Return to flip book view
BEK COMMUNICATIONS COOPERATIVEOCTOBER 2024 DIGITAL ISSUESINCE 1952LINTON STUDENTS SHOWCASE BUSINESS SKILLSCompete on National StagePAGE 2PROTECTING WHAT MATTERS MOSTAre You Cyber Secure?PAGE 3THE FINAL SHOWDOWNProfessional Rodeo Season Ends on BEK TVPAGE 4888.475.2361bek.coopEvery October, we celebrate National Cooperative Month to recognize the importance of cooperatives and the role they play in our communities. Cooperatives are unique businesses owned and operated by the people who use their services, meaning their focus is always on meeting members’ needs, not just making profits.At BEK, we take pride in being a cooperative that has served our communities for more than 70 years. National Cooperative Month gives us a chance to reflect on our commitment to supporting rural areas with services like reliable internet and TV. This month reminds us of the values that cooperatives stand for, including community, cooperation, and concern for others.By recognizing National Cooperative Month, we honor the work of our members and the ways we continue to build stronger, more connected communities. Together, we are achieving great things!Recognizing National Cooperative Month Why It Matters
Congratulations to four Linton High School students for qualifying to compete on the national level at the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National Leadership Conference. Hailey Bosch, Mady Sauter, Jaycelin Coronado, and Peyton Sauter competed this summer in Orlando, FL after qualifying at the state FBLA Conference in April. FBLA is the largest student business organization in the world, and its mission is to inspire and prepare students to become business leaders who are focused on their communities and careers. In North Dakota, there are more than 90 chapters at various middle and high schools. Competitions provide students the opportunity to test the business skills they learn in the classroom, like public speaking, accounting, and interviewing for a job.Hailey Bosch and Mady Sauter competed in the category of Partnership with a Business. For their project, they collaborated with local businesses to host a “Hot Cocoa Crawl” during Linton’s Light up the Night event. This scavenger hunt-style activity encouraged people to visit local businesses while enjoying hot chocolate. Jaycelin Coronado competed in Web Design, where she created a website for a fictional animal shelter, focusing on promoting a fundraising gala. Peyton Sauter competed in Public Speaking, where she presented a speech on cybersecurity and cybercrimes. For her project, she interviewed BEK Communications’ Chief Security Ocer, John Nagel, to gather information.Although the students did not make it to the finals in their events, they say they learned valuable lessons, gained confidence and networked with other students from across the country. 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. This institution is an equal opportunity employer.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 IIIVice President Kevin BernhardtLintonHolly WillHazeltonDISTRICT IVSec./Treas. William (Bill) BeckerWishekDISTRICT V EASTEdwin (Ed) EversonHannafordDISTRICT V WESTCharlie DunbarBaldwinOCT 2024This is just the beginning of a movement to strengthen men and families across the nation.Linton Students Represent ND on National PlatformCompeting in Life-Learning EventsFrom Left to Right: Megan Wald - Advisor, Peyton Sauter, Mady Sauter, Hailey Bosch, Jaycelin Coronado
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an annual campaign led by the National Cybersecurity Alliance to raise awareness about the importance of protecting ourselves online. This year’s theme, “Secure Our World,” is a timely reminder that cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility, whether you’re managing a small business or simply keeping your household safe in the digital age.Why Cybersecurity Matters for Homes and Small BusinessesCyberattacks aren’t just a problem for large corporations. In fact, small businesses and home networks are often seen as easier targets. Hackers know that many smaller operations lack advanced security measures, making them vulnerable to attacks that may compromise sensitive information, drain bank accounts, or disrupt daily operations.Whether it’s safeguarding personal information at home or protecting customer data in a small business, cybersecurity should be a top priority. In today’s world, where everything from smart home devices to business transactions happen online, taking simple steps to “secure our world” is crucial.Practical Ways to Secure Your Home and Small BusinessHere are a few easy and eective ways to enhance your online security:1. Strengthen Your Passwords: It’s a basic step but one that many people overlook. Make sure your passwords are unique and complex for each account. A password manager can help you keep track of them without the hassle of remembering dozens of codes.2. Turn on Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring not just a password but a second form of identification, like a code sent to your phone. This simple step can make it much harder for cybercriminals to access your accounts.3. Keep Everything Up to Date: Whether it’s your smartphone, computer, or business software, regular updates are essential. These updates often contain security patches that protect against the latest threats.4. Watch Out for Phishing Scams: Phishing remains one of the most common cyber threats. Be skeptical of unexpected emails or messages asking for sensitive information. Always double-check the source before clicking on any links or attachments.5. Back Up Your Data: Regularly backing up important files ensures that you won’t lose critical information if your devices are compromised. Whether it’s business records or personal photos, having secure backups means peace of mind.Aordable Cybersecurity for Homes and Small BusinessesWhile large corporations can aord extensive cybersecurity measures, you don’t need to break the bank to protect your home or small business. Password managers, antivirus software, firewalls, and secure cloud storage are aordable and eective ways to safeguard your data. Small business owners should also consider cyber insurance as an additional layer of protection in case of an attack.Cybersecurity is an Ongoing EortSecuring your world isn’t just a one-time task; it requires ongoing attention. Cyber threats evolve, but so do the tools and techniques we can use to stay safe. National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a perfect time to review your digital habits and make sure you’re doing everything you can to protect what matters most to you.By taking a few simple steps to improve your cybersecurity, you’re not only securing your own world, you’re contributing to a safer digital environment for everyone. Let’s make cybersecurity a habit, not just in October, but all year long.If you are a business and have concerns about your cyber security, please contact CyberNet Security, a BEK company, at info@cybernetsecurity.comNational Cybersecurity Awareness Month By: John Nagel, BEK Chief Security Ocer and CyberNet Security President
BEK TV host Trent Loos has successfully organized and led men in Man March 2024 once again. Marches took place in both North Dakota and South Dakota. The goal is to restore the importance of strong, masculine men in today’s society. Trent says he wants men to embrace their God-given roles as protectors of the family and to take action when needed. The first Man March took place on October 10, 2022, in Mandan, ND. Nearly 200 people gathered to march through the town, celebrating the need for strong men, like those who fought for freedom in 1776. That event left a lasting impression, and the call for another was clear by the summer of 2024. This time, Trent planned a three-day event in three dierent locations: Hot Springs, Medora, and Bismarck.Trent says each stop had a profound impact and that the Man March is far from over. “This is just the beginning of a movement to strengthen men and families across the nation.”BEK TV just wrapped up an exciting second season of rodeo coverage! Through its partnership with the NDRA, BEK TV showcased 21 rodeos from 13 dierent locations throughout the state, concluding with the NDRA Finals in Watford City.This year, BEK TV brought viewers more than just the action from the arena. With exclusive behind-the-scenes access and expert commentary, rodeo fans got deeper insights into the sport. Hosts Tisa Peek and Beni Paulson, from Dakota Cowboy on BEK TV, provided exclusive interviews with the athletes, adding personal stories and inside looks at the world of rodeo. Their Sunday night program was a highlight for viewers, bringing them closer to the action and the athletes themselves.Jordan Hassler, BEK TV’s Chief Operating Ocer, emphasized the network’s commitment to meeting viewers’ needs, “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,” he said.BEK TV knows how important rodeo is to its viewers, and that’s exactly why we continue to provide top-notch broadcasts. Although the rodeo season has ended, fans can look forward to more action-packed content and behind-the-scenes stories from BEK TV as they continue to highlight the best of North Dakota’s rodeo talent.Man March 2024Strengthening Men, Families, and FaithThat’s a Wrap!Professional Rodeo on BEK TVBismarck, NDMedora, ND
BEK Communications Cooperative was proud to join in the fun at Napoleon’s Homecoming Parade on September 24! The parade is all about celebrating the Pirates and showing support for the school teams, including cross country, volleyball, football, and the cheerleaders from elementary to high school. It’s also a chance to recognize all the classes and the homecoming royalty.BEK’s very own Director, Bill Becker, played a special part in the parade, driving a tractor while carrying some precious cargo. On the tractor with him are his daughter Angie Gerhardt, and her children Emma and Leo, all of Napoleon. BEK Communications Joins Napoleon’s HomecomingFall Solar Outage Notice for EPIC IPTV Users:Temporary Service Disruptions Expected Please be aware that the 2024 solar outage period will occur in October and may briefly aect your EPIC IPTV service. From October 4 to 11, you may experience temporary disruptions like signal pixelization, interference, or even a complete loss of signal. This happens as the sun moves behind the satellites that provide your TV service.Solar outages occur twice each year, once in the spring and again in the fall. If you notice disruptions, don’t worry, they’re only temporary. Your picture quality should return to normal within a few minutes. Most outages happen around midday and can last from five to 15 minutes, though some may occur at other times.nationalco-op monthOCTOBER ISTo celebrate, we’re excited to share this complimentary calendar with you. The beautiful photos featured were submitted by our very own BEK members, showcasing the talent and spiritof our community. Expect your calendar in the mail this month.
The 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© 2024