MINOT, N.D. – Bantry Union Cemetery in McHenry County was recently able to place pre-1940 grave markers, thanks in part to funding from a Rural Development Finance Corporation (RDFC) grant matched by SRT Communications.

RDFC awarded a $500 grant to Bantry Union Cemetery in 2022, which SRT matched with an additional $500 donation. Seventeen new grave markers were placed in honor of area settlers this summer.

The cemetery, located north of Towner, was established in the early 1900s. While the City of Bantry is no longer incorporated, the cemetery’s sexton and five-person board will continue to work to keep it clean and up-to-date with its grave sites.

“I know quite a few people buried here,” board member Darlene Tiffany said. “After losing family members myself, it’s so important to honor our deceased family members, and it’s been really rewarding to be able to place so many markers.”

Established as a non-profit organization, funding comes from several sources. Board members for Bantry Union Cemetery are working on fundraising to place a dozen more pre-1940 grave markers this fall. Their research has shown that there were about 70 unmarked graves.

SRT is among the North Dakota rural telecommunication and electric cooperatives that are members of RDFC. A nonprofit finance and development corporation, RDFC provides funding for economic development and diversification projects in rural North Dakota. Applications are submitted to RDFC; if approved, funds are matched 100% by SRT.

“SRT appreciates the rural towns and efforts made by community members who help with projects like this one at Bantry Union Cemetery. We’re happy to be able to match RDFC funding,” said Kristi Miller, SRT Board President.

SRT Communications, headquartered in Minot, North Dakota, is the state’s largest telecommunications cooperative. Established in 1951, SRT employs nearly 190 people and serves more than 48,000 customers across north central North Dakota. SRT is committed to bringing the benefits of fiber to rural and urban communities alike and earned the distinction as a Certified Gig-Capable Provider in 2017. Services include internet, phone, and security/surveillance systems for home and business.

The Rural Development Finance Corporation (RDFC) is a nonprofit corporation that encourages economic diversification and community vitality through the generation of funding that supports sustainable asset building. Funding for RDFC programs comes from fee income generated by Dakotas America LLC, a community development entity providing New Market Tax Credits in economically distressed census tracks across the United States. The North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives provides support to RDFC.

Surrey Fire Protection District’s first rescue truck, the donated vehicle is fully equipped and can haul trailers on rescue calls instead of relying on fire trucks. The new rescue truck can also be used for manpower calls.

“This truck allows us to respond year-round to any medical call,” said Seth Bartholomay, Assistant Chief of Surrey Fire Protection District. “We’ve had some winters with deep snow in recent years. With all the lights, people will see us coming from a long way away.”

Surrey Fire Protection District provides fire and rescue services to Surrey Township and offers mutual aid to surrounding townships and departments. The district has prioritized upgrading equipment and vehicles to enhance their fire and rescue efforts.

“We are always striving to increase our capabilities to better serve our community,” said Bartholomay. “By donating the entire truck, SRT is helping us put resources toward other replacements and upgrades we need. It’s a blessing that the donation happened this way.”

Kristi Miller, SRT Board President, said about the donation, “SRT is grateful to our first responders for the vital role they play in our communities. We are committed to public safety and are humbled to support the life-saving work of Surrey Fire Protection District.”

Minot, N.D. – The Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) is currently accepting applications for its 2023 Community Grant Program. Awards range from $250 to $5,000.

FRS is a nonprofit organization that works with NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association to sustain and enhance quality of life in America through an understanding of rural issues. The Grant Program is offered annually through NTCA members to support local efforts in building sustainable rural communities for residents.

Because SRT is a member of NTCA, rural communities within SRT’s service area can apply for the FRS Community Grant Program.

Interested applicants can download the application guide here.

Email completed applications to email@srt.com, or mail to:

SRT Communications
Attn: Corporate Communications
PO Box 2027
Minot, ND 58702

The deadline to submit applications is August 21, 2023.

Minot, N.D. –SRT presented a $2,500 check to the Union Silos Public Art Project on Thursday, June 8.

The Union Silos project will transform Minot’s downtown Farmer’s Union Co-op grain silos into North Dakota’s largest mural and an artistic backdrop for the city. So far, project organizers have raised 60% of their $350,000 donation goal.

“This project is only possible with strong community support,” said Chelsea Gleich, Union Silos Co-Organizer. “We are very grateful for donations like SRT’s that will help us celebrate our history of agriculture for years to come.”

A “Monuments Project” is underway in states across the country to beautify public spaces, preserve iconic structures, and attract tourism to unique American communities. Union Silos in Minot will represent North Dakota’s sole Monuments Project.

“SRT proudly invests in the vitality of our region, “ said Kristi Miller, SRT Board President. “Bringing art to Minot that honors our farming heritage will benefit our economy and quality of life. We are pleased to support the Union Silos project and look forward to the installment’s unveiling.”

Work on the project will begin later this summer with Guido van Helten, a visual artist and photographer recognized internationally for creating large-scale mural installations.

MINOT, N.D. – SRT Communications will be distributing $1,824,596 in credits back to its members.

SRT’s Board of Directors approved SRT to issue checks that include a portion of the 2000 allocation and a portion of the 2022 allocation. Checks will be mailed out in early June.

“Capital credits are a core benefit of belonging to a cooperative,” said Kristi Miller, SRT Board President. “SRT values our membership and enjoys sharing the good news of our financial health with them. These capital credits represent our members’ ownership equity.”

SRT Capital Credits in Four Steps

1. At the end of the fiscal year, SRT determines whether there are excess revenues, called margins.
2. The margins are allocated to members as capital credits based on the amount spent by the member during the year.
3. The Board of Directors decides to retire, or pay, the capital credits when the cooperative’s financial condition allows.
4. Members are notified how and when they will receive their capital credit distribution.

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.