Latest News from the Governor's Office

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Kevin Hynes, Nebraska National Guard, (402) 309-8390

Governor and First Lady Honor Military Spouses with New Service Ribbon

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen and First Lady Suzanne honored five spouses of recently retired Nebraska National Guard soldiers and airmen yesterday during a ceremony at the Governor’s Residence. Each spouse was presented with the state’s new Nebraska National Guard Military Spouse Service Ribbon.

“I just want to simply say on behalf of all the people in Nebraska, thank you very, very much,” said Gov. Pillen. “It takes an extraordinary family to support the spouse that loves this place and is committed to do everything they can. We’re just incredibly grateful.”

As commander-in-chief, the Governor talked about the opportunity to engage with members of the Nebraska Army and Air National Guard -- public servants he described as  “second to none.”

“It can’t happen without the other half being 100 percent committed, 100 percent on the team,” added Gov. Pillen, who signed a proclamation marking Oct. 27 as Military Spouse Appreciation Day.  That document also calls for the permanent creation and presentation of the Nebraska National Guard Military Spouse Service Ribbon as an official state decoration.

The ribbon, which is now included in the Guard’s state-level awards program, was authorized by Maj. Gen. Craig Strong, Nebraska’s adjutant general. It is to be presented to the spouse of a Guard service member in recognition of their “profound and meritorious service” on the occasion of their service member’s retirement.

The 1 3/8th inch ribbon, consisting of multiple gold, white, blue and red stripes, is designed to be worn on the lapel of the spouse during formal occasions. Eligibility for the new ribbon is retroactive to Guard spouses whose service member retired after May 8, 2026.

The initiative for creating the ribbon was jointly spearheaded by senior enlisted leaders of the Nebraska National Guard – Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis Krecklow (Army) and Command Chief Master Sgt. Scott Tontegode (Air). It’s believed that Nebraska is the first state to have such a recognition.

“Throughout the history of this great state, when emergencies and disasters have happened, our Nebraska National Guard soldiers and airmen have been ready to shoulder whatever burden they have been given to help their communities, their state and their nation,” said Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly. “But, along with our state’s soldiers and airmen, our National Guard spouses also made that commitment by shouldering enormous burdens, making numerous sacrifices as their loved ones continued to serve.”

First Lady Suzanne Pillen echoed those thoughts, adding that the new ribbon helps recognize the countless sacrifices that Guard spouses make in support of their soldiers and airmen.

“When a Guard member is called, it is the spouse who is called upon to hold the family together. That person ensures that home life continues, taking children to school, maintaining their own job, paying the bills, fixing the meals and, in some cases handling critical issues while their military member is away,” said the First Lady. “It is a tremendous responsibility. Deployments can last months, and sometimes much longer. Our spouses serve just as assuredly as those who wear the uniform. They represent a partnership in service to our state.”

“Anyone who has worn the uniform of the Nebraska National Guard knows an undeniable truth: the soul of our formation does not reside in our armories, our readiness centers, our aircraft or our weapons systems. It resides around the kitchen tables of Nebraska, in the hearts of the spouses who stand watch at home while our soldiers and airmen stand watch across the globe,” added Maj. Gen. Strong. “In military doctrine, we speak often of “force multipliers’ -- assets that dramatically increase the combat effectiveness of a force. Make no mistake, our military spouses are the ultimate force multipliers of the Nebraska National Guard."

The first recipients of the new Nebraska National Guard Military Spouse Service Ribbon are:

• Angie Ropers, wife of retired Army Brig. Gen. Gary Ropers
• Jeanne Varejcka, wife of retired Army Col. Shane Varecjka
• Stacie Koehler, wife of retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. Curtis Koehler
• Shellie Mueller, wife of retired Air Force Col. Wade Mueller
• Michelle Haugland, wife of retired Air Force Master Sgt. Tyler Haugland

Nebraska National Guard Military Spouse Service Ribbon

Gov. Pillen addresses Guard military members and their spouses at the Governor’s Residence

First Lady pins ribbon during ceremony recognizing military spouses

First Lady thanks ribbon recipient

Group photo of Guard military members, ribbon recipients and ceremony participants

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Requests Federal Disaster Declaration for Flood Damaged Counties

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen has requested a federal disaster declaration due to severe flooding that occurred Sept. 30 through Oct. 6. The request for public assistance applies to the following counties: Douglas, Fillmore, Lancaster, Saline, Sarpy, Saunders, Seward and Thayer.

Those counties sustained damage to water control facilities, roadways, bridges, electrical distribution infrastructure, schools, public buildings and equipment. In addition, Lancaster, Thayer and Saunders counties had extensive amounts of debris that required removal. Damage assessments have already exceeded $23 million and could go higher.

“I have asked President Trump, through a request submitted to FEMA, to consider the extent of damage resulting from this extraordinary flooding event and to grant a request for public assistance, which will help cover the costs that communities, counties and our Natural Resource Districts will incur through repairs and recovery,” said Gov. Pillen.

Thunderstorms, which started on Sept. 30 caused widespread flash flooding. Rainfall was particularly significant in Lancaster and Douglas counties. In Omaha, 80 water rescues were reported.

In a separate request, Gov. Pillen has asked for a disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration for Douglas County. As a result of the same flooding event, at least 25 homes and/or businesses were damaged, exceeding uninsured losses of at least 40 percent.

If granted, those property owners would have access to low interest loans to assist with their recovery.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Carla Felix, DWEE, (402) 471-4223

Gov. Pillen Recognizes Plattsmouth for Improvements to Drinking Water & Wastewater Infrastructure for Residents

PLATTSMOUTH, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen recognized Plattsmouth for its efforts in improving water infrastructure for its residents. Speaking at the Plattsmouth Public Library, the Governor was joined by Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) Director Jesse Bradley, NEMA Recovery Section Administrator Donny Christensen, and Plattsmouth Mayor R. Paul Lambert.

Plattsmouth has partnered with DWEE to improve its drinking water and wastewater infrastructure following the devastating flooding in 2019. Flooding left the city’s water and wastewater facilities inundated and inoperable for months. Through the state’s State Revolving Fund (SRF), DWEE was able to provide bridge funding for Plattsmouth to make repairs as soon as possible until FEMA funding could be provided.

“Plattsmouth has shown extraordinary resiliency in the aftermath of the flood, and it continues to do so as it builds drinking water and wastewater infrastructure that will serve its citizens into the future,” said Gov. Pillen.

The State’s Drinking Water (DW) and Clean Water (CW) SRF programs provide low-interest loans and loan forgiveness to communities for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects, respectively.

Plattsmouth received $23 million in DWSRF funds to connect its drinking water to the Metropolitan Utilities District of Omaha to secure reliable, safe drinking water, relieving the city from relying on wells and treatment that is vulnerable to flooding. The city also received $37.9 million in CWSRF funding to construct a lift station to send wastewater to its new treatment facility that is protective of the 500-year floodplain.

“The 2019 flooding caused devastating damage to Plattsmouth’s wastewater facility,” said DWEE Dir. Bradley. “Now, Plattsmouth is looking ahead and building resilient infrastructure for its future.”

Plattsmouth received this SRF funding at a 0% interest rate to remain in compliance with the SRF’s memorandum of understanding with FEMA to ensure there is no duplication of funds.

“Recovering from a disaster of this scale takes time, coordination, and strong partnerships,” added NEMA Administrator Christensen “Through the coordinated efforts of local, state, and federal partners, funding was secured to support critical repairs and help Plattsmouth restore essential water and wastewater services while building greater resilience for the future.”

Infrastructure improvements like Plattsmouth’s help protect the health and safety of Nebraska residents, improve resiliency, and help strengthen Nebraska’s economy, all while keeping the financial burden on taxpayers to a minimum.

“Today, we celebrate far more than a wastewater plant or a water project. We celebrate resilience. We celebrate partnership. And we celebrate a future built on infrastructure that will serve the citizens of Plattsmouth for generations to come,” said Mayor Lambert.  “Together, we are building more than infrastructure. We are building Plattsmouth’s future.”

Since their inception, Nebraska’s SRF programs have provided more than $1.75 billion in assistance across 713 loans to 326 communities. DWEE expects to fund roughly 40 new projects over the next two years, totaling approximately $220 million. These programs operate as a revolving fund, so repaid dollars continuously cycle back into the program to benefit additional communities.

“Safe drinking water and proper wastewater treatment are fundamental to the health of our communities and the strength of our economy,” said Gov. Pillen. “This project is about more than pipes, valves and equipment. It’s about protecting public health, supporting the community, and investing in Plattsmouth’s future.”

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Issues Executive Order to Meet Fuel Supply Demands

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen issued a new executive order to help meet fuel supply demands. Shortages have been reported by customers and retailers across the state for a variety of fuel types. Haulers have found themselves having to travel further distances to secure supplies and make those deliveries.

“A combination of factors, including global supply disruptions and the incredibly short and busy harvest season, has boosted demand across the board,” said Gov. Pillen. “This order will help ensure that Nebraska farmers, businesses and families have access to the fuel they need.”

The order (NO. 26-25) builds on a federal waiver issued Sept. 16 by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to relax hours-of-service requirements for interstate fuel truck drivers. The Governor’s order takes similar action but also allows vehicles to exceed weight limits by up to 10%. The Governor’s order is effective through Nov. 18.

Last month, Gov. Pillen issued a pair of executive orders to assist farmers confronted by high diesel costs. One increases the load capacity of trucks hauling seasonably produced products and livestock. The second order authorizes the use of red dye diesel and provides a state tax refund for using clear diesel in ag operations and vehicles.

Both of those orders are effective until Dec. 23.

Executive Order 26-25 PDF

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Signs Executive Order Establishing Statewide Public Safety Communications Task Force

NORTH PLATTE, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen signed an executive order at North Platte Fire Station 3 establishing the Statewide Public Safety Communications Task Force. The whole-of-government initiative is charged with conducting a top-to-bottom evaluation of Nebraska’s public safety communications ecosystem and delivering actionable recommendations to the Governor’s Office within 60 days.

Led by the Nebraska Military Department, the Task Force will identify technical, operational, and structural gaps in emergency communications highlighted during recent severe weather and wildfire events across the state.

“In Nebraska, we take care of our neighbors. When disaster strikes, Nebraskans roll up their sleeves and pitch in,” said Gov. Pillen. “To do that job safely and effectively, our first responders – especially our volunteer firefighters in rural Nebraska – have got to have tools that actually work. When our first responders call for backup on the radio, that line must be clear and reliable across every square mile of Nebraska.”

The Task Force brings together leadership from key state agencies, local municipalities, county officials, and frontline emergency responders. Participating entities include the Nebraska Military Department, Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nebraska State Patrol, Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT), Office of the Chief Information Officer, Nebraska State Fire Marshal, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Nebraska Public Power District, League of Nebraska Municipalities, Nebraska Association of County Officials, and representatives from rural volunteer fire leadership.

Major General Craig Strong, adjutant general for the Nebraska National Guard emphasized the work that the state has been doing already to create strong and effective relationships with local governments through the Community Partnership Program. Being engaged with local officials, police, fire chiefs, emergency managers and others is incredibly beneficial, especially when those relationships are formed before an event even happens.

“The Nebraska Military Department is uniquely qualified to lead this effort due to our emergency management functions and our experience in bringing together different agencies to execute a whole of government approach to address an area of important need,” added Maj. Gen. Strong.

Under the directive, the Task Force will conduct a comprehensive audit identifying geographic dead zones and structural vulnerabilities in current radio coverage capabilities. Additionally, the group will review multi-vendor equipment compatibility, hardware end-of-life cycles, and user training gaps across jurisdictions, while evaluating local, state, and federal funding streams to support long-term system sustainability. The Task Force must submit its final fact-finding analysis and actionable recommendations to the Governor no later than 60 days from today’s signing.

Colonel Bryan Waugh, superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol, pointed out the lessons learned during the terror attacks on 9/11 and the need to have communications interoperability, especially when dangerous situations arise.

“The Nebraska State Patrol is committed to this task force and working alongside our partners, especially those serving rural Nebraska, to identify communication gaps and develop practical solutions. Every first responder, regardless of where they serve, deserves the ability to communicate when lives are on the line.”

Senator Mike Jacobson thanked volunteer firefighters attending today’s news conference, acknowledging their around the clock efforts to bring this year’s devastating wildfires under control. Calling effective communications a necessity, especially for firefighter safety, he noted that the task force would be a step forward to addressing what has been a persistent issue.  

“This year’s wildfires showed just how critical reliable communication is for the first responders serving our communities, especially in rural Nebraska,” said Sen. Jacobson. “I appreciate Governor Pillen’s leadership in identifying where gaps exist, and I look forward to working together on practical solutions that give our first responders the tools they need.”

“As one of the most frequent users of this technology, the experience from the Nebraska Department of Transportation, along with the expertise and resources of the Nebraska Broadband office, makes us well positioned to engage and contribute to the task force,” said NDOT Director Vicki Kramer. “We have already begun investigating gaps, researching opportunities, and outlining solutions to support the task force. We appreciate the Governor’s leadership in taking this important step to better the State’s communication network.”

The executive order takes effect immediately. A copy can be found below.

Executive Order 26-24 PDF