Bob Ripley announced Friday that he is retiring from the position of administrator of the state Capitol, ending four decades of service in protecting and preserving the state's landmark building.
His retirement comes on the heels of a criminal investigation following an altercation with a contracted employee before the annual Statehood Day Dinner at the Capitol last Saturday.
Former Capitol Administrator Bob Ripley led the renovation of the building's heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system, which is slated for completion in 2026. Ripley retired Friday.
"My retirement comes at a time when the current building project is well underway and some ongoing family issues demand my full attention," Ripley said in a written statement.
A major replacement of the building's heating and air-conditioning system is in progress throughout the structure.
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"It's been my mission to leave our landmark Capitol and its environs in better condition than when I started so many years ago," Ripley said.
Ripley has served in the position under eight governors, beginning with Gov. J.J. Exon in 1975.
"Nebraska is so fortunate to be the steward of this magnificent statehouse and national historic monument," Ripley said.
On Thursday, Laura Strimple, Gov. Jim Pillen's communications director, confirmed that Ripley had been suspended with pay pending the outcome of the investigation.
The State Patrol is investigating the Statehood Day Dinner incident. No charges have been filed.
Photos: Capitol Art Project
Nebraska Capitol Art Experience - The Story of Nebraska
"Genius of Water"
A closeup of "Genius of Water," one of the mosaics in the Capitol Rotunda, which represent the four classic elements.
Capitol Art Project, 12.20
Artwork in the Nebraska Capitol is celebrated in a new video unveiled Wednesday by first lady Susanne Shore.
"Genius of Creative Energy"
A closeup of "Genius of Creative Energy," one of the mosaics by Hildreth Meiere in the Nebraska Capitol.
Capitol Art Project, 12.20
"Earth As Life-Giver," a marble mosaic by Hildreth Meiere, is one of the many pieces of artwork in the Nebraska Capitol.
Capitol Art Project, 12.20
"The House Raising" by James Penney is one of the many featured murals in the Nebraska Capitol.
Capitol Art Project, 12.20
A glass mural "The Blizzard of 1888" is among the artwork in the Nebraska Capitol celebrated in a new video.
Capitol Art Project, 12.20
Jessica Jarosh, of the Bailey Lauerman ad agency, talks during a news conference Wednesday with Gov. Pete Ricketts and first lady Susanne Shore about the new Nebraska Capitol Art project.
Capitol Art Project, 12.20
A closeup of one of the mosaics in the Capitol Rotunda. Artwork in the Capitol is celebrated in a new video unveiled Wednesday by first lady Susanne Shore.
Capitol Art Project, 12.20
A closeup of one of the mosaics in the Capitol Rotunda, which represent the four classic elements: fire, water, earth and air.
Capitol Art Project, 12.20
The mosaic "The Spirit of Nebraska," by Reinhold Marxhausen, is among the artwork at the Nebraska Capitol being celebrated in a new video.
Capitol Art Project, 12.20
A closeup of one of the mosaics by Hildreth Meiere in the Nebraska Capitol.
Reach the writer at 402-473-7248 or dwalton@journalstar.com.
On Twitter @LJSdon
Don Walton
Political reporter/columnist
Don Walton covers politics and the Legislature along with writing a weekly column.
