LINCOLN, Neb. (Nebraska Examiner) — Bob Ripley, who has labored greater than 40 years to protect the Nebraska State Capitol, has retired amid an allegation that he went too far in defending the historic constructing.
Ripley, in an announcement supplied Friday to the Nebraska Examiner, didn’t tackle the allegation, saying that he was retiring with “combined feelings.”
Bob Ripley, Nebraska State Capitol administrator (Courtesy of Nebraska Capitol Fee)
He served eight governors, starting with Gov. J.J. Exon in 1975.
Lucky to serve
Ripley stated he felt lucky to have served because the “steward of this magnificent statehouse,” which is a Nationwide Historic Landmark.
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“My retirement comes at a time when the present constructing mission is effectively underway and a few ongoing household points demand my full consideration,” he stated. “It’s been my mission to depart our landmark capitol and its environs in higher situation than after I began so a few years in the past.”
A spokesman with the Governor’s Workplace additionally confirmed that Ripley had stepped down however had no details about a brief alternative. Ripley, a adorned architect, was paid $101,000 a yr.
The resignation comes after a employee who was establishing Saturday for the annual Statehood Day Dinner within the Capitol Rotunda accused the Capitol administrator of touching her throughout an argument over correct procedures.
Job was to guard Capitol
A part of Ripley’s job, as supervisor of the Capitol, is to guarantee that the construction just isn’t broken throughout occasions such because the dinner, the one banquet held within the constructing.
He has additionally overseen multimillion-dollar renovation tasks involving the Capitol’s exterior and inside lately.
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The distinctive, skyscraper State Capitol is crammed with mosaics, murals, statues and different art work that tells the historical past of Nebraska and of democracy.
Suspended with pay
The construction was accomplished in 1932. Its golden domed tower, topped with a statue of “The Sower,” looms over the panorama in Lincoln.
Previous to his resignation, Ripley had been suspended with pay pending the completion of the probe by the Nebraska State Patrol. A report of an incident was filed with the Patrol Saturday morning, as crews had been establishing for the Statehood Day Dinner. A Patrol spokesman stated Friday the probe was ongoing and can be forwarded to the Lancaster County Lawyer when accomplished.
The occasion attracts about 350 folks and is sponsored by the Nebraskaland Basis. It attracts a wide selection of dignitaries and political leaders of the state for a program to fete excellent Nebraskans.
Grease spots on flooring
Grease spots may very well be seen Thursday in a single hallway, in addition to a smudge-like streak throughout one of many mosaics on the ground.
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In 2015, Ripley was awarded the Harry F. Cunningham Gold Medal for Architectural Excellence within the State of Nebraska, the best honor given by the Nebraska Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
It’s awarded for probably the most distinguished achievement in structure or service to the occupation of structure in Nebraska, in accordance with the Omaha World-Herald.
That very same yr Ripley was admitted as a member of the American Institute of Architects’ prestigious Faculty of Fellows, the Lincoln Journal Star reported.
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