PAGE 3
RTC NETWORKS SPOTLIGHT
MCKENZIE COUNTY HERITAGE PARK PAGE 6
TEACHING INTERNET SAFETY A TECH TIP FROM YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD TECH EXPERT PAGE 8
MYRTCNET WIFI APP THE SIX-STEP SET UP GUIDE
SPRING 2022
A MESSAGE FROM OUR
GENERAL MANAGER in the fall of 2022. Individual awards range from $1,000 to $2,500. To meet this year’s scholarship recipients, see page 11.
RTC NETWORKS COMMUNICATOR
Also in this issue, you can learn about the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program, which helps connect families
24 Main Street North, PO Box 68,
and households struggling to afford
Parshall, ND 58770
internet service (page 12) along with
www.myRTCNetworks.com,
upgrades that will allow the McKenzie
info@myRTCNetworks.com Customer Service: 0811 (within RTC exchanges) or 701.862.3115 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 Stanley Office: 215 Main St S,
As of January 1, we have officially welcomed the communities of Stanley, Portal, Medora, Beach, and Golva into our ever-growing network!
Stanley, ND 58784 Watford City Office: 701 14th St SW Watford City, ND 58854
Business Office: 0811 (Toll-free within RTC Exchanges) 701.862.3115 Fax: 701.862.3008 Email: info@myRTCNetworks.com
Publication Contact: Shannon Stafslien, Marketing Manager
CEO/General Manager: Shane D. Hart
Directors & Officers: Jeanette Hoff, President Wayne Skarda, Vice President Jennifer Sorenson, Secretary/Treasurer Jared Eagle, Director Terry Wilber, Director Amy Ones, Director Barbara Steinmetz, Director John McElwain, Director Alicia Brenna, Attorney RTC Networks is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Copyright© 2022 by RTC Networks (Reservation Telephone Cooperative Networks) and Tellwell.
To all of our new customers, thank you
region’s history into the digital age (page 3).
RTC Networks is awarding $39,500 in college scholarships.
for your trust and patience throughout the transition from Midstate to RTC
Finally, have you downloaded the
Networks. We promise to continue
myRTCnet app yet? The app puts
providing the highest quality of
you in charge of your internet
technology and service, and look
experience, allowing you to view all the
forward to making a positive impact on
connected devices on your network,
your communities.
set up parental controls, change your
I am especially excited to welcome several former Midstate employees to the RTC Networks team. You can get to know them on page 10 of The Communicator.
password, and more! Please visit our website to learn about all of these features, or use the QR code below to instantly download the app. APPLE APP STORE
GOOGLE PLAY STORE
It’s hard to believe that the 2021-2022 school year is already coming to a close. Some of this year’s high school seniors will have an extra reason to
From all of us at RTC Networks, have
celebrate as RTC Networks is awarding
a healthy and happy spring!
more scholarships than ever before!
Shane Hart
This year, we are awarding $39,500 in college scholarships to students entering their freshman year of college
2
County Heritage Park to bring our
Shane Hart, CEO/GM
RTC NETWORKS
SPOTLIGHT
MCKENZIE COUNTY HERITAGE PARK
McKenzie County Heritage Park is sharing the history of McKenzie County with another generation. Like many, Sandy Rieker came to McKenzie County on the heels of the oil boom. Her family took up residence in a fifth wheel trailer on the outskirts of Watford City, and when Rieker began to feel caged in by the confines of her temporary home, she would bring her young granddaughter across town to the McKenzie County Heritage Park.
have felt as they put down roots in the prairie that would
Together, they’d roam the drafty halls of the park’s historic
Heritage Park, Rieker is part of a passionate group
buildings, imagining the way those early settlers must
one day become North Dakota. “As I’d pull my frozen pillow off the wall in my fifth wheel, I felt a kind of understanding of what that pioneer woman may have felt like. I thought about how, for her, there was nothing but a piece of wood separating her pillow from the cold,” Rieker said. “It spoke to me. So I wanted to tell that story.” Now, as Director of Operations at the McKenzie County working to keep the pioneer story alive.
3
A Step Back in Time
displayed and stored in the antique buildings, where they
The McKenzie County Heritage Park is a collection of
the museum, safe from wind, snow, and rain.
buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s which have been recovered from around McKenzie County and restored to their original state. Since 1992, generations of park visitors have ventured back in time to explore a one-room schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, fire station, and many other relics of North Dakota’s heritage. With the construction of a new museum equipped with high-speed internet from RTC Networks, McKenzie
risked exposure to the elements. Now they will be kept in
The construction project has been spearheaded by LeRoy Lillibridge, President of the McKenzie County Heritage Park Board of Directors. “We’ve been working on the building for three years, but really, we’ve been saving towards this for 16 years,” Lillibridge said. “It’s been a lot of hours and I’ve had some good hands to help.”
County Heritage Park is ready to share the history of McKenzie County with another generation.
We may be teaching about the past, but we are always ready to embrace the future. During his tenure on the Board, Vice President Tex Stevenson has played integral roles in both restoring the old buildings and building this new one. Like many of his colleagues, Stevenson has deep roots in McKenzie County. “My great-great-grandfather came to this state in 1863,” Stevenson said. “I like the history of North Dakota. I’d like to keep it going so people know who we are.”
Teaching the Next Generation “Our mission is to tell the story of how the pioneering men and women came here and left behind the legacy that they did,” Rieker said. “We may be teaching about the past, but we are always ready to embrace the future as well.” While Rieker and her team have always taken great care to preserve the integrity of McKenzie County’s history, they’ve faced limitations. Artifacts had previously been
4
This museum has been nearly two decades in the making, and the work won’t end once construction is complete. Rieker, Lillibridge, Stevenson, and their team have big dreams for the future of the McKenzie County Heritage Park–and internet from RTC Networks will help make their dreams a reality. The museum also houses a media room, which is currently used primarily for meetings. In the future, the Park plans
Pictured left to right: LeRoy Defoe, Sandy Rieker, LeRoy Lillidge, Tex Stevenson, Ron Weber. Not Pictured: JJack Construction, Praire Homes, Velasquez Construction.
to host movie nights here to further
that,” Rieker said. “We are so thankful
engage the community in the history
that RTC Networks is just around the
of the Great Plains.
corner. The guys are fabulous, they’re
“Everything is high-speed,” Rieker said. “That will be so important for
patient, and they’ve just been great every step of the way. ”
Dakotans for generations to come. “Never in my life did I imagine that when I brought my little granddaughter here that this is what we’d be doing 11 years later,” Rieker
streaming the movies that we want to
When Rieker came to McKenzie
said. “I love North Dakota, I love the
have out here.”
County in 2011, she felt a kinship to
people of McKenzie County, and I
those early settlers who’d given up
love telling their story.”
Rieker also hopes to make wireless internet available to all guests, to make their experience more immersive.
everything they’d known to build a life on the Great Plains. Now, she’s preserving their legacy in the hopes that it will continue to inspire North
“My goal is to have a lot of educational information available for everyone from little kids to college students,” she said. “I want to create a place where people can gather, have a cup of coffee, and use our Wifi to learn more about McKenzie County.” And if they run into issues or have any questions about their technology, Rieker and her team will know just who to call. “Technology is something that is new to all of us. We’re trying to grow with
5
TECH TIPS
TEACHING INTERNET SAFETY Kids these days are spending more time than ever on the Internet. It can be a wonderful resource, opening them up to an entire world of knowledge and allowing them to communicate with teachers and other kids. But it also comes with risks.
2.) Emphasize Online Privacy
4.) Say “No” to Cyberbullying
Teach your kids the importance
Unfortunately, we can’t talk
of keeping personal information
about kids’ online safety without
private. It is never, ever okay to give
mentioning cyberbullying. Sit down
out personal information such as
with your child and work together to
phone numbers, addresses, and
come up with a plan of how to deal
credit card numbers online—no
with cyberbullies. This can include
matter how trustworthy a person or
blocking their bully on social media
website may seem.
apps, turning off their device, or
3.) Practice Smart Posting
tempting it may be, retaliating or
Today, we are going to share a few
While we all wish we could keep
5.)Talk It Out
tips for teaching kids about online safety. If you are more of a visual learner, watch our latest Tech Tip video to follow along with tech expert Katie.
coming straight to you or another adult they trust. No matter how
kids off of social media entirely, that’s just not realistic in this day and age—so it’s important to teach kids to use sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok safely. Help your kids understand that
1.) Educate Yourself Being familiar with the Internet will not only help you understand the risks for yourself, but it will also help you talk to your kids about safety. Learn everything you can about the Internet. If you’re reading this blog, congratulations—you’re off to a great start!!
6
the Internet is permanent. Even if they delete a post or message, that data continues to exist on the Internet. They never know who may have taken a screenshot! As a general rule, they should only post something online if they’re
responding to the bully usually just makes the situation worse.
Finally, when it comes to online safety, communication is key. Talk to your kids regularly about how they use the Internet. If they get in the habit of talking to you, chances are they’ll be more comfortable coming to you if there’s a problem. That’s it for this edition of Tech Tips! Check back soon for another tip to make your technology work for you.
comfortable with everyone in the world seeing it.
Watch Here
7
Up Guide:
oad and set up your myRTCnet Wi-Fi App
SetUP UpGUIDE Guide: SET
MYRTCNET WIFI APP STEP 2
Download and set upLet’s yourGet myRTCnet Wi-Fi App d the App Started
ch either the Apple Google Play Store1 STEP et, then install it on Download the App device. You can1search either the Apple STEP DOWNLOAD APP App storeTHE or Google Play Store for: then install Scan the myRTCnet, QR code below or search either it theon your device. Apple App mobile store or Google Play Store for:
Click on the “Let’s Get Started” button to get started on STEP your 2 way to managing your network Let’s Get Started and devices. Click on the STEP 2“Let’s Get Started” LET’S GET button to STARTED get started on your wayontothemanaging yourbutton network Click “Let’s Get Started” to and devices. get started on your way to managing your
myRTCnet, then install it on your mobile device. APPLE APP STORE
network and devices.
GOOGLE PLAY STORE
STEP 4
have an account, ail and password STEP 3 for this app.
New to myRTCnet? Tap “Sign Up”
STEP 4 If you are new to myRTCnet STEP 4 need to create an you will Login New to myRTCnet? NEW TO MYRTCNET? account and set up your system otten your TAP “SIGN UP” Tap “Sign Up” If you already have an account, to get started. lect If you are new to myRTCnet you will need to create enter the email and password word?” an account and set up your system to started. Ifget you Tap “Sign Up” at the bottom ofare new to myRTCnet you’ve set up for this app. Tap “Sign Up” at the bottom of theyou screenwill need to create an the on screen on Step 3 and then Step 3 and then complete the Sign Up account and set up your system If you’ve forgotten your complete Sign Up process processthe on this next screen. to get started. password, select on this next screen. “Forgot Password?” Tap “Sign Up” at the bottom of the screen on Step 3 and then STEP 6 complete the Sign Up process on this next screen.
Name the Network and Create Password will have aTAKING metal HOME PROTECTION, NETWORK PERFORMANCE AND CONTROL TO ANOTHER LEVEL QR Code
STEP 6to a snapshot view of myRTCnet provides virus protection to all the devices on your network and giveshas you easy access ide or bottom. Once the network been STEP 5 home or small business network. Through the app you can view all the connected devices on your network, set up e icon andyour scan detected, enter the existing Wi-Fi the Network Name parental guest network, change your SSID and password, and more. Scancontrols theor aQR Code password for your network. and Create Password For additional resources and information, Your will have a metalplease visit myrtcnetworks.com/wifi. ou can enter thesystem If you are setting up your home plate on the side or bottom. Once s and8Serial network for the first time, call the network has been Simply tap the icon and scan detected, enter the existing Wi-Fi d on the same RTC Networks for assistance the QR code. password for your network.
the Apple ay Store stall it on
ed” r ork
account, ssword pp.
Click on the “Let’s Get Started” your to mobile device. on your button get started way to managing your network and devices. STEP 3
STEP 4
Login If you already have an account, enter the email and password STEP 3 you’ve set up for this app.
ter the al ame on the kon.
e QR code ord TC Networks
Wi-Fi
New to myRTCnet? Tap “Sign Up”
ST If you are new to myRTCnet you will need to create an Ne Login account and set up your syste If you’ve forgotten your If you4already have an account, Ta STEP to get started. password, select STEP 3 enter the email and password LOGIN “Forgot Password?” If y Tap “Sign Up” at the bottom o you’ve set up for this app. you If you already have an account, enter the screen on Step 3 and then acc If you’ve yourset the email and forgotten password you’ve complete the Sign Up process up for this app. to g password, select If you are new to myRTCnet on this next screen. “Forgot Password?” Tap you willforgotten need your to create If you’ve password,an select “Forgot Password?” the account and set up your system com STEP 6 to get started. STEP 5 on
New to myRTCnet? Tap “Sign Up”
Tap “Sign Up” at the bottom of Scan the QR Code the screen on Step 3 and then
Your system will have a metal complete the Sign Up process plate on the side or bottom. 5 screen. onSTEP this next STEP Simply 5 tap the icon and scan Scan the QR Code ? SCAN THE QRQR CODE the code. Your system will have a metal Your system will have a metal plate on the side or Alternately, you can enterSTEP the 6 bottom. Simply tap the icon and scan the QRplate code. on the side or bottom. MAC Address and Serial and t Alternately, you can enter the MAC AddressSimply tap the icon and scan Number found onsame the metal same Serial Number found on the plate the QR code. by clickingplate on theby “Issues scanning?” metal clicking on button. the tem “Issues scanning?” button. Alternately, you can enter the a metal Note: If you are unable to locate the QR MAC Address andhas Serial tom. Once network been Note:code If you unable to please locate contact the QR code the onare your device, RTC of on yourNetworks device. Please contact RTC Networks for assistance. Number found on the same Wi-Fi den scan detected, enter the existing for assistance. metal plate clicking on the password forby your network. ss “Issues scanning?” button.
ode
and
Name the Network and Create Password
If you are setting up your home Note: If you are unable to locate the QR code on your device. Pleasefirst contact RTC Networks network for the time, call for assistance. RTC Networks for assistance STEP 6 DETECT NETWORK PASSWORD filling outAND theENTER required items for your Wi-Fi Once the network has beennetwork. detected, enter the existing
Name the Network and Create Passwo
ST Once the network has been detected, enter the existingNa W password for your network.
an
If you are setting up your hom On network for the first time, call de RTC Networks for assistance pas filling out the required items fo your Wi-Fi network. If y net RT filli you
Wifi password for your network. If you are setting up your home network for the first time, call RTC Networks for assistance filling out the required items for your WiFi network.
9
NEW RTC NETWORKS PHONE LISTINGS Alexander - 828 Bednank, Andy.......................................(701) 828-3185 Lassey, David & Sonja...........................(701) 828-3749 Lassey, Steve.........................................(701) 828-3396 Walker, George.....................................(701) 828-3946 Douglas - 529 Wilcox, Adam H......................................(701) 529-4371 Emmet - 337 Garrison Manufacture..........................(701) 337-2527 Moen, James Jr......................................(701) 337-5105 Garrison - 463 Chifu, Christina M.................................(701) 463-2097 Freborg, Myrna......................................(701) 463-2663 Lakeview Chiropractic.........................(701) 463-7808 Narum, Neil E.........................................(701) 463-2495 Otter Tail Power Co..............................(701) 463-2823 Mandaree - 759 Jump House............................................(701) 759-3140 New Town - 627 Driver, Stacey & Gerald........................(701) 627-4144 Lindley, J.................................................(701) 627-4893 Little Wind, Luana M............................(701) 627-3998 MHA-Tribal Health InsuranceCustomer Service.....................................(701) 627-3121 Parshall - 862 Catches, Diandra..................................(701) 862-4808 Heritage Place Parshall Lucky Mound..........................................(701) 862-2779 Jericho Excavation & Hauling LLC - Shurtliff Jason.............................(701) 862-2757 Lucky Mounder Restaurant................(701) 862-3823 Roseglen - 743 Azure, Joseph L....................................(701) 743-4032 Ralph Wells Community Center.........(701) 743-4798 White Shield Public Safety.................(701) 743-4000
RTC NETWORKS
HAPPENINGS NEW EMPLOYEES
We are excited to announce five new hires: Derek, Melissa, Holly, Jared, & Ryan! To see our current opportunities, visit myrtcnetworks.com/category/job-opportunities
Derek Binstock Combination Tech
CALENDAR April 15
Good Friday, Office Closed May 30 Memorial Day, Office Closed
Melissa Bristol
Customer Service Rep II
May 31 Summer Hours Start 7:30a.m. - 4:00p.m.
June 9 Annual Meeting
Holly Kaiser
Customer Service Rep II
Ross - 755 Carstensen Contracting......................(701) 755-3626 Ryder - 758 TriGen Ag Partners LLC.......................(701) 758-2935 TriGen Ag Partners LLC - Fax.............(701) 758-2556 Squaw Gap - 565 Shae, Jerry.............................................(701) 565-2358 Shae, Jerry - Cabin..............................(701) 565-2626 Simons, Abe & Sierra..........................(701) 565-2093 Watford City - 444 Bakken Oil Rush Ministry Thirft Store..............................................(701) 444-2288 Fogle Invest LLC....................................(701) 444-3130 Luce, Daniel...........................................(701) 444-2045 Slezak Bakken BBQ & Bakery........................................(701) 580-7342 WBI...........................................................(701) 444-4644 Weichert Realtors Providence Properties.........................(701) 444-3070
2023 PHOTO CONTEST
Deadline to submit photos:
September 1, 2022 Submit your name, RTC Networks account number, and up to 10 high-def pictures to rtcteam@rtc.email.
Jared Kohanes Combination Tech
Winners receive a feature in our 2023 Calendar and a $20 bill credit. Must be a current RTC Networks customer.
Watford City - 842 Glacier Oilfield Services Inc...............(701) 842-2478 Kostad, E.................................................(701) 842-2566
10
Ryan Thompson
Combination Tech Lead
$2,500 $1,750
Arand Bartlett
Riley Bushnell
Kaisa Mortensen
North Dakota State University
Black Hills State University
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Danielle Berry
Mackenzie Fuller
Amber Houck
Clay Kolden
Gallatin College/ MSU Bozeman
University of North Dakota
Valley City State University
Bismarck State College
Winter Old Rock
Cole Quillin
Ben Scheresky
Kayle Uran
Valley City State University
Bismarck State College
North Dakota State University
WyoTech Laramie, Wy
Izaak Boekelman
Rebecca Bohrer
Gideon Campbell
Taylor Cattin
Mandie Davison
Dickinson State University
Valley City State University
University of Mary
South Dakota State University
Minot State University
Tevin Dietz
Carson Enger
Alaina Ferry
Edmond Fixico
Parshall High School
Messina Garmann
Bismarck State Collegea
Bismarck State College
University of North Dakota
North Dakota State University
North Dakota State University
Madelin Hurt
Dylan Locken
Keyton Meiers
Jonas Oech
Grace Olson
Bismarck State College
Williston State College
Valley City State University
Lynnes Welding Training
Williston State College
Autumn Rogers
Kanyon Tschetter
Jocelyn Vachal
Minot State University
Mayville State University
North Dakota State University
Kenmare High School
Fairview High School
Parshall High School
$1,000
RTC NETWORKS AWARDED $39,500 IN COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS TO HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES.
Watford City High School
Beach High School
Garrison High School
North Shore/Plaza High School
Statement of Non-Discrimination
Fairview High School
Garrison High School
North Shore/Plaza High School
Stanley High School
Stanley High School
Parshall High School
Watford City High School
Stanley High School
Kenmare High School
Max High School
Campbell Homeschool/Watford City
Watford City High School
Stanley High School
Garrison High School
Stanley High School
Kenmare High School
Beach High School
North Shore/Plaza High School
Watford City High School
Abundant Life Prep School
Stanley High School
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.
11
24 Main Street North, PO Box 68, Parshall, ND 58770 myRTCNetworks.com info@myRTCNetworks.com facebook.com/RTC.coop Customer Service: 0811 (within RTC exchanges) or 701.862.3115 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 Stanley Office: 215 S Main St • Stanley, ND 58784 Watford City Office: 701 14th St SW • Watford City, ND 58854
READERS
Leah Ann Charnetzki
Stephen Narum
Congratulations to these Winter 2021 Communicator Readers’ Contest winners. They will receive a $20 credit on their RTC Networks bill.
Janet Johnston
Jerry Overton
Contest
Kenmare Exchange
Watford City Exchange
Douglas Exchange Norma Exchange
Sheryl Krueger Garrison Exchange
NAME
For your chance to be entered in the drawing to win a $20 credit on your bill, correctly answer the questions at the right and include with your RTC Networks bill. You can also submit your answers on our website at myRTCNetworks.com/ readerscontest or email your answers to RTCteam@restel.com.
PHONE
1. What year was the McKenzie County Heritage Park founded?
2. What are two pieces of information kids should never share online?
3. What is one benefit or feature of the myRTCnet app?