Background & History

Director Background

Director:  Hobert B. Rupe

Hobie Rupe 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.

Commissioners Background

Chairman:  Bruce Bailey
Term Expires: 5/24/2023

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.

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

Janice 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:  Harry Hoch Jr
Term Expires: 5/24/2024

Harry Hoch was appointed by Governor Pete Ricketts in January of 2019 and voted to the commission by the legislature in March of 2019.

Harry was born in St. Louis, MO.  His family moved to Omaha in 1964.  He attended Creighton Preparatory School graduating in 1972.  Harry attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1976 and graduated from the College of Business with a degree in Marketing.

Harry’s business experience took him to Grand Island where he was President of H & H Distributing.  He was a respected business leader and and very involved in the community; serving  on many Non-Profit Boards including Stuhr Museum Foundation, Hope Harbor and Central Catholic Foundation.  He also served on the National Beer Wholesalers Board for two different terms.

He and his wife moved back to Omaha in 2015 and are involved in the Omaha community.  He represents the Second Congressional District.

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.)

---

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.