November/December 2015 - Dickey Rural Networks

Network Connections
P.O. Box 69
Ellendale, ND 58436
November/December 2015
DRN’s annual meeting highlights
Dickey Rural Telephone Cooperative held its 65th Annual
Meeting on Thursday, Oct. 22 at the Ellendale High School
gym. Approximately 425 members enjoyed a free ham
dinner and 71 door prizes were given away. There were
214 members present at the meeting.
During the meeting, members voted to re-elect board
members Arden Falk, Sid Meidinger and Lana Schlecht.
DRN General Manager/CEO Bob Johnson and Board
President Ralph Neu happily reported that financially
2014 was one of the best years on record for the
cooperative with a profit of approximately $5.45 million.
Bring your family together this holiday season with
an Entertainment Pak!
DRN has the Internet speed you need
this Christmas. Whether you are coming
together around the fire streaming a
movie or shopping online for the perfect
Christmas gift, treat yourself to
faster Internet speeds.
Sign up or upgrade to the
Entertainment Pak or higher
& receive a FREE Apple® iPad Mini 2.
Higher paks will receive a iTunes gift card in addition to the iPad Mini 2. Account must be in good standing and
two-year agreement is required. Valid Nov. – Dec. 2015.
DRN’S CEO/GENERAL MANAGER BOB JOHNSON
AND PRESIDENT RALPH NEU 2015 REPORT RECAP
DRN delivered a strong financial report this past year, while
faced with continued regulatory uncertainty. We continue
to manage our operating costs making adjustments to
assure we see a gain efficiencies year in and year out. In
December the decision was made to retire over $2 million
of capital credits. This aggressive approach by your Board
shows commitment to “give back” to cooperative members
and is in line with our mission to furnish high-quality
communications to consumers at competitive prices
which will ensure long-term viability.
Committed to be More than a Telephone Company
As “More than a Telephone Company,” DRN continues
living out that commitment by growing our services to
provide the technological solutions that you deserve.
This focus includes a commitment to the communities
we serve, educating employees to help in their
advancement, a continued drive to add new technologies
to our lineup of services, and investing in ventures that
keep us current and diversified like Insight Technologies.
Together with two other telecommunications cooperatives
in our state, DRN bought into Insight Technologies to
expand our knowledge base and help provide advanced
technological solutions for our customers.
Supporting our communities
DRN also believes in the “Buy Local” mentality and has
policies that direct our employees on behalf of DRN to
shop within our service territory for company needs.
We recommend the same for when they shop for their
personal needs. The past two years DRN has been
holding business appreciation luncheons as a way to
give back and seek input from area businesses. We
understand the value of main street business and make
efforts to help our local economies grow and become
stronger. Economic development within our rural
footprint begins with each one of us.
Thank you for your loyalty, cooperation and business.
No matter what technology changes the future may
bring, DRN’s commitment of being plugged into our
communities and keeping you connected to each other
and the world remains the same. DRN will continue
to plan for the future, and strive to provide useful and
dependable technology services that exceed your
expectations. n
Thank you to all who attended the annual meeting!
in this issue:
2 Free Technology Classes
3 Business Spotlight—
Dakota Precision Fabricating, Inc.
5 Fun Mobile Apps
DRN’s FREE Technology Classes
Looking for the perfect gift for
that hard to find person? Save
the date and register now for
DRN’s Free Shutterfly Calendar
creation class. Mark your
calendars for Wednesday,
November 18, 5:30 – 8:30
p.m. in the Community Room
of the Southeast Regional
Career and Technology
Center in Oakes.
Grab your pictures, dates of birthdays
and anniversaries and join DRN staff as we walk you
through creating the perfect calendar of events for your
family. It truly can be a perfect holiday gift for anyone.
Technology got you stumped? DRN also offers free
Basic Computer, Advanced Computer, Digital Camera,
E-mailing, Facebook, Pinterest, iPad or Tablet classes
as well. Get a group of ten or more together and DRN
will hold a class around your schedule.
Call 344-5000 today to register for the free Shutterfly
Calendar creation class or a free computer class of your
choice with ten friends, neighbors, colleagues, church
members or anyone else you know who’d like to learn
more about a specific technology topic. n
Ashley 288
Julie Bender........................... 288-3483
Janell Doll............................... 288-2391
Mary Ann Dubose............... 288-3267
Brandon Edwards................ 288-3592
Dylan Ehlers........................... 288-3162
Cary Hauth............................. 288-3178
Olga Kempf............................ 288-3721
William Kiefer........................ 288-3563
Marlon Lippert...................... 288-3165
C J Luick.................................. 288-8888
Tanner Meidinger................ 288-3665
Andrew Meyer...................... 288-3947
Chris Niskanen...................... 288-3327
Wyatt Piatz............................. 288-3816
Ashley, SD 289
Skylar Helfenstein..... (605) 289-3497
Capital credits arriving in December
Dickey 778
Daniel Larson........................ 778-7463
DRN’s board of directors is proud to announce the retirement of
capital credits for 2002, 2003 and 2014. If you had telecommunications
services those years please watch your mail for a dividend check.
Checks are scheduled to be mailed the week of December 7.
Edgeley 493
Brandenburg Farm Shop....493-2768
Larry L Coon.......................... 493-2006
K Dahlgren............................. 493-2346
Bret Kramer............................ 493-2041
L Lutz........................................ 493-2003
Mathern Cattle Company.493-2705
Stanley Meinsma................. 493-2382
Glauco Ortolano.................. 493-2976
Dan Pahl.................................. 493-2948
Beverley Prochmiak............ 493-2540
Deloris Schroeder................ 493-3052
Curtis Speidel........................ 493-2997
Lucas Wald............................. 493-2564
Jason Weigel.......................... 493-3065
Holiday Open Houses & Food Drive
Christmas is coming and DRN is celebrating! All DRN customers are invited to come share in the joy by stopping by
our offices for hot apple cider, coffee, and Christmas goodies. DRN will hold a holiday open house at all three customer
locations. The Christmas events will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 8. in Lisbon; followed by Oakes on
Wednesday, Dec. 9; and the festivities will wrap up on Thursday, Dec. 10 in Ellendale.
During the week of the open house events, Dec. 7-11, DRN is hosting a food drive at each customer
service location. Bring in a non-perishable food item for our local food pantries and receive a credit on
your DRN bill, $1 credit per item up to $5. Join us as we help make the Christmas season a little brighter
for those facing financial hardships.
New this year is DRN’s 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway! Each day from December 12-23, DRN is
holding a “12 Days of Christmas” giveaway. Customers will be entered in this random drawing through
entries made on DRN’s Facebook page and holiday open house registrations. n
JOIN US AT A HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE NEAR YOU!
Tuesday, Dec. 8 in Lisbon ~ Wednesday, Dec. 9 in Oakes
Thursday, Dec. 10 in Ellendale
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New directory listings
Ellendale 349
Amy Freier.............................349-3660
Kyle Glynn.............................349-2308
Jenna & Chad Hammontree
................................................... 349-3167
Jordan Healy......................... 349-4039
Dave Jacob............................. 349-3073
Jon Langeliers....................... 349-3368
Jonathan Lott........................ 349-4061
Jan Reuter.............................. 349-3789
Daniel Rodriguez................. 349-4013
Marcella Schlenker.............. 349-2806
Lori Shackle........................... 349-3062
Steven Shumaker................ 349-3281
Sue Urlacher.......................... 349-3119
Greg Wallace......................... 349-3192
Cody Wilburn........................ 349-2799
April Zaun............................... 349-2480
Forbes 357
Sally Lecholat........................357-7971
Forbes, SD 358
Dean Fiala...................(605) 358-8665
Seth Klipfel.................(605) 358-8541
Forman 724
Diann Aberle......................... 724-3670
Cogswell Contryside.......... 724-6451
The Chair................................ 724-3429
Sara Dockter.......................... 724-3942
Nadine Nesta......................... 724-6228
Kelly Rohrich......................... 724-3042
Jason Roth.............................. 724-6293
Rutland Elevator.................. 724-6202
Rutland Housing Inc........... 724-4177
Fort Ransom 973
Jason Jackson....................... 973-4094
Mary Kreidelcamp............... 973-2205
Guelph 783
Kevin Kretzschmar.............. 783-4305
Dawn Case............................. 783-4450
Gwinner 678
Seth Aberle............................ 678-2794
Brock Backer.......................... 678-2498
James Griffin.......................... 678-2532
Jodi Lindvall.......................... 678-2462
Jon M Mehus......................... 678-2204
K Nerison................................ 678-2662
Amanda Vogel...................... 678-2619
Taylor Waloch........................ 678-6857
Than Zual................................ 678-3972
Kathryn 796
Tabitha McKay...................... 796-7537
Todd Wurzer.......................... 796-7628
Kulm 647
Evan Dittus............................. 647-2415
John and Leone Hagen..... 647-2790
Kulm Airport.......................... 647-2475
Allie Marks.............................. 647-2778
Christina Smith..................... 647-2665
Kathleen Wright................... 647-2860
LaMoure 883
Shanel Bohnenstingl.......... 883-5903
Alyssa Davis........................... 883-5479
Joshua Ensz........................... 883-5954
Dan Harris............................... 883-4314
Cole Hesby............................. 883-5257
Ryan Lesko............................. 883-4347
Ashley Manley...................... 883-5239
Jan Meidinger....................... 883-5922
Susan Muske......................... 883-5726
Lisbon 683
Alexie Adair............................ 683-5617
Banks........................................ 683-4340
Lisbon 683 (cont.)
Devin Desmet....................... 683-4658
Josh Edwards........................ 683-9759
Bobbi Jo Griggs.................... 683-2418
William Herring.................... 683-4416
Betty L Kelley......................... 683-9807
Kelly Kopp.............................. 683-5961
Josh Marvig........................... 683-4709
Warren Michael.................... 683-9768
Kyndra Nelson...................... 683-4953
Thad Nitschke....................... 683-3384
Jane Overmoe...................... 683-6907
Zvonko Peterkovic.............. 683-5128
Jesse Printz............................ 683-2203
Nathan Qual.......................... 683-3382
Verna Rufsvold...................... 683-4299
Felicia Schultz....................... 683-3498
Shopko Hometown............ 683-9752
Joan Swanson....................... 683-5937
Miles Taylor............................ 683-1002
Litchville 762
Lisa Hoffman......................... 762-4456
Monica Muhs........................ 762-3632
Brandon Smith..................... 762-4293
Brandon J Torborg............... 762-4405
Marion 669
Colten Gentzkow................. 669-2420
Ronald Moore....................... 669-2471
Meggan Smith...................... 669-2425
Peggy Wagner...................... 669-2422
Milnor 427
Brent & Amy Bergstrom.... 427-5401
Stephanie Gates................... 427-1002
Brittany Henning................. 427-5054
Jacob Hejtmanek................. 427-9447
Michael Olson....................... 427-9463
Oakes 742
Lori Althoff............................. 742-2101
Avamere Health................... 742-4495
Cassandra Bergan................ 742-3215
Brady Coleman..................... 742-3665
Lauren Goetze...................... 742-3973
Aaydin & Fatima Kulaglic....742-2966
Erica Leake............................. 742-4573
Kristi Moe............................... 742-2086
Zack Munro............................ 742-3928
Corey Odstrcil....................... 742-4412
Candyce Schlader................ 742-2839
Tanner Schumacher............ 742-2493
Elise Townsend..................... 742-2378
Merna Treeby........................ 742-3389
Kevin Kretzschmar.............. 742-3987
Stephanie Zeise.................... 742-2725
7
Dakota Precision Fabrication, Inc. continued from page 3.
removable flood wall installed in the world, spanning runways on the banks of the
Mississippi River in St. Paul, Minnesota. Today, they are currently working on the flood
wall for Valley City. “There’s pride in the product we are providing and in knowing what
we are protecting,” Shannon states.
Knowing the importance of keeping connected for his business Shannon stated, “DRN’s
internet, telephone and IT services have been very valuable to the success of our day to
day operations. From the inventory vending machines to the plasma cutter that I can
remotely operate, our business relies on the services they offer.”
Shannon admits he really didn’t know all the services DRN provides. “I was actually in
a contract with another company for managed services and cancelled to switch to DRN.
I have first-hand experience knowing the value of working with someone locally, who
is there when I need them. Our business relies on DRN services to function and their
quick response has been much appreciated,” said Shannon. n
Photo far right: The inventory vending machine relies on DRN internet service to operate.
Dakota Precision Fabrication, Inc. staff use the machine to track their inventory and
supplies which in turn helps increase manufacturing efficiency and reduce costs.
Celebrate the holiday season
with fun and free mobile apps
Santa’s Bag—Simplify your Christmas shopping!
Set budgets, create shopping lists and track
your progress for each recipient with this app.
Add a passcode to prevent sneaky family
members from looking at your ideas.
NHL®—National Hockey League (NHL) is the only
hockey app that lets you watch in-game video
highlights and listen to live game audio from
every NHL® game. Personalize the app to follow
your favorite team.
Fruit Ninja—Slice through fruit like never before!
The 5th Anniversary edition includes new
features and characters for ninjas of all levels
to practice their skills.
Left: Welcome to Grand Forks, steel sign created by Dakota Precision Fabricating, Inc.
Right: Dakota Precision Fabricating, Inc. along with Flood Control America are working to create a removable flood wall,
similar to the one shown here to protect the World Trade Center that can be set up within 48 hours. These flood walls
are greatly needed to protect historical buildings after the east coast suffered costly damages from Hurricane Sandy.
Christmas gift ideas for technology lovers
Not sure what to get your tech-lover this Christmas? DRN can help you find
something they will love! Stop in at the office in Oakes, Lisbon or Ellendale to
view our selection of laptop bags, iPad cases and cell phones. DRN also has
printers, laptops, desktops and more to choose from!
Don’t forget to check out our weekly computer specials on DRN’s website:
drtel.com/specials to find great deals on laptops and desktops for work
and for play. Christmas is right around the corner so avoid the last-minute
rush and start shopping today. n
4
Going away
for winter?
Vacation rates
available.
Wondering what to do with your
telecommunications services while
you’re gone this winter? There’s no
need to worry about your bill on your
vacation when DRN is here to help
with vacation rates.
Customers can lower their monthly
bill by putting their services on vacation
rate. Vacation rates are also available
for Paks.
To put your service on vacation rate,
simply call DRN to sign up or request
online at www.drtel.com. A one-time
service fee of $25 applies. There is no
charge to reconnect within six months
of placing service on vacation rate. n
Congratulations to these annual meeting
door prize winners!
Arlene Steiger, Ellendale
Derrick Miller, Ellendale
Tom Roeszler, Fullerton
Larry Coon, Edgeley
Luella Grueneich, Ellendale
Lila Schlenker, Ellendale
Paul Gall, Ashley
Janet Maroney, Ellendale
Maggie Bertsch, Ellendale
Esther Wolff, Ellendale
Barbara Heine, Ellendale
Dale Radermacher, Monango
George Schaefer, Ellendale
Esther Krueger, Ashley
Shirley Fleming, Ashley
Don Flaherty, Ellendale
Kenneth Kellogg, Monango
Blumhardt Chevrolet, Ellendale
Joanne Brokaw, Ashley
David Kinzler, Monango
Larry Schauer, Ashley
Stanley Dobler, Ashley
Gladys Wahl, Ashley
Elm Lake Lodge, Forbes
John Martinson, Oakes
Lester Lang, Ashley
Marvin Mayer, Ashley
Brandon Meidinger, Ashley
Darwin Nill, Monango
August Wiederrich, Ellendale
Lona Mathern, Edgeley
Wayne Kaseman, Ashley
Darlene Hauck, Forbes
Dennis Leppert, Merricourt
Floyd Schnabel, Ashley
John Gerdes, Jud
Mary Huston, Ellendale
Marabelle Bobbe, Forbes
Bradley Sand, Ellendale
Shirley Dunn, Ellendale
Larry Davis, Ellendale
Robert Larson, Edgeley
Delmar Smedshammer, Litchville
Olga Sackmann, Ashley
Robert Hardtke, LaMoure
Royal Boniek, Ellendale
Jean Bauer, Ashley
Lysle Coleman, Oakes
Clausen Springs Rec Area, Litchville
Harvey Anliker, Forbes
New Life Assembly of God, Ellendale
Bev Anderson, Kathryn
Elsie Schock, Ellendale
Curt Larson, Forman
Juanita Feil, Ashley
Delane Scallon, Edgeley
D&D Drive Inn, Ellendale
Richard Wadholm, Ellendale
Arlena Heinrich, Ellendale
Annetta Fredrick, Ellendale
Rueben Wolf, Kulm
Mavis Widmer, Ashley
Robert Barton, Ellendale
Doug Davis, Ellendale
JC Dethlefsen, Oakes
Gerald Grueneich, Ellendale
Harvey Haarsager, Litchville
Lois Church, Nortonville
Lyle Rodin, Marion
Edna Weispfenning, Fredonia
5
Business Spotlight
DRN hires three and promotes five
DRN is happy to announce the addition of three new team members, as well as five current employees taking on new
positions within the company. New customer care specialists for DRN’s Ellendale office are Khristal Stoppleworth,
Ellendale, and Krista Porter, Aberdeen. Sue Urlacher of Ellendale, also a new customer care specialist, is reporting
to the Oakes office.
Commited to expanding their skills and providing DRN customers with the best possible experience, five DRN
employees have been promoted and accepted new roles. Mike Ost, Oakes, has accepted the outside network operations
specialist position, and Tyson Johnson, Ellendale, filled the vacancy left by Ost to be the new technical support analyst
at the Oakes office. Patrick Young of Ellendale, previously worked as an outside network operations specialist, now is
an inside network operations specialist.
Nolan Baldwin of Edgeley moved up from inside network operations specialist to hold the position of operations
supervisor. Moving to the Technical Assistance Group (TAG) is Nicole McIntosh, Ellendale, who previously worked as
a customer care specialist at DRN. n
Welcome new employees to DRN and congratulations to the employees advancing their careers by accepting new positions.
Save Time
& Earn $5
Sign up for E-Bill or Auto Pay in December and receive a $5 credit to your bill! Sign up for E-bill online:
drnsmarthub.coop. Complete your Auto Pay form found in your bill or contact DRN 344-5000.
Don’t put up with a broken screen
Let DRN’s certified technicians save your phone and save you money.
DRN offers repair on all brands of phones, tablets, iPods regardless of
your wireless carrier. We also will service any brand of laptop or
desktop computer. DRN also provides free 15-minute computer
diagnostic, as well as data transfer and recovery.
We are your local mobile device & computer repair solution.
l Screen and Charge Port Repair
l Button Replacement
l Liquid Damage Repair
l Headphone Jack Replacement
l Desktop and Laptop Restoration
l Upgrades or Replacement to Computer Hardware
l New Computers, Hardware & Software for Sale
Bring your device to the Ellendale, Oakes or Lisbon office
and our certified technicians will take it from there.
344-5000 • www.drtel.com • www.drnreaditech.com
6
Dakota Precision Fabrication, Inc.
Dakota Precision Fabrication, Inc. staff starting left: Bill Hoflen, Hilary Mehrer, Shannon Mehrer, Julie Gebhardt
and Liz Fulin. Not pictured: Colton Corry, Jason Siirtola and Kong Hansana.
When you think of the Freedom Tower, World Trade Center or Verizon Building, what comes to mind?
Is it New York City or Manhattan? Possibly, but many are unaware the work to preserve these
historical buildings from flooding was completed by Dakota Precision Fabricating, Inc., in Forman.
Shannon and Hilary Mehrer, owners of Dakota
Precision Fabricating, opened their doors in April 2004
in Forman. Their company specializes in miscellaneous
metals, structural steel and fabricating removable flood
walls for Flood Control America. They began working
on railings, stairways, providing structural steel, stainless
steel and aluminum products. Now Dakota Precision
Fabricating is a major player in providing removable flood
walls before a flood occurs to protect massive structures,
like the World Trade Center, and the people in and around
these building.
Shannon was doing drafting and design for a company in
West Fargo when he and his wife Hilary made the decision
to move to Rutland where Hilary spent many childhood
summers with her grandparents. They love the values of
small town living and what it offers their family and two
sons, Jacob and Thomas.
Their business began humbly in one bay of Forman’s
Cenex building. It currently fills the entire building,
which the Mehrers now own, plus a second location
across the street. Their success is due in part to the
talents of Shannon’s high drafting skills and his
connection with George Fryklund, owner of Flood
Control America (FCA).
Shannon came to know George through his previous
employer where George saw the value of Shannon’s skills.
After Shannon started his own business, George contacted
him and told him he didn’t want to work with any other
drafter. According to Shannon, he and George spoke the
same language. “This partnership with Flood Control
America caused growing pains. It required us to go
from one employee to five in a week’s time,” said Hilary.
Currently, Dakota Precision Fabricating employs six, besides
the Mehrers, with the possibility of future expansion.
What is the driving force behind what they do? As
Shannon said, “many don’t understand my business.”
There’s a lot to consider and put to the drafting table when
it comes to the protection of historic buildings, entire cities
or airports with the removable flood walls. It takes time to
plan, design, make changes, and feel secure that the product
designed is the best and safest it can be.
Taking pride in the products they build Shannon stated,
“You need to build the respect and confidence from every
customer you’re providing a product for, to keep the doors
open and the calls coming in for future projects. If you take
pride in what you do, stay committed, work hard and be loyal
to them, they’ll be loyal to you.” When asked
what makes him different from others in this field,
he explained, “my ability to do the design
and communicate with FCA in handling
intricate projects.”
Closer to home, Dakota Precision Fabricating
has been involved with tasks as small as the
welcome sign for Grand Forks, to as large as
the removable flood wall system for the city
of East Grand Forks. The flood wall system
allowed the city to develop a massively
successful commercial center along the
riverfront. They were also an intricate
part of the largest American-made
continued on page 3 >>
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