Two new commissioners appointed to Game and Parks

A western Nebraska cattle feeder and Omaha business executive have been appointed to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Gov. Dave Heineman appointed Mark Spurgin of Ogallala and Rex Fisher of Omaha to the commission, which oversees management of the state’s parks, fisheries and wildlife resources.

Fisher, 51, president of Qwest Communications in Nebraska, will become the first at-large member of the commission. The Nebraska Legislature created the position last year, which adds to the eight district seats currently on the board. A native of Norfolk, Fisher said he enjoys hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation. His work involves travel over a wide area of Nebraska, which he says provides him with both a rural and urban perspective.

“It’s an important stewardship role for our state’s parks, water and wildlife resources,” Fisher said. “I’m looking forward to being a part of that.”

Spurgin, 61, runs a diversified farming and cattle feeding business in Paxton. He also has a residence on Lake McConaughy, one of the state’s most popular outdoor recreation attractions.

The lifelong Nebraskan and avid hunter said he wants to help encourage greater participation in the outdoors among children and young adults. He also plans to bring the perspective of an agricultural producer to the board.

Spurgin has served on the executive committee of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and is a retired lieutenant colonel with the U.S. Army National Guard.

“It’s kind of exciting to be involved with an agency that can potentially impact every person in Nebraska, either through parks, hunting, boating or fishing,” he said.

Spurgin will serve commission District 7, which consists of 12 counties in the Panhandle. He will replace outgoing Commissioner George Hall of Bridgeport.

Both Fisher and Spurgin were appointed to five-year terms.

The appointments must be approved by the Legislature. They take effect Jan. 15.