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Foundation for Rural Service Now Accepting Community Grant Applications

Foundation for Rural Service Now Accepting Community Grant Applications

The Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) is currently accepting applications for their Community Grant Program.  FRS is a nonprofit organization that works in cooperation with NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association to sustain and enhance the quality of life in America by advancing an understanding of rural issues. As a member of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, rural communities within SRT’s area can apply for the Community Grant Program offered by FRS. This grant program looks for current projects that will improve quality of life and create sustainable rural communities for its residents. The FRS Community Grant Program is a great way for projects in rural communities to receive potential financial assistance. If accepted, the grants awarded range from $250 to $5,000.
 
FRS provides priority to projects that:
 
  • Could be fully funded by the grant maximum of $5,000 or have at least 75% of the project currently funded.
  • Technology and broadband enabled focused projects.
  • Have a long-term impact for the community and its residents.
  • Promote community participation and engagement.
  • Create a more sustainable rural community.
SRT has had two local recipients in recent years. In 2023, $5,000 was awarded to the Minot Regional Impact Centers to develop and launch an online app to identify uneaten prepared food that can be collected and distributed through a network of programs that feed the hungry. 
 
In 2024, Local Motives in Minot received $5,000 to procure three checker/chessboard picnic tables for Citizens Alley to enhance passive recreation, foster community engagement, and enrich the public plaza experience. Citizens Alley opened to the public during the summer of 2025, and has been well received by the community.
 
Interested? Click here to fill out an application or pick up an application guide at SRT headquarters in Minot, 3615 N Broadway.
 
The deadline to submit your application proposal is September 1, 2026.

SRT 75th Annual Meeting Takes Place Thursday, June 18: A History of Innovation Anniversary Program Planned

SRT 75th Annual Meeting Takes Place Thursday, June 18: A History of Innovation Anniversary Program Planned

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MINOT, N.D. – SRT Communications will hold its annual meeting and director election on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the North Dakota State Fair Center in Minot.

The meeting will also highlight SRT’s 75th anniversary with exhibits and presentations that celebrate A History of Innovation.

Registration and voting begin at 5:00 p.m. and officially close at 7:00 p.m. A catered dinner will be served 5:00-7:00 p.m. and live entertainment featuring Ted & Kari will begin at 6:00 p.m.

The business meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. and will include a report to the members, financial updates, and election results.

The following candidates are up for election:

  • District 1:   Stanley Vangsness from Berthold/Carpio, Incumbent
  • District 2:   Kristi Miller from Maxbass, Incumbent
  • District 3:   John Marshall from Towner, Incumbent
  • District 4:   Colton Bourquin from Minot; Dr. Jason Bradley from Minot; Deanna Klein from Minot, Incumbent

Election results will also be posted on srt.com/annualmeeting.

Members are encouraged to bring the back page of the newsletter they received in the mail to be entered to win prizes.

Service Notification – SmartHub and MySRT App Maintenance

Service Notification – SmartHub and MySRT App Maintenance

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SmartHub and MySRT app will be unavailable on Sunday, June 7, beginning at 12:00 a.m. for a scheduled system upgrade. We appreciate your patience during this time and will update you once the scheduled upgrade is complete.

SRT Board Approves $750,000 in Additional Capital Credits to Mark 75th anniversary; Total Distribution Exceeds $4 Million

SRT Board Approves $750,000 in Additional Capital Credits to Mark 75th anniversary; Total Distribution Exceeds $4 Million

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Minot, N.D. – The SRT Board of Directors voted to return $4,075,980 to members through the retirement of capital credits, which includes a special approval of $750,000 to honor the cooperative’s 75th anniversary.

“The SRT Board always looks forward to sharing the cooperative’s success and stability with members. This year marks an especially meaningful occasion for showing our appreciation to those who make SRT’s 75-year history possible,” said Stanley Vangsness, SRT Board President.

The cooperative also updated its process for distributing capital credits to increase efficiency. Members receiving $100 or more in capital credits will still receive a check by mail. Members receiving an amount from $5 to less than $100 will now receive a credit applied to their bill. Members receiving less than $5 will receive an allocation statement and the amount will be added to the next year’s account balance.

“Each decision we make is ultimately about creating value for our membership. Streamlining how we deliver capital credits is one way we can do that,” said Cassidy Hjelmstad, SRT CEO and General Manager. “As our 75th anniversary distribution of capital credits demonstrates, SRT enjoys nothing more than delivering value back to our members.”

The retirement includes a combination of the oldest year (2001) and a portion of the current year (2025) allocations. The amount is proportionate to the recipient’s past business with SRT. Credits applied to a member’s bill will appear in May and checks will mail in early June.

Members should inform SRT of changes to their current mailing address to ensure they receive any future capital credit retirements.

For more information on capital credits, visit srt.com/capitalcredits or call 701-858-1200.

SRT Communications, headquartered in Minot, North Dakota, is the state’s largest telecommunications cooperative. Established in 1951, SRT employs roughly 160 people and serves more than 25,000 customers across north central North Dakota. SRT earned the distinction as a Certified Gig-Capable Provider in 2017. Services include high-speed fiber internet, phone, and security/surveillance systems for home and business. Learn more at www.srt.com.

Local Student Awarded $2,500 Foundation for Rural Service General Scholarship

Local Student Awarded $2,500 Foundation for Rural Service General Scholarship

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Minot, N.D. – The Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) awarded a $2,500 General Scholarship to Laykin Feller of Velva. Laykin attends Minot High School and plans to attend University of North Dakota.

FRS, the philanthropic arm of NTCA—The Rural Broadband Association, awards General Scholarships to an exceptional group of rural students for their first year of college or vocational school. All applicants require partnership with an NTCA member company to be eligible. SRT, as the NTCA partner, also contributes toward the scholarship award.

“As a cooperative, SRT is committed to investing in local youth to support their future goals,” said Cassidy Hjelmstad, SRT CEO and General Manager. “We are proud to partner with the Foundation for Rural Service to extend this scholarship opportunity to these exceptional students – and it’s always thrilling when a student from our rural service area wins this national award. Congratulations and best wishes to Laykin.”

A full list of scholarship awardees and more about the program is available online at www.frs.org/scholarships.

The Foundation for Rural Service (FRS), the philanthropic arm of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association and its members, seeks to sustain and enhance the quality of life in rural America by advancing an understanding of rural issues. Through scholarships, grants, and a variety of educational programs, FRS focuses on educating rural youth, encouraging community development and introducing policymakers to challenges unique to rural communities. Learn more at www.frs.org.

SRT Communications, headquartered in Minot, North Dakota, is the state’s largest telecommunications cooperative and a multi-gig internet provider. Established in 1951, SRT employs roughly 180 people and serves more than 25,000 customers across north-central North Dakota. SRT built a fiber optic broadband network throughout its service area. Services include high-speed internet, phone, and security and surveillance systems for home and business. Learn more at www.srt.com.