Consolidated 'Reach' Spring 2023

P.O. Box 1408 Dickinson, ND 58602

reach

Spring 2023

Page 4 and 5

The Consolidated Reach newsletter is a publication of Consolidated Telcom – Robbin Schwindt, Editor –

Contact Us Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (MST)

ng Neighbors Neighbors!

Partner with us to receive up to $150 credit for every neighbor and friend you refer to Consolidated !

Phone Numbers: Local: 701.483.4000 US Toll Free: 888.225.5282 Main Fax: 701.483.0001 Internet Support: 24 hours, Monday – Sunday 701.483.4638 or 701.483.INET

No Limit on Referrals!

consolidatednd.com

Telephone & TV Support: 701.483.4444 or 800.247.1858 Mailing Address: Consolidated Telcom PO Box 1408 507 South Main Dickinson, ND 58602

8

www.consolidatednd.com

Network Security, Parental Controls and Business Solutions

Remember to contact ND One-Call to request a locate by calling 811, or 800-795-0555, or go online to www.ndonecall.com.

It's free, simple, and it's the law!

COOKING CRAVE RECIPES page 3

AUTOPAY CREDITS page 2 EMPLOYEE NEWS page 6 MOVIES IN THE PARK page 7

Important Notes • Happy Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 14th.

• Office Closed:

- Monday, May 29th for Memorial Day - Tuesday, July 4th for Independence Day

• DVR Cloud Recordings:

Beginning February 1, 2023 there will be a date stamp on all Cloud DVR recordings. Programs recorded after January 31, 2023 will automatically delete after 360 days. If you have recordings you do not wish to have deleted at the 360 day mark, please follow the instructions below or call our office at 701.483.4000 if you have questions.

Movie Night

in thePark!

Consolidated’s 2023 Summer Series

1. Go to your recordings and scroll to the recording you would like saved.

2. Press the green button on the remote for “Actions”.

3. Scroll down and press “Protect”.

This will save the individual recording from being deleted. You will need to repeat this action for each recording you do not want automatically deleted after 360 days.

• Statement of Non-Discrimination

BEST INTERNET PROVIDER and BEST TV STATION Thank you for voting for us!

consolidatednd.com

2

2023

Consolidated Telcom is the recipient of Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The USDA prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice & TDD). The person responsible for coordinating this organization’s nondiscrimination compliance efforts is Bryan W. Personne.

To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S., STOP 9410 W., Washington, D. C. 20250-9410, or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay). “USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.”

Wednesday, August 2nd – South Heart Lions Pavilion 6:00 pm ... Concessions by South Heart Lions Club

Dusk ... Movie begins, DC League of Super Pets

Wednesday, August 9th – Rhame Hutchinson Park

Dusk ... Movie begins, Disney/Pixar Turning Red

Wednesday, August 16th – Richardton High School Football Field 6:00 pm ... Concessions by Richardton/Taylor High School

Dusk ... Movie begins, Minions The Rise of Gru

Save the dates on your calendar!

A group of telephone cooperatives realized, more than half a century ago, that they could get farther by working together.

Join Consolidated for family fun this summer!

7

Homemade recipes made easy on TV with your chef hosts Laverne & Rhonda!

Employee News Promotions!

Welcome New Employees!

Michelle Barnhart

Isaac Clifton

Ty Praus

6

Michelle Barnhart started with Consolidated on February 1st in the Accounting Department. She and her husband, Shannon live in Dickinson.

They have three children, Austin, Brayden, and Brooke.

Michelle enjoys spending time with family, camping, crafts, genealogy, and motorcycle rides with her husband. She likes to work with numbers, and chose Consolidated because of the friendly work environment.

Isaac Clifton started with Consolidated on December 5th as a Construction Technician. He attended Bismarck State in automotive collision, and looks forward to working to extend the fiber facilities Consolidated uses to provide service to customers. Isaac enjoys hunting and fishing, and came to Consolidated because of the positive work environment.

Ty Praus started with the Consolidated in the summer of 2022 in a part time position and moved into a CPE Technician position in November.

He will be programming and installing business phone and camera systems. Ty is a graduate of Trinity High School and enjoys time at the lake, fishing, playing basketball, and spending time with friends. Ty is looking forward to the diversity of the CPE position, and appreciates the way Consolidated treats employees.

Barry Braun

Barry Braun was promoted to CPE Lead Technician. He has been with Consolidated for 29 years, most of that time in CPE installing business telephone systems. Barry and his wife, Tammie live in Dickinson.

They have two children, Brady and Sarah.

Todd Berger

Mike Belland

Jeremy Locken

Mike Belland has moved into a Combination Technician position. He has been with Consolidated for 8 years with the Construction Department. Mike and his wife, Sheila live in Dickinson. They have three children, Dalton, Avery, and Jace.

Jeremy Locken has moved to the CPE team as a technician.

He has been with Consolidated for 18 years, as a Construction Tech, a Combination Tech, and a CPE Tech. Jeremy and his wife, Lynette live in Dickinson.

They have three children, Celina, Alayna, and Samuel.

16 oz pkg frozen corn, thawed 1 can sliced black olives 1 red pepper, chopped 1 medium onion, chopped 5 cloves garlic, minced 1/3 cup olive oil 1/4 cup lemon juice 3 Tbsps. cider vinegar 1 tsp. dried oregano 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. black pepper 4 avocados Combine all ingredients except avocados in a large bowl; cover and chill overnight. Peel and dice 4 avocados, stir into chilled mixture and serve with any style tortilla chips.

Position Changes!

Todd Berger has moved into a new Business Sales Engineer role. He has been with Consolidated for 33 years, most of that time in CPE installing business telephone systems. In his new role, he will help customers by designing phone, network, security systems and a host of other Consolidated products for their businesses. Todd and his wife, LuAnn live in Dickinson.

They have three children, Damian, Devin, and Dalton and 3 grandchildren.

Avacado Salsa

Fruit Salsa

Note to All Home Cooks!

Send in your favorite recipes by either method listed below and become part of the Cooking Crave TV show!

Laverne & Rhonda will share your favorite recipes with their viewers!

1. visit Website at: consolidatednd.com/cookingcrave 2. Mail to: Consolidated/Rhonda Fitterer PO Box 1408 Dickinson, ND 58602

2 cups (tart) chopped apples 2 cups chopped kiwi (approximately 6 kiwi) 1 package frozen strawberries, thawed and chopped Juice of one orange plus rind 2 Tbsps. brown sugar 2 Tbsps. apply jelly 3 packages of largest sized tortillas Cinnamon & sugar Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Brush tortillas with water and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.

Cut tortillas with pizza cutter into chip size and bake 7-10 minutes until crisp.

Combine salsa ingredients and serve with cinnamon chips.

Hot Taco Dip

1 lb. hamburger 1 onion, diced 1 - 8 oz. can tomato sauce 1 - 8 oz. jar hot taco sauce 1 - 8 oz. package cream cheese 1 package taco seasoning Tortilla chips In a large skillet combine hamburger and onion; fry until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add tomato and taco sauce to hamburger; cook until hot. Add cream cheese and melt; add taco seasoning into mixture. Transfer dip into crock pot to keep warm. Serve with tortilla chips of your choice.

Crab Dip

1 cup Miracle Whip 1 - 8 oz. package cream cheese 1 cup diced celery 1/2 cup shredded cheese 1/2 cup finely diced onion 1/2 of 1.5 lb. pkg. frozen imitation crab thawed & chopped Salt & pepper Mix Miracle Whip and cream cheese until well blended. Add celery, cheese, onion and chopped crab meat to sauce mixture. Salt and pepper to taste. Chill for 1 hour.

Serve with crackers or vegetables.

Raspberry-Lemon Fruit Dip

1/2 cup raspberry cream cheese spread – softened 1/2 cup marshmallow cream 1 - 6 oz container lemon yogurt Assorted fresh fruit pieces or berries Mix cream cheese and marshmallow cream in a medium bowl with wire whisk until smooth.

Stir in yogurt. Serve with fruit

CyberSecurity Specialists!

PROTECT your business with cybersecurity from Consolidated Go to consolidatednd.com/cybersecurity • 701.483.4000 • 888.225.5282

3

®

MyAccount My life, made easy!

Manage your account easily!

• Intuitive design features a user-friendly experience!

• Monitor your account quickly and easily!

• View and pay your bill conveniently!

• Contact Consolidated quickly and easily!

• Download the Consolidated MyAccount App today!

Rural Development Finance Corporation awards grants in Consolidated’s service area!

Is your home network ready for summer?

Consolidated Internet + Managed Router + Consolidated MyNetwork app = the perfect summer combination!

PLUS: For even more security, add Network Security and Parental Control features – FREE for 3 months!

4

®

MyNetwork My life, made easy

701.483.4000 • 888.225.5282 • consolidatednd.com

Consolidated Telcom is a member of the Rural Development Finance Corporation (RDFC). As a result, communities in our service area were 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 nonprofit and with low interest loans.

RDFC has recently granted $1000 to the Hettinger School District. The grant funds will be put towards the Hettinger Community indoor swimming pool.

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

Business solutions

Solutions for ALL your Business Computer, Internet, and Phone System needs!

Let us exceed your expectations!

701.483.4000 • 888.225.5282 consolidatednd.com/business

5

®

MyAccount My life, made easy!

Manage your account easily!

• Intuitive design features a user-friendly experience!

• Monitor your account quickly and easily!

• View and pay your bill conveniently!

• Contact Consolidated quickly and easily!

• Download the Consolidated MyAccount App today!

Rural Development Finance Corporation awards grants in Consolidated’s service area!

Is your home network ready for summer?

Consolidated Internet + Managed Router + Consolidated MyNetwork app = the perfect summer combination!

PLUS: For even more security, add Network Security and Parental Control features – FREE for 3 months!

4

®

MyNetwork My life, made easy

701.483.4000 • 888.225.5282 • consolidatednd.com

Consolidated Telcom is a member of the Rural Development Finance Corporation (RDFC). As a result, communities in our service area were 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 nonprofit and with low interest loans.

RDFC has recently granted $1000 to the Hettinger School District. The grant funds will be put towards the Hettinger Community indoor swimming pool.

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

Business solutions

Solutions for ALL your Business Computer, Internet, and Phone System needs!

Let us exceed your expectations!

701.483.4000 • 888.225.5282 consolidatednd.com/business

5

Homemade recipes made easy on TV with your chef hosts Laverne & Rhonda!

Employee News Promotions!

Welcome New Employees!

Michelle Barnhart

Isaac Clifton

Ty Praus

6

Michelle Barnhart started with Consolidated on February 1st in the Accounting Department. She and her husband, Shannon live in Dickinson.

They have three children, Austin, Brayden, and Brooke.

Michelle enjoys spending time with family, camping, crafts, genealogy, and motorcycle rides with her husband. She likes to work with numbers, and chose Consolidated because of the friendly work environment.

Isaac Clifton started with Consolidated on December 5th as a Construction Technician. He attended Bismarck State in automotive collision, and looks forward to working to extend the fiber facilities Consolidated uses to provide service to customers. Isaac enjoys hunting and fishing, and came to Consolidated because of the positive work environment.

Ty Praus started with the Consolidated in the summer of 2022 in a part time position and moved into a CPE Technician position in November.

He will be programming and installing business phone and camera systems. Ty is a graduate of Trinity High School and enjoys time at the lake, fishing, playing basketball, and spending time with friends. Ty is looking forward to the diversity of the CPE position, and appreciates the way Consolidated treats employees.

Barry Braun

Barry Braun was promoted to CPE Lead Technician. He has been with Consolidated for 29 years, most of that time in CPE installing business telephone systems. Barry and his wife, Tammie live in Dickinson.

They have two children, Brady and Sarah.

Todd Berger

Mike Belland

Jeremy Locken

Mike Belland has moved into a Combination Technician position. He has been with Consolidated for 8 years with the Construction Department. Mike and his wife, Sheila live in Dickinson. They have three children, Dalton, Avery, and Jace.

Jeremy Locken has moved to the CPE team as a technician.

He has been with Consolidated for 18 years, as a Construction Tech, a Combination Tech, and a CPE Tech. Jeremy and his wife, Lynette live in Dickinson.

They have three children, Celina, Alayna, and Samuel.

16 oz pkg frozen corn, thawed 1 can sliced black olives 1 red pepper, chopped 1 medium onion, chopped 5 cloves garlic, minced 1/3 cup olive oil 1/4 cup lemon juice 3 Tbsps. cider vinegar 1 tsp. dried oregano 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. black pepper 4 avocados Combine all ingredients except avocados in a large bowl; cover and chill overnight. Peel and dice 4 avocados, stir into chilled mixture and serve with any style tortilla chips.

Position Changes!

Todd Berger has moved into a new Business Sales Engineer role. He has been with Consolidated for 33 years, most of that time in CPE installing business telephone systems. In his new role, he will help customers by designing phone, network, security systems and a host of other Consolidated products for their businesses. Todd and his wife, LuAnn live in Dickinson.

They have three children, Damian, Devin, and Dalton and 3 grandchildren.

Avacado Salsa

Fruit Salsa

Note to All Home Cooks!

Send in your favorite recipes by either method listed below and become part of the Cooking Crave TV show!

Laverne & Rhonda will share your favorite recipes with their viewers!

1. visit Website at: consolidatednd.com/cookingcrave 2. Mail to: Consolidated/Rhonda Fitterer PO Box 1408 Dickinson, ND 58602

2 cups (tart) chopped apples 2 cups chopped kiwi (approximately 6 kiwi) 1 package frozen strawberries, thawed and chopped Juice of one orange plus rind 2 Tbsps. brown sugar 2 Tbsps. apply jelly 3 packages of largest sized tortillas Cinnamon & sugar Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Brush tortillas with water and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.

Cut tortillas with pizza cutter into chip size and bake 7-10 minutes until crisp.

Combine salsa ingredients and serve with cinnamon chips.

Hot Taco Dip

1 lb. hamburger 1 onion, diced 1 - 8 oz. can tomato sauce 1 - 8 oz. jar hot taco sauce 1 - 8 oz. package cream cheese 1 package taco seasoning Tortilla chips In a large skillet combine hamburger and onion; fry until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add tomato and taco sauce to hamburger; cook until hot. Add cream cheese and melt; add taco seasoning into mixture. Transfer dip into crock pot to keep warm. Serve with tortilla chips of your choice.

Crab Dip

1 cup Miracle Whip 1 - 8 oz. package cream cheese 1 cup diced celery 1/2 cup shredded cheese 1/2 cup finely diced onion 1/2 of 1.5 lb. pkg. frozen imitation crab thawed & chopped Salt & pepper Mix Miracle Whip and cream cheese until well blended. Add celery, cheese, onion and chopped crab meat to sauce mixture. Salt and pepper to taste. Chill for 1 hour.

Serve with crackers or vegetables.

Raspberry-Lemon Fruit Dip

1/2 cup raspberry cream cheese spread – softened 1/2 cup marshmallow cream 1 - 6 oz container lemon yogurt Assorted fresh fruit pieces or berries Mix cream cheese and marshmallow cream in a medium bowl with wire whisk until smooth.

Stir in yogurt. Serve with fruit

CyberSecurity Specialists!

PROTECT your business with cybersecurity from Consolidated Go to consolidatednd.com/cybersecurity • 701.483.4000 • 888.225.5282

3

Important Notes • Happy Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 14th.

• Office Closed:

- Monday, May 29th for Memorial Day - Tuesday, July 4th for Independence Day

• DVR Cloud Recordings:

Beginning February 1, 2023 there will be a date stamp on all Cloud DVR recordings. Programs recorded after January 31, 2023 will automatically delete after 360 days. If you have recordings you do not wish to have deleted at the 360 day mark, please follow the instructions below or call our office at 701.483.4000 if you have questions.

Movie Night

in thePark!

Consolidated’s 2023 Summer Series

1. Go to your recordings and scroll to the recording you would like saved.

2. Press the green button on the remote for “Actions”.

3. Scroll down and press “Protect”.

This will save the individual recording from being deleted. You will need to repeat this action for each recording you do not want automatically deleted after 360 days.

• Statement of Non-Discrimination

BEST INTERNET PROVIDER and BEST TV STATION Thank you for voting for us!

consolidatednd.com

2

2023

Consolidated Telcom is the recipient of Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The USDA prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice & TDD). The person responsible for coordinating this organization’s nondiscrimination compliance efforts is Bryan W. Personne.

To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S., STOP 9410 W., Washington, D. C. 20250-9410, or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay). “USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.”

Wednesday, August 2nd – South Heart Lions Pavilion 6:00 pm ... Concessions by South Heart Lions Club

Dusk ... Movie begins, DC League of Super Pets

Wednesday, August 9th – Rhame Hutchinson Park

Dusk ... Movie begins, Disney/Pixar Turning Red

Wednesday, August 16th – Richardton High School Football Field 6:00 pm ... Concessions by Richardton/Taylor High School

Dusk ... Movie begins, Minions The Rise of Gru

Save the dates on your calendar!

A group of telephone cooperatives realized, more than half a century ago, that they could get farther by working together.

Join Consolidated for family fun this summer!

7

P.O. Box 1408 Dickinson, ND 58602

reach

Spring 2023

Page 4 and 5

The Consolidated Reach newsletter is a publication of Consolidated Telcom – Robbin Schwindt, Editor –

Contact Us Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (MST)

ng Neighbors Neighbors!

Partner with us to receive up to $150 credit for every neighbor and friend you refer to Consolidated !

Phone Numbers: Local: 701.483.4000 US Toll Free: 888.225.5282 Main Fax: 701.483.0001 Internet Support: 24 hours, Monday – Sunday 701.483.4638 or 701.483.INET

No Limit on Referrals!

consolidatednd.com

Telephone & TV Support: 701.483.4444 or 800.247.1858 Mailing Address: Consolidated Telcom PO Box 1408 507 South Main Dickinson, ND 58602

8

www.consolidatednd.com

Network Security, Parental Controls and Business Solutions

Remember to contact ND One-Call to request a locate by calling 811, or 800-795-0555, or go online to www.ndonecall.com.

It's free, simple, and it's the law!

COOKING CRAVE RECIPES page 3

AUTOPAY CREDITS page 2 EMPLOYEE NEWS page 6 MOVIES IN THE PARK page 7