Nebraska
Nebraska to receive additional EBT benefits
LINCOLN, Neb. (KSNB) – Governor Jim Pillen started the morning conference with one of his slogans ‘Our children are our future.’ Nebraska will now be apart of the USDA’s Summer EBT program.
Pillen said we have to protect our kids, train our kids, and do everything to keep them in Nebraska, and being apart of the Summer EBT program means the state will receive $18 million that will go on pre-loaded EBT cards. It’s estimated that 150,000 kids will get an additional $40 per month.
In December, Governor Pillen stated Nebraska won’t be enrolling in Summer EBT. But after a recent tour through the state he seen hunger and mental health was at the top of student’s list of need. Some mentioned having access to food during the summer is an issue. That led to the governor comprising a plan to address those needs. He reflected back on the pandemic saying kids lost their ‘touch points’ during that time period.
“We’re excited about program like the governor said because we’re going to implement it the Nebraska way,” said Dr. Steve Corsi, CEO at DHHS. “We won’t be just transferring additional money. We’re setting up the program to ensure kids are safe in the summer and families have the resources they need and that is going to done through touch points.”
Corsi said touch points are broken down into four steps, and Director of Economic Assistance, Shannon Grotrain will oversee the program. She has been with DHHS for over 20 years and was the overseer of Pandemic EBT.
“Number one a thorough outreach education component will be created regarding the nutritious foods parents can buy for their children with these funds,” said Corsi. “Number two we’ve already begun the development of a website with information about the program, how to apply, where to shop and nutritional information.”
Corsi said the website will also a connection to other summer programs to ensure families receives the resource they need. When EBT cards are issued out DHHS will reach out to asset needs and determine if more resources are necessary, and finally, text messaging will be utilized to inform families about the website and available programs in your area. Grand Island Senator, Ray Aguilar said the impact will be felt the most in greater Nebraska.
“DHHS estimates that 150,000 students or 80,000 households will be eligible for receiving S-EBT benefits,” Aguilar said. “That is important when you consider that rural kids don’t have the network of support that are available to some other area of the state… We’re excited to have crafted a Nebraska solution that allows us to tap into federal funding and also goes beyond that; to provide contact with families receiving benefits, and ensure that kids are being cared for properly.”
Governor Pillen said the Department of Education will play a key role in this program.
“This initiative is a great way to meet the needs of kids who experience food insecurity as well as providing a means to ensure that they’re cared for properly during the summer months,” said Dr. Brian Maher, Nebraska Commissioner of Education. “Because I’m sure all of you know, the needs of the kids in Nebraska don’t end when the school bell rings.”
Maher said although they’re still figuring out details of this program, it’s good to have another opportunity to provide for students.
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Nebraska
Nebraska State Patrol troopers find 242 pounds of cocaine during commercial truck inspection
LEXINGTON, Neb. (KOLN) – Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol arrested one person after finding more than 240 pounds of cocaine during a commercial vehicle inspection.
On Tuesday afternoon, an NSP Carrier Enforcement trooper conducted a commercial vehicle inspection on a semi tractor/trailer driven by Arwinderjit Singh, 30, of California, near mile marker 254 on Interstate 80.
During the inspection, the trooper became suspicious of criminal activity. An NSP K-9 detected the odor of a controlled substance inside the cab of the semi, troopers said.
After searching the cab, troopers located 242 pounds of cocaine concealed underneath the sleeper bed, NSP said.

Singh was arrested on suspicion of possession of cocaine, possession with intent to deliver, possession of an open alcohol container, no drug tax stamp and displaying a fictitious license plate.
Singh was lodged in Dawson County Jail, and his bond was set at 10% of $2 million. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 12.
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Copyright 2026 KOLN. All rights reserved.
Nebraska
Athlete of the Week: Creighton Prep boys wrestling’s Zaiyahn Ornelas
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Creighton Prep senior Zaiyahn Ornelas won his fourth consecutive Nebraska state wrestling title on Saturday.
According to NSAA records, he joins 39 other wrestlers in state history to accomplish the feat.
“It’s a great feeling,” Ornelas said. “It’s a feeling everybody wants.”
Ornelas won three Class C state titles at Wilber-Clatonia at 106, 113 and 120 pounds before transferring to Creighton Prep for his senior season, where he competed in Class A at 126 pounds.
“Three state titles there and then just thought I could bump up my competition,” Ornelas said.
“Zaiyahn is one of the cleanest technicians I’ve ever seen. That’s a huge testament to his coaching staff at Wilber,” Fisher added.
Ornelas was one of four Creighton Prep wrestlers to win state titles this season, helping lead the Jr. Jays to the Class A team title. Teammates said his presence in the practice room raised their level of competition.
“I could never slack off just because my competition in the state was easy. I always had to come in this room and get better or else I was going to get beat,” said sophomore Cruzer Dominguez, a two-time Class A state champion at 106 and 120 pounds.
Sophomore Kameron Green, the Class A 144-pound state champion this year, also credited Ornelas for aiding in his development.
“Zaiyahn being a training partner has helped me in tremendous ways,” he said. “When he wrestles, he’s not the nicest or shyest kid, but he’s tenacious and tough.”
Junior JT Smith, a two-time state champion at 175 and 190 pounds, said the achievement carries weight for the entire team.
“It’s something really special to have a teammate that’s a four-time state champion,” he said. “That’s something everyone wants to be.”
Fisher said Ornelas’s attitude set the tone from the start.
“He has so many skills and then coming into our room, he’s extremely coachable. Every time he came in here he was humble, ready to work, wanting to get better and that’s why he is as good as he is,” Fisher said.
Ornelas signed to wrestle at the University of Nebraska in November. He said the move to Creighton Prep delivered what he was looking for.
“This is the reason why I came here. I went out to explore, to find the best, and this is the territory that I found. If it wasn’t for these guys — the push — I would have not been there,” Ornelas said.
“It’s hard to believe. That’s kind of what I wanted since the beginning, freshman year,” he said.
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Copyright 2026 WOWT. All rights reserved.
Nebraska
Nebraska Chamber taps former state senator to lead during leadership transition
LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry has selected a former state senator and longtime board member to lead the chamber while it searches for a new president and CEO.
Board of Directors Chair Pat Keenan said Thursday that Matt Williams of Gothenburg agreed to serve as interim president.
ALSO READ: Nebraska Chamber president and CEO resigns after less than a year
“The Board is grateful to Matt for stepping into this role during a very active and productive time for the Nebraska Chamber,” Keenan said. “He has steady leadership, strong relationships and trust from his many years of advocacy for economic development, and decades of experience working with the legislature and state government on tax policy and economic development incentives.”
Williams represented District 36 in the Nebraska Legislature from 2015 to 2023.
The chamber said Williams has had a lifelong career in banking and serves as chairman of Flatwater Bank. He previously served as chair of the Nebraska Bankers Association and the American Bankers Association.
His long involvement with the chamber includes membership on the Board of Directors; he currently serves as director for District 6. In 2025, he was named to the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame.
“The Nebraska Chamber is on rock-solid footing, with the clear vision of the Board, and talented and hard-working staff hitting its stride in legislative policy and advocacy, technology, manufacturing, leadership-development, fund-raising and membership. The success of cutting-edge initiatives like 6 Regions, One Nebraska, the launch of the Go Big Future series, and the strong member engagement across the state demonstrate the success and strength of this organization. I’m excited to lend my support in whatever way I can for the Chamber. I know how strong businesses and communities make for a stronger Nebraska, and I’m glad to be part of that.”
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Copyright 2026 KOLN. All rights reserved.
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