Consolidated "Reach" Newsletter Spring 2024

P.O. Box 1408 Dickinson, ND 58602

reach 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) 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 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

Consolidated’s 2024 Summer Series

Wednesday, July 31st – Richardton High School Football Field 6:00 pm ... Concessions Dusk ... Movie begins, Minions The Rise of Gru Wednesday, August 7th – Halliday City Park 6:00 pm ... Concessions Dusk ... Movie begins, Super Mario Bros Movie Wednesday, August 14th – Gladstone North Park 6:00 pm ... Concessions Dusk ... Movie begins, Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie

The Ultimate Wi-Fi Service

Spring 2024

EMPLOYEE NEWS page 2 GRANT AWARDED in REGENT page 3 COOKING CRAVE RECIPES page 6 MOVIES IN THE PARK page 8

Employee News Tanner Wiege joined the Consolidated team in January as an Internet Tech. He attended Bismarck State College with special interest in cybersecurity and computer networking.

Tanner enjoys gaming, cooking, longboarding, snowboarding, and he Tanner Wiege loves cats! Tanner is looking forward to learning more about the technical aspect of Consolidated as an internet service provider.

Business solutions Let us exceed your expectations!

SECURITY • Cameras • Farm/Ranch • Door Access

Contact Consolidated at: 701.483.4000

Important Notes • Happy Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 12th • Office Closed:

– Monday, May 27th for Memorial Day – Thursday, July 4th for Independence Day

consolidatednd.com/business

BEST INTERNET PROVIDER Thank you for voting for us!

2024

consolidatednd.com

2

7

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

Chicken Bacon Caesar Bubble-Up Bake 1 8 oz. garlic & herbs spreadable cheese 1/2 cup Caesar dressing 1/4 cup water 1/4 tsp. pepper 1 can (16.3 oz.) Pillsbury Grands Flaky Layers refrigerated buttermilk biscuits 2 cups chopped deli rotisserie chicken 3/4 cup chopped cooked bacon 2 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach 2 cups shredded Italian cheese Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spray 13 x 9 inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a large bowl, mix spreadable cheese, Caesar dressing, water & pepper with whisk. Separate dough into 8 biscuits; cut each into sixths, and add to bowl, mixing until incorporated. Add chicken, half and the bacon, the spinach and 1 cup of the cheese to the biscuit mixture; fold in until mixed well.

Spoon mixture into baking dish; top with the remaining 1 cup cheese and remaining bacon.

Bake for 35 minutes or until deep golden brown and biscuits are baked through.

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

Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken 4 chicken breasts 1 packet Hidden Valley Fiesta Ranch mix 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed 1 can Rotel 1 can corn, not drained 1 8 oz. package cream cheese Add all ingredients to a crockpot; cook on low for 5-6 hours. Remove chicken from mixture and shred into pieces; return to crock pot and mix all ingredients together. Serve over rice or pasta, or wrap in a tortilla.

Everyday Chicken Casserole 1 (10 ¾ ounce) can cream of chicken soup, undiluted 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 tsp. onion powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. black pepper 1 1/2 cups cooked rice 1/2 cup chopped celery 1 cup frozen peas, thawed 1 1/2 cup diced cooked chicken breast 1 cup coarsely crumbled potato chips Preheat oven to 375 degrees; coat a 3 quart casserole dish with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine soup, mayonnaise, onion powder, salt and pepper; mix well. Add rice, celery, peas and chicken; mix until well combined.

Spoon mixture into casserole dish and top with potato chips. Bake 35-40 minutes, or until heated through and golden brown.

Almond Bacon Chicken 4 bacon strips 4 boneless Skinless chicken breast halves 1/4 tsp. pepper 1 can (10-3/4 oz.) condensed cream of onion soup, undiluted 1/4 cup chicken broth 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted In a microwave, cook bacon on paper towels on high for 1-3 minutes or until partially cooked.

Wrap a bacon strip around each chicken breast. Sprinkle with pepper. Arrange in an 8-in microwave safe dish. Cover and microwave on high for 7 minutes; drain. In a bowl, combine soup and broth; cover and microwave for 2 minutes. Spoon around chicken.

Cook, uncovered, 5-7 minutes longer or until juices run clear. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Sprinkle with almonds.

Grant Awarded

Spring Cleaning

Your Email Boxes

Our inboxes have become a digital hub for communication, often accumulating thousands of emails over time. It’s essential to regularly clean out your inbox, including deleted items, sent items, and other folders.

Here’s a guide to help you get started.

1. Start with your inbox – Delete unnecessary emails: This includes promotional emails, expired offers, and outdated newsletters.

– Archive important emails: This removes the email from your inbox without deleting it.

– Organize remaining emails: Use folders, labels, or tags to categorize emails.

The Broadband Association of North Dakota (BAND) is a member of the Rural Development Finance Corporation (RDFC). Every year, BAND chooses projects to support that are submitted through their member cooperatives. This year one of the cooperatives that BAND has chosen to support is Consolidated. RDFC is making these funds available in order that more people become aware of their larger loan program that funds community-based projects and non-profit entities with low interest loans. RDFC has recently granted $1,500 to the Regent Park District. Funds will go towards installing two pickle ball courts in the Regent slab area on Main Street.

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 contact Lori Capouch at 701-667-6444 or lcapouch@ndarec.com

2. Clear out sent items – Review sent emails: Delete emails that are no longer necessary or relevant.

– Archive important sent emails: Keeps your sent file clutter-free while saving the email.

3. Empty the deleted items folder – Permanently delete emails: Once you have reviewed the emails in your deleted items folder, permanently delete them to free up space in your email account.

4. Unsubscribe from unwanted items – Review subscriptions: Take time to review and unsubscribe from the newsletter and promotional emails that you no longer want to receive.

Regent Park Board receives grant.

5. Regular maintenance – Schedule clean up sessions: Set aside time regularly to clean out your email.

6. Stay Disciplined – Avoid email clutter by staying on top of the task! Review and delete unnecessary emails often.

3

The Ultimate Wi-Fi Service Parental Controls: Consolidated Parental Controls feature gives you peace of mind regarding your children's online safety. With customizable parental controls, you can easily restrict access to certain websites or limit the time they spend on apps daily.

Your ultimate Wi-Fi, hassle-free experience is only a tap away!

Internet service is just the start of your experience with us. Yes, it's fast, reliable, and affordable. How fast? Not to bore you with technical jargon, but our fiber optic Internet can deliver speeds up to 1 Gig. All the speed talk is nothing without an in-home Wi-Fi experience. That's what makes our service unique. We've taken the work out of creating the ultimate in-home connectivity experience. It means that we provide everything you need upfront and continue to optimize and improve your service with us.

What does that mean for you?

There are no installation fees or equipment to buy, and we manage everything for you. So you can focus on the things that matter in your life.

We're not going to provide you with just the Internet. We will proactively support, innovate, and provide meaningful solutions to ensure your service is safe, secure, and fit for your life.

You shouldn't have to DIY your Wi-Fi. There is no need. That's what you're signing up for. Our local, highly skilled technicians fully install your whole-home service so you have connectivity in and outside your home.

At the center of your service is the Ultimate Wi-Fi 6 system. You won't find this in box stores or online, either. The GigaSpire BLAST is a fast, state-of-the-art

Prioritized Traffic and Devices: Consolidated’s MyNetwork app also allows you to direct your traffic to activities like work, gaming, and streaming. Even assign devices to get priority traffic over others.

There is no better way to stay connected than with Consolidated Wi-Fi service's innovative and ongoing upgrades. system fully compatible with all your devices, from phones and laptops to entertainment systems and smart appliances. The best part is that it's secured, managed, and supported by us and incredibly easy to customize through the dedicated mobile app.

Plus, with features like content controls and network security built right in, your devices and family are always protected.

The Consolidated MyNetwork app makes managing your network a breeze whether you're at home or on the go. You can contact us for support right within the app. We're available 24/7. The Consolidated MyNetwork app is the ultimate resource for those who want to stay connected.

Whether you are a student, a parent, or an entrepreneur, our service is built around you.

Cyber Security: With Consolidated’s Network Security feature, you can rest assured that your data and devices are protected from hackers and other online threats.

This includes powerful antivirus software and robust firewalls to block unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Everything you need today, and anticipating your future needs: If you are ready for a new experience from a provider that cares, the Consolidated Wi-Fi experience subscription offers several benefits.

• With complete white glove installation, you can rest assured that your network is set up quickly and correctly with the latest technology.

So why wait?

The Consolidated Wi-Fi service redefines the Internet service without you having to worry about picking the best technology, setting it all up, figuring it out, and ongoing maintenance and troubleshooting. It offers many benefits, including complete control through the Consolidated MyNetwork app, inclusive service with simplified billing, and more. The service is flexible and can be tailored to different aspects of your life, such as work, entertainment, school, and parenting.

If you've been looking for a better experience, the Consolidated Ultimate Wi-Fi experience is finally here.

Sign up TODAY and experience a service that works for you!

Call 701.483.4000 or visit consolidatednd.com/internet

• It includes 24/7 support, so you can get help whenever needed.

• Built-in network security and parental controls available to help keep your data safe and secure while giving you complete control over what your kids can access online.

• The Easy-to-use Consolidated MyNetwork app makes managing your network a breeze whether you're at home or on the go.

Moreover, new features are added every quarter, so you always have access to the latest innovations in Wi-Fi technology.

• Ongoing updates, upgrades, new features, solutions, and innovations.

Whether you're looking to optimize your existing Wi-Fi or get a new service, subscribing to Consolidated Ultimate Wi-Fi service ensures the process is fast and hassle-free at every step.

4

5

The Ultimate Wi-Fi Service Parental Controls: Consolidated Parental Controls feature gives you peace of mind regarding your children's online safety. With customizable parental controls, you can easily restrict access to certain websites or limit the time they spend on apps daily.

Your ultimate Wi-Fi, hassle-free experience is only a tap away!

Internet service is just the start of your experience with us. Yes, it's fast, reliable, and affordable. How fast? Not to bore you with technical jargon, but our fiber optic Internet can deliver speeds up to 1 Gig. All the speed talk is nothing without an in-home Wi-Fi experience. That's what makes our service unique. We've taken the work out of creating the ultimate in-home connectivity experience. It means that we provide everything you need upfront and continue to optimize and improve your service with us.

What does that mean for you?

There are no installation fees or equipment to buy, and we manage everything for you. So you can focus on the things that matter in your life.

We're not going to provide you with just the Internet. We will proactively support, innovate, and provide meaningful solutions to ensure your service is safe, secure, and fit for your life.

You shouldn't have to DIY your Wi-Fi. There is no need. That's what you're signing up for. Our local, highly skilled technicians fully install your whole-home service so you have connectivity in and outside your home.

At the center of your service is the Ultimate Wi-Fi 6 system. You won't find this in box stores or online, either. The GigaSpire BLAST is a fast, state-of-the-art

Prioritized Traffic and Devices: Consolidated’s MyNetwork app also allows you to direct your traffic to activities like work, gaming, and streaming. Even assign devices to get priority traffic over others.

There is no better way to stay connected than with Consolidated Wi-Fi service's innovative and ongoing upgrades. system fully compatible with all your devices, from phones and laptops to entertainment systems and smart appliances. The best part is that it's secured, managed, and supported by us and incredibly easy to customize through the dedicated mobile app.

Plus, with features like content controls and network security built right in, your devices and family are always protected.

The Consolidated MyNetwork app makes managing your network a breeze whether you're at home or on the go. You can contact us for support right within the app. We're available 24/7. The Consolidated MyNetwork app is the ultimate resource for those who want to stay connected.

Whether you are a student, a parent, or an entrepreneur, our service is built around you.

Cyber Security: With Consolidated’s Network Security feature, you can rest assured that your data and devices are protected from hackers and other online threats.

This includes powerful antivirus software and robust firewalls to block unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Everything you need today, and anticipating your future needs: If you are ready for a new experience from a provider that cares, the Consolidated Wi-Fi experience subscription offers several benefits.

• With complete white glove installation, you can rest assured that your network is set up quickly and correctly with the latest technology.

So why wait?

The Consolidated Wi-Fi service redefines the Internet service without you having to worry about picking the best technology, setting it all up, figuring it out, and ongoing maintenance and troubleshooting. It offers many benefits, including complete control through the Consolidated MyNetwork app, inclusive service with simplified billing, and more. The service is flexible and can be tailored to different aspects of your life, such as work, entertainment, school, and parenting.

If you've been looking for a better experience, the Consolidated Ultimate Wi-Fi experience is finally here.

Sign up TODAY and experience a service that works for you!

Call 701.483.4000 or visit consolidatednd.com/internet

• It includes 24/7 support, so you can get help whenever needed.

• Built-in network security and parental controls available to help keep your data safe and secure while giving you complete control over what your kids can access online.

• The Easy-to-use Consolidated MyNetwork app makes managing your network a breeze whether you're at home or on the go.

Moreover, new features are added every quarter, so you always have access to the latest innovations in Wi-Fi technology.

• Ongoing updates, upgrades, new features, solutions, and innovations.

Whether you're looking to optimize your existing Wi-Fi or get a new service, subscribing to Consolidated Ultimate Wi-Fi service ensures the process is fast and hassle-free at every step.

4

5

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

Chicken Bacon Caesar Bubble-Up Bake 1 8 oz. garlic & herbs spreadable cheese 1/2 cup Caesar dressing 1/4 cup water 1/4 tsp. pepper 1 can (16.3 oz.) Pillsbury Grands Flaky Layers refrigerated buttermilk biscuits 2 cups chopped deli rotisserie chicken 3/4 cup chopped cooked bacon 2 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach 2 cups shredded Italian cheese Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spray 13 x 9 inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a large bowl, mix spreadable cheese, Caesar dressing, water & pepper with whisk. Separate dough into 8 biscuits; cut each into sixths, and add to bowl, mixing until incorporated. Add chicken, half and the bacon, the spinach and 1 cup of the cheese to the biscuit mixture; fold in until mixed well.

Spoon mixture into baking dish; top with the remaining 1 cup cheese and remaining bacon.

Bake for 35 minutes or until deep golden brown and biscuits are baked through.

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

Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken 4 chicken breasts 1 packet Hidden Valley Fiesta Ranch mix 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed 1 can Rotel 1 can corn, not drained 1 8 oz. package cream cheese Add all ingredients to a crockpot; cook on low for 5-6 hours. Remove chicken from mixture and shred into pieces; return to crock pot and mix all ingredients together. Serve over rice or pasta, or wrap in a tortilla.

Everyday Chicken Casserole 1 (10 ¾ ounce) can cream of chicken soup, undiluted 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 tsp. onion powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. black pepper 1 1/2 cups cooked rice 1/2 cup chopped celery 1 cup frozen peas, thawed 1 1/2 cup diced cooked chicken breast 1 cup coarsely crumbled potato chips Preheat oven to 375 degrees; coat a 3 quart casserole dish with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine soup, mayonnaise, onion powder, salt and pepper; mix well. Add rice, celery, peas and chicken; mix until well combined.

Spoon mixture into casserole dish and top with potato chips. Bake 35-40 minutes, or until heated through and golden brown.

Almond Bacon Chicken 4 bacon strips 4 boneless Skinless chicken breast halves 1/4 tsp. pepper 1 can (10-3/4 oz.) condensed cream of onion soup, undiluted 1/4 cup chicken broth 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted In a microwave, cook bacon on paper towels on high for 1-3 minutes or until partially cooked.

Wrap a bacon strip around each chicken breast. Sprinkle with pepper. Arrange in an 8-in microwave safe dish. Cover and microwave on high for 7 minutes; drain. In a bowl, combine soup and broth; cover and microwave for 2 minutes. Spoon around chicken.

Cook, uncovered, 5-7 minutes longer or until juices run clear. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Sprinkle with almonds.

Grant Awarded

Spring Cleaning

Your Email Boxes

Our inboxes have become a digital hub for communication, often accumulating thousands of emails over time. It’s essential to regularly clean out your inbox, including deleted items, sent items, and other folders.

Here’s a guide to help you get started.

1. Start with your inbox – Delete unnecessary emails: This includes promotional emails, expired offers, and outdated newsletters.

– Archive important emails: This removes the email from your inbox without deleting it.

– Organize remaining emails: Use folders, labels, or tags to categorize emails.

The Broadband Association of North Dakota (BAND) is a member of the Rural Development Finance Corporation (RDFC). Every year, BAND chooses projects to support that are submitted through their member cooperatives. This year one of the cooperatives that BAND has chosen to support is Consolidated. RDFC is making these funds available in order that more people become aware of their larger loan program that funds community-based projects and non-profit entities with low interest loans. RDFC has recently granted $1,500 to the Regent Park District. Funds will go towards installing two pickle ball courts in the Regent slab area on Main Street.

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 contact Lori Capouch at 701-667-6444 or lcapouch@ndarec.com

2. Clear out sent items – Review sent emails: Delete emails that are no longer necessary or relevant.

– Archive important sent emails: Keeps your sent file clutter-free while saving the email.

3. Empty the deleted items folder – Permanently delete emails: Once you have reviewed the emails in your deleted items folder, permanently delete them to free up space in your email account.

4. Unsubscribe from unwanted items – Review subscriptions: Take time to review and unsubscribe from the newsletter and promotional emails that you no longer want to receive.

Regent Park Board receives grant.

5. Regular maintenance – Schedule clean up sessions: Set aside time regularly to clean out your email.

6. Stay Disciplined – Avoid email clutter by staying on top of the task! Review and delete unnecessary emails often.

3

Employee News Tanner Wiege joined the Consolidated team in January as an Internet Tech. He attended Bismarck State College with special interest in cybersecurity and computer networking.

Tanner enjoys gaming, cooking, longboarding, snowboarding, and he Tanner Wiege loves cats! Tanner is looking forward to learning more about the technical aspect of Consolidated as an internet service provider.

Business solutions Let us exceed your expectations!

SECURITY • Cameras • Farm/Ranch • Door Access

Contact Consolidated at: 701.483.4000

Important Notes • Happy Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 12th • Office Closed:

– Monday, May 27th for Memorial Day – Thursday, July 4th for Independence Day

consolidatednd.com/business

BEST INTERNET PROVIDER Thank you for voting for us!

2024

consolidatednd.com

2

7

P.O. Box 1408 Dickinson, ND 58602

reach 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) 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 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

Consolidated’s 2024 Summer Series

Wednesday, July 31st – Richardton High School Football Field 6:00 pm ... Concessions Dusk ... Movie begins, Minions The Rise of Gru Wednesday, August 7th – Halliday City Park 6:00 pm ... Concessions Dusk ... Movie begins, Super Mario Bros Movie Wednesday, August 14th – Gladstone North Park 6:00 pm ... Concessions Dusk ... Movie begins, Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie

The Ultimate Wi-Fi Service

Spring 2024

EMPLOYEE NEWS page 2 GRANT AWARDED in REGENT page 3 COOKING CRAVE RECIPES page 6 MOVIES IN THE PARK page 8