SRT.COM

SRT

North Dakota Funding Opportunity for Rural Health Providers: Connecting Tech, Data, and Providers for a Stronger ND

North Dakota Funding Opportunity for Rural Health Providers: Connecting Tech, Data, and Providers for a Stronger ND

News_RuralHealthTransformation640x320

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a new funding opportunity to help rural health care providers strengthen and modernize electronic medical record systems.

The Electronic Medical Record Enhancement funding opportunity is designed to support enhancements to existing electronic medical record systems that improve service delivery and health outcomes for rural North Dakotans. Examples may include technology enhancements, expanded functionality and artificial intelligence-supported tools that help providers better manage patient care and improve operational efficiency.

The funding opportunity aligns with Initiative 4: Connect Tech, Data, and Providers for a Stronger North Dakota, part of North Dakota’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). This initiative focuses on modernizing health care delivery, improving access to information, and helping providers leverage technology to better serve their communities. 

Approximately $500,000 per awardee in first-year funding is available, with the possible opportunity to request additional funding. The funding is designed to support practical, locally driven solutions that help rural and tribal communities.

Eligible applicants include:

  • Critical access hospitals
  • Rural hospital systems
  • Rural Federally Qualified Health Centers
  • Non-federally operated Indian Health Service facilities and tribally run 638 health facilities

Applications are due by July 29, 2026, at 5 p.m. CT. A technical assistance call will be held July 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. CT. More information, application materials, and technical assistance resources are available at hhs.nd.gov/rural-health-transformation/funding.

SRT is your locally owned telecommunications cooperative with deep roots in north-central North Dakota. For 75 years, we have worked alongside community-based organizations as an economic catalyst, providing advanced infrastructure to improve opportunity and quality of life. As rural healthcare continues to evolve through telehealth, mobile clinics, remote monitoring, and data-driven care, dependable technology infrastructure will be critical.

We are available to support technology-based projects that align with RHTP funding opportunities, to ensure your rural healthcare organization is technically prepared for what comes next. Thank you for dedication to the health of your communities’ residents.

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

News_annmtg640x320

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.

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

News_CAPTIALCREDIT640x320 (1)

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

News_FRSscholarship640x320 (1)

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.

SRT Announces 2026 Scholarship and Youth Tour Students

SRT Announces 2026 Scholarship and Youth Tour Students

News_scholarshipwinners640x320

Minot, N.D. – SRT has announced the 2026 winners of seven college scholarships totaling $15,000.

The following six students each won a $2,000 SRT General Scholarship:

  • Brynn Hanson (Burlington) – DLB High School
  • Hattie Heer (Douglas) – South Prairie High School
  • Cooper Kittleson (Velva) – Velva High School
  • Sam Knudsvig (Minot) – Our Redeemer’s Christian School
  • Collin Swenson (Minot) – Our Redeemer’s Christian School
  • Brooke Zimmer (Mohall) – MLS-Mohall High School

Tate Heer of Douglas won the $3,000 SRT Technical Scholarship. He will attend Bismarck State College’s Electrical Lineworker program.

“We always look forward to rewarding area students for their accomplishments,” said Cassidy Hjelmstad, SRT CEO and General Manager. “As we celebrate our 75th Anniversary this year, we are especially honored to continue this decades-long commitment of supporting local youth and their bright futures.”

Shaun Randall and Makayla White of Berthold High School will represent SRT at the 2026 Foundation for Rural Service Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. These students will learn about the telecommunications industry, tour the nation’s capital, and meet with legislative leaders to discuss their experiences in rural North Dakota.

A panel of SRT board members and employees evaluated General Scholarship applications on scholastic performance and achievements, volunteerism and community involvement, and an essay submission. SRT Technical Scholarship applicants were required to submit volunteerism and community involvement, scholastic performance, an essay, and a letter of recommendation from a community member or educator.

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.