RTC connects first customers in Kewanna

RTC Fiber Communications, based in Rochester, has completed its fiber construction project in the town of Kewanna and has connected the first customers with the new fiber optic network.

With the completion of the new network, which was announced in May 2022, about 360 residents and businesses now have access to high-speed internet service.

“RTC is excited to be able to serve the town of Kewanna with high-speed fiber internet,” said Joe McCarter, president of RTC Fiber Communications. “The coop- eration of the town of Kewanna’s board as well as the library and other local businesses has been a great help in allowing us to have finished our build-out of the town in a timely manner.”

RTC Fiber Communications now serves residents in the towns of Rochester, Akron, Argos, Mentone, Macy, Silver Lake, Kewanna, Leiters Ford and Burket. Additionally, construction is underway in Fulton. The rural areas surrounding Leiters Ford, Kewanna, Akron and Fulton are scheduled for completion by the end of 2024.

The new fiber broadband gives Kewanna town residents the network needed to power smarthome and streaming devices, as well as the freedom to work or go to school from home. It also provides local businesses and health care facilities access to technology needed to serve the community.

To order or learn more about RTC Fiber Communications’ fiber-based internet, visit rtc1.com or call (574) 223-2191.

RTC was established in 1896 in Rochester and has served the community for 127 years.

From 2-2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29, at the nature center will be a lab program about bird beaks and how they are a vital tool for birds’ survival, enabling them to eat and build nests.

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Laura Jones, Indiana State Library northwest regional coordinator, will be giving a book talk about her list of the latest “Chilling Thrillers” at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, at the Kewanna Union Township Public Library, 210 E. Main St., Kewanna.

Jones is known for her book talks about adult fiction and book reviews. Many of her book talks can be found on her YouTube channel. Books on Jones’ “Chilling Thrill- ers” list include “No Exit” by Taylor Adams, “The Sanatorium” by Sarah Pearse, “Girl in Ice” by Erica Ferenick, “These Silent Woods” by Kimi Cunningham Grant, “Five Total Strangers” by Natalie D. Richards, “Hidden Pictures” by Jason Rekulak, “Rock Paper Scissors” by Alice Feeney, “All Good People Here” by Ashley Flowers, “Ice Hunt” by James Rollins, “An Unwanted Guest” by Shari Lapena, “All the Dangerous Things” by Stacy Willingham and “The Widowmaker” by Hannah Morrissey.

Everyone is welcome to attend Jones’ talk. For more information or updates, call the library at (574) 653-2011 or visit its Facebook page.

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Public Vet is coming to Rochester Thursday, Feb. 2, for a spay/ neuter clinic for cats at the Fulton County Historical Museum, 37 E. 375N, Rochester. The cost is $90, which includes a medical exam, the surgery and pre-op and post-op medication. Financial assistance could also be available. Sign up online at pub.vet.

When you sign up, it’s for checkin, which starts at 8:30 a.m. and takes about an hour. You will be given a time to return to pick up your pet, which will be before 7 p.m. that same day. All cats are checked in from and discharged to your vehicle. Look for more information online at the pub.vet website.

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First Baptist Church, 1000 Main St., Rochester, is offering a free Kids Club for preschoolers through elementary-age children Wednesdays, Feb. 1 through March 8. A light meal will be offered at 5:30 p.m., and the club is open until 7:30 p.m. Call (574) 223-3613 for more information.