LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) Gov. Pete Ricketts announced Friday that he has selected an interim director to run Nebraska’s prison system when current director Scott Frakes steps down next month. Diane Sabatka-Rine will serve as interim director of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, Ricketts said in a news release.
Diane Sabatka-Rine will replace Scott Frakes atop the state s Department of Correctional Services and Doug Hohbein will become Nebraska s interim Fire Marshal, replacing Chris Cantrell.
Nebraska’s prison system has for years faced interlocked twin crises: Too many prisoners, and not enough employees to guard them. This crisis cost taxpayers $31 million in overtime payments in the past two years. It keeps prisoners locked in cramped cells for days at a time. It works a dwindling correctional staff to exhaustion.
Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon says he will ask the 2023 Legislature to address growing health care challenges that especially impact older Nebraskans in rural areas.