BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>

WASHINGTON — Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday defended her values and vowed, if elected, to appoint a Republican to her cabinet in her first major sit-down interview since her presidential campaign began just over a month ago.

Harris, who rose to the top of the Democratic ticket after President Joe Biden dropped his bid in July, spoke to CNN’s Dana Bash in Savannah, Georgia, for roughly 30 minutes with her running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz by her side.

The interview came a week after Harris&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/lets-fight-it-harris-vows-chart-new-way-forward-defeat-trump" target="_blank">formally accepted</a>&nbsp;the party’s nomination at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Harris had recently become the target of criticism for not yet participating in an unscripted interview with a major news outlet.

Harris and Walz&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/29/politics/kamala-harris-tim-walz-cnntv/index.html" target="_blank">sat down</a>&nbsp;with the network anchor Thursday afternoon in Georgia during a pause in the pair’s two-day bus tour through the southeastern region of the battleground state.

Harris told Bash that she envisions building an “opportunity economy” for the middle class, including expanding the child tax credit to up to $6,000, providing a $25,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers, and combating “price gouging,” to which Harris attributed high grocery prices.

The vice president ticked off Democratic accomplishments under Biden, including capping the price of insulin and reducing child poverty under a pandemic-era temporary expansion of the child tax credit that eliminated the work requirement and paid families in monthly installments.

“I’ll say that that’s good work, there’s more to do, but that’s good work,” Harris said.

The CNN anchor pressed Harris on her changes in policy positions, including immigration and fracking.

Republicans have pounced on Harris’ past statements and accuse her of changing her tune to appeal to more centrist voters. Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday dubbed her “FLIP-FLOPPING KAMALA” on his Truth Social platform, where the current GOP presidential nominee posts numerous times a day.

“​​Let’s be clear, in this race I’m the only person who has prosecuted transnational criminal organizations who traffic in guns, drugs and human beings,” Harris said when asked about her past position on decriminalizing the border. “I’m the only person in this race who actually served a border state as attorney general to enforce our laws, and I would enforce our laws as president going forward, I recognize the problem.”

Harris also defended her switch from opposing fracking to supporting it.

“I think the most important and most significant aspect of my policy perspective and decisions is my values have not changed. I have always believed, and I have worked on it, that the climate crisis is real,” Harris said.

Despite attacks from Republicans, Bash noted that the Democratic National Convention featured quite a few speakers from the GOP side of the aisle.

Prompted to the idea by Bash, Harris said “it would be a benefit to the American public” to appoint a Republican to her administration cabinet, if elected — though she didn’t name names.

“I have spent my career inviting diversity of opinion. I think it’s important to have people at the table when some of the most important decisions are being made that have different views, different experiences,” she said.

The interview revealed for many that Harris and Trump have never met face-to-face.They will do so for the first time on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-agrees-sept-10-debate-harris-claims-two-more-upcoming" target="_blank">debate stage</a>&nbsp;on Sept. 10, an event that will air on ABC News.

As for her thoughts on Trump, Harris told Bash that the former president is “diminishing the character and the strength of who we are as Americans.”

When Bash asked Harris to respond to Trump’s attacks, including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-insults-harris-makes-false-claims-quarrels-black-journalists-conference" target="_blank">questioning her race</a>, the vice president only briefly addressed them.

“Same old tired playbook, next question please,” she said.

Bash then moved to the topic of the Israel-Hamas war to which Harris responded that she is “unequivocal and unwavering in my commitment to Israel’s defense and its ability to defend itself,” adding that “how it does so matters.”

She reiterated her plea for a peace deal that includes rescuing hostages who remain in Hamas captivity.

“​​A deal is not only the right thing to do to end this war, but will unlock so much of what must happen next. I remain committed, since I’ve been on October 8, to what we must do to work toward a two-state solution where Israel is secure, and in equal measure, the Palestinians have security and self-determination and dignity.”

Bash asked Walz to respond to controversy around how he described his military service that spanned more than two decades in the Army National Guard, but never included combat deployment. Questions arose when Walz said he carried weapons “in war” in a 2018 video where he was speaking about gun violence,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/walz-military-record-weapons-harris-video-89fc6fa0c5f51c0ba657b8f808afcd87" target="_blank">according</a>&nbsp;to The Associated Press.

Walz, who also worked as a public school teacher and high school football coach, said he misspoke and that his “grammar is not always correct.”

“I wear my emotions on my sleeve, I speak especially passionately about our children being shot in schools and around guns. So I think people know me. They know who I am. They know where my heart is, and again, my record has been out there for over 40 years to speak for itself,” Walz said.

Bash also asked Walz about his mix-up when describing he and wife’s fertility method; he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tim-walz-ivf-fertility-jd-vance-fc5ebf8f37adb28cf45d0af51224a938" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;it was in vitro fertilization — a&nbsp;<a href="https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2024/06/13/u-s-senate-republicans-reject-democrats-bill-on-ivf-protections/" target="_blank">topic</a>&nbsp;that has fractured anti-abortion voters — while in reality the couple used artificial insemination.

Walz told Bash, “I certainly own my mistakes when I make them.”

“I spoke about our infertility issues because it’s hell, and families know this. And I spoke about the treatments that were available to us, that had those beautiful children. That’s quite a contrast in folks that are trying to take those rights away from us,” he said.

Just as the interview ended, Trump posted to his Truth Social platform the word “BORING!!!”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724983318602.png" alt="Image courtesy CNN via Harris campaign for President" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CNN via Harris campaign for President</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>WASHINGTON — Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday defended her values and vowed, if elected, to appoint a Republican to her cabinet in her first major sit-down interview since her presidential campaign began just over a month ago.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The American people are ready for a new way forward. Our former president has pushed an agenda that diminishes the character and strength of who we are as Americans, and divides our nation. People are ready to turn the page.<a href="https://t.co/yyd4tBqdMu">pic.twitter.com/yyd4tBqdMu</a>&mdash; Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris/status/1829330275823702247?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Harris, who rose to the top of the Democratic ticket after President Joe Biden dropped his bid in July, spoke to CNN’s Dana Bash in Savannah, Georgia, for roughly 30 minutes with her running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz by her side.The interview came a week after Harris&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/lets-fight-it-harris-vows-chart-new-way-forward-defeat-trump" target="_blank">formally accepted</a>&nbsp;the party’s nomination at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Harris had recently become the target of criticism for not yet participating in an unscripted interview with a major news outlet.Harris and Walz&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/29/politics/kamala-harris-tim-walz-cnntv/index.html" target="_blank">sat down</a>&nbsp;with the network anchor Thursday afternoon in Georgia during a pause in the pair’s two-day bus tour through the southeastern region of the battleground state.Harris told Bash that she envisions building an “opportunity economy” for the middle class, including expanding the child tax credit to up to $6,000, providing a $25,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers, and combating “price gouging,” to which Harris attributed high grocery prices.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">On day one of my administration, I will implement my plan for an opportunity economy. This plan will bring down the cost of everyday goods, invest in America&#39;s small businesses, and extend the Child Tax Credit.<a href="https://t.co/jAQwsUl8QS">pic.twitter.com/jAQwsUl8QS</a>&mdash; Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris/status/1829334166749491420?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Donald Trump killed our bill to secure the border in order to help himself politically. It would have added more border agents and allowed us to increase fentanyl seizures. As President, I will make sure that bill gets back to my desk—and I will sign it.<a href="https://t.co/psDbSdDSMG">pic.twitter.com/psDbSdDSMG</a>&mdash; Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris/status/1829338662854656424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The vice president ticked off Democratic accomplishments under Biden, including capping the price of insulin and reducing child poverty under a pandemic-era temporary expansion of the child tax credit that eliminated the work requirement and paid families in monthly installments.“I’ll say that that’s good work, there’s more to do, but that’s good work,” Harris said.The CNN anchor pressed Harris on her changes in policy positions, including immigration and fracking.Republicans have pounced on Harris’ past statements and accuse her of changing her tune to appeal to more centrist voters. Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday dubbed her “FLIP-FLOPPING KAMALA” on his Truth Social platform, where the current GOP presidential nominee posts numerous times a day.“​​Let’s be clear, in this race I’m the only person who has prosecuted transnational criminal organizations who traffic in guns, drugs and human beings,” Harris said when asked about her past position on decriminalizing the border. “I’m the only person in this race who actually served a border state as attorney general to enforce our laws, and I would enforce our laws as president going forward, I recognize the problem.”Harris also defended her switch from opposing fracking to supporting it.“I think the most important and most significant aspect of my policy perspective and decisions is my values have not changed. I have always believed, and I have worked on it, that the climate crisis is real,” Harris said.Despite attacks from Republicans, Bash noted that the Democratic National Convention featured quite a few speakers from the GOP side of the aisle.Prompted to the idea by Bash, Harris said “it would be a benefit to the American public” to appoint a Republican to her administration cabinet, if elected — though she didn’t name names.“I have spent my career inviting diversity of opinion. I think it’s important to have people at the table when some of the most important decisions are being made that have different views, different experiences,” she said.<h2>Harris brushes off Trump’s insults</h2>The interview revealed for many that Harris and Trump have never met face-to-face.They will do so for the first time on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-agrees-sept-10-debate-harris-claims-two-more-upcoming" target="_blank">debate stage</a>&nbsp;on Sept. 10, an event that will air on ABC News.As for her thoughts on Trump, Harris told Bash that the former president is “diminishing the character and the strength of who we are as Americans.”When Bash asked Harris to respond to Trump’s attacks, including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-insults-harris-makes-false-claims-quarrels-black-journalists-conference" target="_blank">questioning her race</a>, the vice president only briefly addressed them.“Same old tired playbook, next question please,” she said.Bash then moved to the topic of the Israel-Hamas war to which Harris responded that she is “unequivocal and unwavering in my commitment to Israel’s defense and its ability to defend itself,” adding that “how it does so matters.”She reiterated her plea for a peace deal that includes rescuing hostages who remain in Hamas captivity.“​​A deal is not only the right thing to do to end this war, but will unlock so much of what must happen next. I remain committed, since I’ve been on October 8, to what we must do to work toward a two-state solution where Israel is secure, and in equal measure, the Palestinians have security and self-determination and dignity.”<h2>Walz defense</h2>Bash asked Walz to respond to controversy around how he described his military service that spanned more than two decades in the Army National Guard, but never included combat deployment. Questions arose when Walz said he carried weapons “in war” in a 2018 video where he was speaking about gun violence,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/walz-military-record-weapons-harris-video-89fc6fa0c5f51c0ba657b8f808afcd87" target="_blank">according</a>&nbsp;to The Associated Press.Walz, who also worked as a public school teacher and high school football coach, said he misspoke and that his “grammar is not always correct.”“I wear my emotions on my sleeve, I speak especially passionately about our children being shot in schools and around guns. So I think people know me. They know who I am. They know where my heart is, and again, my record has been out there for over 40 years to speak for itself,” Walz said.Bash also asked Walz about his mix-up when describing he and wife’s fertility method; he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tim-walz-ivf-fertility-jd-vance-fc5ebf8f37adb28cf45d0af51224a938" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;it was in vitro fertilization — a&nbsp;<a href="https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2024/06/13/u-s-senate-republicans-reject-democrats-bill-on-ivf-protections/" target="_blank">topic</a>&nbsp;that has fractured anti-abortion voters — while in reality the couple used artificial insemination.Walz told Bash, “I certainly own my mistakes when I make them.”“I spoke about our infertility issues because it’s hell, and families know this. And I spoke about the treatments that were available to us, that had those beautiful children. That’s quite a contrast in folks that are trying to take those rights away from us,” he said.Just as the interview ended, Trump posted to his Truth Social platform the word “BORING!!!”

🎥Harris, Walz defend past statements, promise ‘opportunity economy’ in CNN interview

Grand Island, Nebraska – After just over eight years of development, Wilkinson Companies opened its largest Truck and Travel site in Nebraska this week. Positioned just north of Interstate 80 and south of the Platte River at exit 312, the Fat Dog’s site came with a multitude of challenges to accomplish the opening. After purchasing the site, Fat Dog’s worked with civil engineers in cooperation with NDOT to determine the best ingress and egress for the property while including state safety standards for the busy I-80 and 281 corridors. 

The Fat Dogs’ brand has evolved since the purchase of the property which demanded additional requirements for the public improvements to the intersection. “Safety and accessibility for traffic was the number one priority for this development”, said Mark Wilkinson, also known as Fat Dog. “It came with a hefty price tag for us”. Wilkinson, along with his father Gil Wilkinson, have developed the brand for almost 30 years and have collected commercial development sites across Nebraska even longer. The brand and its edginess have coined the taglines, “Girth Matters” and “You are Nowhere” and most recently priding itself with the label, “WE ARE NEBRASKA”. 

The company, a Nebraska owned and operated corporation, spans the State of Nebraska, from Sidney to Lincoln. Grand Island opened exactly one month after the new Fat Dogs Lincoln Truck and Travel Center at the Airport exit, also just off I-80. Each store adds its own niche to the brand and the colorful unique murals on the upper high walls of each store spotlights the local community and individuality of the area; spotlighting sports mascots and local attractions to the mix of mouthy female profiles and characters. 

Lincoln has a large graffiti mural including Abraham Lincoln and Tom Osborne. The new sites are open 24/7, 365 and offer hot food and deli and an array of convenience items for both the business professional, family, and truck traffic. The Grand Island site is unique with its extensive upper floor Trucker Lounge with an elevator, large exercise room and showers. Laundry facilities and lounge facilities with skill machines and televisions invite drivers to stop and relax through required break times. Additional Tenant space is available for lease inside and outside of the building and on both floors. 

Wilkinson Companies currently has just over 300 employees and operate 9 gas stations and 4 hotels. The brand is also adding a new site in North Platte on I-80 at exit 179 with an opening in quarter 1 of 2025.

Fat Dogs&nbsp;Grand Island, Nebraska – After just over eight years of development, Wilkinson Companies opened its largest Truck and Travel site in Nebraska this week. Positioned just north of Interstate 80 and south of the Platte River at exit 312, the Fat Dog’s site came with a multitude of challenges to accomplish the opening. After purchasing the site, Fat Dog’s worked with civil engineers in cooperation with NDOT to determine the best ingress and egress for the property while including state safety standards for the busy I-80 and 281 corridors. The Fat Dogs’ brand has evolved since the purchase of the property which demanded additional requirements for the public improvements to the intersection. “Safety and accessibility for traffic was the number one priority for this development”, said Mark Wilkinson, also known as Fat Dog. “It came with a hefty price tag for us”. Wilkinson, along with his father Gil Wilkinson, have developed the brand for almost 30 years and have collected commercial development sites across Nebraska even longer. The brand and its edginess have coined the taglines, “Girth Matters” and “You are Nowhere” and most recently priding itself with the label, “WE ARE NEBRASKA”. The company, a Nebraska owned and operated corporation, spans the State of Nebraska, from Sidney to Lincoln. Grand Island opened exactly one month after the new Fat Dogs Lincoln Truck and Travel Center at the Airport exit, also just off I-80. Each store adds its own niche to the brand and the colorful unique murals on the upper high walls of each store spotlights the local community and individuality of the area; spotlighting sports mascots and local attractions to the mix of mouthy female profiles and characters. Lincoln has a large graffiti mural including Abraham Lincoln and Tom Osborne. The new sites are open 24/7, 365 and offer hot food and deli and an array of convenience items for both the business professional, family, and truck traffic. The Grand Island site is unique with its extensive upper floor Trucker Lounge with an elevator, large exercise room and showers. Laundry facilities and lounge facilities with skill machines and televisions invite drivers to stop and relax through required break times. Additional Tenant space is available for lease inside and outside of the building and on both floors. Wilkinson Companies currently has just over 300 employees and operate 9 gas stations and 4 hotels. The brand is also adding a new site in North Platte on I-80 at exit 179 with an opening in quarter 1 of 2025.

Fat Dogs Truck & Travel Center Now Open at Grand Island I-80 Exit 312

Nebraska Department of Transportation

(Lincoln, Neb.) — Weather permitting on Tuesday evening, Sept. 10, the eastbound lanes of I-80 will be closed at 8:00 p.m., according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation. 

Hawkins Construction, Co. of Omaha is the contractor for the project. Eastbound I-80 traffic will be detoured at the Milford Interchange (Exit 382) and routed north to Hwy 34 and then east on Hwy 34. They will reenter I-80 at the 401 Interchange. 

Detours will be removed and I-80 traffic will resume by 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11. The closure is for the placement of bridge girders over I-80 on the NW 126th Street and NW 98th Street overhead bridges. In the event of inclement weather conditions, this schedule will be revised. 

Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, put phones down.

Nebraska Department of Transportation(Lincoln, Neb.) — Weather permitting on Tuesday evening, Sept. 10, the eastbound lanes of I-80 will be closed at 8:00 p.m., according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation. Hawkins Construction, Co. of Omaha is the contractor for the project. Eastbound I-80 traffic will be detoured at the Milford Interchange (Exit 382) and routed north to Hwy 34 and then east on Hwy 34. They will reenter I-80 at the 401 Interchange. Detours will be removed and I-80 traffic will resume by 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11. The closure is for the placement of bridge girders over I-80 on the NW 126th Street and NW 98th Street overhead bridges. In the event of inclement weather conditions, this schedule will be revised. Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, put phones down.

 I-80 westbound closure for bridge work near Lincoln set for September

&nbsp;(Lincoln, Neb.) — Weather permitting on Monday evening, Sept. 9, the westbound lanes of I-80 will be closed at 8 p.m., according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation. 

Hawkins Construction, Co. of Omahais the contractor for the project. Westbound I-80 traffic will be detoured at the I-80 / I-180 Interchange (Exit 401) and routed west on Hwy 34 to Matzke Highway, turning south and accessing I-80 at the Milford Interchange (Exit 382). 

Detours will be removed and I-80 traffic will resume by 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10. The closure is for the placement of bridge girders over I-80 on the NW 126th Street and NW 98th Street overhead bridges. In the event of inclement weather conditions, this schedule will be revised. Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, put phones down

Nebraska Department of Transportation&nbsp;(Lincoln, Neb.) — Weather permitting on Monday evening, Sept. 9, the westbound lanes of I-80 will be closed at 8 p.m., according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation. Hawkins Construction, Co. of Omahais the contractor for the project. Westbound I-80 traffic will be detoured at the I-80 / I-180 Interchange (Exit 401) and routed west on Hwy 34 to Matzke Highway, turning south and accessing I-80 at the Milford Interchange (Exit 382). Detours will be removed and I-80 traffic will resume by 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10. The closure is for the placement of bridge girders over I-80 on the NW 126th Street and NW 98th Street overhead bridges. In the event of inclement weather conditions, this schedule will be revised. Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, put phones down

OMAHA, NE,&nbsp;(August 29, 2024) —&nbsp;As AAA prepares to rescue more than 300,000 drivers nationwide with car trouble this Labor Day weekend, it will also provide a free service in effort to keep impaired drivers off the road.&nbsp;The Auto Club Group is activating its&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.b00YhNV2Nr0-2BaZn7eVNAddyRkUINOOu85WlgpeOlm4TJh2Tz10WNXWxWNmSGBXk0ww2J_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEu9ForkbU2BMNTBWH3XP7OdT44Bbe46bKr8Wrm-2FRs-2FzyNpAOGWBtNKBasrXMt86ANttahENv-2FIFWd48-2F8BH6IULZwb8V0C2HlTJB4QertPLduKynU62AELcoBvBztJHk02B9UqCo0cmeZttpcpstKBPIejhwcibXQkPObY-2Ff7cMZJBJk2NHTn1BQa3x9RQKpbEdkgUzdg8bopYSZhuamF-2BF17XDLA7-2FgBS-2BmOwTjNxB1NKGwNb9-2FrQ87-2F9-2FwUIRcHubfVCn7QIz2i3RPOwvdcnbeS-2BfIOsH7E-2BL9zkCoVwfs-3D">Tow to Go</a>&nbsp;program in Nebraska, Iowa and other select states (see below), offering a safe ride for would-be impaired drivers and their vehicles.

The Auto Club Group has provided the&nbsp;Tow to Go&nbsp;program for more than 25 years, removing nearly 30,000 impaired drivers from U.S. roadways. When someone calls Tow to Go, a tow truck is dispatched to transport the vehicle and its owner to a safe location within a 10-mile radius. This service is free, regardless of whether the caller is a AAA member.

“By providing this program, AAA leaves drivers with no excuse for driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol or impairing medications,” said Brian Ortner, Public Affairs Specialist, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “However, we remind people to treat Tow to Go as a last resort. Instead, make advanced plans for a safe ride home.”

Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, North Dakota, Nebraska, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Colorado (Denver), North Carolina (Charlotte), and Indiana (Fort Wayne/South Bend)

AAAOMAHA, NE,&nbsp;(August 29, 2024) —&nbsp;As AAA prepares to rescue more than 300,000 drivers nationwide with car trouble this Labor Day weekend, it will also provide a free service in effort to keep impaired drivers off the road.&nbsp;The Auto Club Group is activating its&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.b00YhNV2Nr0-2BaZn7eVNAddyRkUINOOu85WlgpeOlm4TJh2Tz10WNXWxWNmSGBXk0ww2J_zEOLHw6mHPpUboszb4lxzn-2FWfgiGZZljUWwyilPPfcrXXfmVBzHnavjtNkTOYjqEu9ForkbU2BMNTBWH3XP7OdT44Bbe46bKr8Wrm-2FRs-2FzyNpAOGWBtNKBasrXMt86ANttahENv-2FIFWd48-2F8BH6IULZwb8V0C2HlTJB4QertPLduKynU62AELcoBvBztJHk02B9UqCo0cmeZttpcpstKBPIejhwcibXQkPObY-2Ff7cMZJBJk2NHTn1BQa3x9RQKpbEdkgUzdg8bopYSZhuamF-2BF17XDLA7-2FgBS-2BmOwTjNxB1NKGwNb9-2FrQ87-2F9-2FwUIRcHubfVCn7QIz2i3RPOwvdcnbeS-2BfIOsH7E-2BL9zkCoVwfs-3D">Tow to Go</a>&nbsp;program in Nebraska, Iowa and other select states (see below), offering a safe ride for would-be impaired drivers and their vehicles.The Auto Club Group has provided the&nbsp;Tow to Go&nbsp;program for more than 25 years, removing nearly 30,000 impaired drivers from U.S. roadways. When someone calls Tow to Go, a tow truck is dispatched to transport the vehicle and its owner to a safe location within a 10-mile radius. This service is free, regardless of whether the caller is a AAA member.<ul>
 <li>Tow to Go is active from&nbsp;6 p.m. Friday, August 30th&nbsp;to 6 a.m. Tuesday, September 3rd.</li><li>Free confidential rides are available to AAA members and non-members.</li>
 </ul>“By providing this program, AAA leaves drivers with no excuse for driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol or impairing medications,” said Brian Ortner, Public Affairs Specialist, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “However, we remind people to treat Tow to Go as a last resort. Instead, make advanced plans for a safe ride home.”Service AreaFlorida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, North Dakota, Nebraska, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Colorado (Denver), North Carolina (Charlotte), and Indiana (Fort Wayne/South Bend)Phone Number(855) 2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246Guidelines<ul>
 <li>Provided&nbsp;from&nbsp;6 p.m. Friday, August 30th&nbsp;to 6 a.m. Tuesday, September 3rd.&nbsp;</li><li>Free and available to AAA members and non-members.&nbsp;</li><li>Confidential local ride for one person and their vehicle to a safe location&nbsp;within a 10-mile radius&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Appointments&nbsp;cannot&nbsp;be scheduled in advance to use Tow to Go. It is designed as a safety net for those that did not plan ahead. Always choose a designated driver before celebrating.</li>
 </ul>

AAA Activates 'Tow to Go' in Nebraska and Iowa  for Labor Day Weekend

LINCOLN, NE –&nbsp;Governor Jim Pillen is accepting applications to fill positions on the Underground Excavation Safety Committee. Created through the passage of LB683 (2023), the committee is charged with reviewing complaints filed with the state fire marshal when there is an alleged violation of the Nebraska One-Call Notification System. State law requires that anyone involved in excavating or digging must call 8-1-1 to have all underground utilities identified in advance of that work. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In addition to the state fire marshal, the seven-member committee is made up of three excavators and three operators. An alternate excavator and an alternate operator are also appointed, should a regular committee member not be available for a meeting. All gubernatorial appointments are subject to legislative confirmation. The committee is effective Sept. 1, 2024.

Prospective applicants can apply through the Governor's Boards and Commissions portal at&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/board-comm-req">https://governor.nebraska.gov/board-comm-req</a>.&nbsp; Applications can also be mailed to the Governor’s Office, P.O Box 94848, Lincoln, NE 68509.

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE –&nbsp;Governor Jim Pillen is accepting applications to fill positions on the Underground Excavation Safety Committee. Created through the passage of LB683 (2023), the committee is charged with reviewing complaints filed with the state fire marshal when there is an alleged violation of the Nebraska One-Call Notification System. State law requires that anyone involved in excavating or digging must call 8-1-1 to have all underground utilities identified in advance of that work. &nbsp;&nbsp;In addition to the state fire marshal, the seven-member committee is made up of three excavators and three operators. An alternate excavator and an alternate operator are also appointed, should a regular committee member not be available for a meeting. All gubernatorial appointments are subject to legislative confirmation. The committee is effective Sept. 1, 2024.Prospective applicants can apply through the Governor's Boards and Commissions portal at&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/board-comm-req">https://governor.nebraska.gov/board-comm-req</a>.&nbsp; Applications can also be mailed to the Governor’s Office, P.O Box 94848, Lincoln, NE 68509.

Gov. Pillen Seeks Applicants for Underground Excavation Safety Committee  

GRAND ISLAND, NEB. (Aug. 28, 2024)&nbsp;— Growers and producers are gearing up to network, connect and experience the latest farm technology when Husker Harvest Days reconvenes Sept. 10-12, in Grand Island, Nebraska. Over 10,000 attendees have preregistered for the event, with an average of 2,000 acres farmed per attendee.

Exhibitors are also enthusiastic about the world’s largest irrigated outdoor farm show, selling out nearly every single lot. Select spaces are still available in the BEEF Building at the time of publication. Potential exhibitors are encouraged to contact Farm Progress immediately if they would like to reserve a booth.

With hundreds of exhibitors, this year’s show will allow farmers to engage with cutting-edge agriculture products, equipment and ideas. They’ll also get to meet the people who design and develop them.

Here are FIVE must-sees for Husker Harvest Days 2024:

Field Demos: Gain priceless operational insights and see technology in action at field demos, including harvesting, haying and tillage.&nbsp;Get up close and personal with the latest and greatest the ag industry has to offer.

BEEF Showcase: Producers can find everything beef-related, including exhibitors, live cattle-handling demos, educational seminars and more in the BEEF Showcase, located in the Northwest Quadrant.

Autonomy Showcase: The Autonomy Showcase provides a "hands-off" demonstration experience beyond auto-steering. At least two autonomous machines will be operating each day of the show.

The Husker Harvest Days Stage:&nbsp;Take a seat by the Husker Harvest Days Stage, where industry experts share their insights. From Farm Futures market updates to question-and-answer sessions with Nebraska government officials, these speakers delve into the latest trends and innovations.

Women in the Field:&nbsp;&nbsp;Visit the&nbsp;University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s (UNL) Vice Chancellor’s Tent on lot 827 for a&nbsp;special programming series presented by Farm Progress in partnership with UNL The series will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 11, and will feature an inspiring&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u12097671.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.vdEqlqwOcmUVNskYN6obREjO4BNllZZsfIbttJgRXlzsKLPM-2FgpTxCX0U5tQ-2ByBdo10zSnTt2dLgm-2B2-2F2CjDN3kvFr-2BxoK0DctAEU8AeHk8-3DT1ZV_DTTmFYtQViI5ZMt5lmIaEIqDa90-2ByPplIqOxjwg0lU4E-2Bs0yftv7HDkMdpRpVs0L3GY2yoysh8IlnVCQMCsTED9HRlDBvkCrPLnbTdxWmS0kTnvi3ZsHMLA3517KqVWYsu-2Fytvt3r7kEGZKtX-2BdKrXqcrX5zfMfjazL8USEynwHH-2Bs0Qx9KqlFxh-2F-2FIeg7-2FuMUvg-2FA9kAHiM6F-2B2dHPQ2uFlCyyZg3OZ00pcs-2FOKl4KIehC7e9oaLJdGS1fv4DtqGOarWXhaOIwv1ueXJldJ6XhZwJNXSgzrnR8aRPudEmAGteepp8UtR5KWT-2BS26IuPFDUxUFklXRzW7IRG-2FmUiUUWZcJmx1iuDtf2ZH8ZSlYHNzvcuJ2JtWy0N7GhEG5LzAMqtie8NyPaHiKMMrVJ0mAyw5SBwzIARQSbvoQLJQoATsepKpKefFoOGq3uCu0g1tKgnjhxoFmz2zM2D8M5M3rArIokgnfhvD1TroyGPVhZvDmlMGNCH-2Fn-2BkOVQ2-2FsuPcTN1BYp7BYjl55YN8W29Q1QJ6XAjBuy3d2PQwez-2FHXAWig4vKqpEr-2BOUcTRQWK0c">line-up of speakers</a>.

To register for complimentary&nbsp;three-day admission and more information, visit the official website at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u12097671.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.vdEqlqwOcmUVNskYN6obREjO4BNllZZsfIbttJgRXlyMIP9T5dgaRxOG2D5MC2A5eteTtKuqinnocDoLu6PaJw-3D-3DHyzv_DTTmFYtQViI5ZMt5lmIaEIqDa90-2ByPplIqOxjwg0lU4E-2Bs0yftv7HDkMdpRpVs0L3GY2yoysh8IlnVCQMCsTED9HRlDBvkCrPLnbTdxWmS0kTnvi3ZsHMLA3517KqVWYsu-2Fytvt3r7kEGZKtX-2BdKrXqcrX5zfMfjazL8USEynwHH-2Bs0Qx9KqlFxh-2F-2FIeg7-2FuMUvg-2FA9kAHiM6F-2B2dHPQ2uFlCyyZg3OZ00pcs-2FOKl4KIehC7e9oaLJdGS1fv4DtqGOarWXhaOIwv1ueXJldJ6XhZwJNXSgzrnR8aRPudEmAGteepp8UtR5KWT-2BS26IuPFDUxUFklXRzW7IRG-2FmUiUUWZcJmx1iuDtf2ZH8ZSlYHNzvcuJ2JtWy0N7GhEG5LzAMqtie8NyPaHiKMMrVJ0mJGXKZAsAC41xQu4-2BqMk38a-2BigX4uUSJXus4bM0nTqbdngmw2C1J1PWUmxpOYybPoxGKD8bgvM-2BChYpZPSO66-2BGXbqHiOYKP3A5f1sRd3rH9JqUSN20choVJqoHzm1hGWBfsHQGOnckE2npuuGzhi-2Bj44YH4rCS7Nb7RFxtz4uqa">www.HuskerHarvestDays.com</a>.

About Farm ProgressAs part of Informa Markets, Farm Progress is the largest, most diversified agriculture information business in North America. Through a robust network of live events, digital products, data, marketing services, broadcasting and local and national publications, Farm Progress enables the nation’s most economically significant farmers,&nbsp;growers&nbsp;and ranchers to connect and do business. It serves 80% of the 2 million farms and ranches in the U.S., and an estimated 85% of the nation’s annual agricultural gross domestic product. Visit our website at&nbsp;FarmProgress.com.

Husker Harvest Days&nbsp;GRAND ISLAND, NEB. (Aug. 28, 2024)&nbsp;— Growers and producers are gearing up to network, connect and experience the latest farm technology when Husker Harvest Days reconvenes Sept. 10-12, in Grand Island, Nebraska. Over 10,000 attendees have preregistered for the event, with an average of 2,000 acres farmed per attendee.Exhibitors are also enthusiastic about the world’s largest irrigated outdoor farm show, selling out nearly every single lot. Select spaces are still available in the BEEF Building at the time of publication. Potential exhibitors are encouraged to contact Farm Progress immediately if they would like to reserve a booth.With hundreds of exhibitors, this year’s show will allow farmers to engage with cutting-edge agriculture products, equipment and ideas. They’ll also get to meet the people who design and develop them.Here are FIVE must-sees for Husker Harvest Days 2024:Field Demos: Gain priceless operational insights and see technology in action at field demos, including harvesting, haying and tillage.&nbsp;Get up close and personal with the latest and greatest the ag industry has to offer.BEEF Showcase: Producers can find everything beef-related, including exhibitors, live cattle-handling demos, educational seminars and more in the BEEF Showcase, located in the Northwest Quadrant.Autonomy Showcase: The Autonomy Showcase provides a "hands-off" demonstration experience beyond auto-steering. At least two autonomous machines will be operating each day of the show.The Husker Harvest Days Stage:&nbsp;Take a seat by the Husker Harvest Days Stage, where industry experts share their insights. From Farm Futures market updates to question-and-answer sessions with Nebraska government officials, these speakers delve into the latest trends and innovations.Women in the Field:&nbsp;&nbsp;Visit the&nbsp;University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s (UNL) Vice Chancellor’s Tent on lot 827 for a&nbsp;special programming series presented by Farm Progress in partnership with UNL The series will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 11, and will feature an inspiring&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u12097671.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.vdEqlqwOcmUVNskYN6obREjO4BNllZZsfIbttJgRXlzsKLPM-2FgpTxCX0U5tQ-2ByBdo10zSnTt2dLgm-2B2-2F2CjDN3kvFr-2BxoK0DctAEU8AeHk8-3DT1ZV_DTTmFYtQViI5ZMt5lmIaEIqDa90-2ByPplIqOxjwg0lU4E-2Bs0yftv7HDkMdpRpVs0L3GY2yoysh8IlnVCQMCsTED9HRlDBvkCrPLnbTdxWmS0kTnvi3ZsHMLA3517KqVWYsu-2Fytvt3r7kEGZKtX-2BdKrXqcrX5zfMfjazL8USEynwHH-2Bs0Qx9KqlFxh-2F-2FIeg7-2FuMUvg-2FA9kAHiM6F-2B2dHPQ2uFlCyyZg3OZ00pcs-2FOKl4KIehC7e9oaLJdGS1fv4DtqGOarWXhaOIwv1ueXJldJ6XhZwJNXSgzrnR8aRPudEmAGteepp8UtR5KWT-2BS26IuPFDUxUFklXRzW7IRG-2FmUiUUWZcJmx1iuDtf2ZH8ZSlYHNzvcuJ2JtWy0N7GhEG5LzAMqtie8NyPaHiKMMrVJ0mAyw5SBwzIARQSbvoQLJQoATsepKpKefFoOGq3uCu0g1tKgnjhxoFmz2zM2D8M5M3rArIokgnfhvD1TroyGPVhZvDmlMGNCH-2Fn-2BkOVQ2-2FsuPcTN1BYp7BYjl55YN8W29Q1QJ6XAjBuy3d2PQwez-2FHXAWig4vKqpEr-2BOUcTRQWK0c">line-up of speakers</a>.Other exciting daily events include:<ul>
 <li>Horse Training demonstrations</li><li>Canine Stars</li><li>Ride and Drive opportunities</li><li>And much more! View the full schedule of events&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u12097671.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.vdEqlqwOcmUVNskYN6obROHo9k9IDvIwPpGlRzzjtBkqj3Z6Ts1OBPWTzybey5VicbcmvCPsmib7-2FPNH-2FgIsRNWDl69ePeLmmPPdyiATfUg-3D_IXF_DTTmFYtQViI5ZMt5lmIaEIqDa90-2ByPplIqOxjwg0lU4E-2Bs0yftv7HDkMdpRpVs0L3GY2yoysh8IlnVCQMCsTED9HRlDBvkCrPLnbTdxWmS0kTnvi3ZsHMLA3517KqVWYsu-2Fytvt3r7kEGZKtX-2BdKrXqcrX5zfMfjazL8USEynwHH-2Bs0Qx9KqlFxh-2F-2FIeg7-2FuMUvg-2FA9kAHiM6F-2B2dHPQ2uFlCyyZg3OZ00pcs-2FOKl4KIehC7e9oaLJdGS1fv4DtqGOarWXhaOIwv1ueXJldJ6XhZwJNXSgzrnR8aRPudEmAGteepp8UtR5KWT-2BS26IuPFDUxUFklXRzW7IRG-2FmUiUUWZcJmx1iuDtf2ZH8ZSlYHNzvcuJ2JtWy0N7GhEG5LzAMqtie8NyPaHiKMMrVJ0mG6-2FBR1kMUHPCvdNwW6Ceg266SV9tij4o-2FvCXbbdz5GDFcWURT-2FMdcwCk2FzKQ5C145pQqq831g9myFNe5L4oOynxAYZ58xgck5N4c-2FScW68gDl2vAgOQp-2B6ZmTvnIihkl60aiODaJpwuX0nWOSLMSoUUNbgmnUXAVPtKNc9C9za">online here</a>.</li>
 </ul>To register for complimentary&nbsp;three-day admission and more information, visit the official website at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u12097671.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.vdEqlqwOcmUVNskYN6obREjO4BNllZZsfIbttJgRXlyMIP9T5dgaRxOG2D5MC2A5eteTtKuqinnocDoLu6PaJw-3D-3DHyzv_DTTmFYtQViI5ZMt5lmIaEIqDa90-2ByPplIqOxjwg0lU4E-2Bs0yftv7HDkMdpRpVs0L3GY2yoysh8IlnVCQMCsTED9HRlDBvkCrPLnbTdxWmS0kTnvi3ZsHMLA3517KqVWYsu-2Fytvt3r7kEGZKtX-2BdKrXqcrX5zfMfjazL8USEynwHH-2Bs0Qx9KqlFxh-2F-2FIeg7-2FuMUvg-2FA9kAHiM6F-2B2dHPQ2uFlCyyZg3OZ00pcs-2FOKl4KIehC7e9oaLJdGS1fv4DtqGOarWXhaOIwv1ueXJldJ6XhZwJNXSgzrnR8aRPudEmAGteepp8UtR5KWT-2BS26IuPFDUxUFklXRzW7IRG-2FmUiUUWZcJmx1iuDtf2ZH8ZSlYHNzvcuJ2JtWy0N7GhEG5LzAMqtie8NyPaHiKMMrVJ0mJGXKZAsAC41xQu4-2BqMk38a-2BigX4uUSJXus4bM0nTqbdngmw2C1J1PWUmxpOYybPoxGKD8bgvM-2BChYpZPSO66-2BGXbqHiOYKP3A5f1sRd3rH9JqUSN20choVJqoHzm1hGWBfsHQGOnckE2npuuGzhi-2Bj44YH4rCS7Nb7RFxtz4uqa">www.HuskerHarvestDays.com</a>.About Farm ProgressAs part of Informa Markets, Farm Progress is the largest, most diversified agriculture information business in North America. Through a robust network of live events, digital products, data, marketing services, broadcasting and local and national publications, Farm Progress enables the nation’s most economically significant farmers,&nbsp;growers&nbsp;and ranchers to connect and do business. It serves 80% of the 2 million farms and ranches in the U.S., and an estimated 85% of the nation’s annual agricultural gross domestic product. Visit our website at&nbsp;FarmProgress.com.

Husker Harvest Days Insider’s Guide to 2024 Husker Harvest Days

August 28, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— A new Husker football season kicks off Saturday at Memorial Stadium and Nebraska State Troopers will be partnering with several agencies to keep fans safe on the roads, in the stadium, on the radio, and with an eye in the sky.

“An exciting Husker football season is here and our troopers want to make sure fans from across Nebraska make it to the game and home safely,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Husker Saturday is all about teamwork, from the team on the field, to the support of the fans, to tremendous partnerships with several police agencies to keep the event safe. Our troopers are proud to be a part of this effort in numerous capacities.”

The Nebraska State Patrol works closely with partner agencies on several aspects of gameday operations. Troopers partner with the Lincoln Police Department, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, UNL Police Department, and the Nebraska Department of Transportation to keep fans safe as they travel to and from the game, as well as in and around Memorial Stadium.

Troopers in the NSP Aviation Support Unit will provide an eye in the sky to relay information to troopers on the ground to assist with traffic flow coming into Lincoln. Fans can also hear live radio traffic reports from Trooper Brett before and after the game on Huskers Radio Network stations throughout the state.

Inside the stadium, troopers, deputies, and officers, team-up to keep the gameday experience safe. Any fan in need of assistance during the game can contact any member of law enforcement or event staff. Fans can also text 402-472-0800 to get assistance inside the stadium.

Anyone who observes a reckless driver or anyone in need of non-emergency roadside assistance can call *55 to reach the Nebraska State Patrol Highway Helpline. NSP’s portion of this effort is made possible thanks in part to grant funding from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724859415500.jpeg" alt="NSP Cruiser at Stadium (Courtesy of Nebraska State Patrol)" />
 <figcaption>NSP Cruiser at Stadium (Courtesy of Nebraska State Patrol)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cody ThomasNebraska State PatrolAugust 28, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— A new Husker football season kicks off Saturday at Memorial Stadium and Nebraska State Troopers will be partnering with several agencies to keep fans safe on the roads, in the stadium, on the radio, and with an eye in the sky.“An exciting Husker football season is here and our troopers want to make sure fans from across Nebraska make it to the game and home safely,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Husker Saturday is all about teamwork, from the team on the field, to the support of the fans, to tremendous partnerships with several police agencies to keep the event safe. Our troopers are proud to be a part of this effort in numerous capacities.”The Nebraska State Patrol works closely with partner agencies on several aspects of gameday operations. Troopers partner with the Lincoln Police Department, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, UNL Police Department, and the Nebraska Department of Transportation to keep fans safe as they travel to and from the game, as well as in and around Memorial Stadium.Troopers in the NSP Aviation Support Unit will provide an eye in the sky to relay information to troopers on the ground to assist with traffic flow coming into Lincoln. Fans can also hear live radio traffic reports from Trooper Brett before and after the game on Huskers Radio Network stations throughout the state.Inside the stadium, troopers, deputies, and officers, team-up to keep the gameday experience safe. Any fan in need of assistance during the game can contact any member of law enforcement or event staff. Fans can also text 402-472-0800 to get assistance inside the stadium.Anyone who observes a reckless driver or anyone in need of non-emergency roadside assistance can call *55 to reach the Nebraska State Patrol Highway Helpline. NSP’s portion of this effort is made possible thanks in part to grant funding from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office.

Husker Gameday Means Teamwork on and off the Field

United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Jeffery S. Sikes, age 43, formerly of Kearney, Nebraska, was sentenced on August 27, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for committing wire fraud. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Sikes to 108 months’ imprisonment. After Sikes’ release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Sikes was additionally ordered to pay $819,169.96 in restitution to the victims of his crimes.

Beginning in early 2012, and continuing through on or about July 1, 2014, Sikes devised and enacted multiple fraudulent schemes in the District of Nebraska. The Indictment charged Sikes with enacting several separate schemes with different victims being preyed upon by Sikes for each individual scheme. In each scheme Sikes defrauded others, obtaining money and property by the means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, promises, and omissions and during the course of which different wires or mails would be used in furtherance of the schemes. The charges included a scheme representing to real estate developers that Sikes had located tenants and demanding a finder’s fee—when in fact no tenants existed. In another scheme, Sikes convinced others to invest their retirement into an alleged new research and development company which did not in reality exist. Each scheme typically included complex fraudulent documents which were used to lull the victims into a sense of security.

In the scheme to which Sikes pled guilty, he approached B &amp; J Partnership, d/b/a Speedway Properties (“B &amp; J”), as a “consultant” for Vanguard Nebraska, a limited liability company (“Vanguard”). He contacted B &amp; J about obtaining a lease for commercial space owned by B &amp; J in Lincoln, Nebraska. Sikes represented to B &amp; J that Vanguard intended to establish laboratory space in Lincoln for use in research and development. Sikes proposed that B &amp; J provide $750,000 in financing for the build out of the commercial space owned by B &amp; J. He provided complex falsified documents to convince B &amp; J to enter into the lease and to finance the building including fraudulent balance sheets and IRS tax forms; fraudulent information about purported subcontractors who were allegedly responsible for the construction; and fraudulent bills payable from said subcontractors for work performed or materials related to the construction costs for the property. In reality, Vanguard was never a real company. All documents submitted to B &amp;J and others concerning Vanguard and the subcontractors allegedly working on the project were manufactured and fraudulently created by Sikes and others working with Sikes. During the course of this scheme, Sikes directed the disbursement of funds for fraudulent invoices of $507,231.96 causing a loss to B &amp; J.

In addition to the loss to B &amp; J, the other schemes mentioned within the Indictment resulted in the loss of an additional $311,938 to other victims. In total, Sikes is responsible for defrauding multiple companies, organizations, and individuals for $819,169.96.

Sikes pled guilty to one count of wire fraud on April 28, 2017. On January 5, 2018, Sikes did not appear for his sentencing hearing and a warrant was issued for his arrest. It was later determined that Sikes fled Nebraska to Alabama, where he was living in hiding with others and using the alias “Kenneth Allen.” In February of 2022, Sikes was arrested and charged with conspiracy to maliciously destroy by fire in the District of Alabama—a crime for which he was convicted on May 30, 2023. Pursuant to the documents in that case, while living as a fugitive in Alabama, Sikes led a conspiracy of seven other co-defendants. As part of the conspiracy, Sikes and the others set fires to four different Walmart stores in Alabama and Mississippi. Each of the fires were set during business hours while customers, employees, and vendors were inside the stores. In the lead up to setting these fires, Sikes and his conspirators had meetings and drafted a “Declaration of War and Demands for the People” that made demands and consisted of threats against Walmart if their demands were not met.

Sikes pled guilty to the conspiracy charge in the Alabama case. He was sentenced to 216 months’ (18 years) imprisonment, supervised release for 3 years, and to pay restitution in the amount of $7,295,533.23 to be paid jointly and severally with co-defendants from that case. After Sikes’ sentencing in Alabama, he was returned to the District of Nebraska to face sentencing for his crimes committed as part of this case in the District of Nebraska. The sentence of imprisonment imposed today by Senior District Judge Gerrard was ordered to be consecutive to Sikes’ term of imprisonment imposed in the Alabama case.

Following today’s sentencing United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr stated “The United States Attorney’s Office is dedicated to ensuring justice is served for all crimes committed in the District of Nebraska and to holding defendants accountable regardless of the number of years it takes. Jeffery Sikes’ serious crimes perpetrated against numerous Nebraska citizens and businesses was not forgotten and today’s sentence is a reflection of the dedication and hard work of all those involved with this case both before and after Sikes fled in 2018.”

<a>“Jeffery S. Sikes’ fraudulent schemes had devastating financial consequences for his Nebraska victims,” said FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel.&nbsp; “His attempt to avoid facing the consequences of his crimes was futile.&nbsp; No matter how long it takes, the FBI is dedicated to working with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to bring criminals to justice.</a>”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

United States Attorney's OfficeUnited States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Jeffery S. Sikes, age 43, formerly of Kearney, Nebraska, was sentenced on August 27, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for committing wire fraud. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Sikes to 108 months’ imprisonment. After Sikes’ release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Sikes was additionally ordered to pay $819,169.96 in restitution to the victims of his crimes.Beginning in early 2012, and continuing through on or about July 1, 2014, Sikes devised and enacted multiple fraudulent schemes in the District of Nebraska. The Indictment charged Sikes with enacting several separate schemes with different victims being preyed upon by Sikes for each individual scheme. In each scheme Sikes defrauded others, obtaining money and property by the means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, promises, and omissions and during the course of which different wires or mails would be used in furtherance of the schemes. The charges included a scheme representing to real estate developers that Sikes had located tenants and demanding a finder’s fee—when in fact no tenants existed. In another scheme, Sikes convinced others to invest their retirement into an alleged new research and development company which did not in reality exist. Each scheme typically included complex fraudulent documents which were used to lull the victims into a sense of security.In the scheme to which Sikes pled guilty, he approached B &amp; J Partnership, d/b/a Speedway Properties (“B &amp; J”), as a “consultant” for Vanguard Nebraska, a limited liability company (“Vanguard”). He contacted B &amp; J about obtaining a lease for commercial space owned by B &amp; J in Lincoln, Nebraska. Sikes represented to B &amp; J that Vanguard intended to establish laboratory space in Lincoln for use in research and development. Sikes proposed that B &amp; J provide $750,000 in financing for the build out of the commercial space owned by B &amp; J. He provided complex falsified documents to convince B &amp; J to enter into the lease and to finance the building including fraudulent balance sheets and IRS tax forms; fraudulent information about purported subcontractors who were allegedly responsible for the construction; and fraudulent bills payable from said subcontractors for work performed or materials related to the construction costs for the property. In reality, Vanguard was never a real company. All documents submitted to B &amp;J and others concerning Vanguard and the subcontractors allegedly working on the project were manufactured and fraudulently created by Sikes and others working with Sikes. During the course of this scheme, Sikes directed the disbursement of funds for fraudulent invoices of $507,231.96 causing a loss to B &amp; J.In addition to the loss to B &amp; J, the other schemes mentioned within the Indictment resulted in the loss of an additional $311,938 to other victims. In total, Sikes is responsible for defrauding multiple companies, organizations, and individuals for $819,169.96.Sikes pled guilty to one count of wire fraud on April 28, 2017. On January 5, 2018, Sikes did not appear for his sentencing hearing and a warrant was issued for his arrest. It was later determined that Sikes fled Nebraska to Alabama, where he was living in hiding with others and using the alias “Kenneth Allen.” In February of 2022, Sikes was arrested and charged with conspiracy to maliciously destroy by fire in the District of Alabama—a crime for which he was convicted on May 30, 2023. Pursuant to the documents in that case, while living as a fugitive in Alabama, Sikes led a conspiracy of seven other co-defendants. As part of the conspiracy, Sikes and the others set fires to four different Walmart stores in Alabama and Mississippi. Each of the fires were set during business hours while customers, employees, and vendors were inside the stores. In the lead up to setting these fires, Sikes and his conspirators had meetings and drafted a “Declaration of War and Demands for the People” that made demands and consisted of threats against Walmart if their demands were not met.Sikes pled guilty to the conspiracy charge in the Alabama case. He was sentenced to 216 months’ (18 years) imprisonment, supervised release for 3 years, and to pay restitution in the amount of $7,295,533.23 to be paid jointly and severally with co-defendants from that case. After Sikes’ sentencing in Alabama, he was returned to the District of Nebraska to face sentencing for his crimes committed as part of this case in the District of Nebraska. The sentence of imprisonment imposed today by Senior District Judge Gerrard was ordered to be consecutive to Sikes’ term of imprisonment imposed in the Alabama case.Following today’s sentencing United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr stated “The United States Attorney’s Office is dedicated to ensuring justice is served for all crimes committed in the District of Nebraska and to holding defendants accountable regardless of the number of years it takes. Jeffery Sikes’ serious crimes perpetrated against numerous Nebraska citizens and businesses was not forgotten and today’s sentence is a reflection of the dedication and hard work of all those involved with this case both before and after Sikes fled in 2018.”<a>“Jeffery S. Sikes’ fraudulent schemes had devastating financial consequences for his Nebraska victims,” said FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel.&nbsp; “His attempt to avoid facing the consequences of his crimes was futile.&nbsp; No matter how long it takes, the FBI is dedicated to working with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to bring criminals to justice.</a>”This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Former Kearney Man Sentenced to 9 Years for Wire Fraud

Lincoln, NE–August 26,&nbsp;2024–Richard Welch of Davey is the sixth winner of a 2024 Ford F-150 XLT 4x4 SuperCrew truck in the 29th edition of the Nebraska Lottery’s $2 Truck$ &amp; Buck$ Scratch game.

Welch purchased his winning Truck$ &amp; Buck$ ticket at U-Stop #12 at 6801 Wildcat Dr. in Lincoln. He was presented with his new truck at U-Stop on Monday, August 26 by Nebraska Lottery officials.

Welch stopped at U-Stop and bought 10 Truck$ &amp; Buck$ tickets and took them home to scratch off early one morning. That’s when he hit the top prize.

“I didn’t believe it,” he said. “I had to go in and wake up my wife so I could tell somebody.”

U-Stop is about a mile from his house and it’s become the only place he buys his tickets, Welch said. He’s a regular and most of the crew working at U-Stop knew who he was and were thrilled for him, he said.

“It feels good,” he said. “It’s a great feeling.”

The 29th edition of the Nebraska Lottery’s popular $2 Truck$ &amp; Buck$ Scratch game features the 2024 Ford F-150 XLT 4x4 SuperCrew truck as its top prize. Players have the opportunity to win one of eight Ford F-150 trucks as well as thousands of cash prizes. The truck prize is valued at $81,500, which includes $976 for costs associated with ownership and state and federal withholding paid by the Nebraska Lottery of $4,075 and $19,560, respectively. The odds of winning the top prize in Truck$ &amp; Buck$ are 1 in 336,000, while the overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 3.69.

The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $991 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Nebraska LotteryLincoln, NE–August 26,&nbsp;2024–Richard Welch of Davey is the sixth winner of a 2024 Ford F-150 XLT 4x4 SuperCrew truck in the 29th edition of the Nebraska Lottery’s $2 Truck$ &amp; Buck$ Scratch game.Welch purchased his winning Truck$ &amp; Buck$ ticket at U-Stop #12 at 6801 Wildcat Dr. in Lincoln. He was presented with his new truck at U-Stop on Monday, August 26 by Nebraska Lottery officials.Welch stopped at U-Stop and bought 10 Truck$ &amp; Buck$ tickets and took them home to scratch off early one morning. That’s when he hit the top prize.“I didn’t believe it,” he said. “I had to go in and wake up my wife so I could tell somebody.”U-Stop is about a mile from his house and it’s become the only place he buys his tickets, Welch said. He’s a regular and most of the crew working at U-Stop knew who he was and were thrilled for him, he said.“It feels good,” he said. “It’s a great feeling.”The 29th edition of the Nebraska Lottery’s popular $2 Truck$ &amp; Buck$ Scratch game features the 2024 Ford F-150 XLT 4x4 SuperCrew truck as its top prize. Players have the opportunity to win one of eight Ford F-150 trucks as well as thousands of cash prizes. The truck prize is valued at $81,500, which includes $976 for costs associated with ownership and state and federal withholding paid by the Nebraska Lottery of $4,075 and $19,560, respectively. The odds of winning the top prize in Truck$ &amp; Buck$ are 1 in 336,000, while the overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 3.69.The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $991 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

Davey Man Claims Sixth Truck$ & Buck$ Truck

August 27, 2024 (Norfolk, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— The Nebraska State Patrol can now release the identity of the pilot who died in Monday’s plane crash in Knox County.

The pilot has been identified as Joseph Rudloff, 73, of Norfolk. The crash was reported at approximately 9:30 a.m. Monday. The location was approximately 4 miles southwest of Crofton, Nebraska.

A second plane crash occurred a short time later near Wayne, Nebraska. The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office is the lead investigating agency on that incident. Details will be released by the Sheriff’s Office when possible.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating both crashes. Troopers utilized drones to survey both crash scenes to assist in each investigation.

Cody Thomas Nebraska State PatrolAugust 27, 2024 (Norfolk, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— The Nebraska State Patrol can now release the identity of the pilot who died in Monday’s plane crash in Knox County.The pilot has been identified as Joseph Rudloff, 73, of Norfolk. The crash was reported at approximately 9:30 a.m. Monday. The location was approximately 4 miles southwest of Crofton, Nebraska.A second plane crash occurred a short time later near Wayne, Nebraska. The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office is the lead investigating agency on that incident. Details will be released by the Sheriff’s Office when possible.The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating both crashes. Troopers utilized drones to survey both crash scenes to assist in each investigation.

Pilot Identified in Fatal Plane Crash in Knox County

Offutt Air Force Base Press Release

Offutt AFB, NE – The 2024 Defenders of Freedom Air &amp; Space Show successfully concluded this past weekend, drawing nearly 80,000 attendees. After a six-year hiatus due to the 2019 flood, COVID-19, and runway construction, this year’s air show faced several unique challenges, yet it ultimately showcased the resilience and dedication of the men and women of the 55th Wing.

Saturday’s events highlighted the need for quick adjustments, particularly in transportation logistics, as the air show had to implement an off-base parking system due to the loss of 5,000 on-base parking spaces, a lingering effect of the flood recovery efforts. Despite these initial challenges, Sunday saw a significant improvement in shuttle operations, ensuring smooth transportation for all off-base parking guests.

Sunday also brought extreme heat, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees. To ensure the safety and comfort of attendees, the air show distributed 16 pallets of free bottled water throughout the day and had over 80 medical professionals on hand to support guests with medical needs. Only eight guests required transport to hospitals on Sunday, a slight increase from the seven transported on Saturday. The show's organizers greatly appreciated the feedback received via social media, which allowed for rapid adjustments and improvements as the show progressed.

The event featured 36 aircraft displays and 15 dynamic demonstration acts, all executed with precision and professionalism. Over 1,000 volunteers played a crucial role in making the air show a success, embodying the spirit and dedication of the Air Force community.

“The tremendously successful execution of the air show on Sunday is a testament to the quality and commitment of the men and women who wear the Air Force uniform,” said Kris Pierce, Chief of Public Affairs for Offutt AFB. “We may have faced some challenges after a six-year break, but our ability to pivot and adapt demonstrates our unwavering readiness and capability.”

The 2024 Defenders of Freedom Air &amp; Space Show not only showcased the strength and innovation of the 55th Wing but also reinforced Offutt AFB's crucial role as a member of the Bellevue/Greater Omaha metropolitan area.

Offutt Air Force Base Press ReleaseOffutt AFB, NE – The 2024 Defenders of Freedom Air &amp; Space Show successfully concluded this past weekend, drawing nearly 80,000 attendees. After a six-year hiatus due to the 2019 flood, COVID-19, and runway construction, this year’s air show faced several unique challenges, yet it ultimately showcased the resilience and dedication of the men and women of the 55th Wing.Saturday’s events highlighted the need for quick adjustments, particularly in transportation logistics, as the air show had to implement an off-base parking system due to the loss of 5,000 on-base parking spaces, a lingering effect of the flood recovery efforts. Despite these initial challenges, Sunday saw a significant improvement in shuttle operations, ensuring smooth transportation for all off-base parking guests.Sunday also brought extreme heat, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees. To ensure the safety and comfort of attendees, the air show distributed 16 pallets of free bottled water throughout the day and had over 80 medical professionals on hand to support guests with medical needs. Only eight guests required transport to hospitals on Sunday, a slight increase from the seven transported on Saturday. The show's organizers greatly appreciated the feedback received via social media, which allowed for rapid adjustments and improvements as the show progressed.The event featured 36 aircraft displays and 15 dynamic demonstration acts, all executed with precision and professionalism. Over 1,000 volunteers played a crucial role in making the air show a success, embodying the spirit and dedication of the Air Force community.“The tremendously successful execution of the air show on Sunday is a testament to the quality and commitment of the men and women who wear the Air Force uniform,” said Kris Pierce, Chief of Public Affairs for Offutt AFB. “We may have faced some challenges after a six-year break, but our ability to pivot and adapt demonstrates our unwavering readiness and capability.”The 2024 Defenders of Freedom Air &amp; Space Show not only showcased the strength and innovation of the 55th Wing but also reinforced Offutt AFB's crucial role as a member of the Bellevue/Greater Omaha metropolitan area.

2024 Defenders of Freedom Air & Space Show Recap   

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/26/audit-finds-prison-system-could-save-at-least-3-8-million-with-better-processes/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nebraska’s prison system could save about $3.9 million by better controlling how it handles health care, health insurance and pharmacy services for prisoners, a state audit found.

And inmates and crime victims could get compensated sooner from jobs inmates do while in prison and on work release if the state did a better job of checking its own records, the audit reads.

“We take recommendations from this comprehensive audit report seriously,” said Rob Jeffreys, the department’s director. “During the audit period, the agency was in the process of implementing many of these changes, and we will continue to evaluate and alter processes to enhance efficiencies.”

State Auditor Mike Foley credited the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services for working to address the costliest concern, $3.5 million, forfeited because not all eligible inmates have applied for Medicaid.

That matters because both federal and state taxpayers share the cost of medical care for inmates who are eligible for Medicaid coverage. Foley said the corrective action could save “several million” dollars.

Since the audit, all eligible prisoners have been applying for Medicaid when processed into prison, the department said in its response to the audit. The state said it also is working to recover funds for those missed.

The audit identified issues with how the prison system verifies health insurance claims through Blue Cross Blue Shield, saying claims and payments need to be more stringently reviewed for accuracy.

In one case, the state paid for a $2,985 claim for health services received after an inmate had been released, the audit alleged. Department officials said they will do a better job checking the insurance claims and payments.

Foley’s office found delays in crediting inmate accounts with about $530,000 in direct deposits for work while imprisoned. Prison officials said they are working on a new recordkeeping system to help.

Inmates earn about $0.53 to $1.55 an hour, the audit said, earning $1.26 to $8.69 a day. Correction officials said they are trying to cross-train more staff. They blamed shortages and technology for the troubles revealed by the audit.

Prisoners get to keep part of the money they earn and send some to their families. They also must contribute to the cost of being housed and fed by the state and contribute to a fund to help their victims.

A spot review of those so-called “maintenance fees” the department charges inmates also appear to have collected $310,000 too little from prisoners because of higher minimum wage payments, the audit found.

Department officials said they are&nbsp; working to update the fee rates and charges to match inflation, higher base pay and other factors and will more frequently review them to meet state law.

In the state-run prison pharmacy, the audit found too few formal explanations for inventory adjustments being recorded by hand, hinting that some medicines had gone missing and were unaccounted for.

Department officials said they would review and tighten up controls of who has access to pharmacy records and how the records are kept to make sure there are electronic records that are harder to alter without leaving a trace.

Once again, a Correctional Services audit highlighted the pressing need for the state to hire more prison staff, pointing to about $22 million in overtime pay and too many employees working too many hours.

Officials said they were&nbsp; working on trying to require fewer employees to work so much overtime but said the safety and security of inmates and other staff often dictate what they can do.

The auditor also found some continued problems with overpayments to employees, both current and former. One employee who left was overpaid nearly $18,000. The state said it’s working on better processes.

“Nobody could argue that running the Department of Corrections is anything but an enormously challenging … task,” Foley said in a statement. “Nevertheless, there is always room for improvement.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724773670203.jpeg" alt="The Nebraska State Penitentiary on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022, in Lincoln. (Rebecca S. Gratz for the Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>The Nebraska State Penitentiary on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022, in Lincoln. (Rebecca S. Gratz for the Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/26/audit-finds-prison-system-could-save-at-least-3-8-million-with-better-processes/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nebraska’s prison system could save about $3.9 million by better controlling how it handles health care, health insurance and pharmacy services for prisoners, a state audit found.And inmates and crime victims could get compensated sooner from jobs inmates do while in prison and on work release if the state did a better job of checking its own records, the audit reads.“We take recommendations from this comprehensive audit report seriously,” said Rob Jeffreys, the department’s director. “During the audit period, the agency was in the process of implementing many of these changes, and we will continue to evaluate and alter processes to enhance efficiencies.”State Auditor Mike Foley credited the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services for working to address the costliest concern, $3.5 million, forfeited because not all eligible inmates have applied for Medicaid.<h2>Why Medicaid matters</h2>That matters because both federal and state taxpayers share the cost of medical care for inmates who are eligible for Medicaid coverage. Foley said the corrective action could save “several million” dollars.Since the audit, all eligible prisoners have been applying for Medicaid when processed into prison, the department said in its response to the audit. The state said it also is working to recover funds for those missed.The audit identified issues with how the prison system verifies health insurance claims through Blue Cross Blue Shield, saying claims and payments need to be more stringently reviewed for accuracy.In one case, the state paid for a $2,985 claim for health services received after an inmate had been released, the audit alleged. Department officials said they will do a better job checking the insurance claims and payments.<h2>Inmate accounts off</h2>Foley’s office found delays in crediting inmate accounts with about $530,000 in direct deposits for work while imprisoned. Prison officials said they are working on a new recordkeeping system to help.Inmates earn about $0.53 to $1.55 an hour, the audit said, earning $1.26 to $8.69 a day. Correction officials said they are trying to cross-train more staff. They blamed shortages and technology for the troubles revealed by the audit.Prisoners get to keep part of the money they earn and send some to their families. They also must contribute to the cost of being housed and fed by the state and contribute to a fund to help their victims.A spot review of those so-called “maintenance fees” the department charges inmates also appear to have collected $310,000 too little from prisoners because of higher minimum wage payments, the audit found.Department officials said they are&nbsp; working to update the fee rates and charges to match inflation, higher base pay and other factors and will more frequently review them to meet state law.<h2>Pharmacy troubles and overtime</h2>In the state-run prison pharmacy, the audit found too few formal explanations for inventory adjustments being recorded by hand, hinting that some medicines had gone missing and were unaccounted for.Department officials said they would review and tighten up controls of who has access to pharmacy records and how the records are kept to make sure there are electronic records that are harder to alter without leaving a trace.Once again, a Correctional Services audit highlighted the pressing need for the state to hire more prison staff, pointing to about $22 million in overtime pay and too many employees working too many hours.Officials said they were&nbsp; working on trying to require fewer employees to work so much overtime but said the safety and security of inmates and other staff often dictate what they can do.The auditor also found some continued problems with overpayments to employees, both current and former. One employee who left was overpaid nearly $18,000. The state said it’s working on better processes.“Nobody could argue that running the Department of Corrections is anything but an enormously challenging … task,” Foley said in a statement. “Nevertheless, there is always room for improvement.”

Audit finds prison system could save about $3.9 million with better processes

&nbsp;(Norfolk, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol remain on scene of two small plane crashes that occurred this morning in northeast Nebraska.

The Nebraska State Patrol is the lead investigating agency on the plane crash that occurred in Knox County. The crash was reported at approximately 9:30 a.m. today. The location is approximately 4 miles southwest of Crofton, Nebraska.

First responders, including troopers and Knox County Sheriff’s deputies, located the pilot, who was pronounced deceased at the scene. The pilot was the lone occupant of the plane at the time of the crash. The name of the deceased will be released following notification of family.

The second crash occurred a short time later near Wayne, Nebraska. The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office is the lead investigating agency on that incident. Details will be released by the Sheriff’s Office when possible.

The National Transportation Safety Board has been contacted and will investigate both crashes. Troopers have utilized drones to survey both crash scenes to assist in each investigation.

Cody ThomasNebraska State Patrol&nbsp;(Norfolk, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol remain on scene of two small plane crashes that occurred this morning in northeast Nebraska.The Nebraska State Patrol is the lead investigating agency on the plane crash that occurred in Knox County. The crash was reported at approximately 9:30 a.m. today. The location is approximately 4 miles southwest of Crofton, Nebraska.First responders, including troopers and Knox County Sheriff’s deputies, located the pilot, who was pronounced deceased at the scene. The pilot was the lone occupant of the plane at the time of the crash. The name of the deceased will be released following notification of family.The second crash occurred a short time later near Wayne, Nebraska. The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office is the lead investigating agency on that incident. Details will be released by the Sheriff’s Office when possible.The National Transportation Safety Board has been contacted and will investigate both crashes. Troopers have utilized drones to survey both crash scenes to assist in each investigation.

Two Small Planes Crash in Separate Northeast Nebraska Incidents   

This week, I signed into law a series of bills, including those that will provide funding for property tax relief. The main bill, LB34, includes caps on local spending authority for cities and counties. LB34 also frontloads the Property Income Tax Credit to property tax statements. This means Nebraskans will no longer loan the government money. They will see a direct decrease in taxes paid. That step alone will allow 45 percent of Nebraskans to receive a 20 percent tax savings that they have never realized. That’s a big win.

Most people view out of control valuation increases as the problem. Excess spending is the real issue. Implementing hard caps is a gigantic step in the right direction. This will decrease property tax increases by county and city governments.

Elections matter – and we need more members elected to our legislature who are 100 percent committed to solving our property tax crisis, instead of being duped by paid lobbyists and special interests, in order to get elected to an additional four-year term.&nbsp; We need elected officials to do what is right, in the best interest of our state and the people who live here.

We will be working with new members of the legislature to make sure everyone is focused on representing Nebraskans, and not on special interest groups, to solve the property tax crisis. I challenge the incoming class of senators to put this issue high on their to-do list and to bring their best solutions. On behalf of all Nebraskans – we need to do more.

Governor Jim PillenThis week, I signed into law a series of bills, including those that will provide funding for property tax relief. The main bill, LB34, includes caps on local spending authority for cities and counties. LB34 also frontloads the Property Income Tax Credit to property tax statements. This means Nebraskans will no longer loan the government money. They will see a direct decrease in taxes paid. That step alone will allow 45 percent of Nebraskans to receive a 20 percent tax savings that they have never realized. That’s a big win.Most people view out of control valuation increases as the problem. Excess spending is the real issue. Implementing hard caps is a gigantic step in the right direction. This will decrease property tax increases by county and city governments.Elections matter – and we need more members elected to our legislature who are 100 percent committed to solving our property tax crisis, instead of being duped by paid lobbyists and special interests, in order to get elected to an additional four-year term.&nbsp; We need elected officials to do what is right, in the best interest of our state and the people who live here.We will be working with new members of the legislature to make sure everyone is focused on representing Nebraskans, and not on special interest groups, to solve the property tax crisis. I challenge the incoming class of senators to put this issue high on their to-do list and to bring their best solutions. On behalf of all Nebraskans – we need to do more.

Property Tax Reform: We Need to Do More

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/23/ne-supreme-court-rules-in-government-assisted-home-equity-theft-cases/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — In what Legal Aid lawyers are calling a “historic about-face,” the Nebraska Supreme Court on Friday ruled in favor of two different elderly homeowners who fell victim to what critics described as government-assisted home equity theft.

The homeowners, represented by Legal Aid of Nebraska and Pacific Legal Foundation, claimed that Nebraska’s delinquent tax sale process was unconstitutional in that it allowed homeowners to lose more than what they owed to satisfy property tax debts.

“The Nebraska Supreme Court (today) held that home equity is protected by the Constitution and that the government cannot take more than what is owed,” said Christina Martin, senior attorney at Pacific Legal Foundation, which teamed with Legal Aid to represent the Nebraskans.&nbsp;

One of the cases involved Kevin and Terry Fair, who lived in their Scottsbluff home for nearly three decades but fell behind on taxes after she got sick and he stopped working to care for her (she died during litigation). The county eventually transferred the couple’s $60,000 home to a private investor, who paid off the Fairs’ $5,268 county debt and kept the profit.

In the second case, Sandra Nieveen had lived in her Lincoln residence for a half-century when the county transferred the $61,900 home to a private investor for a tax debt of less than $4,000.

In both cases, the Nebraska Supreme Court originally upheld state laws, prompting Pacific Legal and Legal Aid to ask the U.S. Supreme Court for a review.

Last May, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a separate but similar case, Tyler v. Hennepin County, that if the government takes more than what is owed to satisfy a property tax debt, it violates the Fifth Amendment’s “takings clause.”

That sent the Fair and Nieveen cases back to the Nebraska Supreme Court for reconsideration. Friday, Nebraska justices determined that investment companies who bought the tax liens must pay Fair and Nieveen for the excess equity that remained after their property tax debt was satisfied. The cases were returned to the trial court to determine how much the homes are worth and how much compensation is owed.

“The Court’s rulings today solidify that, pursuant to the takings clause of the United States and Nebraska Constitutions, just compensation must be paid to homeowners when the value of their property taken is worth more than what is owed to satisfy the tax debt,” said Jennifer Gaughan, Nebraska Legal Aid’s chief of legal strategy. “These tax sales laws harm the elderly, sick and poor the most —&nbsp;with a disproportionate impact on people of color.”

Martin said her team is thrilled that after years of litigation, the Nebraska court recognized the homeowners’ right to their hard-earned equity.

“This is a win for all Nebraskans, who can now sleep soundly knowing their home equity belongs to them and to them alone.”

Last year, the Nebraska Legislature amended the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/03/23/proposal-that-targets-government-assisted-home-equity-theft-aired-during-public-hearing/">state’s delinquent tax sale</a>&nbsp;laws that were challenged in the Fair and Nieveen cases. The changes went into effect in September 2023, preventing future scenarios of home equity theft by requiring tax lien investors to pay the original owner any remaining equity after the delinquent taxes, interest, penalties, fees and other liens on the property have been satisfied.

Here is how it had worked in Nebraska prior to the changes: Counties could sell the tax lien on a property to a third party, who would pay a homeowner’s overdue taxes. After three years of paying taxes on the property, the third-party investor could seek the legal deed to the property, although the investor was supposed to notify and give the owner a shot at holding onto the property by paying the delinquent tax and interest.

Happening too often, Nebraska lawmakers said, was that the investor reaped a windfall on the sale, since state law prior to September 2023 didn’t require reimbursement of equity the owner had built up.

Mark Bestul of Legal Aid said the Nebraska Supreme Court’s Friday ruling now provides a clear path to justice for Fair and Nieveen. The court said the investors are liable for reimbursing the homeowners.

State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha, who pushed for changes to Nebraska law, said he was glad the homeowners involved are going to be made whole.

“Cases like this one are the reason for the change we made in the law,” he said. “And thanks to that change going forward, there will not be a need for this type of correction.”

The Pacific Legal Foundation said the decision sends a signal to other states that haven’t yet complied with the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Tyler “that property owners’ rights must be protected.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724691264405.jpeg" alt="The Nebraska Supreme Court. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>The Nebraska Supreme Court. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Cindy Gonzalez<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/23/ne-supreme-court-rules-in-government-assisted-home-equity-theft-cases/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — In what Legal Aid lawyers are calling a “historic about-face,” the Nebraska Supreme Court on Friday ruled in favor of two different elderly homeowners who fell victim to what critics described as government-assisted home equity theft.The homeowners, represented by Legal Aid of Nebraska and Pacific Legal Foundation, claimed that Nebraska’s delinquent tax sale process was unconstitutional in that it allowed homeowners to lose more than what they owed to satisfy property tax debts.“The Nebraska Supreme Court (today) held that home equity is protected by the Constitution and that the government cannot take more than what is owed,” said Christina Martin, senior attorney at Pacific Legal Foundation, which teamed with Legal Aid to represent the Nebraskans.&nbsp;<h2>Investors kept the profit</h2>One of the cases involved Kevin and Terry Fair, who lived in their Scottsbluff home for nearly three decades but fell behind on taxes after she got sick and he stopped working to care for her (she died during litigation). The county eventually transferred the couple’s $60,000 home to a private investor, who paid off the Fairs’ $5,268 county debt and kept the profit.In the second case, Sandra Nieveen had lived in her Lincoln residence for a half-century when the county transferred the $61,900 home to a private investor for a tax debt of less than $4,000.In both cases, the Nebraska Supreme Court originally upheld state laws, prompting Pacific Legal and Legal Aid to ask the U.S. Supreme Court for a review.Last May, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a separate but similar case, Tyler v. Hennepin County, that if the government takes more than what is owed to satisfy a property tax debt, it violates the Fifth Amendment’s “takings clause.”That sent the Fair and Nieveen cases back to the Nebraska Supreme Court for reconsideration. Friday, Nebraska justices determined that investment companies who bought the tax liens must pay Fair and Nieveen for the excess equity that remained after their property tax debt was satisfied. The cases were returned to the trial court to determine how much the homes are worth and how much compensation is owed.“The Court’s rulings today solidify that, pursuant to the takings clause of the United States and Nebraska Constitutions, just compensation must be paid to homeowners when the value of their property taken is worth more than what is owed to satisfy the tax debt,” said Jennifer Gaughan, Nebraska Legal Aid’s chief of legal strategy. “These tax sales laws harm the elderly, sick and poor the most —&nbsp;with a disproportionate impact on people of color.”Martin said her team is thrilled that after years of litigation, the Nebraska court recognized the homeowners’ right to their hard-earned equity.“This is a win for all Nebraskans, who can now sleep soundly knowing their home equity belongs to them and to them alone.”<h2>NE law changed last year</h2>Last year, the Nebraska Legislature amended the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/03/23/proposal-that-targets-government-assisted-home-equity-theft-aired-during-public-hearing/">state’s delinquent tax sale</a>&nbsp;laws that were challenged in the Fair and Nieveen cases. The changes went into effect in September 2023, preventing future scenarios of home equity theft by requiring tax lien investors to pay the original owner any remaining equity after the delinquent taxes, interest, penalties, fees and other liens on the property have been satisfied.Here is how it had worked in Nebraska prior to the changes: Counties could sell the tax lien on a property to a third party, who would pay a homeowner’s overdue taxes. After three years of paying taxes on the property, the third-party investor could seek the legal deed to the property, although the investor was supposed to notify and give the owner a shot at holding onto the property by paying the delinquent tax and interest.Happening too often, Nebraska lawmakers said, was that the investor reaped a windfall on the sale, since state law prior to September 2023 didn’t require reimbursement of equity the owner had built up.Mark Bestul of Legal Aid said the Nebraska Supreme Court’s Friday ruling now provides a clear path to justice for Fair and Nieveen. The court said the investors are liable for reimbursing the homeowners.<h2>Reason for the law change</h2>State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha, who pushed for changes to Nebraska law, said he was glad the homeowners involved are going to be made whole.“Cases like this one are the reason for the change we made in the law,” he said. “And thanks to that change going forward, there will not be a need for this type of correction.”The Pacific Legal Foundation said the decision sends a signal to other states that haven’t yet complied with the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Tyler “that property owners’ rights must be protected.”

NE Supreme Court rules in government-assisted ‘home equity theft’ cases

Zach Wendling <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/26/university-of-nebraska-community-responds-to-diversity-office-closures-in-lincoln-omaha/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The University of Nebraska-Lincoln and University of Nebraska at Omaha have closed key diversity and inclusion offices in the past year, leaving some student leaders worried that the work will fall to them.

UNL Chancellor Rodney Bennett on Aug. 20&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unl.edu/chancellor/a-message-from-the-chancellor-12" target="_blank">announced the dissolution</a>&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<a href="https://diversity.unl.edu/office-diversity-and-inclusion" target="_blank">Office of Diversity and Inclusion</a>, which came on top of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/27/unl-proposes-restructuring-slashing-budget-of-diversity-and-inclusion-office/">$800,000 in related cuts</a>&nbsp;in 2023. UNO similarly closed its Gender and Sexuality Resource Center this summer after shuttering its Office of Multicultural Affairs last fall, moving those services to other offices on campus.

Bennett, in his&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/06/06/unl-chancellor-candidate-addresses-diversity-equity-inclusion-at-tuesday-forum/">second year as chancellor</a>, said in an email to faculty and staff that he made the decision “after considerable reflection and a thorough review of both the national landscape and the specific needs of our institution,” which he did not specify.

UNL Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion Marco Barker’s position will also be cut.

“We will reimagine how we approach this work at UNL,” Bennett wrote. “I fully grasp the weight of this decision and its implications, but a centralized approach to this work is no longer right for our institution.”

Zein Saleh, internal vice president of UNL’s student government, said he was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C-8H5KYueOD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" target="_blank">one of many</a>&nbsp;surprised by the news. He said students understood the national and local pushback against diversity, equity and inclusion but thought UNL administrators were still supportive.

Saleh, a junior double majoring in political science and psychology, said the closure came without warning to students, who didn’t receive a similar email from Bennett or a chance to weigh in.

“The notion that this work can be decentralized, generally stripped of its funding, raises a lot of concern about the way in which it can be executed, not only across colleges but across divisions and units at the university,” Saleh said.

He said certain UNL departments have more resources than others, which could introduce disparities into the services that some students need. Saleh noted the Office of Diversity and Inclusion also helped with&nbsp;<a href="https://diversity.unl.edu/state-diversity" target="_blank">data and record keeping</a>&nbsp;to keep UNL accountable.

Ishani Adidam, a senior business administration major and student body president at UNO, said some of the concern comes in classifying the changes as “reorganizations.” She said a large part of belonging is physical space, so closing offices leaves some services more inaccessible.

“All these decisions seem surface level, but the more you dig into it, the more you realize that these resources don’t support just 100 students, they support 15,000 of us,” Adidam said.

Adidam pointed to the NU Board of Regents meeting in June when Regent Rob Schafer of Beatrice, the board chair, questioned funding for DEI programs and offices while other degree opportunities and employment positions were being cut.&nbsp;

UNO Chancellor Joanne Li confirmed at the time that her campus has such funding, which includes support for first-generation students and veterans. Adidam said those students are often not thought of as being “DEI,” in the way that race, gender and sexuality often are.

NU’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/20/nu-regents-approve-inflationary-tuition-increases-millions-in-cuts-for-2024-25-budget/">$1.1 billion state-aided budget</a>&nbsp;was ultimately approved 5-2, of which about $1 million goes toward DEI.

Schafer said last week that NU must continue to evaluate how it conducts business and delivers its services. He supported Bennett’s decision as necessary and said that restructuring is necessary to better allocate scarce resources.

“If we truly want to eliminate all racism and sexism in our society then we should remove race and gender as factors in any and all decisions and actions that are made and taken,” Schafer said in a text.

The University of Nebraska system has been no stranger to controversy around DEI in recent years, including criticism from Gov. Jim Pillen and multiple state senators:

State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, the Legislature’s Education Committee chair, described the closure of UNL’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion as a “great move” following similar actions by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.highereddive.com/news/university-of-kentucky-disbands-dei-reassign-employees-diversity-equity-inclusion/724907/" target="_blank">several colleges nationwide</a>.&nbsp;

He said NU should remain inclusive and welcoming for all but had heard from professors and students that race and gender were being used over merit in interviews or evaluations. He said he was grateful for Chancellor Rodney Bennett’s leadership and boldness.

“When I am on the operating table or riding in an airplane, I want the best physician or pilot in control regardless of gender or skin color,” Murman said in a text.

State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, a former executive director of the ACLU of Nebraska, who is serving in her third term as a state senator, said it was disappointing that campuses would “bow to the chilling political efforts” nationwide and locally.&nbsp;

Conrad, whose district includes the heart of UNL, noted that many recent proposals had been defeated among the regents and in the Legislature, including in 2021 when she rallied with students against a resolution to ban critical race theory.

“To have the university surrender their commitment voluntarily is disheartening to say the least,” Conrad said in a text.

Pillen said in a statement last week that he was “pleased” with Bennett’s decision but that the work of eliminating DEI and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.edweek.org/leadership/what-is-critical-race-theory-and-why-is-it-under-attack/2021/05" target="_blank">critical race theory</a>&nbsp;wouldn’t be complete with eliminating one office.

“Although that office should never have been established in the first place, it takes courage for a leader to recognize a mistake and chart a new direction,” Pillen said.

In December 2018, among the eight elected regents, Pillen was&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.edu/-/media/projects/unca/docs/board-of-regents/agendas-and-minutes/2018/december-4th-board-meeting/minutes-12-4-18.pdf" target="_blank">one of seven to vote for Barker’s hiring</a>, as were&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dailynebraskan.com/news/regents-pillen-schafer-kenney-urge-quick-end-to-unl-s-anti-racism-journey/article_b4be4ad2-5482-11ec-ae37-23310f0a0152.html" target="_blank">Schafer and Regent Paul Kenney</a>&nbsp;of Amherst who later supported Pillen’s CRT resolution. Former Regent Hal Daub of Omaha abstained from the vote on Barker.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724685438412.jpeg" alt="Rodney Bennett, priority candidate for chancellor of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, addresses the concepts of diversity, equity and inclusion on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, in Lincoln, Neb. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Rodney Bennett, priority candidate for chancellor of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, addresses the concepts of diversity, equity and inclusion on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, in Lincoln, Neb. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/26/university-of-nebraska-community-responds-to-diversity-office-closures-in-lincoln-omaha/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — The University of Nebraska-Lincoln and University of Nebraska at Omaha have closed key diversity and inclusion offices in the past year, leaving some student leaders worried that the work will fall to them.UNL Chancellor Rodney Bennett on Aug. 20&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unl.edu/chancellor/a-message-from-the-chancellor-12" target="_blank">announced the dissolution</a>&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<a href="https://diversity.unl.edu/office-diversity-and-inclusion" target="_blank">Office of Diversity and Inclusion</a>, which came on top of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/27/unl-proposes-restructuring-slashing-budget-of-diversity-and-inclusion-office/">$800,000 in related cuts</a>&nbsp;in 2023. UNO similarly closed its Gender and Sexuality Resource Center this summer after shuttering its Office of Multicultural Affairs last fall, moving those services to other offices on campus.Bennett, in his&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/06/06/unl-chancellor-candidate-addresses-diversity-equity-inclusion-at-tuesday-forum/">second year as chancellor</a>, said in an email to faculty and staff that he made the decision “after considerable reflection and a thorough review of both the national landscape and the specific needs of our institution,” which he did not specify.UNL Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion Marco Barker’s position will also be cut.“We will reimagine how we approach this work at UNL,” Bennett wrote. “I fully grasp the weight of this decision and its implications, but a centralized approach to this work is no longer right for our institution.”<h2>Student leaders raise concerns</h2>Zein Saleh, internal vice president of UNL’s student government, said he was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C-8H5KYueOD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" target="_blank">one of many</a>&nbsp;surprised by the news. He said students understood the national and local pushback against diversity, equity and inclusion but thought UNL administrators were still supportive.Saleh, a junior double majoring in political science and psychology, said the closure came without warning to students, who didn’t receive a similar email from Bennett or a chance to weigh in.“The notion that this work can be decentralized, generally stripped of its funding, raises a lot of concern about the way in which it can be executed, not only across colleges but across divisions and units at the university,” Saleh said.He said certain UNL departments have more resources than others, which could introduce disparities into the services that some students need. Saleh noted the Office of Diversity and Inclusion also helped with&nbsp;<a href="https://diversity.unl.edu/state-diversity" target="_blank">data and record keeping</a>&nbsp;to keep UNL accountable.<h2>‘Decisions seem surface level’</h2>Ishani Adidam, a senior business administration major and student body president at UNO, said some of the concern comes in classifying the changes as “reorganizations.” She said a large part of belonging is physical space, so closing offices leaves some services more inaccessible.“All these decisions seem surface level, but the more you dig into it, the more you realize that these resources don’t support just 100 students, they support 15,000 of us,” Adidam said.Adidam pointed to the NU Board of Regents meeting in June when Regent Rob Schafer of Beatrice, the board chair, questioned funding for DEI programs and offices while other degree opportunities and employment positions were being cut.&nbsp;UNO Chancellor Joanne Li confirmed at the time that her campus has such funding, which includes support for first-generation students and veterans. Adidam said those students are often not thought of as being “DEI,” in the way that race, gender and sexuality often are.NU’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/20/nu-regents-approve-inflationary-tuition-increases-millions-in-cuts-for-2024-25-budget/">$1.1 billion state-aided budget</a>&nbsp;was ultimately approved 5-2, of which about $1 million goes toward DEI.Schafer said last week that NU must continue to evaluate how it conducts business and delivers its services. He supported Bennett’s decision as necessary and said that restructuring is necessary to better allocate scarce resources.“If we truly want to eliminate all racism and sexism in our society then we should remove race and gender as factors in any and all decisions and actions that are made and taken,” Schafer said in a text.<h2>No stranger to controversy</h2>The University of Nebraska system has been no stranger to controversy around DEI in recent years, including criticism from Gov. Jim Pillen and multiple state senators:<ul>
 <li>Then-Regent Pillen tried unsuccessfully in August 2021, during his campaign for governor, to ban the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dailynebraskan.com/news/nu-board-of-regents-vote-against-critical-race-theory-resolution/article_6fe06b6e-fc91-11eb-a105-0bf286e0dc74.html" target="_blank">imposition of critical race theory</a>&nbsp;across NU. The motion failed 5-3 with support from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dailynebraskan.com/news/ricketts-22-state-senators-strongly-urge-passing-of-crt-resolution-criticize-unl/article_52d20f02-fa2d-11eb-aaad-8b0cf57786f4.html" target="_blank">then-Gov. Pete Ricketts and 22 state senators</a>&nbsp;and opposition from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dailynebraskan.com/news/nu-president-chancellors-oppose-crt-resolution-uphold-academic-freedom/article_5a72bf26-ea39-11eb-8aca-3f2dffc65110.html" target="_blank">campus chancellors, the NU president</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dailynebraskan.com/news/nu-athletes-create-petition-against-proposed-critical-race-theory-resolution/article_f0aac09c-edb3-11eb-972a-f7f47fafd987.html" target="_blank">students</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dailynebraskan.com/news/unl-faculty-senate-opposes-nu-regent-s-critical-race-theory-resolution/article_cc8b4760-e50f-11eb-bc21-2fad69678cd6.html" target="_blank">faculty</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dailynebraskan.com/news/campus/journey-co-leaders-join-opposition-to-critical-race-theory-resolution/article_567dde0e-f4a3-11eb-98b8-975233efd0e5.html" target="_blank">staff</a>.</li><li>State Sens. Steve Halloran of Hastings and Steve Erdman of Bayard in 2022 called for the former UNL chancellor’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dailynebraskan.com/news/state-senators-call-for-green-s-resignation-over-anti-racism-plan/article_79768cd6-5172-11ec-81f6-57f14d457abe.html" target="_blank">resignation</a>&nbsp;over an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dailynebraskan.com/news/students-faculty-staff-detail-importance-of-unl-s-anti-racism-plan/article_71717a18-59d9-11ec-9baa-7fddd9376807.html" target="_blank">anti-racism and racial equity plan</a>.</li><li>State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair in 2022 sought to block&nbsp;<a href="http://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=31789" target="_blank">racial or sex scapegoating and stereotyping</a>&nbsp;in postsecondary institutions and public schools.</li><li>State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil earlier this year tried to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/13/hearing-brings-out-backers-opponents-of-nebraska-anti-dei-bill/">outlaw DEI offices and prohibit related funding</a>&nbsp;across Nebraska’s colleges and universities, which&nbsp;<a href="https://news.unl.edu/article/interim-president-testifies-on-tenure-dei-scholarship-bills" target="_blank">NU opposed</a>.</li><li>Charles W. Herbster, in his 2022 campaign for governor, ran ads using NU imagery and an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.omahadailyrecord.com/content/u-nebraska-asks-governor-hopefuls-stop-using-images" target="_blank">official photo of Barker</a>&nbsp;against Pillen as the two vied for the Republican nomination that year.</li>
 </ul><h2>Pillen’s past positions</h2><h2>State lawmakers weigh in</h2>State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, the Legislature’s Education Committee chair, described the closure of UNL’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion as a “great move” following similar actions by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.highereddive.com/news/university-of-kentucky-disbands-dei-reassign-employees-diversity-equity-inclusion/724907/" target="_blank">several colleges nationwide</a>.&nbsp;He said NU should remain inclusive and welcoming for all but had heard from professors and students that race and gender were being used over merit in interviews or evaluations. He said he was grateful for Chancellor Rodney Bennett’s leadership and boldness.“When I am on the operating table or riding in an airplane, I want the best physician or pilot in control regardless of gender or skin color,” Murman said in a text.State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, a former executive director of the ACLU of Nebraska, who is serving in her third term as a state senator, said it was disappointing that campuses would “bow to the chilling political efforts” nationwide and locally.&nbsp;Conrad, whose district includes the heart of UNL, noted that many recent proposals had been defeated among the regents and in the Legislature, including in 2021 when she rallied with students against a resolution to ban critical race theory.“To have the university surrender their commitment voluntarily is disheartening to say the least,” Conrad said in a text.Pillen said in a statement last week that he was “pleased” with Bennett’s decision but that the work of eliminating DEI and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.edweek.org/leadership/what-is-critical-race-theory-and-why-is-it-under-attack/2021/05" target="_blank">critical race theory</a>&nbsp;wouldn’t be complete with eliminating one office.“Although that office should never have been established in the first place, it takes courage for a leader to recognize a mistake and chart a new direction,” Pillen said.In December 2018, among the eight elected regents, Pillen was&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.edu/-/media/projects/unca/docs/board-of-regents/agendas-and-minutes/2018/december-4th-board-meeting/minutes-12-4-18.pdf" target="_blank">one of seven to vote for Barker’s hiring</a>, as were&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dailynebraskan.com/news/regents-pillen-schafer-kenney-urge-quick-end-to-unl-s-anti-racism-journey/article_b4be4ad2-5482-11ec-ae37-23310f0a0152.html" target="_blank">Schafer and Regent Paul Kenney</a>&nbsp;of Amherst who later supported Pillen’s CRT resolution. Former Regent Hal Daub of Omaha abstained from the vote on Barker.Pillen represented the regents on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unl.edu/chancellor/the-n150-committee" target="_blank">UNL’s N|150 Commission</a>&nbsp;in 2018 as well that sought to&nbsp;<a href="https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1006&amp;context=unladmin" target="_blank">articulate UNL’s mission and values</a>&nbsp;from its first 150 years into the next 25.&nbsp;The commission’s work included a subcommittee for diversity and inclusion that culminated into a final report of which&nbsp;<a href="https://news.unl.edu/article/commission-of-150-begins-planning-for-university-s-next-generation" target="_blank">Barker celebrated</a>&nbsp;when he was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unl.edu/chancellor/marco-barker-named-vice-chancellor-for-diversity-and-inclusion-at-the-university-of-nebraska%E2%80%93lincoln" target="_blank">hired</a>. He said it was “evident how much Nebraska saw diversity and inclusion as a growing priority.”The Office of Diversity and Inclusion was also borne from those 2018 efforts, which included community input, a national study, workgroups and committees identifying UNL’s needs and a five-year NU-wide effort to address DEI in Nebraska,&nbsp;<a href="https://diversity.unl.edu/special-report#:~:text=ODI%20was%20created%20in%202018,%2C%20and%204)%20a%20five%2D" target="_blank">Barker wrote in a 2019 special report</a>.Regent Barbara Weitz of Omaha, who taught at UNO for 16 years and ousted Daub from the Board of Regents in 2019, said DEI is a complex issue that hasn’t been fully discussed among the board. However, she said, making NU a place for all won’t change no matter what NU does or how it describes that work.“I know my work as a regent is keeping the university inclusive and welcoming of all students, staff and faculty,” Weitz told the Nebraska Examiner. “There is much work to be done to create a culture that embraces the imperative of being an open place for all.”<h2>The ‘mission’ of the university</h2>Ashley Rae Turner, a 2012 UNL alumna with a degree in fashion communications, said she didn’t have an ideal experience or feel as welcome as she could have during her time as a student. She said the exception was the Office of Academic Success and Intercultural Services, or OASIS, which a spokesperson said won’t be impacted by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion’s closure.Turner said that was why she was excited, however, when ODI was created, because it would have been great to have had when she was a student.“Following that, when we reactivated the [Nebraska Alumni Association’s] Alumni of Color Network [Advisory Council], I raised my hand and said I really wanted to be involved,” Turner said.The office was the best way to help support alumni and current students while on the ground every day, she said, so she is disheartened and hurt by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion’s closure. She questioned what the message is to future and current Huskers.Associate professor of practice Stephanie Bondi, who researches&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/18/more-than-200-at-unl-continue-to-protest-proposed-diversity-inclusion-cuts/">DEI structures</a>&nbsp;in education,&nbsp; said the move signals to her that DEI isn’t valued and that academic leaders either ignorantly believe they’ve addressed community concerns or don’t want to address them.“I don’t know how they achieve their mission, and why are we here if we’re not trying to achieve our mission?” Bondi said.Turner said some alumni have already reached out and called for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.huskeralum.org/s/1620/bp23/interior.aspx?sid=1620&amp;gid=1&amp;pgid=2931" target="_blank">alumni network</a>&nbsp;to ask students not to come to NU or to leave, including Husker student-athletes. Turner said while she’s not making that call, she can understand where they’re coming from.“We give money back to the university,” Turner said of alumni through the network. “I want to think that my dollars are actually going toward supporting students on campus who look like me, and this is not sending that message.”<h2>Other restructuring shifts</h2>Other parts of Bennett’s restructuring plan include elevating UNL’s student regent and the respective presidents of the Faculty Senate and Staff Senate to his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unl.edu/chancellor/administration" target="_blank">cabinet</a>. Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dee Dee Anderson, who came to UNL from the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/30/unl-chancellor-expands-office-staff-as-the-university-system-faces-millions-in-cuts/">University of Southern Mississippi</a>, like Bennett, is now the vice chancellor for student life and reports directly to Bennett.Bennett said three offices will share the role of respectively supporting and building a sense of “community and belonging” for faculty, staff and students. They are the Offices of the Executive Vice Chancellor (faculty), Business &amp; Finance (staff) and Office of Student Life (students).The existing&nbsp;<a href="https://diversity.unl.edu/ndab" target="_blank">UNL National Diversity Advisory Board</a>&nbsp;will be renamed and elevated to become the Chancellor’s Advisory Board on Community and Belonging.“It is incumbent on each of us to foster a welcoming environment for all members of our community,” Bennett said.Faculty Senate President Peter Eklund and Staff Senate President Jordan Gonzales both said they were in favor of their own elevation. Gonzales said most changes were positive, and it was one of the first times that staff would have a formal seat at the table.Eklund said he believes dissolving the diversity and inclusion office wasn’t something Bennett wanted to do.“No one in higher academia has a clear crystal ball,” Eklund said in an email. “But, if I was a betting person, I would bet that the other campuses in the NU system follow suit, and not because they want to.”Gonzales said he’s glad that UNL’s motto of “every person and every interaction matters” will remain and said his top priority will be ensuring all staff feel a sense of community and belonging.“Nebraska needs to attract top talent if we want to increase the state’s economic competitiveness and development,” Gonzales wrote in an email to fellow staff. “The university — and by extension our staff — will be a critical component to solving this grand challenge.”<h2>‘Students don’t really want a lot’</h2>Adidam said some of the classes she’s most resonated with have been related to DEI or access, including one during her sophomore year about how businesses implement the concepts.“That’s what’s missing, or that’s what I think people are misinterpreting,” Adidam said. “It’s not just about race or it’s not just about gender and sexuality. It’s about taking an all-encompassing approach to education. Not giving that to students … is definitely, I think, what is holding us back as a university, but then also as the NU system.”Saleh said the changes will place a bigger burden on students, particularly minority students and leaders, who often do larger amounts of labor and work in maintaining DEI commitments in colleges and universities.Turner said it’s often people “who have the luxury of speaking from a place of privilege” who question DEI and who usually have the chance to talk with others who look like them or be generally supported.Adidam said getting discouraged is something everyone faces, but along with Saleh and Turner, she said students “need to be resilient and turn that into resiliency.”All three said it will be up to the NU community to spotlight the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.“Students don’t really want a lot,” Adidam said. “We just want to be supported and feel like we belong.”