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BEK COMMUNICATIONS | BEK.COOP1BEK recently grabbed the spotlight with not one, but two fantastic awards! The Technology Council of North Dakota, or TechND, has recognized BEK with the “2023 Premier Technology Business Award”. Plus, our very own cyberhero, John Nagel, Chief Security Ocer and President of Cybernet Security by BEK, received the “Chairman’s Award for Excellence” by CyberCon. Both awards were presented on October 4th at the 6th annual CyberCon conference at Bismarck State College.The “2023 Premier Technology Business Award” recognizes BEK’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and making our community a better place. Since BEK began as a telephone cooperative more than seven decades ago, our services have grown and evolved to meet member and customer needs, from super-speedy fiber broadband to top-notch business cybersecurity, home and corporate security, streaming TV, and more! We even help hospitals with Nurse Call technology and provide cloud voice services for businesses. TechND says this award is a testament to BEK’s dedication to connecting communities and businesses with cutting-edge technology and solutions.John Nagel is recognized for his significant eorts in boosting both physical and cyber safeguards for the region’s vital infrastructure and communities. He also is recognized for his commitment to furthering cybersecurity education at all academic levels across the state and for introducing a cyber studies scholarship and internship through BEK. CyberCon says that beyond his academic contributions, John has played a pivotal role in educating businesses, organizations, and communities about the risks in neglecting cybersecurity measures.Congratulations to BEK for continuing to be a contemporary broadcasting and digital technology innovator!BEK Recognized for Technology Innovation and CybersecurityBEK COMMUNICATIONS COOPERATIVE NOVEMBER 2023GRANTING SMILESBEK announces recipients of grant program.PAGE 3NAVIGATING WINTERHow to personalize forecasts on the BEK Weather AppPAGE 6DAKOTA TABLENORWEGIAN POTATO LEFSA Traditional lefsa recipe that’s been passed down, just in time for the holidays!PAGE 7888.475.2361bek.coopJohn NagelChief Security Ocer

BEK COMMUNICATIONS | BEK.COOP2DERRICK BULAWA Chief Executive Ocer BEK Celebrates Big Wins in Tech and SecurityBEK Wins 2023 Premier Technology Business AwardFROM THE CEOI am incredibly proud and humbled by the recognition that BEK Communications Cooperative recently received at the 2023 CyberCon event at Bismarck State College last month. The “2023 Premier Technology Business Award” from TechND and the Chairman’s Award for Excellence presented to John Nagel are both significant achievements that reflect our dedication and commitment to excellence.Despite all the changes through the years, one thing remains constant: our commitment to connecting communities. These awards are a testament to the commitment of the Board of Directors, the passionate employees, their innovative spirit, and the resilient communities we’ve been privileged to serve for more than seven decades.These accolades are a testament to the hard work, innovation, and expertise of our entire team. It’s your collective eort that has allowed us to stand out in the ever-evolving technology and cybersecurity landscape. I want to express my gratitude to each and every one of you for your contributions to our success.As we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in our industry, let these awards serve as motivation to reach even greater heights. Our mission to provide cutting-edge technology solutions and ensure the utmost security for our customers remains unwavering.These awards are a reminder of the responsibilities we hold, the communities we serve, and the endless possibilities that await when business, technology and community needs come together.LIVE & ON-DEMANDAvailable on mobile and popular streamingdevices including iOS, Android, FireTV & Roku.* BEK TV+ app oers FREE live and on-demand ND sports, news and commentary.Watch anytime, anywhere!

BEK COMMUNICATIONS | BEK.COOP3Congratulations to the latest BEK Community Partnership Program recipients! BEK is proud to distribute over $13,000 to the following recipients: • Napoleon Rural Fire Protection District - Napoleon • Strasburg Fire and Rescue - Strasburg • Elks Camp Grassick - Dawson • Abused Persons Outreach Center - Valley City • TLChildare - Valley City • Sanborn Veterans Park - Sanborn • Page Development Corporation - Page • Napoleon FFA Alumni - Napoleon • Tri-County Exhibitors Association - WishekTo learn more about the Community Partnership Program, log onto bek.coop/coop/cpp.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 BurlackWishekNOVEMBER 2023Annual BEK Community CalendarGrant Recipients AnnouncedThank you to our BEK members and customers who submitted photos for the 2024 BEK Community Calendar. This year, we received more than 200 photos that illustrate North Dakota! Enjoy your copy, which has been mailed to you.Congratulations to the following people who submitted photos that were chosen for this year’s calendar: • Chaitra Bader • Mandi Bauer • Tricia Bentz • Maria Bloom • Terisa Gader • Shelly Glaesman • Morgan McDowall • Dan Mehus • Art Mues • Nancy Nies • Crystal Pinkney • Robin Raile • Laurie and Randy Ries • Tangula Unruh • Melissa Woodworthphoto submitted by: terisa gaderCOMMUNITY CALENDAR2024COMMUNITY CALENDAR20242024BEK COMMUNICATIONSCOMMUNITY CALENDAR

BEK COMMUNICATIONS | BEK.COOP4WEEKDAYSComing in Novemberonly on BEK TVEssig Clinton 452-4643 WishekGelo Tim 387-4861 SterlingHart Lisa 877-1156 MandanHoverson Ryan 769-2776 SuttonKlein Tom 782-4125 HazeltonMalaski Bill 452-4495 WishekMolstad John 845-2952 LuverneMonzelowsky Dale 667-4322 MandanPearson Karry 557-7010 BismarckScouten Floyd 646-1261 SpiritwoodSperling Norma 452-2067 WishekStraight Sideways Trucking LLC 673-3671 MenokenWixon Marlene 760-5486 Valley CityNEW PHONE LISTINGSNAME PHONE CITY BEK Wins Best of the Best in Barnes County BEK Embraces Future of Surveillance CamerasEric Sauter, BEK Business Development and Sales Manager, and Corey Silvernagel, BEK Systems Support Engineer, recently attended the Axis Connect and Converge Conference (ACCC) in Kansas City. Axis Communications is BEK’s supplier of surveillance and security cameras. The conference provided valuable insight into the future of surveillance technology. Sauter, an expert in these cameras, learned about the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the cameras’ analytics capabilities. He notes that AI is set to transform these cameras into intelligent devices capable of reading license plates, counting people, detecting falls, sensing motion, and even monitoring inventory and shelves in stores!One exciting development discussed at the conference is the expansion of wearable cameras beyond law enforcement. Sauter pointed out that professionals in fields like medicine will soon be able to utilize wearable cameras, offering new perspectives and documentation capabilities for their work.Eric Sauter’s participation at ACCC underscores BEK’s commitment to staying at the forefront of surveillance technology. BEK Communications Cooperative has emerged victorious once again as the “Best Internet/Cable Company” in the prestigious Best of the Best in Barnes County contest, hosted by the Valley City Times Record. This recognition underscores BEK’s commitment to connecting communities in the digital age.Valley City’s “Best of the Best” contest is a cherished tradition in the region, allowing residents to voice their opinions and celebrate local businesses and services that go above and beyond in meeting their needs. In an era where connectivity is essential, BEK continues to stand out as a beacon of excellence, ensuring that residents remain at the forefront of technology and innovation.

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BEK COMMUNICATIONS | BEK.COOP6Don’t let winter catch you o guard—prepare with BEK’s Weather App! With a range of fantastic features at your fingertips, you’ll always be prepared for whatever Old Man Winter has in store.Here’s a glimpse of what the BEK Weather App oers: • Personalized Forecasts: Tailor your forecasts for multiple locations. • Weather Alerts: Stay informed and safe with real-time weather alerts that keep you one step ahead of severe conditions. • Hour-by-Hour Forecasts: Plan your day with precision using detailed hourly weather forecasts. • Current and Future Radar: Access up-to-date radar information, including current conditions and future projections. • Radar Features: Monitor road conditions, check wind speeds, and anticipate snowfall with our radar tools.Downloading our app is a breeze! Simply search for “BEK Weather” or “Weather on BEK News” on the Apple App Store or Google Play and start enjoying the benefits today.And don’t forget to tune into BEK Weather (ch. 68) and BEK Radar (ch. 69) channels on EPIC to receive the latest forecasts and weather alerts.Stay Ahead of Winter with A Personalized ForecastLocal weather at your fingertips 24/7!Download Today!• Live Radar• 10-Day Forecast• Personalized Weather InSight™• Severe Weather AlertsThe BEK Weather app provides real-time weather. View the 10-day forecast, including precipitation, humidity and wind speeds.Family.Turkey.Football.Time for the family huddle!

BEK COMMUNICATIONS | BEK.COOP7DIRECTIONS:1. Peel potatoes and place them in a large pot with water to cover. Boil potatoes until soft. Drain and mash well.2. In a large mixing bowl, combine potatoes, cream, butter and salt. Cover potatoes and refrigerate overnight.3. Mix flour into the mashed potatoes and roll the mixture into balls about the size of tennis balls or smaller, depending on your preference. Keep balls of dough on a plate in the refrigerator. 4. Take one ball out at a time, roll dough balls out on a floured board. 5. Fry the lefsa on a griddle or in an iron skillet at very high heat. After cooking, place on a clean dishtowel and cover with towel. Repeat until all balls are fried.Norwegian Potato LefsaSUBMITTED BY: K.C. HANSON FROM HANNAFORD, NDINGREDIENTS:6 c. potatoes3 tbsp. butter1/2 c. cream or half & half1 tsp. salt1 c. flourSubmit your favorite recipe to Dakota Table by mailing it to: PO Box 230, Steele, ND 58482 or email marketing@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!Family.Turkey.Football.Time for the family huddle!

BEK COMMUNICATIONS COOPERATIVE200 East Broadway, PO Box 230, Steele, ND 58482ECRWSS LOCAL POSTAL CUSTOMER12True or False: You can receive personalized forecasts for more than one location with the BEK Weather App.3TRIVIA ENTRYENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY DECEMBER 8, 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 SEPTEMBER WINNERSBEACON TRIVIAJennifer & Don Weiker | MapletonDoreen Ryan | Valley CityBen Albert | PageMelody Puhr | FingalKathleen Schuh | WingPete Keaveny | WishekDarlene Trader | OriskaBrad Sether | BismarckPhil Volk | HagueLinda Holweg | HazeltonDelRoy Ketterling | WishekLori Gross | NapoleonAnn Moch | KintyreBarb Heaton | SteeleLucille Ru | LehrMathew Guthmiller | PettiboneJerry Bucholz | ReganRon Dietz | LintonNancy Dewitz | SteeleNate Martindale | BismarckWhat organization awarded BEK with a technology award?How many photos were selected for the 2024 Community Calendar?