Emotions high at RC&D banquet

Friday, November 19, 2010
Tears flow down the cheeks of Jennifer Rittenhouse-ten Bensel, and fellow presenter Tim Smith, top photo0 is struck speechless as they present an "RC&D Innovator" award to Andrew, left, and Quentin Hedke, the sons of Rick Hedke, a founder of Southwest Weed Management who died in June 2010. Zahl, above, and fellow RC&D member Lynne Wilson, center, presented the "Council Member of the Year" to Joyce Spicklemeyer of Hayes Center. Bill Zahl, upper left, read from the "RC&D Innovator" plaque presented posthumously to Frank Potthoff, a founder the RC&D in the early 1990s who died in October 2010. Bill Zahl presented the "Project of the Year" award to Linda Zahl, center left, representative of "SOS," "Save Our Swanson," a grass-roots project to reclaim picnic areas and shorelines of Swanson Lake. Dr. Weldon Sleight, Dean of the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis, at left, encouraged those at the banquet to "put their arms around young people and encourage them to come back" to start new businesses and raise their families.

McCOOK, Nebraska -- End-of-the-year banquets are usually happy events, recognizing special accomplishments and honoring special people.

But when Southwest RC&D (Resource Conservation and Development) did just that on Nov. 16, tears flowed unashamedly and some -- normally quite talkative -- were struck speechless.

At its banquet in McCook, Nebraska, the RC&D recognized two men for their dedication to the mission of RC&D, two men whose commitment to the development and conservation of natural and human resources in Southwest Nebraska will be sorely missed.

RC&D "Innovator" awards were presented posthumously to Rick Hedke of Trenton and Frank Potthoff of Palisade.

RICK HEDKE

During board members' annual announcements of awards, Bill Zahl of Stratton presented the "Innovator of the Year" award posthumously to Rick Hedke, who died at his home in Trenton on June 12, 2010. He was 57 years old.

Hedke was president of Southwest Weed Management Area since its inception in 1996. Hedke was responsible for co-writing grant funding requests, scheduling landowner meetings and "knocking on doors" to explain how SWWMA would help the Republican River.

According to RC&D officials, Hedke, "was on the ground working as much as possible" when actual weed control efforts started in 2008. Jennifer Rittenhouse-ten Bensel, RC&D executive director, wrote, "Rick helped with surveys, repairs, spraying, mapping, rebuilding fences .... whatever needed to be done."

Rittenhouse-ten Bensel wrote: "Innovators can see past the problems and recognize the solutions. Rick was that man." She continued, Rick's "innovations helped build a solid foundation for a sustainable weed management area group in Southwest Nebraska, and his legacy on the Republican River continues with the work of the SWWMA."

Jen struggled on tears to tell Hedke's sons, Quen and Andrew, who accepted the award, "We are proud to have known and worked with Rick Hedke."

FRANK POTTHOFF

Frank Potthoff was honored, too as an RC&D "Innovator" who helped with the organization of the RC&D in the early 1990's, and continued his support of the organization until his death on Oct. 5, 2010, at the age of 73.

Bill Zahl said that Potthoff could always see the potential within Southwest Nebraska, and promoted it actively through his association with the RC&D.

Zahl recognized Potthoff's character:

* Work ethic -- "Frank did heavier physical work, as well as understanding the business/organizational side of business operations."

* Willingness -- "Frank was willing to tackle just about anything for the betterment of his local community and extended Southwest Nebraska community."

* Grass roots beliefs -- "Frank was a grass-roots kind of man who could see potential when others could not."

* Vision -- "Frank had the vision to help organize the Southwest RC&D."

* Attitude -- "Frank had a very positive attitude. His smiles were free."

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: