraskans. The lunch session also featured guest speaker Stephen Vaden, deputy secretary of USDA. He provided an update on the Trump Administration’s work to advance American agriculture and grow the ag economy.

The Governor’s Summit concluded with an afternoon plenary session headlined by Eric Gehringer, Executive VP of Operations for Union Pacific (UP). He highlighted the company’s work to become America’s first transcontinental railroad and detailed UP’s commitment to Nebraska, which dates back more than 160 years.

At the conclusion of the event, CareerPathway.com, primary sponsor of the Governor’s Youth Summit, reported metrics from the inaugural event. During Thursday, students made 918 connections with employers/educators and submitted more than 250 scholarship, internship, and job applications.

CONTACT: 

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Appoints Durham as District Court Judge in 11th Judicial District

LINCOLN, NE -- Today, Governor Jim Pillen appointed Chawnta Durham of North Platte as district court judge in the 11th Judicial District. That district includes Arthur, Chase, Dawson, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Gosper, Hayes, Hitchcock, Hooker, Keith, Lincoln, Logan, McPherson, Perkins, Red Willow, and Thomas counties. 

Since 2023, Durham has operated her own law practice, focused on family, criminal, and immigration law. She previously worked at Lindemeier Law Office and was a deputy public defender and deputy county attorney in Lincoln County. 

Durham continues to serve her community and the legal profession through a variety of positions including as chairperson of the Mental Health Board for the 11th Judicial District and mock trial events organized within local schools. 

Durham received her undergraduate degree from Union College in Lincoln. She earned a juris doctor at the University of Nebraska College of Law. 

Durham fills the vacancy due to the resignation of Judge Matthew D. Neher.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

MJ Lierman, Nebraska Task Force One PIO, 402-326-1348

Gov. Pillen Meets with Members of Nebraska Task Force One

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen met with members of Nebraska Task Force One (NE-TF1), who were activated to assist in recovery efforts resulting from the deadly floods in central Texas, as well as the recent explosion at the Horizon Biofuels plant in Fremont. The meeting provided the Governor with an opportunity to personally thank members of the group, most of whom responded to both incidents.

Fifteen members of NE-FT1 were on hand for the Governor’s visit at the team’s headquarters in Lincoln. Referring to them as the “best of the best,” Gov. Pillen expressed his appreciation for their skills, training, and dedication to completing what were two very difficult missions.  

“I can’t imagine the challenges and the reliance that you have to have when you are doing those kinds of tough things,” Gov. Pillen told the group. “My main goal this morning was to be able to look at everybody eye to eye and say a gigantic thank you on behalf of all Nebraskans.”

In addition to the membership from NE-TF1, Chief Dave Engler and other leadership from Lincoln Fire and Rescue were on hand for the Governor’s visit. Director Erv Portis represented the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

Gov. Pillen authorized the activation of NE-TF1 to Texas, just a few days after the July 4 floods. The Nebraska team worked alongside other state emergency management agencies as members conducted day-long search operations. Their deployment lasted 10 days. Forty-five members took part, including two canine teams.

In Fremont, 14 team members were activated to assist other local rescue response crews at the site of the wood pellet plant, which continued to burn following the explosion.

Ashley Engler, program manager for NE-TF1, went to both locations. On behalf of the team, she thanked Gov. Pillen for his visit.

“We appreciate that the Governor was able to come and meet with some of our team members. Nebraska Task Force One is very proud to have the ability to respond to communities in Nebraska and across the nation when agencies request our assistance. Being able to help people is why we do what we do.”

This morning, Gov. Pillen gave a challenge coin to each of the NE-TF1 members who were present. He also toured the facility and had the opportunity to see the type of equipment used when the team is deployed to various locations.   

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Jay Omar, NDOT, (402) 417-8617

Cody Thomas, NSP, (402-479-4985

Gov. Pillen Joins NSP & NDOT Leadership Urging Driver Caution Following Worker Injury

LINCOLN, NE -- Today, Governor Jim Pillen joined leadership from the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) and the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) urging drivers to reduce speeds, put down their phones, and keep their attention on the road. Yesterday, an NDOT worker was injured while assisting at the scene of a crash east of Lexington on Interstate 80. The driver was parked on the shoulder of the interstate in an NDOT arrow truck and was helping to direct traffic due to an earlier crash. That's when he was struck from behind by a semi-truck.

“We are still in the midst of the busy summer travel and road construction season. Very soon, students will be heading back to school and Nebraskans will be commuting to and from Lincoln for Husker football and volleyball games. The need for drivers to take it slow and pay attention is imperative,” said Gov. Pillen. “We’ve had too many recent incidents of troopers being hit and now, an NDOT worker. When people see cones in the road, flashing lights and directional signs, it’s usually a signal that activity is happening nearby. That’s the time motorists need to look ahead, slow down, and move over. No one should be on a cell phone while operating their vehicle.”

In June, NDOT Director Vicki Kramer joined Colonel Bryan Waugh, superintendent of NSP, for a joint news conference reinforcing the need for caution by drivers. At that time, there had been three separate crashes over a two-week period involving Nebraska troopers. In the most recent of those incidents, a state trooper was hit by a semi while sitting in her cruiser on the side of the road.

“Thursday’s incident again highlights the daily risks faced by public safety personnel and underscores the vital responsibility we all have when driving near emergency vehicles,” said Col. Waugh. “I want to remind everyone that lives depend on making smart choices, staying attentive, avoiding distractions, and slowing down.”

The worker who was hit and injured yesterday has been with the agency nearly three years and as Director Kramer conveyed, is a valued member of the NDOT family.

“This marks the fourth critical or fatal injury to NDOT public servants in the last two and a half years. Our roads, specifically due to driver behavior, continue to pose a threat to first responders,” said Dir. Kramer. “We urge those on the road to take the responsibility of driving seriously and to consider that our first responders are putting their lives on the line every day to ensure the safety of our roads. We owe them our attention.”

“I share the concerns raised by our partners at NDOT and from Gov. Pillen. Our thoughts are with the worker who was injured while providing traffic safety for our troopers and others who were involved in Thursday’s multiple crash response,” said Col. Waugh.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495 

Katrina Cerveny, NEMA, (402) 326-3179, katrina.cerveny@nebraska.gov

State Provides Resources to Assist in Recovery at Fremont Plant Explosion

LINCOLN, NE – The state of Nebraska is providing resources to assist in recovery operations at the Horizon Biofuels plant in Fremont. Three people, an adult and two children, have been missing since an explosion at the plant yesterday. A fire continues to burn at the structure.  

Fourteen members of Nebraska Task Force One (NE-TF1) have been activated, including personnel with expertise in structural issues and a canine team. The group is also transporting equipment to the location that can be utilized should it become necessary.  They will join other emergency response teams that remain on the scene, including multiple law enforcement and fire departments. Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol continue to provide traffic control around the area. Representatives from the state Fire Marshal’s office are there as well. 

Activation of NE-TF1 was authorized by Adjutant General Craig Strong, director of the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). Nebraska’s Emergency Management Act allows for the deployment of resources in response to emergencies and disasters. 

Gov. Jim Pillen expressed his deep appreciation to the numerous agencies that have responded since yesterday.

“This is obviously a difficult situation for the community and those first responders who are working diligently at the scene,” said Gov. Pillen. “Suzanne and I continue to extend our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of those who were in the plant at the time of this tragic incident.”