Return to flip book view
BEK COMMUNICATIONS | BEK.COOP1BEK Communications Cooperative’s 71st Annual Meeting was held on June 8 at the Kidder County School in Steele, ND. “Innovating Together” was this year’s theme. The meeting was broadcast live statewide by BEK TV.A beef supper was served by Karri Stroh prior to President Brett Stroh calling the meeting to order. The invocation was given by Pastor/Vice Pastor Tricia DeBoer, Pastor of Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Wing and Vice Pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church, Robinson and English Lutheran Church, Tuttle. James K. McAleer Amvets Post 20 presented the flags, and Stacey Svanes sang the National Anthem. The meeting featured a “2022 Year in Review” video, the auditor’s report from Chris Skidmore of Moss Adams, annual report from Derrick Bulawa, CEO/General Manager, elections for directors in District I, District II, and District III, and proposed bylaws amendments. Following the audit report, ocers’ report, election, proposed bylaw amendments, and guest introductions, President Brett Stroh asked for any old business, of which there was none. He then asked for new business, of which there was none. The meeting was then adjourned. Election ResultsTellers for this election were: Connie Haluzak and Becky Bernhardt from District I, Thelma Wall and Jean Titlbach from District II, Keriann Sauter and Marvin Feist from District III, and Ashley Puklich and Rebecca Meidinger from District IV.Members voted to re-elect Sanford Williams to District I and Bob Subart to District II. In District III, members re-elected incumbent Kevin Bernhardt, who defeated Vicki Martin. Continues on page 3BEK Hosts 71st Annual Meeting Innovating Together: Highlights from the MeetingBEK COMMUNICATIONS COOPERATIVE JULY 2023BRIDGING THE GAPLearn about the new changes for Capital Credits.PAGE 2LENS OF OPPORTUNITYBEK’s 2024 Calendar Contest is kicking o!PAGE 5DAKOTA TABLEZUCCHINI BARS With summer gardens coming up, this zucchini bar recipe will delight your taste buds!PAGE 7888.475.2361bek.coop
BEK COMMUNICATIONS | BEK.COOP2DERRICK BULAWA Chief Executive Ocer Cooperative Policy ChangeEstate Capital Credit Retirement OptionsFROM THE CEOAs a member of BEK Communications, you are part owner of the cooperative. Allocations are made to you each year based on your patronage during that previous year. These capital credits represent your part of that ownership.Throughout the last decade, the portion of funds that BEK uses to retire estate capital credits has grown exponentially, which hasn’t left much available capital for current member general retirement. The Board of Directors recognized that there needed to be a better balance between estates’ and general retirements. They came up with some new options for members that preserve more capital for general retirement. The two new estate retirement options provide for the establishment of a Face Value and Present Value, allowing the estate process to close out in a timely manner.Face Value This is the value of capital credits upon the death of a member that can be assigned to another person. This option provides maximum value during the general retirement cycle and allows capital credits to be retired proportionally for all members.Present Value The Present Value option provides a present, cash value lump sum payment immediately. The value is based on: the maturity of the capital credits in the general retirement cycle, the cost of capital, and the cooperative’s need for capital. Members are treated equally by establishing a present cash value.Both options allow members to settle and close out estates immediately. In the event of a business closure, capital credits are only allowed to be assigned to other members. The Board of Directors believes that this will create a better balance for capital credit retirement for both the current and past members. With these changes the Board of Directors expects to return to a more consistent general retirement practice within the next year or two.The BEK Beacon is a bimonthly newsletter published by BEK Communications, © 2023. 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. 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 IVSecretary/Treasurer William (Bill) BeckerWishekGerald BurlackWishekJULY 2023Vote BEK TV for Best Local TV StationVOTE DAILY: JULY 11 - JULY 272023bek.newsbeksports.com
BEK COMMUNICATIONS | BEK.COOP3The time has come once again for the Bismarck Tribune’s annual Best of the Best contest. This year, BEK TV is contending for the prestigious title of Best Local TV Station, and your vote can make all the dierence!BEK TV has been a unique voice in our community for years, serving us with excellent local sports and news coverage. Now, it’s your chance to show, our support. From July 11-27, you have the opportunity to cast votes daily and help BEK TV secure this much-deserved recognition. Voting takes only a few minutes, but it leaves a lasting impact. It’s not just a vote for a TV station; it’s a vote for our community and the stories that matter to us.Encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to participate. Let’s make our voices heard and ensure that BEK TV is announced as the Best Local TV Station on September 23! Your vote counts, so remember, vote daily for BEK TV!BEK Hosts 71st Annual Meeting (continued) Cast Your Vote for BEK TV inBest of the Best Contest Following the adjournment of the Annual Meeting, a drawing was held for BEK door prizes. The winners are:• $1,000 Cash – Paul Erdelt• $ 500 Cash – Cally Peterson• $ 500 Cash – Sandra Schmidt• $ 500 Cash – Terrance Bergan• 6 Months Free BEK Internet – Stuart ThompsonAt the reorganization meeting following the annual membership meeting, the Board of Directors elected Brett Stroh to continue to serve as President, Kevin Bernhardt to serve as Vice President, and Bill Becker to serve as Secretary/Treasurer. NEW PHONE LISTINGSNAME PHONE CITY Ace’s Tavern 734-9394 BismarckAgtegra Cooperative 327-2332 SteeleChurch Of Sacred Heart 734-8131 WiltonChurch Of St Anthony 254-4400 LintonChurch Of St Anthony 254-4588 LintonChurch Of St Peter & Paul Rectory 336-4607 StrasburgChurch Of St Peter & Paul 336-7172 StrasburgDewitz Erin 475-2226 SteeleDinger Donald & Stessa 475-2670 SteeleFettig Paula 754-2835 NapoleonFrolicking Friends Childcare 452-4644 WishekGernhardt Henry 490-3201 Valley CityHolzer Tillie 254-5142 LintonLanenga Alexander 845-9736 Valley CityLittle Flower Montessori Program 877-1160 MandanRG Electric Inc 751-2143 BismarckSt Paul Catholic Church 254-4588 HazeltonTappen Farm Supply LLC 327-4222 Tappen
BEK COMMUNICATIONS | BEK.COOP4Only As Strong as Our CommunitiesCommunity is the heart of the mission of BEK Communications Cooperative. Each year through the BEK Community Partnership Program, grants are awarded to various nonprofit community organizations and groups in the BEK service area. April WinnersThe BEK Board of Directors selects grant recipients twice a year in April and October. Congratulations to the following grant recipients selected in April:• Page Park Board• Steele Police Department• Robinson Fire Department• Wilton Pioneer Activity Center• Lehr Fire Department• Linton Senior Citizens Club• City of Wishek/Wishek Civic Center• Wishek Park Board• Wishek Elementary School• Wishek Public School• Church of St. HildegardApplying and Next DeadlineThe next application deadline is September 29. Consider applying for a BEK grant online at bek.coop/coop/cpp.You can apply if you’re a:• Community-owned business• Community facility• Community-based or nonprofit project To apply, you must be:• Tax-exempt• A nonprofit organization or group• Located within the BEK service area OR receive BEK services through BEK fiberAdditional Grant OpportunityAdditionally, BEK has received $3,000 from the Rural Development Finance Corporation (RDFC) to be used to support community-owned entities, non-profits, and community-based projects. RDFC grant applications are due October 31. For more information on BEK grant opportunities, visit bek.coop, and click on “Resources”.
BEK COMMUNICATIONS | BEK.COOP5It’s that time of year again! BEK is beginning work on its 2024 Community Calendar, and we need some photos to represent each month. If you’ve taken of photo that you’re proud of, consider sharing it with us for use in our calendar! Photos must illustrate nature, farming or the farming culture, or anything that represents North Dakota. Recipients of photos chosen will receive a thank you gift from BEK. Photo Entry RequirementsPhotos must be:• In color• In high resolution• Taken in North Dakota• Taken by someone who receives at least one BEK service: internet, phone, security, or EPIC IPTV.Please limit the number of photos you submit to 10. When submitting, don’t forget to include your full name and the city you live in.To Submit a PhotoEmail photo entries to: marketing@bektel.coop Subject Line: Photo Contest 2023 Submission Deadline: September 15, 2023*Please Note: When emailing photos, please attach them to the email. If you have photos in cloud storage, download the individual photos and send as an attachment in an email.BEK 2024 Calendar ContestCalling all Amateur Photographers!The Public Service Commission of North Dakota designated BEK Communications Cooperative as the “Eligible Telecommunications Carrier” for its service area for universal service purposes. The goal of universal service is to provide all citizens access to essential telecommunications services.BEK Communications provides the supported telephone service throughout its designated service area at rates that start at $18.95 per month for residential customers and $27.95 per month for business line customers. This supported service includes:• Minutes of use for local service provided at no additional charge.• Access to emergency services provided by local government or other public safety organizations, such as 911 and enhanced 911, to the extent the local government in BEK Communications Cooperative’s service area has implemented 911 or enhanced 911 systems.• Toll limitation for qualifying low-income consumers (toll blocking).BEK Communications would be pleased to provide you with specific rates for your area upon request. Call 1-888-475-2361.BEK Communications oers qualified customers Lifeline Service. If you are a low-income customer, you may qualify for the Lifeline Program. This means you may receive a monthly discount for your basic phone or internet charges. This service also includes free toll blocking for qualifying customers.Common Carrier NoticeNotice to All Customers of BEK Communications Cooperative Telecommunications Service
BEK COMMUNICATIONS | BEK.COOP6Lifeline AssistanceLifeline is a federal program that oers a discount to qualified customers on their monthly telephone or internet service. Home Telephone or Broadband AssistanceEective 12/1/2020, Lifeline will provide a discount up to $9.25 on your monthly bill for broadband service, or a discount up to $5.25 on your monthly bill for telephone service. This program is available to all BEK Communications Cooperative exchanges (excludes: rural Bismarck, rural Morton/Oliver County and Valley City area exchanges).Do you qualify for Lifeline assistance?To be eligible for Lifeline, you must be enrolled in a qualifying program. Qualifying programs include: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit or if your income is 135% or less than the federal poverty guidelines.Apply Online:You can apply online by going to nv.fcc.gov and creating an account. Once you have filled out the information, you will find out if you qualify for Lifeline assistance.You will need the following information to apply online: • Full legal name• Date of birth• Last 4 digits of your SSN • AddressIf you receive an error message, please contact the National Lifeline program at 1-800-234-9473 for additional help.Apply by mail:You also can send an application by mail. Mail in your completed Lifeline Application (English or Spanish), Household Worksheet, and copies of your proof of eligibility to the Lifeline Support Center. USAC will contact you by mail to let you know if you qualify for Lifeline Assistance. Lifeline Support Center’s mailing address is: USAC Lifeline Support Center PO Box 7081 London, KY 40742The Lifeline program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC).USAC is responsible for data collection and maintenance, support calculation, and disbursement for the program. Once on the Lifeline program, you will be contacted by USAC annually to recertify. If you no longer meet the eligibility guidelines above, you no longer will qualify for Lifeline and must inform BEK of your ineligibility by calling 701-475-2361 or toll free at 1-888-475-2361.
BEK COMMUNICATIONS | BEK.COOP7DIRECTIONS:1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a large cookie sheet.2. In large mixer bowl, combine eggs, oil, and sugar. Beat well. Then add the zucchini.3. In a seperate bowl, mix dry ingredients: flour, salt, soda, and cinnamon. Once mixed, add to wet ingredients.4. Spread in pan and bake for 35 mins.5. Prepare topping in saucepan by melting margarine and brown sugar. Break the eggs into small bowl and beat with fork adding some liquid from saucepan (prevents eggs from getting cooked). Add to saucepan and stir in coconut and nuts. Set aside.6. Remove cake from oven and spread the topping over. Place back in oven and bake additional 10 minutes. Let cool before cutting.Zucchini BarsSUBMITTED BY: DARLENE WESHNEVSKI FROM TOWER CITY, NDINGREDIENTS:4 eggs1 ½ c. vegetable oil2 c. brown sugar3 c. grated zucchini3 c. all purpose flour¾ tsp. salt2 tsp. cinnamon2 tsp. sodaTopping:½ c. margarine1 c. brown sugar1 c. chopped nuts1 egg1 c. shredded coconutSubmit your favorite recipe to Dakota Table by mailing it to: PO Box 230, Steele, ND 58482 or email bekcomm@bektel.comRecipes 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 COOPERATIVE200 East Broadway, PO Box 230, Steele, ND 58482ECRWSS LOCAL POSTAL CUSTOMER123TRIVIA ENTRYENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY AUGUST 10, 2023Name: ______________________________________________________________________Phone Number: ___________________________________________________________Town: _______________________________________________________________________Clip and send to BEK at:PO Box 230, Steele, ND 58482 You also can email answers to bekcomm@bektel.com. We will be drawing for twenty $5.00 credits to be applied to the winners’ bill.CONGRATS! TO OUR BEACON MAY WINNERSBEACON TRIVIALaRae Madsen | EmbdenJoleen Silbernagel | StrasburgEunice Nelson | NapoleonTodd Boser | Valley CityBryan McNeal | StrasburgTaylor Ketterling | WishekTami Berger | Valley CityDebra Sorsen | GrandinMichael & Sarah Bauer | BismarckEleanor Magrum | BraddockDanika Owen | BaldwinEric Wilson | SterlingGerard Jacob | LintonVernon Moos | VenturiaMyron Weigel | ZeelandRonnell Kulish | WiltonMichael Krous | BismarckKay Bostrom | Valley CityDotty Gray | BismarckDonald Fanta | TappenHow many annual meetings has BEK hosted?What new options do members have with their capital credits?When are RDFC grant applications due this year?