Severe Weather Disaster Recovery Spring 2026
5-29-2026
The Nebraska Department of Labor (NDOL) is urging Nebraskans to use extra caution when hiring contractors for home or business repairs and remodeling. While all contractors working in the state are required to register with NDOL, registration doesn’t guarantee the quality of their work.
“Most contractors in our state follow the rules, but it’s important to stay cautious as we go through the spring and summer months when contractor activity increases,” said Commissioner of Labor Katie Thurber.
NDOL recommends the following:
- Verify registration. All contractors must be registered with NDOL before performing work in Nebraska. You can search the state’s contractor registry at dol.nebraska.gov/conreg/Search.
- Check local requirements. State registration does not replace local licensing or building permit rules. Make sure your contractor meets all city or county requirements.
- Be wary of unsolicited offers. Use caution if someone shows up at your door or calls unexpectedly offering a “great deal.”
- Ask for references. Speak with past customers to confirm the contractor’s reliability and quality of work.
- Get everything in writing. Request written estimates, a detailed contract, proof of insurance, and a written warranty before work begins.
- Avoid large upfront payments. Be suspicious of anyone demanding full or significant payment before starting the job.
For more information, visit the Nebraska Department of Labor’s website at https://dol.nebraska.gov/LaborStandards or call 402-471-2239.
5-19-2026
Chief Construction Superintendent Bo Bruning, lost his home in a devastating tornado near St. Libory, north of Grand Island. Bo and his family survived by taking shelter together in the corner of their basement, holding onto each other through the storm. While they lost their house, they came out together as a family — strong, faithful, and grateful to be safe.
If you are able to help support the Bruning family as they begin the difficult process of rebuilding, all Venmo donations will go directly to them. Please send donations to @michaela-bruning-2 on Venmo.
We are incredibly thankful for the support, prayers, and kindness being shown to this amazing family during such a difficult time. Their strength, faith in each other, and faith in God are truly inspiring.
Clothing, household items, diapers, and other donations can be dropped off at the YMCA in Grand Island.
Thank you, everyone, for coming together to support one of our Chief Construction family members in their time of need.
AGC Nebraska Building Chapter Resources:
Members offering assistance:
Road Closures
Nebraska Dept. of Transportation (travel resources):
Road Conditions: https://lb.511.nebraska.gov/nelb/
Camera Map: https://hb.511.nebraska.gov/#cameras/search?layers=cameras&timeFrame=TODAY
Protect Yourself Against Fraud
The following tips can help you avoid these schemes:
- Give to established charities or groups whose work you know and trust.
- Be aware of organizations with copycat names or names similar to reputable organizations.
- Do your research. Use the Federal Trade Commission's resources to examine the track record of a charity.
- Give using a check or credit card. If a charity or organization asks you to donate through cash, gift card, virtual currency, or wire transfer, it's probably a scam. Learn more about this trick from the FTC.
- Practice good cyber hygiene:
- Don't click links or open email attachments from someone you don't know.
- Manually type out links instead of clicking on them.
- Don't provide any personal information in response to an email, robocall, or robotext.
- Check the website's address--most legitimate charity organization websites use .org not .com.
- After a natural disaster or other emergency carefully vet any contactors before hiring them to work on your home or business.
Report Fraud
Common scams to be on the lookout for: disaster relief scams; rebuilding and repair scams; and insurance scams.
People who think they are encountering a potential scam can call the Consumer Affairs Response Team at 402-471-2682.
