Latest News from the Governor's Office
- Gov. Pillen Declares State of Emergency Following Severe Storm in Crofton September 23, 2026 jim Wed, 09/23/2026 - 21:15
CONTACT:
Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495
Gov. Pillen Declares State of Emergency Following Severe Storm in Crofton
LINCOLN, NE - Today, Governor Jim Pillen declared a state of emergency in response to a strong and dangerous storm that impacted the Village of Crofton in Knox County.
The storm, which happened on September 9, brought exceptionally high winds that caused damage to public and private property and disrupted utility services.
The issuance of this proclamation allows for the activation of state resources and authorizes the use of the Governor’s Emergency Fund to help cover costs associated with responding to and recovering from the impacts of the storm.
Text version of Emergency Proclamation for severe storms in Crofton, Nebraska
- Husker Athletic Director Troy Dannen Announced as Opening Keynote for Governor’s Summit September 23, 2026 jim Wed, 09/23/2026 - 20:08
CONTACT:
Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495
Husker Athletic Director Troy Dannen Announced as Opening Keynote for Governor’s Summit
Dannen will speak in lieu of Ben Sasse, who is unable to attend.
LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced that Troy Dannen, athletic director for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, will be the opening keynote at the 2026 Governor’s Summit. Senator Ben Sasse, who was previously announced as the morning keynote, is recovering from a recent successful liver surgery and is unable to attend.
Troy Dannen joins Husker men’s basketball head coach Fred Hoiberg as a headline speaker for the Summit, which will take place Sept. 28-29 in Kearney. Dannen is scheduled to speak on Tuesday morning, Sept. 29.
“Troy Dannen has been a great fit to lead Husker athletics,” said Gov. Pillen. “His vision, leadership, and hustle have the Huskers on the fast track to where they belong—at the very pinnacle of collegiate sports. I look forward to hearing from Troy at this year’s Summit!”
A respected leader in collegiate athletics with deep Midwestern roots, Troy Dannen is in his third year as Nebraska’s Director of Athletics. Dannen guides Nebraska’s 25-sport athletic department that ranks among the nation’s most successful programs both athletically and academically.
Since his arrival to Nebraska in March of 2024, the Huskers have posted three straight top 25 finishes in the Learfield Director’s Cup, marking the first time Husker Athletics has accomplished that feat in more than two decades. The Huskers enjoyed broad-based success in 2025-26. The Husker men’s basketball program reached the NCAA Sweet 16 for the first time in school history, the Husker softball team reached the Women’s College World Series for the first time since 2013, while the men’s and women’s outdoor track squads posted top 10 finishes in the same season for the first time since 2003.
Dannen came to the University of Nebraska following successful stints as athletic director at Washington, Tulane, and Northern Iowa. Prior to his career in collegiate athletics, Dannen served as the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union’s executive director for seven years, overseeing 400 high schools and 10 sports.
Dannen grew up on a farm in Iowa and graduated from University of Northern Iowa in 1989 with a degree in communications. He is married to Amy and has four children: Elizabeth, William, Emily and Holly.
The 2026 Governor’s Summit begins Monday afternoon, Sept. 28, with a statewide 6 Regions, One Nebraska update. On Monday evening, the Nebraska Diplomats will host a reception and awards banquet.
Tuesday, Sept. 29, is the primary day of the Governor’s Summit. It features remarks from Gov. Pillen, a morning keynote from Troy Dannen, a full slate of breakout sessions, and an afternoon address from Coach Fred Hoiberg. The second annual Youth Summit is also taking place on Tuesday, concurrent with the main Summit.
Register for the Governor’s Summit, and see an agenda for the event
- Deadline Approaches to Register for 2026 Governor’s Summit September 21, 2026 jim Mon, 09/21/2026 - 16:16
CONTACT:
Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495
Deadline Approaches to Register for 2026 Governor’s Summit
Register now at govsummit.nebraska.gov.
LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen is issuing a reminder about the deadline to register for the 2026 Governor’s Summit. Registrations should be submitted online by Wednesday, September 23rd.
“The Good Life is open for business, and Nebraska can outcompete anyone,” said Gov. Pillen. “We all need to brag about our state’s amazing companies, communities, and career opportunities—especially when speaking with our kids. I’m excited to convene state leaders for the Summit to focus on Nebraska’s future together.”
The 2026 Governor’s Summit takes place September 28-29 in Kearney at the Younes Conference Center North. It will feature breakout tracks on workforce development, manufacturing and agriculture, and opportunities to invest in the next generation of Nebraskans.
A complete rundown of activities and breakout sessions can be found on the website.
In conjunction with the main conference, the State is hosting the second annual Governor’s Youth Summit on September 29th in Kearney. The experience is designed for high school students and recent graduates, providing them with direct access to career opportunities in Nebraska. During the event, student attendees will connect one-on-one with businesses and colleges to learn about internships, scholarships, and other career pathways. See more information about the Youth Summit.
- Gov. Pillen Orders Flags Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Yutan Firefighter September 21, 2026 jim Mon, 09/21/2026 - 08:12
CONTACT:
Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495
Gov. Pillen Orders Flags Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Yutan Firefighter
LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen, in coordination with Mayor Matt Thompson of Yutan, has delegated authority to the mayor to order flags at half-staff in honor of the life and service of Yutan Volunteer Fire Department Firefighter/EMT Wendell D. Pascarelli, who passed away following complications from line-of-duty-related cancer.
Pascarell dedicated 35 years to the Yutan fire station, serving many years as Fire Chief and as an active member and Rural Board President.
Under this delegation, the Mayor of Yutan may direct that flags within the City of Yutan be lowered to half-staff starting immediately through the day of service.
The Yutan Volunteer Fire Department requests privacy for the family and is providing ongoing support to them and department personnel. Funeral and memorial details will be shared through local department channels when finalized.
- Gov. Pillen Orders Flags Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Yutan Firefighter September 20, 2026 jim Sun, 09/20/2026 - 21:12
CONTACT:
Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495
Gov. Pillen Orders Flags Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Yutan Firefighter
LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen, in coordination with Mayor Matt Thompson of Yutan, has delegated authority to the mayor to order flags at half-staff in honor of the life and service of Yutan Volunteer Fire Department Firefighter/EMT Wendell D. Pascarelli, who passed away following complications from line-of-duty-related cancer.
Pascarell dedicated 35 years to the Yutan fire station, serving many years as Fire Chief and as an active member and Rural Board President.
Under this delegation, the Mayor of Yutan may direct that flags within the City of Yutan be lowered to half-staff starting immediately through the day of service.
The Yutan Volunteer Fire Department requests privacy for the family and is providing ongoing support to them and department personnel. Funeral and memorial details will be shared through local department channels when finalized.