Return to flip book view
BEK COMMUNICATIONS | BEK.COOP1BEK TV announces a significant milestone in its mission to televise its comprehensive, award-winning sports coverage to all North Dakota households. In its most recent agreements with seven cable providers in North Dakota and Eastern Minnesota, BEK Sports 2, and BEK Sports 3 are now available to another 74,000 households across North Dakota and Minnesota. “Our goal has always been to work with the cable and satellite providers in the best interest of our viewers,” says Jordan Hassler, Chief Operating Ocer of BEK TV. “They’re asking us for access to the two newest channels, BEK Sports 2 and BEK Sports 3; with these latest agreements, we’re able to do that.” BEK TV produces more local and state sports broadcasts than any other broadcaster in the state. To do this, the network utilizes three of its channels to deliver those broadcasts: BEK TV, BEK Sports 2, and BEK Sports 3. Most cable providers in the state already carry all three channels, allowing sports enthusiasts throughout the state to access the full coverage lineup. However, there are still some providers who only carry BEK TV, or no BEK channels at all. The seven most recent cable providers who will be carrying all three channels are: Garden Valley Technologies, Halstad Telephone Company, Midcontinent Communications, MLGC, Red River Communications, Sjoberg’s Cable TV, and Wikstrom Telephone Company. BEK recognizes that one of the critical advantages of this expansion is enabling grandparents, parents, families, and friends to support and follow the athletic pursuits of their friends and family competing in rural communities across the state. Hassler says, “With the introduction of the BEK TV+ app and other new streaming services, BEK TV is more connected to its viewers than ever before.”For a complete Channel Guide on all carriers, visit the www.bek.tv/channel-finder. For a complete schedule of upcoming sports coverage, visit the www.bek.tv/schedule#/.BEK Delivers Sports to More ViewersNetwork Collaborates with Cable ProvidersBEK COMMUNICATIONS COOPERATIVE FEBRUARY 2024ONLINE EDITIONBISMARCK BUCKS CHANGE NAME New team branding hopes to unite fans across the state.PAGE 3BEK TV LAUNCHES “OPEN RANGE”New show celebrates the people and culture of ND.PAGE 4DAKOTA TABLETACO CASSEROLE A midwest spin on a mexican inspired casserole.PAGE 5888.475.2361bek.coop
BEK COMMUNICATIONS | BEK.COOP2The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has recently announced that funding from the Aordable Connectivity Program, or ACP, may be coming to an end. ACP plays a crucial role in helping qualifying households aord broadband services. Congress is currently debating the future of the program.If you are an ACP recipient, please know that we are closely monitoring the situation and will keep you informed on further updates. “Special Cowboy Moments,” a half-hour docuseries, gives cowboy lovers, and connoisseurs of Western history alike, the chance to explore stories of 20th-century rodeo legends, up-and-comers, fourth-generation ranchers, and more that will capture the heart of the steadfast Western spirit. Day and time to be announced soon.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 71 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 BurlackWishekFEBRUARY 2024ACP Program Prepares for Wind DownComing Soon to BEK TVA New EposSuays 7: PM CT
BEK COMMUNICATIONS | BEK.COOP3Dakota Bucks Announce Name ChangeScore Your Seats: IFL Game Tickets Now AvailableNorth Dakota’s only professional indoor football team, owned by BEK Communications Cooperative, has changed its name! Known as the Bismarck Bucks since the team began in 2016, the team will now be known as the Dakota Bucks. The rebranding initiative reflects the organization’s commitment to embracing its fan base from across the entire state of North Dakota and fosters unity among football enthusiasts throughout the region.The Dakota Bucks continue moving forward with their commitment to playing in the 2025 season as a member of the IFL.Tickets sales are now open for the “Fargo-IFL Gridiron Classic”, hosted by BEK and Scheels Arena. The game between the Sioux Falls Storm and Massachusetts Pirates takes place April 27 at Scheel’s Arena in Fargo.Tickets can be purchased through the Scheel’s Arena Box Oce, or scan the QR code to buy tickets from Ticketmaster now!
BEK COMMUNICATIONS | BEK.COOP4Celebrate North Dakota, its culture, and people, on BEK TV’s newest program, “Open Range”! Hosted by long-time political figure Gary Emineth, “Open Range” is an hour-long, weekday show that focuses on a wide variety of issues aecting North Dakotans. “Open Range” serves as a platform for education and engagement, aiming to provide viewers with comprehensive insights into the matters that shape the state. “In an age of fleeting news snippets, the program delivers in-depth coverage that encourages viewers to think critically and make informed decisions,” says Emineth.Emineth, along with a list of cohosts, guide viewers through a multifaceted landscape of topics, ranging from energy, government, and agriculture to history, sports, and more. The show’s uniqueness lies in its ensemble of co-hosts, each oering specialized expertise in various subjects. “Open Range” also features a weekly segment titled “Glory Days,” celebrating notable individuals who originate from North Dakota and have achieved success in diverse fields.Additionally, the program showcases the natural beauty of the state, emphasizing its landscapes and unique charm, countering misconceptions, and promoting a newfound appreciation for the state.“North Dakota really is a small town with a 400-mile Main Street,” says Emineth “My hope is that Open Range fosters unity and understanding among North Dakotans by creating an environment where diverse viewpoints can be explored.” “Open Range” can be viewed weekdays at 9 pm CT. Watch live over-the-air on BEK TV, on the bek.news, via the BEK TV+ streaming app, or later in the www.bek.news/openrange.BEK TV Premieres ‘Open Range’ with Gary EminethWeekdays at 9:00pm CTThe deadlines for scholarship applications are rapidly approaching!BEK acknowledges that students are a big part of the communities we serve. That’s why our Community Partnership Program has been providing scholarships for college-bound students for more than 25 years.If you are a BEK Communications Cooperative member or BEK Fiber customer, or if you are a dependent of a member or customer, you may apply for one of the following scholarships:Foundation of Rural Service (FRS) | $1,500 - $7,000 Deadline: February 16, 2024 For rural students entering their first year of college or vocational-technical school.BEK Communications | (9) $500 scholarships awarded Deadline: March 1, 2024 For 2024 graduating seniors entering their first year of college or vocational-technical school.University of Mary | (2) $1,250 scholarships awarded Deadline: March 1, 2024 Current or new students pursuing a Mass Communications, Computer Information Systems or Cyber Security (or similar) degreeValley City State University | $1,250 - $2,500 awarded Deadline: February 14, 2024 Current or new students pursuing a technology-related degreeTo learn more, or to apply, visit bek.coop/coop/scholarshipsScholarship Opportunities
BEK COMMUNICATIONS | BEK.COOP5Taco CasseroleSUBMITTED BY: TERESA TRIEBOLD FROM ORISKA, NDINGREDIENTS: 1 lb. ground beef1 can whole kernal corn1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)1 can diced tomatoes½ onion chopped1 pkg. taco seasoning2 c. crushed tortilla chips1 can cream of mushroom or chicken soup2 c. shredded cheese1 c. milkDIRECTIONS:1. Preheat oven to 350°. Brown ground beef on the stove and drain grease. 2. Add corn, beans, tomatoes, onion and taco seasoning. 3. Once onions are slightly tender, add soup and milk, and stir well.4. Pour mixture into a greased pan, put crushed tortilla chips and shredded cheese on top. 5. Bake for 30 minutes.Submit your favorite recipe to Dakota Table by mailing it to: PO Box 230, Steele, ND 58482 or email bekcomm@bektel.coopRecipes will be randomly drawn for a chance to be published in the Beacon.Submit a recipe to Dakota Table. If we publish your recipe, we will mail you some kitchen goodies!
BEK COMMUNICATIONS | BEK.COOP6One of BEK TV’s newest programs, Midwest Murder: True Crime Stories, is delving into the darkest secrets of the Midwest! Based on the hugely popular podcast, Midwest Murder, hosted by Dawn Palumbo and Jonah Lantto, the program tells the stories of some of the region’s most heinous crimes.Palumbo brings her unique blend of wit, humor, and compassion to the show, advocating for victims and mental health awareness. Lantto infuses each episode with authenticity and impact. His dedication to the art of storytelling makes the program one of the most captivating crime shows available.“BEK TV is offering us a platform to deliver awareness and education about the criminal cases that many people have never heard of before,” says Dawn.” “We want to be sure that these cases and the victims involved are not lost on the back pages of newspapers.”Jonah goes on to say, “Although the Midwest is a safe and wonderful place to live, evil has no boundaries and lurks everywhere, oftentimes in plain sight. Unfortunately, what our stories illustrate time and again is what people are capable of, and that tragedy isn’t absent in the Midwest.” Watch Midwest Murder: True Crime Stories each Sunday at 9pm CT live over-the-air on BEK TV, on the bek.news, via the BEK TV+ streaming app, or later in the www.bek.news/midwestmurder.BEK Communications recently was recognized by the NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association with the NTCA 2023 Cyber Champion Award. The award recognizes BEK’s exceptional commitment to securing networks, protecting assets, and safeguarding sensitive customer information. NTCA goes on to say that this award reflects BEK’s dedication to cybersecurity excellence, setting a commendable standard for the industry. Congratulations!BEK TV Uncovers Hidden Secrets in “Midwest Murder”Sundays at 9:00pm CTBEK Recognized As Cybersecurity TrailblazersSundays at 9:00PM CT
BEK COMMUNICATIONS | BEK.COOP7
BEK COMMUNICATIONS | BEK.COOP8The digital BEK Beacon is a bimonthly publication distributed electronically and free of charge to all BEK customers. This digital publication is a suppliment to the bimonthly printed BEK Beacon that is distributed by mail. This publication is only available online. Published by BEK Communications Cooperative© 2024