beaconbeaconV O L U M E 5 3 A P R I L 2 0 1 1

Dates toRemember April 1April Fools’ Day

April 5 April Bills Mailed

April 13 Disconnect Day

April 15 Tax Day

April 20 April Bill Payments Due

April 22 Good Friday

April 24 Easter

April 27 Administrative Professionals’ Day

April 29 National Arbor Day

BEK Communications

Office Closed for Holiday

Friday, April 22, 2011

District I(Regan, Sterling, McKenzie, Wilton, Wing)

Sanford Williams, Wing (incumbent)Kari Cutting, Wilton

District II(Pettibone, Tappen, Robinson, Tuttle, Steele)

Doug Kalianoff, Steele (incumbent)

District III(Kintyre, Strasburg, Hazelton, Linton)Virgil Horner, Strasburg (incumbent)

Kevin Bernhardt, Linton

District IV(Lehr, Zeeland, Wishek, Napoleon)

No election in 2011

Nominations for Director

AnnouncedOn Thursday, June 9, 2011, the member-owners residing in Districts I, II and III of BEK

Communications Cooperative will elect one (1) director from each district to a three (3)

year term in office.

The 2011 Nominating Committee met on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 to make the following nominations to be placed on the ballots for their respective districts:

The 2011 Nominating Committee consisted of seven members, appointed by the Board of Directors. They are representatives of the districts where elections will be held.

The 2011 Nominating Committee pictured left to right: Wayne Moen, Steele; Randy Kapp, Medina; Laverne Rachel, Wing; Mary Ann Gefroh, Linton; Wes Mastel, Hague; Ronald Volk, Strasburg and Quirina Schmidt, Menoken.

The election of directors is an integral part of the BEK Communications Cooperative Annual Meeting. This June, member-owners will vote to fill three positions on the Board of Directors

for Districts I, II and III. Nominations can also be made by petition as outlined in the BEK Bylaws as well as nominations from the floor at the annual meeting.

Mark June 9, 2011 on your calendar to attend theBEK Communications Cooperative Annual Meeting.

Your vote is important.

2

BEK Sports Central (BEK Communications, Dakota Central Telecommunications, Dickey Rural Networksand North Dakota Telephone Company)

Major Game Sponsors KEM Electric Cooperative Inc. - Linton, N.D.Kimble’s Guns & Repair - Linton, N.D.Northland Financial - Steele, N.D.Farmland Coop, Inc. - Oakes, N.D.

Special Game SponsorsStarting Lineup – First Community Credit Union, Steele, Napoleon, Wishek and Jamestown, N.D.Halftime Show – Dakota Central Telecommunications - Carrington, N.D.Player of the Game – Prairie Heating & Air, Inc.- Linton, N.D.Pre-game Show – BNC National Bank - Linton, N.D.Impact Player – Farm RescueX-Factor – Border States Electric, Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks and Williston, N.D.

BEK Sports West (Midstate Telephone Company, Northwest Communications Cooperative, Polar Communications, Reservation Telephone Cooperative, SRT Communications, United Communications andTurtle Mountain Communications)

Major Game Sponsors Dakota West Credit Union - Watford City, New Town, Turtle Lake, Washburn, Riverdale, Mohall, New England and Bowman, N.D.Four Bears Casino - New Town, N.D.Lund Oil - Watford City, N.D.Rensch Chevrolet - New Town, N.D.

Special Game SponsorsStarting Lineup – Reservation Telephone Cooperative, N.D.Keys to the Game – Reynolds Insurance, New Town, N.D.Halftime Show – Wishek Manufacturing, Wishek, N.D.Player of the Game – Three Affiliated Tribes, New Town, N.D.Pre-game Show – Reservation Telephone Cooperative, N.D.Impact Player – Farm Rescue X-Factor – Border States Electric, Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks and Williston, N.D

The West (W) and Central (C) games were alsobrought to you by:

Advantage Appliance (W) – Minot, N.D.Alliance Ag (C) - Bismarck – Mandan, NDBEK Communications (C) – Steele, N.D.Bismarck Cancer Center (C) – Bismarck, N.D.Bismarck State College (C) – Bismarck, N.D.Braun Insurance (C) – Napoleon, N.D.C-Ram (C) – Bismarck, N.D.

Thank You from BEK SportsMarch 10, 2011 wrapped up the Winter Sports Schedule for BEK Sports.

What an exciting season of sports action!

It’s been a busy season: 164 games in 48 communities in 199 days! BEK Sports fans throughout south-central, north-central and north-west North Dakota witnessed some of the best LIVE sporting events this season thanks to BEK Sports, its broadcast partners and the following sponsors:

Dvorak Motors Inc. (C) – Bismarck, N.D.Dakota Quality Grain (W) – Parshall, NDExact Med (W) – Bismarck, N.D.Farmers Union Lumber (W) – Stanley / Kenmare, N.D.Farmers Union of Kenmare (W) – Kenmare, N.D.First International Bank (W) – Watford City, N.D.Garrison Bay Express (C & W) – Garrison, N.D.Good Samaritan Society (C) – Bismarck, N.D.Grand International (W) – Minot, N.D.Hair on Broadway (C) – Linton, N.D.Hazelton Cenex (C) – Hazelton, N.D.Imperial Flooring (C) – Bismarck, N.D.Jim Weber Ford (C) – Wishek, N.D.Johnson Optical (W) – Minot, N.D.JZ Trend Academy (C) – Bismarck, N.D.Larsen Service Drug (W) – Watford City, N.D.Ken’s Shopping Center (C) – Napoleon, N.D.Linton Hospital (C) – Linton, N.D.McKenzie Building Center (W) – Watford City, N.D.Mikes Super Valu (W) – Watford City, N.D.Minot State University (W) – Minot, N.D.ND One-Call (W) – Steele, N.D.Napoleon Livestock (C) – Napoleon, N.D.North Central Farmers Elevator (C) – Hague, N.D.Northern Plains Cooperative (C) – Strasburg, N.D.Pfeifle Chevrolet (C) – Wishek, N.D.Proseed (C & W) – Harvey, N.D.Ramkota Hotel (C) – Bismarck, N.D.RM Stoudt (C) – Jamestown, N.D.Ryan Motors (W) – Williston, N.D.South Central Grain (C) – Napoleon, N.D.Strasburg Insurance Agency (C) – Strasburg, N.D.Strasburg State Bank (C) – Strasburg, N.D.The Depot (C) – Steele, N.D.Town & Country Credit Union (W) – Minot, N.D.Wagon Wheel Lumber/Dakota Custom Homes (W) – Washburn, N.D.Wilhelm (C) – Jamestown, N.D.Williston State College (W) – Williston, N.D.

BEK Sports is a big fan of all its sponsors, the schools, other venues, athletes, community sports enthusiasts and theBEK Sports TV crew.

A huge "Thank You" from BEK Sports

for a great year and your continued

support!

of the the following sponsors:

ors Inc. (C) – Bismarck, N.D.

A teaching position in Business studies at the Steele-Dawson High School is what

brought Paul Olson to Steele, N.D. in 1990; a construction opening in 1997 is what

brought him to BEK.

When Paul joined the plant crew, construction duties consisted of upgrades to existing technology and new construction as needed for subscribers. Nothing to date has changed his work world more than

the introduction of fiber to the home (FTTH) in 2004. The fiber ripple effect has intensified since he first helped to get fiber optics laid in the ground. It began in Linton and over the past six years, Paul has assisted in getting fiber to each new build.

Between construction work and copper and fiber splicing, Paul has worked in all the BEK exchanges. Now as a Plant Tech III, his responsibilities include staking jobs, getting right-of-way easements, updating and maintaining plant records and assisting in new builds.

When Paul was asked to share a BEK memory, it was hard for him to lock in on just one. That was a month ago. We think lately he’s “humming a new tune” even though he claims no musical abilities. On Friday, March 11, 2011, Paul was on his way back to the Steele BEK office from Bismarck. He had spent the morning staking jobs in BEK’s new service area near Bismarck. First, let it be known, Paul is the “bring it on” kind of guy when it comes to snow. Paul loves the first snowfall of the season with the chance to go snowmobiling and by the end of a long winter when we’re all fed up with winter and snow, Paul still loves it. After the March 11th blizzard, however, maybe not so much! Paul got stranded on the interstate somewhere around Sterling. He spent nearly seven hours inching his way back to Steele. Did he sing? No. Did he draw out new basketball plays? No. Did he read? No. Did he just sit and wait? No. With each opportunity, he moved forward and slowly worked his way back, collecting stranded motorists along the way. Paul was among hundreds of stranded people during this recent storm. Not a normal day on the job.

It’s a good thing Paul likes change because he experiences it with each passing year at BEK. As he approaches his 14th year with the company, he appreciates the value in new technology as it is offered to our customers and employees, as well as the high tech equipment available to the staff in the office and in the field. Paul likes working with all the people that make a job complete - from the contractors, engineers and locators to his construction and office co-workers. Seeing a project come together and delivering it to the customer is the rewarding part of his job.

Who is the man Paul Olson behind the BEK cap? Paul grew up and attended school in McClusky, N.D. We can tell you though, that he is all “Old School” with good family values, chivalry, firm ideas, a good sense of humor and a hearty laugh. He takes sports seriously; he’s a veteran basketball, football and baseball player from McClusky High School and he also earned his spot as defensive back on the Valley City State University football team for four years. His deep rich voice ranges from bass to baritone, changing to higher scratchy decibels and possibly to nil during an exciting game as he leads from the coach’s bench during the boys’ basketball season. Paul is head coach for the Kidder County Boys Basketball Pirate team and head coach for his home team as well.

On the home court, no one sits the bench. Paul plays dual positions as coach and point guard, controlling (Jodi lets him think that) the tempo of the game. His wife Jodi is a third grade teacher for Kidder County School and she definitely plays center while their daughters, freshman Mattie and 6th grader Sydney play forward positions, where girls do so well. Second guard position belongs to their son Jake, a first grader. The Olsons are a travelling team attending various sporting events and enjoying family time jet skiing at Lake Isabel in the summer and snowmobiling in the winter. Paul and Jake also do some male bonding during an occasional bird hunt. The family attends the Trinity Lutheran Church in Steele where Paul has served on the council for many years. Paul and Jodi have not only lived in Steele for 21 years, they’ve established a hometown for their children.

Through the eyes of Paul Olson, a drive south of Beaver Bay along Highway 1804 is one of BEK’s most scenic areas. It’s a beautiful view no matter how you travel it – on a snowmobile, in a pickup, motorcycle or in a convertible with the top

rolled down. Take a day trip and get out and enjoy this area that is so popular with many BEK employees.

with employee Paul Olson

3

1-888-475-2361bekcomm@bektel.com

4

NEW LISTINGS Hazelton - Temvik

Brown Gary .................................782-6839Lashkov Arthur ............................782-6858

LehrEntzi Violet A ...............................378-2419

LintonWebo’s Restaurant & Lounge .....254-4410

RobinsonSchlegel Matt .............................. 392-5811

SteeleBodvig Brent ............................... 475-2011Iszler Anna ..................................475-2691Tony’s Diner ................................475-2025

Tappen - DawsonCrystal Springs - Lake IsabelDemaray Darnell & Becky ...........327-8409

WishekBjornstad Ariana .........................452-2140Dahlstrom Florence ....................452-4469

Everyone’s Invited to BEK Bytes Classes!

Even if you missed our first BEK Bytes class in March, we have three delicious bytes left! If you want to learn more about Windows 7, PC Maintenance & Security or Microsoft PowerPoint, sign up today. Carpool with a friend and plan to attend a BEK Bytes class. If you’re hungry for computer education, BEK classes are designed for you. The best part…they are FREE!

BEK Bytes classes are designed to meet the educational needs of beginner to intermediate computer users. There’s much to learn and we’re here to help. Check out this great lineup of classes being offered and sign up to join us for a BEK Byte.

Tuesday, April 5th Location: Reuben’s Restaurant in Napoleon • 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Windows 7:

Finding the change to Windows 7 to be a bit complicated, strange and difficult? Sign up for this Windows 7 class! We’ll show you the differences between Windows XP and Windows 7, as well as how to navigate your way around the new Windows 7 operating system.

Tuesday, April 12th Location: BEK Headquarters in Steele • 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

PC Maintenance & Security:

Want to learn more about Internet and email security? How about Malware, virus and Spyware avoidance and recovery? If this sounds overwhelming, don’t worry – sign up for this class to learn how to keep your computer safe and running smoothly.

Wednesday, April 27th Location: Wilton Memorial Hall • 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Microsoft PowerPoint:

Wow your friends, family and co-workers with amazing graduation open house, work presentations or wedding/anniversary slide shows! Take a big byte out of Microsoft PowerPoint with this basic PowerPoint class. Learn how to insert photos and text, work with layout and design to make a basic professional-looking slide show.

Class sizes are limited so call BEK at 1-888-475-2361 or R.S.V.P. to our Facebook events at facebook.com/BEKCommunications to pre-register for the classes that interest you. BEK classes are taught using a screenand projector. FREE classes include instruction materialsand refreshments.

BEK BytesSpring Classes

Foundation for Rural Service Offers Job Opportunity for Rural StudentsThe Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to sustaining and enhancing the quality of life throughout rural America by advancing an understanding of rural telecommunications issues. The FRS seeks applicants for its Summer Internship Program, which provides an educational opportunity and work experience for individuals who were raised in, or currently reside, in a rural community.

The Summer Intern will gain working knowledge of nonprofit business practices and FRS programs as well as the rural telecommunications industry while working at the Foundation’s headquarters in suburban Washington, D.C.

The Internship is a 12-week summer program from May/June through August/September, with flexible start and end dates.

Additional information and a downloadable application are available on the FRS Web site,www.frs.org. Applications must be postmarkedby April 1, 2011.

5

beaconPublished by BEK Communications

PO Box 230 • 200 E Broadway • Steele, North Dakota 58482

701-475-2361 • 1-888-475-2361 • www.bektel.com

6

PO Box 230 • 200 E BroadwaySteele, North Dakota 58482

Februar y Tr iv iaWinners :

Board of DirectorsDoug Kalianoff, President ........................ Steele ............475-2839District II

Brett Stroh, Vice President ...................... Tappen ..........327-8201District II

Sanford Williams, Secretary/Treasurer .... Wing ..............943-2474District I

William (Bill) Becker ................................. Wishek ..........452-2928District IV

Anton Braun............................................. Napoleon ......754-4440District IV

Richard Hausauer .................................... Wilton ............734-6116District I

Virgil Horner ............................................. Strasburg ......336-7208District III

Vickie Martin ............................................ Linton ............254-4577District III

Leo Meier ................................................. Hague ...........336-7258District III

Derrick Bulawa, CEO/General Manager, Manager Feedback ............................................. 701-475-1234 managerfeedback@bektel.com

Beacon Trivia Questions The BEK office will be closed ______________________, 2011 in observance of the Easter holiday. If you want to learn more about Windows 7, you can sign up for a BEK Bytes class to be held in ___________ on April 5th.

If your name is drawn from the correctly answered Beacon Trivia, you will receive a $_______________ credit on your BEK bill.

Entries must be received by May 11, 2011.

Name ____________________________________________________

Phone Number ____________________________________________

Clip and send to the BEK office with your phone payment. You can also email to bekcomm@bektel.com. We will be drawing for five $5.00 credits to be applied to the winners’ phone bill.

Ione Bettenhausen, WishekAnna Mary Dockter, LintonLandolin Keller, LintonEvangeline Mueller, WishekLyle Wohl, Linton

PRESRT STDECRWSS

CAR-RT SORTU.S . POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 5STEELE , ND

POSTAL CUSTOMER