Consolidated "Reach" Summer 2024

P.O. Box 1408 Dickinson, ND 58602

reach

Summer 2024

Page 2

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

Upgrade Your Internet to 1Gig FREE for 3 Months!

CALENDAR PHOTO CONTEST page 2 GRANTS AVAILABLE page 4 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS page 7

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

8

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

COOKING CRAVE RECIPES page 6

BEST INTERNET PROVIDER Thank you for voting for us!

Welcome New Employee!

2024

consolidatednd.com

Trey Praus

Trey Praus joined the Consolidated team on May 1st as a Combination Technician. He is a graduate of Trinity High School and lives in Dickinson with his wife, Amaya. He enjoys fishing, hunting, and all things outdoors!

Trey finds his co-workers friendly and willing to help and also enjoys working in our cooperative area outside Dickinson. Welcome Trey!

Scholarships

Important Notes

Elevate your success!

• Office Closed:

- Monday, September 2nd for Labor Day.

• Check out our “chat” feature on our website at consolidatednd.com. Chat connects you with a live customer service representative during our office hours, Monday- Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.

• The 2024 Dickinson Press Women’s Expo:

Visit our booth at the West River Ice Center on Saturday, August 24th from 9:00am - 4:00pm.

• Calendar Photo Contest:

I’ll fill this

Photo by Kim Dowhaniuk

INTERNET

Upgrade to 1 Gig FREE for 3 months! * Residential only. Some exclusions may apply. Offer expires 9/30/24.

For details go to: consolidatednd.com/success2024 Or call us at: 701.483.4000

2

Photo by Ali Pierce

I’ll fill this

Submit your favorite photos to our website by August 25th to be entered into Consolidated’s 2025 calendar contest. If your picture(s) is chosen to be featured in the calendar, you will receive a $25 gift certificate.

Good luck! For more details, go to www.consolidatednd.com/contests.

7

Fresh Peach Cobbler

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

1/2 cup butter, melted 3 large peaches, peeled and sliced 1 1/2 cups white sugar, divided 1 cup flour 2 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt 1 pinch ground nutmeg 3/4 cup milk Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Pour butter into an 8-inch square baking dish. Combine peaches and 3/4 cup sugar together in a bowl. Whisk flour, remaining sugar, baking powder, salt and nutmeg together in a bowl; stir in milk just until batter is combined. Pour batter over butter and top with peaches. Bake 45-50 minutes or until cobbler is golden brown.

Rhubarb Cheesecake CRUST: 2 cups flour 1 cup melted butter 2 cups oatmeal 1 cup brown sugar

Combine crust ingredients in a large bowl; mix until crumbly.

Press about ¾ of crust into a greased 9 x 13 in glass cake pan, reserving the remaining crumbs for topping.

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 and 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

6

FILLING: 2 eggs, beaten 1 tsp vanilla 1/2 tsp cinnamon 2 (8 oz.) pkgs. of cream cheese 1 1/2 cup sugar 3 cups finely chopped rhubarb Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a separate bowl, combine eggs, cinnamon, sugar and vanilla; mix until combined. Add cream cheese to filling mixture, combined until smooth. Fold rhubarb into filling; pour over crust. Top filling with reserve crumbs from crust.

Bake for 40 minutes; cool and refrigerate. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.

Pear Muffins 1 1/2 cups flour 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed 2 1/4 tsp baking powder 1 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground ginger 1/2 tsp salt 1 medium pear, peeled and chopped finely 1 large egg 1/2 cup yogurt, plain or vanilla 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 cup vegetable oil TOPPING MIXTURE: 3-4 Tbsps. finely chopped walnuts or pecans 3-4 Tbsps. Packed brown sugar Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, mix first six ingredients together; stir in chopped pear.

Whisk together egg, yogurt, vanilla and oil. Stir into dry ingredients until just combined. Do not over mix. Fill greased muffin cups about 2/3 full. Mix topping ingredients together. Sprinkle topping mixture over each muffin. Bake for 20 -25 minutes, until lightly browned.

Lemon Angel Cake Bars 1 box (16 oz.) angel food cake mix 1 can (14 ¾ oz.) lemon pie filling 1 cup finely shredded unsweetened coconut FROSTING: 1 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup butter, softened 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar 3 tsp grated lemon peel Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, mix cake mix, pie filling and coconut until blended; spread into a greased 15 x 10 x 1 in. baking pan. Bake 20-25 min. or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla until smooth. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar. Spread over cooled bars; sprinkle with lemon peel. Refrigerated at least 4 hours.

CyberSecurity Specialists!

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

Business solutions

TECHNOLOGY

• IT & Network Management • Office 365, Email, Cloud • Backups - Servers, PC, 365

MyAccount

MyNetwork

MyTV

­

Contact Consolidated at: 701.483.4000 consolidatednd.com/business

Let us exceed your expectations!

INTERNET It’s one GIG you don’t want to miss!

701.483.4000

consolidatednd.com

3

Community Grant Program

Improved Cable TV Experience

Together, We Can Boost Our Community!

As part of its ongoing commitment to rural communities across the country, the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS), offers aid for communities served by NTCA members like Consolidated through its annual Community Grants Program. These grants are designed to provide support to a variety of local efforts to build and sustain a high quality of life in rural America.

The Community Grant application is quick and easy:

Funds Available Consolidated Telcom is a member of the Rural Development Finance Corporation (RDFC). As a result, communities in our service area are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $3,000 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.

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 Robbin Schwindt at 701.456.5234, or email robbin@consolidatednd.com.

4

1. Go to consolidatednd.com/FRSgrant and review the Application Guide and follow the guidelines on page 2.

2. Send your proposal to Consolidated Telcom before the August 15, 2024 deadline.

®

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!

Planting a tree?

Digging a hole for a mailbox?

Installing a fence?

Remember to contact North Dakota One-Call. There are a number of utility lines buried on your property- electric, telephone, gas or propane, water, sewer, cable TV, etc. Damaging an underground facility can cause injury or even death. It’s free, simple, and it’s the law!

To request a locate, call 800-795-0555 or 811, or go online to www.ndonecall.com.

Stream into Endless Entertainment!

Ready for an improved cable TV experience? Tired of looking at those cable TV boxes taking up space by your TV? Consolidated MyTV let’s you enjoy the TV experience you know, PLUS new features you will LOVE! Watch your favorite shows and movies, and still catch your local news and sports live on your TV, laptop, or mobile device of your choice.

Benefits of streaming with Consolidated MyTV: • No switching inputs MyTV • Local channels and familiar guide • DVR features available: record and playback live TV; start program from the beginning • Watch on any supported device when you are connected to Consolidated Internet.

It’s a perfect time to try streaming TV! Stop by our office at 507 South Main during business hours for a demo or call us at 701.483.4000 for more information TODAY!

Business solutions

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

701.483.4000 • 888.225.5282 consolidatednd.com/business

Let us exceed your expectations!

5

Community Grant Program

Improved Cable TV Experience

Together, We Can Boost Our Community!

As part of its ongoing commitment to rural communities across the country, the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS), offers aid for communities served by NTCA members like Consolidated through its annual Community Grants Program. These grants are designed to provide support to a variety of local efforts to build and sustain a high quality of life in rural America.

The Community Grant application is quick and easy:

Funds Available Consolidated Telcom is a member of the Rural Development Finance Corporation (RDFC). As a result, communities in our service area are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $3,000 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.

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 Robbin Schwindt at 701.456.5234, or email robbin@consolidatednd.com.

4

1. Go to consolidatednd.com/FRSgrant and review the Application Guide and follow the guidelines on page 2.

2. Send your proposal to Consolidated Telcom before the August 15, 2024 deadline.

®

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!

Planting a tree?

Digging a hole for a mailbox?

Installing a fence?

Remember to contact North Dakota One-Call. There are a number of utility lines buried on your property- electric, telephone, gas or propane, water, sewer, cable TV, etc. Damaging an underground facility can cause injury or even death. It’s free, simple, and it’s the law!

To request a locate, call 800-795-0555 or 811, or go online to www.ndonecall.com.

Stream into Endless Entertainment!

Ready for an improved cable TV experience? Tired of looking at those cable TV boxes taking up space by your TV? Consolidated MyTV let’s you enjoy the TV experience you know, PLUS new features you will LOVE! Watch your favorite shows and movies, and still catch your local news and sports live on your TV, laptop, or mobile device of your choice.

Benefits of streaming with Consolidated MyTV: • No switching inputs MyTV • Local channels and familiar guide • DVR features available: record and playback live TV; start program from the beginning • Watch on any supported device when you are connected to Consolidated Internet.

It’s a perfect time to try streaming TV! Stop by our office at 507 South Main during business hours for a demo or call us at 701.483.4000 for more information TODAY!

Business solutions

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

701.483.4000 • 888.225.5282 consolidatednd.com/business

Let us exceed your expectations!

5

Fresh Peach Cobbler

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

1/2 cup butter, melted 3 large peaches, peeled and sliced 1 1/2 cups white sugar, divided 1 cup flour 2 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt 1 pinch ground nutmeg 3/4 cup milk Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Pour butter into an 8-inch square baking dish. Combine peaches and 3/4 cup sugar together in a bowl. Whisk flour, remaining sugar, baking powder, salt and nutmeg together in a bowl; stir in milk just until batter is combined. Pour batter over butter and top with peaches. Bake 45-50 minutes or until cobbler is golden brown.

Rhubarb Cheesecake CRUST: 2 cups flour 1 cup melted butter 2 cups oatmeal 1 cup brown sugar

Combine crust ingredients in a large bowl; mix until crumbly.

Press about ¾ of crust into a greased 9 x 13 in glass cake pan, reserving the remaining crumbs for topping.

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 and 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

6

FILLING: 2 eggs, beaten 1 tsp vanilla 1/2 tsp cinnamon 2 (8 oz.) pkgs. of cream cheese 1 1/2 cup sugar 3 cups finely chopped rhubarb Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a separate bowl, combine eggs, cinnamon, sugar and vanilla; mix until combined. Add cream cheese to filling mixture, combined until smooth. Fold rhubarb into filling; pour over crust. Top filling with reserve crumbs from crust.

Bake for 40 minutes; cool and refrigerate. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.

Pear Muffins 1 1/2 cups flour 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed 2 1/4 tsp baking powder 1 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground ginger 1/2 tsp salt 1 medium pear, peeled and chopped finely 1 large egg 1/2 cup yogurt, plain or vanilla 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 cup vegetable oil TOPPING MIXTURE: 3-4 Tbsps. finely chopped walnuts or pecans 3-4 Tbsps. Packed brown sugar Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, mix first six ingredients together; stir in chopped pear.

Whisk together egg, yogurt, vanilla and oil. Stir into dry ingredients until just combined. Do not over mix. Fill greased muffin cups about 2/3 full. Mix topping ingredients together. Sprinkle topping mixture over each muffin. Bake for 20 -25 minutes, until lightly browned.

Lemon Angel Cake Bars 1 box (16 oz.) angel food cake mix 1 can (14 ¾ oz.) lemon pie filling 1 cup finely shredded unsweetened coconut FROSTING: 1 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup butter, softened 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar 3 tsp grated lemon peel Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, mix cake mix, pie filling and coconut until blended; spread into a greased 15 x 10 x 1 in. baking pan. Bake 20-25 min. or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla until smooth. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar. Spread over cooled bars; sprinkle with lemon peel. Refrigerated at least 4 hours.

CyberSecurity Specialists!

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

Business solutions

TECHNOLOGY

• IT & Network Management • Office 365, Email, Cloud • Backups - Servers, PC, 365

MyAccount

MyNetwork

MyTV

­

Contact Consolidated at: 701.483.4000 consolidatednd.com/business

Let us exceed your expectations!

INTERNET It’s one GIG you don’t want to miss!

701.483.4000

consolidatednd.com

3

BEST INTERNET PROVIDER Thank you for voting for us!

Welcome New Employee!

2024

consolidatednd.com

Trey Praus

Trey Praus joined the Consolidated team on May 1st as a Combination Technician. He is a graduate of Trinity High School and lives in Dickinson with his wife, Amaya. He enjoys fishing, hunting, and all things outdoors!

Trey finds his co-workers friendly and willing to help and also enjoys working in our cooperative area outside Dickinson. Welcome Trey!

Scholarships

Important Notes

Elevate your success!

• Office Closed:

- Monday, September 2nd for Labor Day.

• Check out our “chat” feature on our website at consolidatednd.com. Chat connects you with a live customer service representative during our office hours, Monday- Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.

• The 2024 Dickinson Press Women’s Expo:

Visit our booth at the West River Ice Center on Saturday, August 24th from 9:00am - 4:00pm.

• Calendar Photo Contest:

I’ll fill this

Photo by Kim Dowhaniuk

INTERNET

Upgrade to 1 Gig FREE for 3 months! * Residential only. Some exclusions may apply. Offer expires 9/30/24.

For details go to: consolidatednd.com/success2024 Or call us at: 701.483.4000

2

Photo by Ali Pierce

I’ll fill this

Submit your favorite photos to our website by August 25th to be entered into Consolidated’s 2025 calendar contest. If your picture(s) is chosen to be featured in the calendar, you will receive a $25 gift certificate.

Good luck! For more details, go to www.consolidatednd.com/contests.

7

P.O. Box 1408 Dickinson, ND 58602

reach

Summer 2024

Page 2

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

Upgrade Your Internet to 1Gig FREE for 3 Months!

CALENDAR PHOTO CONTEST page 2 GRANTS AVAILABLE page 4 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS page 7

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

8

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

COOKING CRAVE RECIPES page 6