Premium ContentMouse over Home then click on Premium Content for information.Three Nebraskans dedicated to public service will receive achievement awards at the annual Statehood Day Dinner on March 3 at the State Capitol.
Distinguished Nebraskalander Awards will be given to David Karnes of Omaha, Ken Gnadt of Grand Island and Roger Wehrbein of Plattsmouth.
» David Karnes has had careers in the practice of law, business and public service. He served in the U.S. Senate from 1987 to 1989 and has practiced law with Kutak Rock since 1989. Karnes also held positions with the Federal Home Loan Bank and the U.S. Advisory Committee on Trade and Negotiations.
Karnes founded Liz's Legacy Fund, a charity dedicated to cancer outreach, in partnership with the University of Nebraska Medical Center's Eppley Cancer Center. Liz's Legacy was founded in 2003, months after Karnes' wife, Liz Karnes, died of ovarian cancer.
» Ken Gnadt served as Grand Island's mayor from 1994 to 2002 and was instrumental in several projects, including securing the Interstate 80 South Locust interchange and the move of the State Fair from Lincoln to Grand Island. Gnadt has been active in Rotary, the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, Husker Harvest Days and the Stuhr Museum in Grand Island.
» Roger Wehrbein represented Plattsmouth in the Nebraska Legislature for 20 years and served as chairman of the Appropriations Committee. Wehrbein also has been an avid supporter of agriculture and ethanol and wind energy throughout his career as a farmer and livestock producer.
Contact the writer: paige.yowell@owh.com
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