Governor Pillen Visits Valentine
- 4 hours ago
- 1 min read
On Friday morning Governor Jim Pillen met with firefighters, emergency management representatives, volunteers and others who have been on the frontlines of firefighting efforts in Anderson Bridge Fire in Cherry County. Valentine Fire Chief Terry Engles stated that the fire “is contained, but not out”.
He was joined by Sherry Vinton, director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and Erv Portis, assistant director of the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency. There were also representatives from Department of Transportation in attendance.
The governor started off by thanking local emergency personnel for their efforts fighting the fire. Pillen stated the next 15 days will be critical for fire danger and it’s going to be a long summer. Pillen promised “whatever it takes, we will have resources available”. He also urged to keep communications open between local and state channels. They are working on some avenues that could help farmers and ranchers who suffered losses including possibly opening some CRP grounds.
Kilgore Fire Chief Todd Rothluetner stated that they could use help in paying expenses for dozer work creating fire lines by a private business.
Not promising anything, but Governor Pillen said he has people say the state is broke and can’ t afford to help, his response was “the hell we can't”.
Ag Secretary Sherry Vinton urged people to document repairs made, calls made and people they have talked to for future reference.
Debbie Galloway gave a heartfelt thank you to all firefighters and to those who saved her home South of Kilgore. There was some damage, but it will be repairable. Marvin Miller lost his home and three horses.