Latest News from the Governor's Office

Contact:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Three Nominees Forwarded for County Court Judge in the 12th Judicial District

LINCOLN, NE – Today, the Judicial Nominating Commission for the County Court Judge in the 12th Judicial District provided the following three names for consideration by Governor Jim Pillen: Mark L. Kovarik, Gering; Audrey M. Long, Scottsbluff; and Katy A. Reichert, Scottsbluff. The 12th Judicial District consists of the following counties: Banner, Box Butte, Cheyenne, Dawes, Deuel, Garden, Grant, Kimball, Morrill, Scottsbluff, Sheridan, and Sioux.

The vacancy was created due to the retirement of County Court Judge James M. Worden.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Announces Approval of FEMA Grant to Cover Fire Fighting Costs

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen announced the approval of a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) to help cover costs associated with fighting the South Fork Fire near Fort Robinson State Park. The fire has exceeded 28,000 acres and is estimated to be only 7% contained. Approximately 245 personnel have been working diligently to contain the flames and protect the nearby community of Crawford. Evacuation notices remain in effect for Fort Robinson State Park and part of Crawford.

“We can’t thank our federal, state and local partners enough, especially those involved actively in firefighting efforts,” said Gov. Pillen. “We appreciate also the quick response by FEMA to approve this declaration, which the state can use to cover a variety of qualified costs under the program.”   

The FMAG, approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), must be sought while the fire is actively burning. It acknowledges that the potential for destruction is so great that it would constitute a major disaster if the fire were not controlled. In addition to the community of Crawford, the fire has threatened historically significant structures at Fort Robinson State Park, wildlife, and other critical resources.

The FMAG Program provides a 75 percent federal cost share and the state pays the remaining 25 percent for actual costs incurred during firefighting efforts.

The Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team (2), which has been coordinating management of the South Fork Fire, has relayed notice of a community meeting 6 p.m. (MT) tonight at the Crawford Community Center, 1005 1st Street, Crawford, NE.  Representatives will update the current fire situation and will answer questions.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 10, 2026

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Katrina Cerveny, NEMA, Katrina.cerveny@nebraska.gov

Kevin Hynes, Nebraska National Guard, kevin.j.hynes.civ@army.mil

Gov. Pillen Issues Emergency Declarations for Destructive Weather Events

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen has issued several emergency declarations to provide state resources in areas that have experienced destructive weather events. The most current situation involves a wildfire in Sioux County between Crawford and Harrison. The South Fork Fire has burned nearly 9,000 acres since it was detected yesterday afternoon. 

As of today, Nebraska National Guard resources deployed to fight the fire include a CH-47 Chinook helicopter with five soldiers and an aviation officer, and an aviation fueling truck with an additional two soldiers. By tomorrow, an aviation maintenance truck with two soldiers will join a liaison officer and five airmen and three soldiers who are part of the fire hand crew.  

In addition to that emergency declaration, Gov. Pillen has issued two others for wildfires that broke out in May, both impacting Dawes County. The Ash Pole Fire, located southeast of Chadron, consumed more than 1,000 acres in mid-May. The Clay Creek fire, also southeast of Crawford, ignited a week or so later. The fires burned areas that were heavily timbered. 

Last month, multiple counties also experienced widespread damage resulting from severe weather May 15-18. Gov. Pillen has issued an emergency proclamation covering Buffalo, Fillmore, Gage, Jefferson, Nemaha, Richardson, Thayer, Thurston and Howard counties.

The issuing of these proclamations not only allows for the activation of resources, but also the use of the Governor’s Emergency Fund to help cover costs associated with managing the impacts of these weather events.

CONTACT:  

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Justin Pinkerman, DED, justin.pinkerman@nebraska.gov

Christin Kamm, Dept. of Ag, Christin.Kamm@nebraska.gov

Gov. Pillen Invites Nebraskans to Register for the 2026 Governor’s Summit, Second Annual Youth Summit

Register for the 2026 Governor’s Summit at govsummit.nebraska.gov.

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) encourage Nebraskans to register for the 2026 Governor’s Summit. This year’s event will take place Sept. 28-29, 2026, at the Younes Conference Center North in Kearney.

Registration for the Summit is now open at govsummit.nebraska.gov.

“There’s no better place to live or do business than our extraordinary home here in Nebraska,” said Gov. Pillen. “The opportunities we have in front of us as a state are absolutely incredible. September’s Summit will bring together our state’s farmers, ranchers, and business leaders to build a better future for Nebraskans.”

The annual Governor’s Summit convenes leaders across the state to strategize how to best grow Nebraska. The 2026 Governor’s Summit will focus on three pillars: (1) building Nebraska’s workforce of the future, (2) investing in the next generation of healthcare, and (3) feeding and fueling Nebraska’s ag and manufacturing future.  

This year’s conference will also feature the second annual Governor’s Youth Summit, which will be integrated into the main event on Tuesday, Sept. 29. High school juniors and seniors and college freshmen and sophomores are invited to attend free of charge. Attendees of the Youth Summit will participate in career clusters to explore post-high school pathways. They will connect one-on-one with business and college leaders, gaining privileged access to internship, apprenticeship, and career opportunities

“Our kids are our future,” said Gov. Pillen. “As state leaders, we have a responsibility to open doors for them to pursue their dreams right here in Nebraska. That’s what the Youth Summit is all about. I invite students to come and check out the amazing career opportunities available!”

To sign up for the Youth Summit, go to https://govsummit.nebraska.gov/youth/.

The 2026 Governor’s Summit kicks off on Monday night, Sept. 28, with a banquet and a reception hosted by the Nebraska Diplomats. The evening event includes an awards ceremony to honor leaders, businesses, and communities who have made key contributions to the state’s economic success over the previous year.

Tuesday, Sept. 29, is the main day of the Governor’s Summit. It features remarks from Gov. Pillen, a keynote address, a full slate of breakout sessions, and the second-ever Youth Summit.

To register for the banquet and Governor’s Summit, visit govsummit.nebraska.gov. Students may sign up for the Youth Summit at https://govsummit.nebraska.gov/youth/.

For questions, please contact Roberta Pinkerton at Roberta.Pinkerton@nebraska.gov or 402-658-5077.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Asks for Extension to Submit Information for Severe Storms in May

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen is asking the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for a 30-day extension to submit a major disaster declaration due to severe storms that impacted the state May 15-18. If allowed, the state would have until July 17 to finalize its preliminary damage assessments.

Storms that hit central and eastern Nebraska produced powerful straight-line winds, tornadoes and flash flooding, resulting in damage to public power infrastructure, roads and public buildings. Impacted cities and counties are still compiling documentation related to the removal of debris and other protective measures. Rural public power districts are doing the same and need additional time to verify all damage estimates.