RTC Fall 2020 Newsletter

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Coming Home and Staying Connected How local musician Jessie Veeder Scofield built a successful career from her family’s ranch in western North Dakota

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Community Spotlight: #myRTC Internet When COVID-19 spread across our state this spring, access to highspeed, reliable internet became more important than ever before.

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RTC Happenings Check out what we have been up to for the past few months

FALL 2020

A MESSAGE FROM OUR

General Manager

Shane Hart

CEO/General Manager

THE

Communicator

At RTC, our number one priority is you—our members. Since 1951, we have been committed to keeping our members connected. Now more than ever, it is also our duty to keep you safe.

Due to the continued increase in COVID-19 cases in our region, RTC has closed our lobbies once again to protect our members, employees, and communities.

the top of the page on our website

We are taking extra measures to

since we first closed our lobby doors

24 Main Street North, PO Box 68, Parshall, ND 58770 www.RTC.coop, RTC@restel.com, www.facebook.com/RTC.coop Customer Service: 0811 (within RTC exchanges) or 888.862.3115 Repair Service: 0611 (within RTC exchanges) or 800.822.3311 24/7 Help Desk: 0211 (within RTC exchanges) or 800.497.2151 Headquarters: 24 Main St N • Parshall, ND 58770 New Town Office: 202 College Drive • New Town, ND 58763 Watford City Office: 701 14th St SW • Watford City, ND 58854

Business Office: 0811 (Toll-free within RTC Exchanges)

ensure that you and your families can stay safe and connected throughout this pandemic. Our techs are continuing to install new services and make maintenance calls. Prior to visiting your home,

701.862.3115

COVID-19 screening questions

888.862.3115

will be asked and, if necessary, we

Fax: 701.862.3008 Email: rtc@restel.com

Publication Contact: Shannon Stafslien, Marketing Manager

CEO/General Manager: Shane D. Hart

Directors & Officers: Jeanette Hoff, President Jared Eagle, Vice President Jennifer Sorenson, Secretary/Treasurer Wayne Skarda, Director Terry Wilber, Director

will work with you for a contactless install or maintenance. If it is safe for our employees to enter your home, you can expect to see them wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, when they arrive, and we would

Tim Krebsbach, Director Alicia Brenna, Attorney RTC is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

Copyright© 2020 by RTC (Reservation Telephone Cooperative) and Tellwell.

calling 1-844-829-1960; or by delivering your payment to one of our drop box locations: RTC Offices in Parshall, Watford City and New Town, the Garrison City Auditor’s Office, and the Kenmare City Auditor’s Office.

Finally, we have launched our new Wi-Fi app (myRTCnet) to keep you more connected than ever before.

This app is a free and easy way to manage your home’s Wi-Fi, all from the palm of your hand. You can learn more at rtc.coop/myrtcnet/.

Almost eight months have passed to stop the spread of COVID-19. I understand that this is a difficult time for all of us, and I encourage everyone to continue taking steps to protect yourself and those around you.

While we may not be able to catch up with you over a cup of coffee in our offices, RTC is here for you.

You can contact us via phone, email, or live chat on our website anytime. During these days of social distancing and isolation, we would be happy to hear from you.

appreciate it if you would respect our employees’ safety by wearing a mask when we enter your home.

Thank you for your continued trust

We are also offering several safe

Shane Hart

Amy Ones, Director Barbara Steinmetz, Director

(www.RTC.coop); by phone by

options for making payments.

You can pay via our online portal, SmartHub, by clicking “Pay Bill” at

and support of RTC.

Shane Hart, CEO/General Manager

COMING HOME, STAYING CONNECTED

Jessie’s Story

How local musician Jessie Veeder Scofield built a successful career from her family’s ranch in western North Dakota At just seven years old, Jessie Veeder Scofield took to the stage in a cowboy hat and Garth Brooks-inspired brushpopper shirt, buttoned to the top. Accompanied by her father on guitar, she belted the classics—John Prine, EmmyLou Harris, Bruce Springsteen—at art fairs and trade shows across North Dakota.

knew it—but despite it all,

Today, Jessie Veeder Scofield is a legend

the place and the people she met there

of Midwestern music. And after years

that inspired her to write and record her

on the road, she has returned to the

first album, “This Road,” at the young age

family ranch where she discovered a

of 16.

she continues to make her music and count her blessings.

Life on the Road The Veeder Ranch is a 3,000-acre cattle ranch overlooking the western North Dakota badlands.

It’s where Jessie grew up, exploring the wide-open spaces and listening to her father’s folk tunes. It was

love for music, an appreciation for the rugged landscape of the Dakotas, and

“Rural living has definitely been an

admiration for the people who call this

inspiration for my music since I was a

place home.

young kid,” Jessie said. “It was the people that surrounded me: the cowboys, the

Jessie’s journey has been far from

ranchers, the women that were raising

easy—especially this year, as a rare

these ranch families and taking care

cancer diagnosis upended life as she

of each other. I saw a lot of heart and spirit, and I was always fascinated by

their stories. What their ancestors went through, how they’re impacted by the landscape. That’s always been what I’ve written about.”

Jessie’s soulful melodies and heartwrenching lyrics on “This Road” caught the attention of a booking agency in Nashville and landed her a job performing around the country. She continued to tour up and down the Midwest while attending the University of North Dakota and recorded her second original album, “A Place to Belong,” in 2005.

While touring, Jessie was often urged

goal to continue pursuing my career, the

But when COVID-19 hit in the spring of

internet was a huge thing.”

2020, Jessie and her team once again

to move to Nashville or Los Angeles,

relied on RTC internet to bring art to the

somewhere with a more prominent

Jessie knew that she was taking a risk

community.

music scene. But Jessie’s mind was

by continuing her career from such a

always somewhere else.

rural location. Fortunately, in the time

“If I’m working with a client, developing a

she had been away from home, RTC had

concept with the foundation, or working

“I never wanted to live in those places.

expanded its internet services to reach

with the North Dakota Council on the Arts,

They didn’t inspire me when I was on the

the Veeder ranch.

I can have a Zoom meeting with them and

said. “Where I wanted to be was the ranch in western North Dakota.

That’s where I’ve always wanted to work and perform and be inspired.

There’s something

“

Rural internet access from RTC made it so I can work from anywhere—even the middle of nowhere.

“

road,” Jessie

in my DNA. I think it was just born into me that I wanted to be out there. ”

Coming Home, Staying Connected In 2010, Jessie and her husband finally came home. Back on the ranch, she released three more albums: ”Jessie Veeder Live” in 2010, “Nothing’s Forever” in 2012, and “Northern Lights” in 2015, a project that brought her to Nashville to record with legendary producer Bill Warner.

Jessie continued to write and record music when she moved back to North Dakota. But she had other plans, too— plans that required a high-speed internet connection.

“I didn’t grow up out at the ranch with access to the internet,” Jessie said.

“Coming back as a grown woman with a

we can work the details out while I’m still on the ranch,” Jessie said.

“Without internet at the ranch, that wouldn’t be possible.”

She has also stayed connected to her fans during this time through virtual concerts.

With high-speed internet, Jessie is

able to share her music with fans from In 2010, Jessie used that connection

around the world, all from the comfort

to start a blog, “Meanwhile, back at the

and safety of her home on the ranch.

ranch…”, where she promotes her music and shares stories of her life in Western

“I always thought that if you live in the

North Dakota.

middle of nowhere, you can’t be who you want to be,” Jessie said. “I wasn’t always

“Suddenly I had fans from all over the

told that, but it was an assumption. But

world, from Australia to Mexico, reading

I’ve learned that when you grow up in a

what life was like in Western North

rural community, you don’t have to go

Dakota, all because I could take pictures

somewhere else to be something.”

of it. I could write about it. I could put it online and I could reach people,” Jessie said. “Rural internet access from RTC made it so I can work from anywhere— even the middle of nowhere.”

And in 2014, Jessie helped found the Long X Arts Foundation in Watford City to create opportunities for art, entertainment, and culture in rural North Dakota. In a typical year, the foundation offers art classes, live concerts, and other in-person events.

In the Rearview Mirror Jessie Veeder is an acclaimed musician, prolific writer, passionate arts advocate, and most importantly, mother to two beautiful girls, Edie and Rosie. And in 2020, Jessie gained another title: cancer patient.

She was in the midst of recording her sixth studio album, “Playing Favorites,” when she began to feel ill. What began

in November 2019 as a cold that

her previous works, it is an homage to

thrown her way, Jessie has remained

“just wouldn’t go away” turned into a

the people and places that shaped her.

grateful. Grateful for the musicians who

persistent wheezing; it often felt like

With only 10 percent of her lung capacity,

have inspired her since she was just a

she could only catch a real breath when

Jessie recorded and released her sixth

kid, the friends, family, and fans who

she was singing. She saw doctor after

album. Today, “Playing Favorites” is

have supported her on her journey, for

doctor, but it wasn’t until May 2020 that

available for purchase and streaming

the North Dakota air in her lungs, and for

a specialist identified a blockage in her

on all platforms. The tumor has been

the ability to do what she loves from the

airway: a tumor that was blocking her

removed from Jessie’s airway, and while

place that she loves.

entire right lung and 90 percent of her

she will continue to be screened for the

left.

rest of her life, she is currently cancer-

“I’m just grateful for each day I’m given,

free.

because we just don’t know,” Jessie said.

Her diagnosis sent Jessie to Mayo

“I know that sounds cliche, but it’s hard to

Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota for a

“Cancer will always be a part of my life,”

remember that sometimes. I know now

series of surgeries to remove the tumor.

Jessie said. “Hopefully now I can put this

that everything can be taken away from

Throughout her treatment, Jessie pushed

in my rearview mirror.”

you at any minute.”

to release the album, a collection of songs she grew up listening to and

Throughout her diagnosis and treatment,

singing with her father. More than any of

and every other challenge that life has

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

#myRTC Internet Staying Safe, Keeping Connected houses that would typically stand empty from 9 to 5 were suddenly packed. Dining rooms doubled as home offices, and playrooms were partitioned into classrooms.

Every parent has had to adapt to this new kind of school year, but some, like Michelle Hoff, have taken on an extra challenge: creating a distance learning set-up for their own children and their neighbors’.

Michelle, President of the Parshall School Board, has three children of her own: Logan (5th grade), Laken (3rd grade),

“

and Boden (Pre-K). When her district announced that the first

Friends Zoom, family Zoom time, and now most importantly Google Meets for my kids’ classes.

- Michelle Hoff

We asked our RTC community to share how they’ve used

two weeks of school would be held virtually, Michelle set up

the Internet to get through these difficult months, and were

shop—literally.

“

When COVID-19 spread across our state this spring, access to high-speed, reliable Internet became more important than ever before. It wasn’t a luxury anymore; It was the only way to stay connected to friends and family, keep ourselves inspired and entertained, and for many local students, to even attend school.

inspired by the responses we received. Check them out!

Going Back to “School” This year’s back-to-school season was unlike any other.

Schools across the region began the year virtually, and with many parents still working from home due to COVID-19,

“I held ‘shop school’ for the first two weeks to help out friends in our district that were tied up with work during the school day,” Michelle said. “We live on a farm and have a shop on the farmstead. The farming crew was out farming, so the shop was available to set up tables.”

Nine students, from second graders to a high school

freshman, attended Michelle’s

the same time.”

makeshift shop school. At the

Thank you, Michelle, for helping keep

beginning of every day, each student

our local students in school during

would connect with their teacher and

this difficult time! We asked other

receive instruction. They were given

members of our RTC community to

“

RTC made sure we had a great connection in the shop, which is located near the house.

“

- Michelle Hoff breaks throughout the day to stretch or

share their advice for creating a space

step away from their computers, and at

where families can be comfortable and

lunch, Michelle would distribute meals

productive while working and

supplied by their schools.

learning from home. Here’s what

Staying Connected through COVID When COVID-19 hit this spring, we quickly learned that social distancing was one of the most important things we could do to keep our friends, families, and communities safe.

But it also came with a downside: keeping a safe distance from our loved ones turned out to be isolating and downright lonely.

Fortunately, with RTC Internet, we are all connected—even when we have to be apart. We asked our customers how they have stayed in touch with friends and family during COVID-19.

they said!

Michelle had the space to accommodate all nine students in her shop; the challenge was to arrange the shop school in a way that was both safe for students and conducive to their learning.

our closets, people around the world have found countless

from each other so they didn’t get distracted from each other, or hear the other teachers,” Michelle said. “Some students wore headphones, others chose not to and still were able to listen

One challenge that

From mastering the art of sourdough to Marie Kondo-ing

“We had to spread the tables out

and hear.”

Getting Creative in Quarantine

ways to get creative during quarantine. We asked members of our RTC community to

“My daughter in Grand Forks and I did a craft together while we were on FaceTime (thanks Artsy Amy!)” Gretchen Edwards

share how they have used the Internet to pick up new skills and hobbies during this unusual time.

Michelle didn’t have to worry about was providing a stable Internet connection for her shop school students.

“We planted a big garden. I had to Google every step.”

“RTC made sure we had a great connection in the shop, which is located near the house,” Michelle said.

“And we made sure our bandwidth could handle 10 or more devices going at

“Trying new Cricut projects!”

Cheyannea Hart

Jesse Amber Carter

For more information go to

RTC.coop/myrtc/

Welcome to myRTCnet!

Manage your Wi-Fi network from the palm of your hand with myRTCnet. The myRTCnet app is FREE to download for all RTC Wi-Fi customers and gives you an instant snapshot of your home or small business network. If you are looking for network security and total control (including parental controls), sign up for the RTC BLAST Total Experience Wi-Fi package today!

Introducing the FREE myRTCnet app!

Download the FREE app today to see all the features available to all myRTCnet users. These features include: • Basic Parental Controls - providing the ability to set profiles, add devices to those profiles, and turn Wi-Fi on/ off to devices • Ability to set up Guest Networks and receive alerts when new devices are connected to your networks.

(Don’t recognize a device? Kick them off your network!)

• Device List - showing all connected devices by category

Additional features available when you have RTC BLAST and upgrade your Wi-Fi package.

• Network Usage - showing how much bandwidth each drive in your network is using • True Bandwidth Test from your RTC BLAST to the world wide web • Enhanced Parental Controls:

- Abilitiy to set profiles

- Assign devices

- Schedule offline time

- Ability to block specific content, apps and websites

- View profile/device usage • Network Security: Network level protection from malware, viruses and malicious websites, keeping your network and devices safe from cyberattacks. Covers devices in your home that do not come with built-in or purchased protections (doorbells, cameras, smart lightbulbs, etc.).

Visit RTC.coop/myrtcnet/ to learn more Must subscribe to one of RTC’s Wi-Fi packages to connect to the myRTCnet app. The Total Experience package includes upgraded features that require the installation of an RTC BLAST and may require some wiring - call RTC to start a service order. Restrictions may apply.

my

m y

ne t

net

NEW RTC

Phone Listings Alexander - 828 Energyve........................................................(701) 828-3071 Energyve LLC - Fax........................................(701) 828-3609 Menster, Jake................................................(701) 828-3741

Emmet - 337

Bishop Johnny W...........................................(701) 337-5021

Garrison - 463 Baltus, Leonard..............................................(701) 463-2145 Carlson, Westlie.............................................(701) 463-2305 DeCoteau Trauma - Informed Care and Practice..........................................(701) 463-2461 Jimmy’s Pizza................................................(701) 463-2515 Jimmy’s Pizza - Fax.......................................(701) 463-2535 Rough Rider Gun Repair................................(701) 463-7155 Zieman, Robert & Shirley...............................(701) 463-2040

Keene - 675 Bakken Disposals Inc....................................(701) 675-2800

Kenmare - 385 Cook, Shannon..............................................(701) 385-3775 Winzenburg, Delwyn......................................(701) 385-3375

Mandaree - 759 Johnson, Melissa..........................................(701) 759-3222

New Town - 627 Bakken Disposals LLC...................................(701) 627-4899 Driver’s Sweetz N Treatz...............................(701) 627-2300 Ereth, Robert .................................................(701) 627-3762 Four Bears Discovery Center Daycare..........(701) 627-3279 Goodall SWD - Goodnight Midstream..........(701) 627-2491 Hernandez, Danielle......................................(701) 627-3885 High Horse, L.................................................(701) 627-2024 Johnson, David K...........................................(701) 627-3692 Screaming Eagle Energy Inc.........................(701) 627-2737 TAT - Carwash...............................................(701) 627-3525

Happenings THANKS FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE

2021 Calendar Contest Thanks to everyone who participated in our Calendar Photo Contest!

We received so many beautiful pictures, it will be tough for our employees to decide on the winning photos to be included in the 2021 RTC calendar.

You can pick up your free calendar after Thanksgiving at our offices in Parshall, New Town, and Watford City, or City Auditor’s offices in Kenmare and Garrison. They’ll be available while supplies last.

Parshall - 862

Los Buenos Recuerdos.................................(701) 862-3112

Ross - 755 Garcia, Brenda...............................................(701) 755-3635 Prochaska, Mike............................................(701) 755-3429

Watford City - 444 Berlet, Karyn...................................................(701) 444-4899 Goulet, Mike & Crystal...................................(701) 444-3434 J & J Rental LLC............................................(701) 444-4790 J & J Rental LLC............................................(701) 444-4794 J & J Rental LLC............................................(701) 444-4795 Kern KingdomFit, Cammie............................(701) 444-2030 Slow Ride.......................................................(701) 444-6274

Watford City - 842 Syndicate Energy Supply Store.....................(701) 842-4350

White Shield - 743 Brennan, Gloria .............................................(701) 743-4569 White Shield East Segment - Fax.................(701) 743-4155

INFORMATION ON 2021 COLLEGE

Scholarships

RTC will again offer two college scholarship programs to area high school seniors.

• •

Four RTC scholarships, each in the amount of $2,500 Several scholarships from the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) to help further higher education among rural youth

More information on these scholarships will be available at www.RTC.coop in November

Statement of Non-Discrimation

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr. usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office ofAdjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov.

White Shield East Segment - Fax.................(701) 743-4150

DO YOU LIKE TO

Plan ahead?

With SmartHub you can manage your RTC account anywhere, anytime using your mobile device.

Until November 30, 2020

All SmartHub users will be entered into a drawing for one of the three holiday wreaths from local flower shops! *Must have an active SmartHub account. All accounts will be entered automatically.

EMPLOYEE IN

New Position

OCTOBER WAS

Co-op Month!

This year looked a little different with no in-person Co-op Month events.

We had close to 500 members participate virtually and we gave away 40 prizes!

Lucky winners received:

* A FREE month of RTC Internet * A FREE Amazon Fire TV Stick with FREE installation of myRTCtv * Various local gift cards.

While we missed seeing everyone in person it was important to us to celebrate safely this year.

We look forward to 2021 where we hope to celebrate Co-op Month face-to-face again.

Eric Jaeger

TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST COORDINATOR

HOLIDAY

Hours RTC will be closed on: Wednesday, November 11 - Veterans Day Thursday, November 26 - Thanksgiving Day Thursday, December 24 - Christmas Eve Friday, December 25 - Christmas Day Friday, January 1 - New Year’s Day

NEW

Listings 24 Main Street North, PO Box 68, Parshall, ND 58770 www.RTC.coop, RTC@restel.com www.facebook.com/RTC.coop Customer Service: 0811 (within RTC exchanges) or 888.862.3115 Repair Service: 0611 (within RTC exchanges) or 800.822.3311 24/7 Help Desk: 0211 (within RTC exchanges) or 800.497.2151 Headquarters: 24 Main St N • Parshall, ND 58770 New Town Office: 202 College Drive • New Town, ND 58763 Watford City Office: 701 14th St SW • Watford City, ND 58854

Hands & Hearts WARM

WARM

RTC is collecting new and gently used hats, mittens and gloves for children in need for the 13th annual Warm Hands and Warm Hearts project.

Donated items will be distributed to the elementary schools in our service area when the weather is coldest and the need is greatest.

Please help us keep the children warm this winter by dropping off your items

READERS

Contest

Congratulations to these Summer 2020 Communicator “Readers’ Contest” winners.

They will receive a $10 credit on their RTC bill:

NAME For your chance to be entered in the

at any of the following locations now through January 6, 2021: •

RTC Headquarters in Parshall

•

RTC Watford City Office

•

Kenmare City Auditor’s Office

•

RTC New Town Office

•

Garrison City Auditor’s Office

•

Latte Da (both Watford City locations)

•

Wild Flour Café and Bakery (Alexander)

•

Door 204 (Watford City)

Olga Hovet

Kevin & Jackie Sullivan

Watford City Exchange

Keene Exchange

Sheryl Krueger

New Town United Church of Christ

Garrison Exchange

New Town Exchange

Colin & Susan Vachal Ross Exchange

PHONE

1. What quarantine hobbies dicussed above have you picked up during quarantine?

drawing to win a $10 credit on your bill, correctly answer the questions at the right and include with your RTC bill. You can

2. What is Jessie Veeder Scofield’s most recent album name?

also submit your answers on our website at RTC.coop/readerscontest or email your answers to RTCteam@restel.com.

3.What is the new RTC app called that allows you to manage your Wi-Fi network?