Background & History

Director Background

Director: Hobert B. Rupe

Hobie was appointed Executive Director by the Commission in December 2003 and began his duties on January 15, 2004.

Prior to serving as Executive Director he was an Assistant Attorney General for the State from May 1994 until January 2004. As an Assistant Attorney General he served as legal counsel/administrative prosecutor from September 2001 until January 2004.

He is admitted to practice before the Nebraska Supreme Court, The Federal District Court for Nebraska, The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals and The United States Supreme Court.

He is a 1992 graduate of the University of Nebraska College of Law and a 1989 graduate of Northwest Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in History and Government.

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Commissioners Background

Chairman: Robert Batt
Term Expires: 05/24/2019

Robert Batt graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s College of Business in 1976 and is an experienced business leader. He will represent the Second Congressional District on the three person board. From 2000-2003 Batt served on the State Comprehensive Capital Facilities Planning Committee. He has also served as chairman of the City of Omaha Personnel Board from 1998-2003. He is currently a member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board based in Omaha.

Commissioner: Janice Wiebusch
Term Expires: 5/24/2021

Ms. Wiebusch is owner broker for Century 21 Midlands, Kearney.  She is originally from Broken Bow, NE, earned BA Music Education, and MA Music, UNL.  Received real estate license in 1976 & broker’s license 1979.  Opened CBS Real Estate 1979, opened midland partners 1982, and bought Century 21 Midlands 1992.  Buffalo Co Board of Realtor president 1984, Buffalo Co realtor of the year 1987, president Nebraska Realtor Assn 1995.  2003 Nebraska Realtor of the year.  National Brokers Commission Congress Member.  Past Kearney City Council member, past chairman of Kearney Area chamber of commerce, past president of Kearney area community foundation, Yanney Heritage Park Foundation board member, CRA board member, Good Samaritan Hospital board of directors, Chairman of GSH Finance Committee, Past ARELLO district Vice-President.

Commissioner: Bruce Bailey
Term Expires: 5/24/2017

Bruce Bailey is Founder and Partner of Design Associates, Architectural & Engineering firm, doing work throughout the United States. He has experiences from past work on many Boards including Lincoln Electric Board, Lancaster County Planning Commission. City of Lincoln Board of Zoning Appeals, The Great Plains Alzheimer’s Board, Lancaster Co. Family Services Board, Lincoln Children’s Museum Board, Past President of Lincoln Independent Business Association. And currently active with LIBA Foundation, LIBA Advisory, Autumn House Foundation, and Emerald Communities board which specialize in Assisted Living Facilities for Memory Care.

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History of Directors

1935 - 1947: Max Adams

1948 - 1951: Oril A. Barber

1952 - 1967: Walter C. Hasse

1968 - 1975: Georgia D. Kuebler

1976 - 1982: Terrance D. Micek

1983 - 1984: Larry Wewal

1985 - 2003: Forrest D. Chapman

2004 - Present: Hobert B. Rupe

(From 1935 - 1980, the Directors were called Secretaries.)

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History of Commissioners

Each Commissioner serves a six year fixed term, and must represent one of the three congressional districts within Nebraska. Their powers and duties include:

1. Final administrative approval of all retail liquor licenses.
2. Conducting citation hearings, which include deciding innocence or guilt and imposing sanctions on licensees ranging from a letter of reprimand to revocation of the license.
3. Establishment of rules and regulations.