COMPANY NEWS
Milestones, service area expansion & gopher program.
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ANNUAL MEETING PREVIEW
Win big at the annual meeting.
MORE THAN A GAME
Hankinson esports is helping students thrive.
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS
Applications open for 2026 scholarships.
STAYING CONNECTED IN WINTER
PAGES 4-5 GRANT AWARDS
PAGES 6-7
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Winter work-fromhome Wi-Fi tips.
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Here in the Red River Valley, winter reminds us of what truly matters: neighbors helping each other, strong connections, and the hope that spring will arrive, even if it takes a while. As I look out at the snowy fields, I feel grateful for the progress we’ve made together this past year at Red River Communications.
We’re making great progress expanding our fiber network, and I’m happy to announce that sign-ups are now open for the Rural Comstock and Rural Sabin ReConnect Grant Fiber Build. This is a big step toward bringing fast, reliable fiber internet to more rural customers. It also shows our long-term commitment to investing where it matters most: right here at home.
Winter also puts our resiliency to the test, and I want to sincerely thank our Red River Communications team. No matter how cold, snowy, or icy it gets, our crews work day and night to keep everyone connected. Their dedication is something I’m incredibly proud of.
This past year brought important milestones, including more subscribers, new community partnerships, and donations supporting schools, organizations, and local events. Programs like our Gopher Bounty Program, including the new youth gopher bounty rate, help protect our fiber network and teach the next generation about stewardship and responsibility. Read more about this program and our additions on the next page.
As we look forward to spring and summer, we will continue to focus on building more fiber, improving our services, and strengthening the connections that help our communities thrive.
We invite the Cooperative’s members to join us at our Annual Meeting on April 9. In the meantime, stay warm, stay hopeful, and stay connected with Red River Communications.
- Tom Steinolfson, CEO/GM
Common Cents and Co-Bank Grants.
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TOM STEINOLFSON CEO/ GENERAL MANAGER
“No matter how cold, snowy, or icy it gets, our crews work day and night to keep everyone connected. Their dedication is something I’m incredibly proud of.”
RON GERMAN - 20 YEARS Fairmount / Hankinson - District 8
In December, Ron German marked 20 years of dedicated service to the Cooperative, serving as the Director for Fairmount / Hankinson - District 8.
We are grateful to Ron for guiding us with unwavering leadership and commitment year after year.
WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SERVICE IN OUR 2026 RURAL COMSTOCK & SABIN PROJECT!
Start your application by scanning the QR code
For project updates, maps of the build area, and information about sigining up for service, check out the project page at: redrivercomm.com/rural-comstock-rural-sabin
Spring is around the corner, and that means the return of Red River Communications’ Gopher Bounty Program, starting March 1, with a new focus on youth gaining interest in the Gopher Bounty Program.
The program is open to all Red River Communications customers and runs until supplies are gone. Be sure to check with your local township about possible partnering bounty programs.
Pocket gophers may seem small, but they can cause big problems.
When gophers dig and chew underground, they can damage fiber-optic cables. This can lead to expensive repairs and disrupt internet, phone, and 911 services. If we work together, we can help protect the fiber network that connects our rural communities.
For more information about program requirements: redrivercomm.com/gopher-bounty-program
• Start Date: March 1
• Traps Available for Youth: First come, first served. Three traps per customer. and a child must be present at the time of trap pick-up
• Trap Pickup Locations: Front lobbyAbercrombie or Wahpeton offices
• Pocket Gopher Bounty Pay:
• Kids (under 18): $5 per gopher –must be present at drop-off
• Adults: $4 per gopher
• Two front feet is required for bounty
• Must be caught within the Red River Communications service area, and township listed on form
• Drop-off location: Abercrombie location only, during office hours
• Youth must be present for trap pickup & gopher drop-off, plus their name must be on the payment to qualify for the $5 rate
Richland #44 High School - New Gym 101 Main Ave, Colfax, ND, 58018 MEETING
TIME: APRIL 9th, 2026 DOORS OPEN & MEAL STARTS @ 5PM
The Red River Communications 74th Annual Meeting and Member Appreciation Meal is more than a business meeting. It’s a celebration! This familyfriendly event brings our members together to look back on what your Cooperative has achieved and to recognize the people who make it all possible.
This year’s meeting will include board of directors elections, short updates on the Cooperative’s progress, and a chance to meet the staff and board members who serve you all year.
Best of all, you can enjoy great food, friendly conversation, and many chances to win exciting prizes. Bring your family and join us for an evening of community, connection, and appreciation.
If you’re interested in being nominated for the Red River Communications Board of Directors, collect signatures and submit your petition by March 8, 2026.
Three districts are up for election, and the following incumbent directors are seeking re-election:
must:
• Be a member of the exchange they would represent.
• Currently lives in exchange they would represent & have lived there for at least 90 days in the last 12 months.
• Not a current or past employee.
• No financial conflict of interest in other ventures.
• Not convicted of a federal or state crime.
• Not closely related to a board member or current employee.
• Be willing to attend monthly, state, and national meetings as required.
To obtain an election petition or for more information about the election process, please call the Red River Communications office at 701-553-8309.
It started with a simple question: How can we add a school activity that includes more kids? At Hankinson High School, Technology and Computer Science teacher Scott Jezusko wanted to reach students who weren’t drawn to sports, band, or traditional clubs. What began as a modest idea—creating a technology-focused space—quickly became a full e-sports program. Today, Hankinson esports team is about more than gaming; it’s about belonging, teamwork, and skills students never expected to find.
In 2022–2023, Technology and Computer Science teacher Scott Jezusko discovered Fenworks, an
organization that supports scholastic esports with structured competitions and coaching resources. Student interest surged and Hankinson’s program launched. From the start, it drew students who hadn’t joined other activities. Nationwide, schools find esports boosts engagement and attendance, especially when academics are part of the mix.
While the thrill of gaming is the hook, the real rewards go deeper. Teamwork is the heartbeat of Hankinson’s program. Whether students are crafting strategies in Fortnite, tackling puzzles in Minecraft, or facing off in chess, they sharpen communication, leadership,
and problem-solving skills. Coaches see esports as training in strategic thinking, quick decision-making, and collaboration. Many students also discover new confidence and leadership abilities along the way.
Dependable technology is key, but community backing makes the program possible. Red River Communications has provided funds to support local esports programs—including Hankinson, Hawley, and Fairmount High Schools—helping students participate, purchase jerseys, and cover other program needs.
and game design. For some, esports even opens doors to scholarships.
Fenworks ensures students compete in a safe, structured environment, guiding coaches and coordinating competitions, so the focus stays on learning, teamwork, and fun.
Esports has become a space where connections grow, confidence rises, and mentorship thrives. Students like Charles McAvoy enjoy Minecraft competition, teamwork, and technical skill-building while forming lasting memories. Programs like this also spark interest in STEM fields, giving students hands-on experience with IT, coding, engineering,
ENGAGEMENT: Boosts attendance and motivation, especially for students not involved in other activities.
TEAMWORK: Develops communication, strategy, problem-solving, and leadership skills through collaborative play.
STEM & Career Paths: Esports help students learn tech skills and can spark interest in jobs such as computer work, technology repair, or game design.
SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL GROWTH:
Students practice resilience, sportsmanship, and managing emotions in a supportive team environment.
Hankinson aims to welcome more students, expand competitions, and keep building a space that feels like home. With strong community support from Red River Communications and structured guidance from Fenworks, esports is proving to be a game-changer in rural schools—engaging students, nurturing skills, and creating opportunities they might never have imagined.
At its heart, Hankinson’s esports program is about more than games. It’s about belonging, building skills, and helping students thrive as a team.
If you would like to support Hankinson’s esports team, please contact Scott Jezusko at Hankinson High School at www.hankinsonschool.com.
Fenworks Inc. partners with schools to bring structured esports programs to students, providing coaching, organized competitions, and opportunities to build teamwork, leadership, and real - world skills. They make esports accessible, engaging, and meaningful for students in a safe, school-based environment. Learn more about the benefits of eposts and their programs at: fenworks.com.
At Red River Communications, we believe in the power of education and the importance of supporting our youth in their pursuit of success.
We’re proud to offer $1,000 scholarships to 12 local graduating high school seniors whose parents or guardians are our customers. Whether attending a university, community college, or technical school, we want to help you pursue your dreams and build a brighter future.
The FRS Scholarship Program offers rural students a chance to attend college or vocational school.
Each year, FRS awards scholarships to help cover the first year of education after high school.
In addition to the general FRS Scholarship, several named scholarships are available.
The MTA Foundation awards six $2,000 scholarships to Minnesota students graduating in 2026.
Learn more about the program and download an application from on our website at:
by Feb. 14, 2026
For most, gone are the days of waking up to a blanket of white and celebrating when the news announces closures. Now, when ice and snow coat the roadways, many offices often switch to a remote work setup and continue to provide service and support for customers via phone and online avenues.
When you’re stuck inside, buffering, dropped calls, and outages can be even more frustrating than under normal conditions. It’s this time of year that we see a subtle shift from “nice to have” to “need to have” connectivity. This increase in demand for reliable internet is part of why Red River Communications works tirelessly to maintain the fiber connection that you enjoy.
Winter storms and freezing temperatures can expose weak and inefficient connections. Wireless signals and satellite receivers can be disrupted by snow, ice, and cloud cover. Older copper infrastructure may struggle in extreme cold.
Thankfully, fiber is built for top performance in harsh winter conditions. The underground design makes it more resistant to weather-related disruptions, especially storms and ice.
So, what can you do to help ensure that your connection stays online and ready when you need it during a cold snap?
• Stay informed of impending weather. You can access local news outlets through streaming resources. Find a reputable weather app and make sure notifications are enabled so you receive the alerts in real-time.
• Understand what connectivity equipment works during power outages. If your router isn’t connected to a battery backup unit, you may lose internet access and the ability to make calls on Wi-Fi. Additionally, ensure your devices are charged ahead of a storm, and have rechargeable charging stations ready in case power is out for longer than expected.
• Sign up to receive alerts from us in case of emergency notifications or service interruptions. Enable push notifications for the Red River Connect app in your device’s settings for real-time updates. You can also follow our social media pages or visit our website for relevant information & updates.
Locally based support matters more during outages, and Red River Communications is proud to be here as a partner in our community, not just a provider.
Our team understands the weather challenges you experience because we’re here under the same conditions. We’re able to evaluate and respond with more information, more quickly, and deploy our technicians as soon as we can safely do so.
We live here, we work here, and we are committed to offering your an extraordinary experience.
Red River Communications’ Common Cents Program has positively impacted local communities since 2008, awarding grants to support non-profits, schools, emergency services, and various community projects. This initiative is funded by customers who round up their monthly bills to the nearest dollar, and leads to meaningful change in our communities.
Interested in Applying for a Grant?
2026 APPLICATION DEADLINES:
MARCH 1, JUNE 1, SEPTEMBER 1, AND DECEMBER 1.
Great Bend Volunteer Fire Dept.
$5,000 Co-Bank Grant for new turnout gear.
Received a $2,500 Common Cents grant to digitize newspapers.
Friends of Leach Public Library volunteers & Nancy GrotluschenCommon Cents Director.
Received a $2,500 Common Cents Grant to put towards new flooring and cabinets.
Red River Communications is once again proud to be a part of the Co-Bank Sharing Success Grant Program. Co-Bank partners with customers like us to help build vibrant rural communities through its signature Sharing Success program. The program doubles the impact of our donations by matching them.
In January, Red River & Co-Bank awarded a $5,000 grant to the Great Bend Volunteer Fire Department to help them purchase new turnout gear.
After the upcoming annual meeting, we will start celebrating our 75th anniversary. Our team is currently compiling historical photos and information.
If you or someone you know has any relevant materials to share, please email us at support@redrivercomm. com or call our office at 701-553-8309 and ask for Kari Kleingartner or Donna Thiel. Thank you!
We are now accepting requests for construction projects within our service area. Whether you are planning to build a new home, are interested in an outdoor Wi-Fi network, or would like to set up a yard network at your farm site, now is the perfect time to start planning your fiber project.
Stop into one of our offices or give us a call at 701-553-8309 to get your project on our 2026 construction list.
The 2026 directories have arrived in the mail to all our landline phone customers. If you need an extra copy, stop by one of our two offices.
Winter 2026
Volume 11, Issue 1
The Red River Communications CONNECT newsletter is published quarterly and distributed free of charge to our members and customers in North Dakota, Minnesota and South Dakota.
Harlan Deike President
District 4 - Great Bend
Rhonda Erbes Vice-President
District 3 - Colfax
Gary Boutiette
Secretary/Treasurer
District 5 - Kent
Tim Viland
District 1 - Abercrombie
Wayne Schindler
District 2 - Barnesville
Joe Pikarski
District 6 - Mooreton
Jerry Janssen
District 7 - Rollag
Ron German
District 8 - Fairmount/Hankinson
Jan Schmit
District 9 - Lidgerwood/ Wyndmere
Red River Communications 510 Broadway | PO Box 136 Abercrombie, ND 58001
7925 180th Ave SE Wahpeton, ND 58075
Questions? Service issues? Call 866-553-8309
RED RIVER CONNECT is produced by the Red River Communications Team.
Contributing writers include: Kari Kleingartner, Tom Steinolfson, Katelyn Welle, and Donna Thiel
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
