BEK COMMUNICATIONS | BEK.COOP1BEK TV’s My Hometown has been making headlines inMinnesota, thanks to its unique approach in spotlightingthe charm and character of lesser-known towns.The buzz began when a BEK TV crew, including one ofthe show’s hosts, Patti Armstrong, arrived in New Ulmand Sleepy Eye, two small Minnesota towns. The localnewspaper, The Journal, was quick to catch wind ofthe excitement, featuring the series in a recent issue and giving readers a glimpse into the magic behind“My Hometown.”My Hometown isn’t your typical travel show. During thehour-long feature presentation of Ladies of AnotherView, viewers are treated to a journey through time,learning about the roots of these towns, the changesthey’ve undergone over the years, and the colorfulcharacters who call them home. From local legends tohidden gems, My Hometown uncovers the essence ofwhat makes each community special.The State Street Theater in New Ulm is gearing up tohost a free premiere showing of the episodes later thismonth. It’s an opportunity for residents to come together,celebrate their shared heritage, and see their hometownin a whole new light. The Journal wrote a second article about the free showing.KEYC, a Minnesota Fox television station based in NorthMankato, has partnered with BEK TV to broadcast bothepisodes to a wider audience. Additionally, New UlmCommunity Access Television will ensure that locals cantune in from the comfort of their own homes. Of course,you can always watch My Hometown live or on demandon BEK TV+.As My Hometown continues to shine a spotlight on small communities across Minnesota, it’s clear that there’ssomething truly special about the places we call home.Through the lens of BEK TV, viewers are invited torediscover the beauty, history, and sense of communitythat makes these towns truly unforgettable.My Hometown Makes Headlines in Hometown PaperPremiere Screening Attracts LocalsBEK COMMUNICATIONS COOPERATIVEAPRIL 2024ONLINE EDITIONCAST YOUR BALLOT,SHAPE YOURCOMMUNITY2024 Voting DetailsPAGE 3SADDLE UP FORSEASON 2BEK TV Rides High withRodeo Action.PAGE 4888.475.2361bek.coop
BEK COMMUNICATIONS | BEK.COOP2Procedural and director voting may be done by mail, electronically, or in person at the Annual Meeting, subject to a quorum. Fifty members, or two percent of the membership, shall comprise a quorum, whichever is more significant. An armative vote of not less than a majority of participating members, voting in-person, electronically, or by mail-in-ballot, is required for procedural and bylaw action. A plurality of votes is required for the Board of Directors election.This year, BEK has entrusted Survey and Ballot Systems with the task of managing our election process. Through their expertise and secure system, Survey and Ballot Systems will oversee the distribution of ballot request forms and, if requested, provide mail-in ballot or hyperlinks for convenient electronic voting via cell phones or email.Each member will receive a ballot REQUEST form and a postage-paid return envelope from Survey and Ballot Systems in the mail around mid-April, 2024. If you are unable to attend the 2024 BEK Communications Cooperative Annual Meeting and wish to vote, you must REQUEST a ballot.When you receive the ballot REQUEST form, sign and return it in the included postage-paid envelope with a postmark date by May 3, 2024. It’s important to emphasize that the ballot request form must be returned directly to Survey and Ballot Systems; they should not be included with phone bills sent to BEK or dropped o at a BEK oce.Members voting in-person at the Annual Meeting do not need to request a ballot.Members requesting a ballot will receive the mail-in ballot or hyperlink to vote electronically, along with an Ocial Meeting Notice and an Ocial Slate of Candidates around May 14, 2024. On the ballot are sections for approving the 2023 Annual Meeting minutes, and Board of Directors election, if applicable. To be counted for the election, Survey and Ballot Systems must receive all mail-in ballots by end of day on June 11, 2024. If you vote by mail or electronically and then decide to change your vote, you may do so in person at the June 13th Annual Meeting.Three Ways to Vote:The BEK Beacon is a bimonthly newsletter published by BEK Communications, © 2024. It is distributed without charge to all customers.BEK COMMUNICATIONS COOPERATIVEwas founded in 1952 as a local telecommunications cooperative serving Burleigh, Emmons and Kidder Counties. Since then, we’ve invested in state-of-the-art infrastructure, developed new products and services, and expanded to also serve Morton, Oliver, McLean, Logan, McIntosh, Barnes, Griggs, Cass, and Steele counties. BEK has changed quite a bit in 72 years, but we’re still a small-town cooperative at heart.BEK COMMUNICATIONS COOPERATIVE 888-475-2361P.O. Box 230 200 East BroadwaySteele, ND 58482220 4th Street NortheastValley City, ND 58072923 East Interstate AvenueBismarck, ND 58503BOARD OF DIRECTORSDISTRICT IShane MorrisReganSanford WilliamsWingDISTRICT IIBob SubartRobinsonPresident Brett StrohTappenDISTRICT IIISecretary/Treasurer Kevin BernhardtLintonHolly WillHazeltonDISTRICT IVVice President William (Bill) BeckerWishekGerald BurlackWishekAPRIL 20242024 Voting Details New This Year: Electronic VotingMail-In BallotIn-Person Electronically
BEK COMMUNICATIONS | BEK.COOP3IFL Game in FargoAordable Connectivity Program Comes to An EndAre you ready for a night of thrilling football action? BEK Communications Cooperative invites all its valued members and customers to join us for an exciting evening at the Fargo-IFL Gridiron Classic on April 27, 2024, at Scheels Arena in Fargo, North Dakota. Get ready to witness an epic showdown between two powerhouse teams: the Sioux Falls Storm and the Massachusetts Pirates.As one of the premier events of the season, the Fargo-IFL Gridiron Classic promises to deliver non-stop excitement and adrenaline-fueled moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just looking for a fun night out with friends and family, this event is not to be missed.Tickets for the Fargo-IFL Gridiron Classic are on sale now and can be purchased at the Scheels Box Oce or through Ticketmaster. Don’t wait until the last minute to secure your spot in the stands; tickets are selling fast, and you won’t want to miss the chance to be part of this unforgettable experience.Join us as we come together to cheer on our favorite teams, celebrate the spirit of competition, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re rooting for the Storm or showing your support for the Pirates, the Fargo-IFL Gridiron Classic promises to be an evening to remember.So, mark your calendars, grab your tickets, and get ready to experience the excitement of live football action with BEK Communications Cooperative at the Fargo-IFL Gridiron Classic. We can’t wait to see you there!As the federal Aordable Connectivity Program (ACP) nears its conclusion this month, aected BEK broadband customers should expect a change in their billing. Those currently receiving ACP discounts will notice that their April invoices will display the discounted broadband rate, but beginning next month, their May invoices will reflect the undiscounted rate.For continued support, explore the Federal Lifeline program, which oers discounts on broadband services to qualifying low-income households. Visit LifeLineSupport.org for more information. For questions about the ACP’s end, contact the ACP Support Center at 877-384-2575. For inquiries about BEK services, call the Customer Service Team at 888-475-2361.F A R G O•CLASSIC•BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!INDOOR FOOTBALL LEAGUESCHEELS ARENA | FARGO, NDDAKOTABUCKS.COM | 701.364.3672VSAPRIL 272024
BEK COMMUNICATIONS | BEK.COOP4The digital BEK Beacon is a bimonthly publication distributed electronically and free of charge to all BEK customers. This digital publication is a supplement to the bimonthly printed BEK Beacon that is distributed by mail. This publication is only available online. Published by BEK Communications Cooperative© 2024BEK TV Brings Back the Thrill of Rodeo with NDRA CoverageBEK TV has kicked o its second season of NDRA Rodeo coverage! Through a partnership with the NDRA, BEK TV will showcase 21 rodeos from 13 dierent locations across the state through the month of September.As part of its coverage, BEK TV will provide exclusive behind-the-scenes access and expert commentary. Viewers can anticipate firsthand insights from rodeo legends Tisa Peek and Beni Paulson, hosts of Dakota Cowboy on BEK TV, as they bring exclusive interviews with the athletes to their Sunday night program.“During a time when most networks slow down their programming, BEK TV continues to add to its schedule to meet the needs of our viewers,” says Jordan Hassler, Chief Operating Ocer of BEK TV.“Our athletes are eager to showcase their skills, and we are grateful for the opportunity to reach a broader audience through BEK TV’s extensive coverage,” says Nate Horner, NDRA President.Don’t miss out on the action-packed adventures awaiting on BEK TV! May 25 Bowman County Fair & Rodeo June 8 Killdeer NDRA June 15 McKenzi Co. Fair & Rodeo June 23 Blaisdale Rodeo June 29-30 Beaver Valley Horse Club Rodeo July 13 Steele NDRA July 20-21 Wing Rodeo July 26-27 Sargent County Rodeo August 2-3 Morton County Fair Rodeo August 9-10 Medora Rodeo August 24 Ransom County Fair & Rodeo September 8 Devils Lake NDRA Shootout September 27-28 NDRA Finals