Richard Wacker, more commonly known as Rick, is the Hemingford Board of Trustees Chair, but others would tell you he is so much more than that. He has spent his life in Western Nebraska, raised his family here, and has made many memories that shape who he is today.
Wacker joined me at the Village of Hemingford Office one Tuesday morning this winter. Sitting in the same seat he can be found in when running the Village’s board meetings every third Tuesday. He shared his history, his hopes, why he loves the community of Hemingford, and why he serves in his position on the board.
“I just want to help,” he said, “see what I can do for the community to make things better, you know? Because I live here, because I enjoy all these people and do want to see these people do better.”
Wacker just started his ninth year on the board and has—and still does—lead a rich life now enjoying his day-to-day of semi-retirement not only serving on the village board but filling in on a mail route regularly, maintaining his rental properties, and helping a friend with construction projects here and there.
In the 50s, Wacker was born in Scottsbluff to a family that farmed near Minatare, at age six they moved near Alliance, and then at age nine, Wacker and his family landed a mile west and eight miles south of Hemingford. He got his foot into the community through a one-room schoolhouse where he attended a couple grades until 7th grade when he started school in Hemingford.
“As a kid you don’t think about it much, but looking back, there were good people, and it was just enjoyable,” Wacker said reflecting on his school-aged time in the community.
The enjoyable people and the care that comes with the community of Hemingford were the main factors Wacker chose to stick around and come back after being drafted into the Army for three years. While others might be concerned in smaller communities that everyone is always aware of each other’s business, Wacker takes comfort in that aspect.
“To me, I think it’s great people are looking out for other people,” said Wacker. “For instance, when I moved into my house and there was a couple of little old ladies that lived across the street. There would be times I get on the phone and ‘You left your garage light on,’ or ‘your garage door is open,’ or this or that.”
He expressed he was always happy to know they knew what was going on, and today appreciates the feeling of comfort that comes with living in Hemingford.
This comfort aids in raising kids in the community, along with the great feature of the Hemingford Public Schools system. Wacker explained he was able to participate in sports growing up, benefit from the school system, and then raise his youngest daughter in Hemingford. From both his own experience and his daughter’s he noticed the advantages.
“I think the school system is great. With the smaller school, you got a little more hands on,” said Wacker. “And sports-wise, you get a little more chance of participating, things like that.”
Outside of the school, there are several highlights that make the town appealing. When asked how to describe Hemingford to those who are not familiar with it, several topics came up, from safety to the parks. Wacker mentioned the loss of a local police force during Covid, but a contract and good relationship with the Sherriff’s Office has been successful in tamping any concerns in the rare case that something does happen. The park has a brand-new splash pad, is getting brand-new playground equipment, and boasts a zero-entry pool.
“You’ve got everything you need here,” said Wacker. “You got a grocery store; you got a drug store. We have the pizza place that’s been a good plus and the Legion with Margeret running that.”
And he highlighted the recreation opportunities with a good fishing spot at the Box Butte Reservoir, or also referred to as “the dam” just 10 minutes away, with great camping spots that is rarely too busy to enjoy.
Another highlight mentioned was the location, he explained that if you do want to get out of town for a new experience, you can make a day trip to Rapid City or Fort Collins.
We also chatted about some annual events that help celebrate the Hemingford. Many know that Hemingford is the host of the Box Butte County Fair each August. Those that know Rich are aware that his late wife Carol was an integral part of the fair board and helping with all elements including the open class building.
“She was very much involved with the fair for at least the last 12 years,” said Wacker. “We were pretty much committed as a family to be involved and she would help the kids, too.”
He mentioned how it has been a tradition for family to visit during the fair and he is looking forward to enjoying the parade with his grandkids this coming summer.
Another annual event you can find Wacker at is the tree lighting and soup supper, also referred to as “Believe in Hemingford.” Wacker has been known to sport a full white beard and might be wearing a red suit at the fire hall this December bringing some joy with him.
A fitting role for a man who highlights the joy of living in Hemingford and all it has to offer.