Latest News from the Governor's Office

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen: Applications Sought for New NPERS Director

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced the Nebraska Public Employees Retirement Systems (NPERS) is taking applications to fill the role of director. The vacancy is due to the departure of Director John Murante on January 1, 2025. Pursuant to state law (Neb. Rev. Stat. §84-1503), appointment to this position is subject to approval by the Governor and legislative confirmation.   

NPERS administers several statewide retirement systems and the state’s deferred compensation plan. Ideally, candidates will have an advanced degree in business administration, public administration, finance/accounting or a related field. They should also have experience with, or demonstrated knowledge of, qualified public employee retirement plan administration as well as supervisory or management experience. The director may not simultaneously serve on the Public Employees Retirement Board.

Additional information and instruction for submitting an application can be found at https://statejobs.nebraska.gov

Nebraska State Jobs: Home

Good Life. Great Opportunity. Are you living “the Good Life?” Here, the Good Life isn’t just a state. It’s a state of mind. From welcoming communities to work-life balance and widespread opportunities—you’ll find there’s no place like Nebraska.

The closing date is Thursday, May 22.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Kevin Hynes, Nebraska National Guard, (402) 309-8390, kevin.j.hynes.civ@army.mil 

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

Governor Pillen Declares Emergency, Mobilizes Nebraska National Guard and Issues Statewide Burn Ban Following Fire in Brown County

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen has authorized the Nebraska National Guard to mobilize 29 soldiers and airmen to assist local volunteer fire departments, which are currently battling the Plum Creek Fire near Johnstown, Nebraska, in Brown County. Nebraska Army National Guard aerial resources have also been authorized to support the firefighting mission.

The assignment of state resources is in response to a request received Tuesday evening through the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to assist local volunteer firefighters who have been fighting the fire since Monday. The Plum Creek Fire is now estimated to have burned 6,600 acres. Forty-five cattle have died, and a cabin has been destroyed. Other structures have been threatened and were boxed in with heavy equipment to provide protection. The cause of the fire has been attributed to a permitted burn that got out of control.

Gov. Pillen issued a statewide burn ban during a news conference at the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency today, alongside other state officials. He emphasized the persistent dry conditions that have continued to plague the state. In February, the Governor issued an emergency declaration for wildfires in Custer and Dawes counties that were also fueled by dry conditions, high winds and a lake of humidity.

“It’s way too dry in Nebraska right now, and it only takes one burn, one mistake and then you have a situation like we have in Plum Creek. The risks are too significant,” said Gov. Pillen.  

Department of Agriculture Director Sherry Vinton touched on the rough and dangerous terrain where the fire is burning, and the extreme difficulty that it posed for fire crews and others who were trying to control flames.

“As the director of agriculture, and a rancher myself, I support the statewide burn ban.  While fire is a tool that we use in our agricultural operations and for conservation, right now our current conditions make it just too dangerous,” stressed Dir. Vinton. “Protecting our land, our livestock, wildlife, and most importantly, people in our neighborhoods and our communities from the potential of wildfire damage, is of the utmost importance right now.”

Currently, more than 60 local, state and federal partners are responding to the Plum Creek Fire.

“I applaud the governor for taking this action to save lives and protect property,” NEMA Assistant Director Erv Portis said. “Safety is our number one priority.”

The Nebraska Army National Guard is providing two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters and a ground crew of 16 to assist with fire suppression. The helicopters departed on their mission this morning and made 70 water drops throughout the day.

“We appreciate the willingness of our soldiers and airmen, as well as their families and employers, to support these local volunteer firefighters as they work tirelessly to control this wildfire,” said Col. Shane Varejcka, Nebraska National Guard chief of the joint staff.  

The Governor signed three documents – a proclamation providing state assistance to the Plum Creek Fire, a proclamation providing for state resources to be utilized in response to drought conditions and an executive order establishing the statewide burning ban in all areas of the state through April 30.

Those documents are included with this release.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Two Names Forwarded for District Court Judge in the Seventh Judicial District 

LINCOLN, NE – The Judicial Nominating Commission for District Court Judge in the Seventh Judicial District provided the following two names for consideration by Governor Jim Pillen: Michael L. Long and Ryan J. Stover, both of Norfolk. That district consists of Antelope, Cuming, Knox. Madison, Pierce, Stanton and Wayne counties.

This vacancy is due to the retirement of Judge Mark A. Johnson.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Holden Armstrong, NDVA, (402) 219-1704, holden.armstrong@nebraska.gov

Gov. Pillen, NDVA Continue Celebrating 80 Years of Victory Through WWII Recognition Program

Gov. Pillen and NDVA Director John Hilgert present World War II medal to members of the Central Nebraska Veterans’ Home at the first World War II recognition ceremony. A collection of photos from various presentations can be found here.

LINCOLN, NE  -- A deadline is fast approaching for World War II veterans who wish to receive their medal and certificate at a special ceremony in the State Capitol Rotunda on May 8. That event will recognize Victory in Europe Day. Applications must be submitted by Thursday, May 1.

Last May, Governor Jim Pillen and the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs (NDVA) announced the state’s World War II Veteran Recognition Program to honor living World War II veterans with specially minted medals. The program officially kicked off in 2025 to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. To date, over 125 applications have been submitted and nearly 100 veterans have been presented with a medal at over 30 events and ceremonies held throughout the state.

“Being able to honor these heroes from the Greatest Generation has been an incredible privilege,” said Gov. Pillen. “The response we’ve received from the veterans, their family members, friends and neighbors, has been tremendous. The stories they tell are hard to fathom. Some of these veterans are lucky to be with us today. We are blessed that we can show our heartfelt appreciation for their service to our state and our nation.”

Image of the front side of the medal, ribbon bar, and box.

The medal was designed by NDVA. On the front is the slogan of the initiative: Celebrating 80 Years of Victory. It includes Nebraska's famous Sower in front of the state and surrounded by a laurel wreath, a symbol of triumph. The backside of the medal features the words “On Behalf of a Grateful State, Thank You for Your Service” emblazoned above the personification of Victory standing in front of the 48-star flag of 1946. The design of the ribbon pays homage to the U.S. Military's World War II Victory Medal, which is itself a doubling of the pattern on the World War I Victory Medal. 

The medal is available to living veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces between December 1, 1941, and December 31, 1946; are legal residents of Nebraska or can demonstrate Nebraska residency at the time they entered the service; and discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) estimates there are around 250 living World War II veterans in Nebraska. While there is a deadline to apply to receive the medal during the May 8 ceremony, the recognition program will remain open, and medals will continue to be presented to eligible veterans as applications are submitted.

“Our goal is to recognize every living World War II veteran in Nebraska for their role in, literally, saving the world,” said NDVA Director John Hilgert. “The other component of this initiative is to shine a light on these veterans’ stories and highlight how the entire nation came together for a common cause. It was an incredible time in history with stories and lessons we want to keep alive today and into the future.”

Hometown Heroes

A second component called ‘Hometown Heroes’ was added to the program to recognize the many Nebraskans who helped support war efforts back home as civilians. Certificates are available for those who engaged in activities such as joining the wartime workforce at munitions, weapons, or vehicle manufacturing plants; serving as members of the Crop Corps or growing Victory Gardens; or providing nourishment to soldiers at a Canteen, like the ones in North Platte and Norfolk.

The first Hometown Heroes certificates were presented on March 31 to sisters Margy Dietz and Marcy Lackovic for their work at the Glenn L. Martin Bomber Plant in Bellevue. At the ceremony, the sisters were joined by family, including their great-grandchildren, and told stories of providing secretarial support and inspecting planes at the plant.

Gov. Pillen recognizes sisters Margy Dietz (left) and Marcy Lackovic (right) at the first Hometown Heroes event, held at Heritage Ridge in Bellevue.  

Victory in Europe Day Ceremony

On May 8, 2025, Victory in Europe Day, Gov. Pillen and NDVA will host a medal presentation ceremony in the State Capitol Rotunda at 1 p.m. In addition to presenting medals to several World War II veterans, there will be a proclamation signing, patriotic music, the laying of a wreath in memory of Nebraska’s World War II veterans who have passed away, and more.

All applicants who will attend the May 8 ceremony will need to RSVP in advance with NDVA to ensure adequate seating. Information on the World War II veteran and Hometown Heroes recognition programs, including eligibility, applications, and event details, is available at veterans.nebraska.gov/ww2.

NDVA’s mission is to honor Nebraska veterans and their families by providing excellent service, assistance, and care. Its state service office helps veterans identify and access federal benefits, such as disability compensation and healthcare through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and state benefits, such as Nebraska Veterans Aid funds, tuition waivers, and more. Its four state veterans’ homes offer high quality assisted living and skilled nursing care to veterans and eligible family members across the state. And its cemetery system ensures eligible veterans receive an honorable final resting place maintained to the highest national standards. To learn more about NDVA and how it serves Nebraska’s veterans and their families, please visit veterans.nebraska.gov.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Speaks to Passage of Pro-Ag Bills Through Second Round Debate

LINCOLN, NE – Today, the Nebraska Legislature voted two pro-agriculture bills through the second round of debate. Both were introduced at the request of Governor Jim Pillen.

LB317 would merge the Department of Natural Resources with the Department of Environment and Energy, forming the Department of Water, Energy and Environment. Sponsored by Senator Tom Brandt, LB317 aims to streamline the operations of both agencies, especially in areas for which they currently have shared interest, like water quality, quantity and management.

The second bill, LB246 sponsored by Senator Barry DeKay, would prohibit the production, sale, promotion or distribution of cell-cultured meat products in the state.

“These are commonsense pieces of legislation that support Nebraska’s number one economic driver – agriculture. And, in the case of LB317, it reduces the scope of state government operations,” said Gov. Pillen. “I look forward to signing both bills once they are voted through final reading.”