Scott Hajek was elected president of the Hennessey United Association during the board’s Thursday, Aug. 15, reorganizational meeting.

Hajek, who was appointed to that board in 2018, is known as the “go-to-guy” to call for help with any project. That includes setting up for and driving shuttle carts for visitors during the civic group’s yearly Wine and Chocolate Festival or at its annual Red Carpet Night honoring community volunteers.

He is also a farmer, rancher and businessman who was recognized in 2020 by United for his service to the community and most recently the Hennessey Lions Club named him Lion of the Year. Hajek graduated from Henn essey High School in 1979, and attended Oklahoma State University. Hajek is an OSU Posse VIP, and a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Hennessey Roundup Club and Hennessey’s Second Amendment Club.

Hajek and his wife, Karel, have three children: Kale, Raegan and Randy, and grandchildren Krysten, Kinzie, Waylon and Harvey.

Scotty is Also The Town Historian Hajek is known to most, as Scotty and that his uncanny memory, and knowledge, of the town’s history is phenomenal, which is why he’s known as the town’s historian.

If you want to know who owns, or owned, or farmed, which property, and probably even when and what crops they’d planted, then ask Scotty.

Authority on Pat Hennessey This past July 4 would’ve been the 150th birthday of Patrick Hennessey, the town’s namesake.

Hajek held a memorial service that morning at Pat Hennessey Park. He told about the Union soldier and wagon freighter who was one of the last victims of an “Indian uprising” in the U.S.

And The Ranch Room

Hajek bought the former Ranch Room building in 2008, when he’d just gone there for the garage sale.

It was built in 1893 and G.E. and Hutoka Ortman used it as a concession area for the Ortman Theatre (1934-77) located next door to the south.

The Ranch Room was also the site for early-day proms, birthday parties and dances. The entry into that party area included a large portrait of Pat Hennessy tied to a wagon wheel.

That portrait is still there and Hajek still owns the building that has been home to the Vernost Wine Co. since June 2014.

(Note: See related story on United’s plans for Oct. 15 Wine & Chocolate Festival.)