Local citizens, statewide roles

When Terry Ellinger stepped down as a member of the Nebraska State Board of Accountancy, another Certified Public Accountant from McCook stepped forward to take his place.

The appointment of Douglas W. Skiles to the board by Gov. Mike Johanns was the latest in a long line of state board members from Southwest Nebraska. In leafing through the latest Nebraska Blue Book -- for years 2002 and 2003 -- the Gazette editorial writers found two dozen elected and appointed state board members from the southwest part of the state.

Because their board's actions are often in the news, some of the members are well-known because of newspaper, television and radio coverage. This includes Dr. Don Blank of McCook, a member and past chairman of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. Blank, a dentist, has served as a regent 17 years, first winning election in 1986. Another board which is closely watched is the State Highway Commission, including Greg Wolford, an engineer from McCook.

Another board member frequently in the news is Gerald Vap of McCook, who represents District 5 on the Nebraska Public Service Commission. In addition, Vap is a member of the state's Enhanced Wireless 911 advisory board.

Jerry's brother, Douglas Vap, also holds a high profile board position on the state level. Doug is a member of the Nebraska Aeronautics Commission, continuing a McCook tradition which goes back to the service of John T. Harris, Sr., and John T. Harris, Jr.

Among the many citizens from area towns who serve on state boards are State Sen. Tom Baker of Trenton, who is a member of the State Disbursement and Child Support Advisory Commission. Joining him in state service from the area are Dr. James Schiefen, Imperial, State Board of Health; S. Lynn Marshal, Beaver City, State Emergency Response Commission; Wayne Madsen, Trenton, Natural Resources Commission; Tom Luhrs, Enders, Nebraska Green Belt Advisory Committee; Billy C. Smith, Palisade, Veteran's Advisory Commission; John G. Maddux, Imperial, Nebraska Investment Council; Paul Liess, Cambridge, Nebraska Rural Development Commission; Jean Marie Jones, Benkelman, Nebraska Wheat Development, Utilization and Marketing Board; and Phyllis Gardner, Max, Nebraska Economic Development Commission and the Nebraska Judicial Nominating Commission.

In addition to those already mentioned, other state board members from McCook include Gary Bieganski, State Board of Health; Don Roberts, Natural Resources Commission; G. Peter Burger, Commission on Industrial Relations; Gary Lambert, Nebraska Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board; Janet Korell, Governor's Residence Advisory Commission; Peter M. Graff, Nebraska Investment Financing Authority; Greg A. Larson, Propane Education and Research Council; Rose Mary Datus, Nebraska Professional Practices Commission; and Shirley Schell, Nebraska Safety Center Advisory Commission.

Because board members change frequently, we may have missed some, or included some whose terms have expired. If you know of others deserving of recognition, please contact us by writing the Gazette, Box 1268, McCook, NE 69001, or by e-mailing us at editor@mccookgazette.com.