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Press Release

SRT and Rural Development Award Grants to Area Projects

SRT and Rural Development Award Grants to Area Projects

MINOT, N.D. – SRT Communications, Inc. is a member of the Rural Development Finance Corporation (RDFC). As a result, communities in SRT’s service area are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $2,000 for community-based projects. RDFC is making these funds available in order that more people become aware of their larger loan program that funds community-based projects and non-profit entities with low interest loans.

“RDFC’s ability to offer this grant program is a great opportunity for our local communities to enhance projects that benefit their community,” said Steve Lysne, SRT CEO/General Manager. “SRT is pleased to provide matching funds for the program to further progress these worthy projects.”

RDFC recently awarded a $500 grant to the Sherwood Park Board and SRT matched those funds with an additional $500 donation. The Sherwood Park Board will be using the grant proceeds to design and create new signage located at the entrance of town, and at the Sherwood City Park.

RDFC also awarded $500 to the Mohall Park District and received the $500 match from SRT for improvements to the community swimming pool. The Mohall Park District is renovating the pool building’s exterior by replacing doors, paint and rain gutters.

For an application, assistance or questions concerning RDFC, please contact Lori Capouch at 701-667-6444 or lcapouch@ndarec.com.

SRT Communications located in Minot, North Dakota is the state’s largest telecommunications cooperative. SRT services include Internet, Security, TV, Phone and Business Services and has served north central North Dakota since 1951, employs more than 200 people, and serves over 48,000 customers.

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SRT Board President Allan Engh and Sherwood Park District Board President Nettie Daeley at the entrance to the Sherwood Park

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SRT Board Member Ardel Rice, Mohall Park District Board President Jessica Fitzsimmons,
Mohall Park District Board Member Kaitlin Sisk, and SRT Board President Allan Engh

SRT to Donate $100,000 to Roosevelt Park Zoo

SRT to Donate $100,000 to Roosevelt Park Zoo

SRT donates to Roosevelt Zoo
Minot, N.D. – SRT is announcing a $100,000 gift to the Roosevelt Park Zoo New Habitat for a New Century Capital Campaign that will significantly impact the Amur Tiger River Valley Exhibit. The Amur Tiger River Valley will include housing, three separate play yards with water falls, overhead catwalks and allow for guests to walk between and around the tiger habitat. Roosevelt Park Zoo’s big cat exhibits were over 40 years old and in need of updates. SRT will receive naming rights to the Amur Tiger Catwalk: Yard 2 & 3, which also includes a community gathering space. “SRT is honored to invest in our community and the Zoo’s role in making this a great place to live. The enhancements to the animal habitats will allow over 90,000 visitors a year to get a greater appreciation for these animals and conservation.” said SRT General Manager/CEO, Steve Lysne. “SRT prides itself on being community-minded. We see the zoo and projects like this as an opportunity to support impactful additions to the quality of life in our community.” “We sincerely appreciate the generosity of SRT on this important project to improve our Zoo and we applaud their commitment to our community. This project will dramatically enhance the experience of our Zoo for our visitors and the quality of life for our big cats helping to keep the magic in the Magic City.” Said Becky Dewitz, Zoo Director. “We are extremely grateful for SRT’s continued support of the Minot Park District.” said Executive Director Minot Park District, Ron Merritt. “Their most recent gift of $100,000 towards the New Habitat for a New Century Capital Campaign is a great example of their commitment to the quality of life for the community of Minot.” SRT families and Roosevelt Park Zoo families will be on hand to assist with the unveiling of the grant. In addition, SRT will have a booth at RPZ’s Boo At The Zoo event following the announcement. Boo At The Zoo attendees will have a chance to sign up to win a Tiger Training Experience, courtesy of SRT, once the new Amur Tiger Valley Exhibit is complete. SRT Communications located in Minot, North Dakota is the state’s largest telecommunications cooperative. SRT services include Internet, Security, TV, Phone and Business Services and has served north central North Dakota since 1951, employs more than 200 people, and serves over 48,000 customers.

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SRT to Co-Host Cooperative Events

SRT to Co-Host Cooperative Events

Tailgating for Co-op Month
Minot, N.D. – SRT is co-hosting a community picnic along with other Bottineau area cooperatives on Thursday, October 11thand a tailgating dinner in Velva before the football game on Friday, October 12thas part of Cooperative Month. “Cooperatives See the Future” is the theme of this year’s National Cooperative Month. As part of our commitment to current and future members, we are hosting a variety of outreach activities like this throughout the SRT service territory. SRT, Farmers’ Union of Westhope/Souris/Bottineau, Farm Credit Services, North Central Electric Cooperative, and North Star Community Credit Union are celebrating October as Cooperative Month with a free community picnic. Burgers, brats, salad, chips, drinks and cookies will be served. There will be a variety of carnival games for kids, prize drawings from each co-op, and a $250 cash grand prize! SRT and Verendrye Electric Cooperative are co-hosting a pre-game tailgate dinner at the Velva Aggies vs. Bishop Ryan Lions football game with chili and knoephla soup made by the Velva Senior Center. The dinner will have a freewill offering with proceeds benefiting Velva Park. All are welcome to attend the Community Picnic at the Bottineau Armory (115 6thSt. W) from 3-6pm on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018. The Football Tailgating Dinner will take place prior to the game at the Velva football field (101 4thSt. W) from 5:30-7pm on Friday, Oct. 12, 2018. SRT Communications located in Minot, North Dakota is the state’s largest telecommunications cooperative. SRT services include Internet, Security, TV, Phone and Business Services and has served north central North Dakota since 1951, employs more than 200 people, and serves over 48,000 customers.

SRT Awards College Scholarships

SRT Awards College Scholarships

SRT is pleased to announce the winners of college scholarships to outstanding area students. Four winners were awarded the SRT College Scholarship and will receive $1,500 each towards their college tuition. One winner was awarded the SRT $2,500 Technical Scholarship, a newer scholarship opportunity introduced in 2016. Finally, two students were selected to receive a national scholarship from the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS), in cooperation with NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association. “It’s an honor for SRT to play a role in advancing a student’s education,” said Steve Lysne, SRT General Manager/CEO. “We appreciate these students commitment to education and their communities. Not to mention, having two national winners also shows the caliber of students we’re lucky to have in our local school systems.” Applicants for the $1,500 scholarship were judged on their volunteerism and community involvement, scholastic performance, and an essay in which they were asked to discuss how they would teach the technology aspect of STEAM education in the classroom and how they’d adapt to ongoing changes in technology. In addition to the essay, students were required to submit a list of their community activities, school involvement and transcripts. The SRT Technical Scholarship also required students to submit their volunteerism, community involvement and scholastic performance. Additionally, a letter of recommendation from a community member as well as an essay describing plans for a future career in the telecommunications industry was required. The 2018 SRT $1,500 Scholarship recipients are:
  • Stephen Ellingson – MLS-Mohall High School
  • Gage Jaeger – Minot High School
  • Ryleigh Popinga – Our Redeemer’s Christian School
  • Karena Verbitsky – South Prairie High School
2018 Scholarship Winners The 2018 SRT $2,500 Technical Scholarship winner is:
  • Nicholas Effertz – Velva High School
SRT is also pleased to announce two students from the SRT service area have been awarded nationally recognized scholarships from FRS. Out of 1,400 applicants across the nation, Lyndsey Spelhaug from Minot High School and SRT Technical Scholarship winner Nicholas Effertz from Velva High School were both selected to receive a $5,000 scholarship. 2018 FRS Winners “After much effort, our review committee finally selected 53 students who went above and beyond in their academics, hard work and community involvement—and I’m delighted to say that two of those winners came from SRT! And as if being part of such a select group weren’t enough, both stood out to our reviewers for their dedication to the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields, and they were each awarded the prestigious JSI Staurulakis Family Foundation Scholarships for $5,000 each. Congratulations Nicolas and Lyndsey!” stated FRS Executive Director Jessica Golden. Scholarship recipients will be honored at a special luncheon with the SRT Board of Directors and Executive Staff at the Grand Hotel (1505 N Broadway, Minot) on Wednesday, April 25 at 12pm. Recipients will share their essay, and talk about their plans for the future.

SRT Board of Director Nominations Open

SRT Board of Director Nominations Open

Beginning April 23, 2018, in accordance with SRT bylaws, petition forms will be available at the SRT North office to members interested in running for the SRT Board of Directors. Current board members up for re-election and interested parties must acquire signatures of support from members in their district. An official “Nomination of Directors” form must be picked up, completed, and returned no later than 5:00pm on May 21, 2018. A qualified petition will allow that member’s name to be listed as a candidate for director on the ballot at the 2018 SRT Annual Meeting which will be held on June 21stat the North Dakota State Fair Center in Minot. Members have until May 21, 2018 prior to 5:00pm to return their completed petition to SRT, located at 3615 N. Broadway in Minot.  In order for a name to be placed on the ballot at the SRT Annual Meeting, an eligible member of the cooperative must file a signed petition, and must receive a minimum of 15 member’s signatures in the same district from which the nomination is being made. SRT’s Board of Directors are elected by the membership from their respective districts and are seated on the board of directors for a three-year term. SRT’s four districts have three directors each, which make up the 12-person cooperative board. The board’s role is to help make strategic decisions that determine the direction of the cooperative. Interested parties can direct questions to Cassidy Hjelmstad, Corporate Communications Director, at 701-838-9719.