April 2010 - BEK Communications

beacon
VOLUME 51
Nominations for Director
Announced
On Thursday, June 10, 2010, the member-owners residing in
District I, III and IV of BEK Communications Cooperative will elect
one (1) director from each district to a three (3) year term in office.
The election of directors is an integral part of the BEK Communications
Cooperative Annual Meeting. This June, member-owners will vote to fill three positions
on the Board of Directors for the districts specified below.
The 2010 Nominating Committee met Wednesday, February 24, 2010 to make the
following nominations to be placed on the ballots for the respective districts:
District I
(Regan, Sterling, McKenzie,
Wilton, Wing)
Richard Hausauer, Wilton (incumbent)
Dennis Benz, Moffit
District III
(Kintyre, Strasburg, Hazelton, Linton)
Michael Wickenheiser, Linton (incumbent)
Vickie Martin, Linton
District II
(Pettibone, Tappen, Robinson,
Tuttle, Steele)
No election in 2010
District IV
(Lehr, Zeeland, Wishek, Napoleon)
William (Bill) Becker, Wishek (incumbent)
The 2010 Nominating Committee consists of seven members, appointed by the Board
of Directors. They are representatives of the districts where elections will be held.
This year’s committee is: Steven T. Fettig, Wishek; Peggy Welder, Napoleon LaVerne
Rachel, Wing; Quirina Schmidt, Menoken; Ronald Volk, Strasburg; Mary Ann Gefroh,
Linton and Wes Mastel, Hague.
Put June 10, 2010 on your calendar to attend the BEK Communications
Cooperative Annual Meeting. Your vote is important.
APRIL 2010
Dates to
Remember
April 1
April Bills Mailed
Census Day
April Fools’ Day
April 2
Good Friday
April 4
Easter
April 12
Disconnect Day
April 15
Tax Day
April 21
Reminder Notices Mailed
Administrative Professionals’
Day
April 30
National Arbor Day
BEK Communications
Office Closed for Holiday
Friday, April 2, 2010
Thank You from BEK SPORTS
March 11, 2010 wrapped up the Winter Sports Schedule for BEK Sports.
What an exciting season of sports action!
BEK Sports fans throughout south-central, north-central and north-west North Dakota
witnessed some of the best LIVE sporting events this season thanks to BEK Sports,
its affiliates and the following sponsors:
Jim Weber Ford (C) – Wishek, N.D.
K & L Super Valu (C) – Steele, N.D.
Ken’s Shopping Center (C) – Napoleon, N.D.
Linton Hospital (C) – Linton, N.D.
Lund Oil (W) – Watford City, N.D.
Minot State University (W) – Minot, N.D.
Napoleon Livestock (C) – Napoleon, N.D.
ND One-Call (W) – Steele, N.D.
North Central Farmers Union (C) - Hague, N.D.
North Dakota Long Distance (NDLD) (W & C)
Northern Plains Cooperative (C) – Strasburg, N.D.
Pfeifle Chevrolet (C) – Wishek, N.D.
Ryan Motors (W) – Williston, N.D.
S & S Motors (W) – Watford City, N.D.
South Central Grain (C) – Napoleon, N.D.
Stanley Kenmare Farmers Union Lumber (W
– Stanley / Kenmare, N.D.
Strasburg Insurance Agency (C) – Strasburg, N.D.
Strasburg State Bank (C) – Strasburg, N.D.
The Depot (C) – Steele, N.D.
The Hair Academy (W & C) – Bismarck, N.D.
Wilhelm (C) – Jamestown, N.D.
Williston State College (W) – Williston, N.D.
BEK Sports Central (BEK Communications and
Dickey Rural Networks)
Major Game Sponsors
KEM Electric Cooperative Inc., Linton, N.D.
Kimble’s Guns & Repair, Linton, N.D.
Northland Financial, Steele, N.D.
Farmland Coop, Inc., Oakes, N.D.
Special Game Sponsors
Starting Lineup – Stock Growers Bank, Napoleon, N.D.
Keys to the Game – Pfeifle Chevrolet, Linton, N.D.
Halftime Show – Freddie’s Place, Napoleon, N.D.
Player of the Game – Prairie Heating & Air, Inc., Linton, N.D.
Pre-game & Post-game Show – BNC Bank, Linton, N.D.
Impact Player – Subway, Lisbon, N.D.
X-Factor & Instant Replays – Wishek Manufacturing, Wishek, N.D.
BEK Sports West (Midstate Telephone Company,
Reservation Telephone Cooperative and
SRT Communications)
Major Game Sponsors
Dakota West Credit Union, Watford City, N.D.
Four Bears Casino, New Town, N.D.
Northrop Grumman, New Town, N.D.
Rensch Chevrolet, New Town, N.D.
Special Event Sponsors
(State Class “ A” & “B” Wrestling)
Special Game Sponsors
Starting Lineup & Post-game Show – Reservation Telephone
Cooperative, Parshall, N.D.
Keys to the Game – Reynolds Insurance, New Town, N.D.
Halftime Show – Reservation Telephone Company, Parshall, N.D.
Player of the Game – Three Affiliated Tribes, New Town, N.D.
Pre-game – SRT, Minot, N.D.
Impact Player – North Dakota Petroleum Council
X-Factor & Instant Replays – Wishek Manufacturing, Wishek, N.D.
Stop N Go - Fargo, N.D.
Yellowstone Country (A) – Montana
Farmers Union Insurance – North Dakota
North Dakota State College of Science (A) – Wahpeton, N.D.
Minnesota Tourism - Alexandria (A)
Montana Dakota Utilities – Bismarck, N.D.
Cumulus Broadcasting Company – Bismarck, N.D.
Minot State University – Minot, N.D.
Ressler Chevrolet – Mandan, N.D.
Wishek Manufacturing – Wishek, N.D.
The West (W) and Central (C) games were also
brought to you by:
BEK Sports “got into the game” thanks to all of the
advertisers, the BEK Sports TV crew, schools, other
venues, athletes and fans. The 2009/2010 BEK Sports
season grew in viewing audience thanks to additional
affiliates: Dakota Central Telecommunications, North
Dakota Telephone Company, United Communications
and Turtle Mountain Communications.
ABC Seamless (W) – Bismarck, N.D.
Bismarck Cancer Center (C) – Bismarck, N.D.
Bismarck State College (C) – Bismarck, N.D.
Blue Room (C) – Strasburg, N.D.
Braun Insurance (C) – Napoleon, N.D.
First Community Credit Union (C) – Jamestown, Steele,
Napoleon and Wishek, N.D.
First International Bank (W) – Watford City, N.D.
Garrison Cenex (W) – Garrison, N.D.
Hometown Credit Union (C) – Hazelton, N.D.
Jamestown College (W) – Jamestown, N.D.
Jay Miller Insurance (C) – Strasburg, N.D.
Looking forward to the 2010 Fall
Season of BEK Sports TV action!
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with employee Randy Brousseau
Randy Brousseau’s stint at BEK has been 20 years. But seriously, you’ve known
him longer than that. If you’re a farmer, rancher, a past softball or bowling fan or
just like to golf or sing a little, your paths have crossed. Heck, if you are friends
or classmates of his children Chad, Michael or Vicky – this man knows you and
probably
b bl your parents
t ttoo!
Randy came to BEK in June of 1989 to work as Plant Clerk. He had just finished 12 years with John Deere Service
Center in Steele. It’s been said that Randy earned a reputation years ago at John Deere. You could walk in and ask for
any part for a farm implement and Randy would go right back to the correct row, shelf and bin to get what you needed.
He rarely had to consult a parts manual or computer; his internal RAM is awesome. So now, his present position as CO
Technician is a natural fit. He works with a complicated switch (the brains of the network). Sounds like something fitting for
a man with a good memory. He installs and maintains central office equipment… and he likes it!
Randy was born and raised a Steele resident. From grade school to high school, Randy walked the halls of the SteeleDawson schools and his children did the same. Connections to the local school are similar to BEK’s communications
network. You have your home base and various connections feed off the home base to other communities. Randy’s football,
basketball and baseball Pirate uniforms took him to several BEK communities where he made many friends. Much the same
happened when he started work for BEK; his work has taken him to all the BEK communities where he has met many of you
and has traded stories. A good story is something Randy enjoys and you can tell when a good one is about to be revealed.
Randy will tilt his head slightly, eyes upward and begin talking. It’s as though his story is coming from the pages of a book he
has read. Randy studied history and political science at Valley City State; maybe that’s why facts and tidbits of information
intrigue him.
Having Randy on your team is an asset and he has been a part of many “teams.” Do you remember these Steele businesses:
Wallin Motors, Bill’s Bronze Boot, John Deere Service Center and the Corner Bar? These were some of the sponsors Randy
played softball or bowling for along with The Depot and the Lone Steer. Additionally, he served on the Steele City Council
for 10 years and the Kidder County Ambulance for 23 years.
Randy has seen a lot of changes in BEK over the 20 years he’s been a part of the company. Two of the most memorable
events for him were BEK’s move to its new headquarters building in 1994 in preparation for a changing industry, including
additional staffing. Shortly after, in 1996, Randy witnessed and helped with the transitioning that came with the purchase of
the US West property, doubling BEK’s customer base.
Like many native central North Dakotans, Randy’s favorite area is along the Missouri River, right in BEK territory – this
beautiful river bottom landscape is the area he enjoys, west of Linton, Hazelton and Strasburg. Go for a drive this summer
and see what he’s talking about.
A couple years ago, Randy and his wife Janel celebrated 30 years of marriage. Their children threw them a little party. Ok, not
so little. Suffice it to say, the local venue where the party was held boasted a record breaking evening! Among the honored
guests were son Chad and his wife Erin, son Michael and his wife Lacy and daughter Vicky and her husband Josh.
With Randy, glory days are not just bygone days; they are every day spent with family or friends, just
hanging out and enjoying life.
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BEK Bytes
NEW MEMBERS
Computer Training
Linton
Monday, April 5th
Location: Wilton Memorial Hall • Time: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Basic Microsoft Word: If you are a newcomer to the software of Microsoft Word, sign
up for this Basic Word class. We’ll help you learn step-by-step the basic features of
this amazing program such as how to draft letters, reports, schedules, agendas and
more. Join a class where everyone is on the same page – the beginning!
Berger Don ....................... 254-5537
Hegge Jennifer ..................254-5511
Kautz B W ......................... 254-5329
Knox John......................... 254-5532
Tuesday, April 20th
Location: Reuben’s Restaurant in Napoleon • Time: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Intermediate/ Advanced Microsoft Word: This class is like the step two and three
of Microsoft Word training. Microsoft Word is a powerful software tool. If you have
mastered the basics of Word and want to learn more of what this program can do, this
class is for you.
Tripp Kayla........................ 273-4192
Tuesday, May 4th
Location: BEK Headquarters in Steele • Time: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Basic Microsoft Excel: So, you want to learn how to set up some spreadsheets to
help you track finances for your business and personal use? Start with our Basic
Excel class. Our BEK instructor will guide you through the easy to understand tasks
of setting up spreadsheets and workbooks. This class will give you a comfort level for
Excel so that you can move on to further training.
Tuesday, May 18th
Location: Wishek Senior Center • Time: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Intermediate/ Advanced Microsoft Excel: If you know the basics of Excel, you’re
ready to discover the advanced features of this powerful software tool. Learn the
advanced features of Excel spreadsheets and workbooks including formulas, auditing
and editing. Exchange tips and tricks with other attendees.
Class sizes are limited so call BEK at 1-888-475-2361 to pre-register for the classes
that interest you. BEK classes are taught using a screen and projector.
Free instruction materials are provided and refreshments will be available.
Pettibone - Lake Williams
Tappen - Dawson
Crystal Springs - Lake Isabel
Braun Derek ..................... 327-8133
Mittleider Billy ................... 327-8140
Wing - Arena
Williams Seth & Alyssa ..... 943-2497
Wishek
Bowers Sue ...................... 452-2066
Klein Dana ........................ 452-2042
Kramlich Ronald J............. 452-2041
Middlestead Danny ........... 452-2054
Ost Jim & Rita ................... 452-2068
Schwind Bertha ................ 452-2192
Zeeland
Wolf Ida............................. 423-5637
A Message to BEK Communications from KFYR-TV Chief Engineer, Brian Funk
Friday, March 12, 2010
KFYR-TV has had a bit of bad luck the past couple weeks all related to weather. We had a few power bumps that knocked us off the
air for a few minutes each time. The power bumps also damaged a circuit breaker that controlled part of the transmitter so we had a
couple longer outages last Friday and Saturday that were related to that issue.
Wednesday we received some freezing rain that built up on our antenna and when this happens we have to reduce the power so we
don’t burn up the antenna and transmission line. This cleared itself about 11:20 today and we are now back to full power.
We should be good now unless we get another storm that causes more power line damage. Not much we can do when the power
bumps for it takes about 10 minutes for our transmitter to reset itself and go back on the air.
Sometimes this can be longer if the bump trips a lockout and causes us to have to manually reset the unit.
Taking our feed over the air will always involve times that we are off the air or at reduced power.
We try very hard to keep these times to a minimum but we are at the mercy of the
weather and the power company for most of these issues.
1-888-475-2361
bekcomm@bektel.com
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PRESRT STD
ECRWSS
CAR-RT SORT
U . S . P O S TA G E
PA I D
PO Box 230 • 200 E Broadway
Steele, North Dakota 58482
PERMIT NO. 5
STEELE, ND
P O S TA L C U S T O M E R
beacon
Febru a r y Tr i v i a
Wi n n ers:
Published by BEK Communications
701-475-2361 • 1-888-475-2361 • www.bektel.com
Donald Weichel, Strasburg;
Wilma Wiest, Wishek;
Allen Deile, Wishek;
Elaine Bodvig, Steele
and Alvina Miller, Tuttle.
Board of Directors
Beacon Trivia Questions
PO Box 230 • 200 E Broadway • Steele, North Dakota 58482
BEK will offer four computer class sessions this spring
in Wilton, ______________________, Steele and Wishek.
Leo Meier, President ................................ Hague ...........336-7258
District III
Doug Kalianoff, Vice President ................ Steele ............475-2839
District II
Only _____________ Appointment of Voting Representative
Form per organization is allowed for BEK Communications
Cooperative’s Annual Meeting voting process.
Sanford Williams, Secretary/Treasurer .... Wing ..............943-2474
District I
William (Bill) Becker ................................. Wishek ..........452-2928
District IV
The date of the BEK Communications Cooperative
Annual Meeting is _______________________________.
Anton Braun............................................. Napoleon ......754-4440
District IV
Richard Hausauer .................................... Wilton ............734-6116
District I
Entries must be received by May 7, 2010.
Virgil Horner ............................................. Strasburg ......336-7208
District III
Name ____________________________________________________
Brett Stroh ............................................... Tappen ..........327-8201
District II
Phone Number ____________________________________________
Clip and send to the BEK office with your phone payment. You can
also email to bekcomm@bektel.com. We will be drawing for five $5.00
credits to be applied to the winners’ phone bill.
Michael Wickenheiser.............................. Linton ............254-4949
District III
Derrick Bulawa, CEO/General Manager,
Manager Feedback ............................................. 701-475-1234
managerfeedback@bektel.com
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