LINCOLN, Neb. (WOWT) – Critical Response Group was founded by military special operations veterans.

It provides aerial and gridded overlay mapping for school districts across the country to use during emergency situations.

“We basically took how we map and communicate overseas during counter-terrorism raids, and we took that technique and we started to adopt it and adapt it for schools,” chief operating officer Alex Carney said.

He said during the Uvalde and Sandy Hook shootings, the floorplans were either inaccessible or inaccurate, leading to what he called poor decisions by law enforcement.

On top of providing these maps to school districts, they also work with agencies to familiarize personnel with using them.

The Nebraska Legislature passed a bill this spring opening the doors for school districts to buy mapping services such as these. It also provides state grants to help districts pay for them.

“The school board has to then decide if this is what they want, and then put it up for bid,” said State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair. “Then they can make a decision on who they best see fit.”

Hansen, who proposed the original bill, told 6 News he doesn’t know the specific date on when funds will be ready for distribution, but some school districts could begin using these services as soon as this year.

Hansen added that with the funding the state did allocate for this, some school districts can get the ball rolling, and lawmakers can see what districts think about it. Then, they may bring an amendment next year to raise the funding.

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The University of Buffalo in New York on Tuesday announced that Heath Tuttle, associate vice president for information technology for the University of Nebraska system, was appointed as its next chief information officer following a nationwide search launched five months ago.

Tuttle will depart his role with the University of Nebraska, where he also serves as CIO at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus, to begin his new position in New York on August 1, according to a press release.

“Together, we will drive innovation and elevate our technology infrastructure, ensuring it is accessible and inclusive for all,” Tuttle said in the release. “By leveraging strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technologies, we will advance the university’s mission and foster a dynamic, transformational technology ecosystem that empowers every member of our community.”

While at the University of Nebraska system, Tuttle was responsible for a digital transformation initiative that improved teaching and learning technologies, processes and support. He also played a role in developing the Lincoln campus’ use of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence. 

“A strategic leader with extensive experience in higher education IT, Heath has a demonstrated record of aligning diverse technology objectives into a cohesive vision focused on digital transformation, operational excellence, collaboration and accessibility,” University of Buffalo President Satish Tripathi said in the release. “I am confident that he will provide exemplary leadership that builds upon our robust technology environment, elevates our IT practices and advances our university priorities and goals.”

Tuttle succeeds J. Brice Bible, who departed the University of Buffalo in February to serve as CIO at the University of South Carolina. During the search for Bible’s replacement, E. Bruce Pitman, a professor at the university’s Department of Materials Design and Innovation, served as interim CIO at the University of Buffalo, the release said. 

In his new role, Tuttle will be tasked with advancing the university’s research and education while also delivering a “well-aligned, innovative and robust technology environment,” the release said.

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Three pigs were killed Tuesday morning in a crash with a semitrailer in rural Platte County.

The sheriff’s office said the crash happened at Highway 81 and 467th Street, just east of Humphrey.

A semi was heading north when it struck a livestock trailer pulled by a Ford F250 that was turning into a business.

The driver of the semi was taken to a hospital in Columbus with minor injuries.  The driver of the Ford was uninjured.

The sheriff’s office said three pigs were killed, and a few others were rounded up.

An investigation is ongoing, but the sheriff’s office said alcohol was not a factor in the crash.

Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 402-564-4000 or Platte County Area Crime Stoppers at 402-563-4000.