The WK&T
Connection November/December 2012
Published for the members of West Kentucky & Tennessee Telecommunications Cooperative
Winning Shots WK&T Sports delivers high school basketball to members
Four yummy
Holiday Appetizers
Fiber project
Moves Forward
Broadband brings
Families Together
Connection | WK&T Telecommunications Cooperative Vol. 4, No. 6 • November/december 2012
Connection The WK&T
is published by West Kentucky and Tennessee Telecommunications Cooperative, © 2012. It is distributed without charge to all members of the cooperative.
is your cooperative serving West Kentucky and Northwest Tennessee across more than 15,000 access lines. The company is dedicated to using technology to keep its members connected through local and long distance calling, high-speed Internet, digital television and beyond.
Board of TRUSTEES Joe Thompson President Jerry Holloway Vice President Beverly Taylor Secretary/Treasurer Bob Barnett Jeff Davis Algene Goatley Tony Goodman Ricky Littleton Delbert Newsome Jerry Stephenson Send correspondence and address corrections to: WK&T Telecommunications Cooperative P.O. Box 649 237 N. 8th Street Mayfield, Kentucky 42066 Telephone: 877-954-8748 www.wktelecom.coop On the Cover: WK&T Sports cameraman Josh Mix covers a Graves County girls basketball game. WK&T is broadcasting about 30 high school games this season.
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Providing the technology that you’re using to stay connected
I
t has certainly been a busy year for your cooperative. As I step back to review 2012, I’m proud of the progress our employees and contractors have made on our many construction projects. I also appreciate the efforts of everyone who has worked to improve the service we provide to you on a daily basis. This has indeed been a year of progress for WK&T and its members. During this holiday season, as we take time to focus more attention on family and friends, I am reminded of the real power behind the technology we provide. WK&T is ultimately in the people business. Yes, we are a technology company, but the technology we bring to your community enables real human connections. For example, a few weeks ago I received a message on Facebook from a high school friend with whom I had not spoken in some 30 years. She wrote to tell me that, within a period of five weeks, two of my parents’ friends from Iowa had passed away. When I shared the sad news with my parents, I realized they might never have learned about the loss of their friends were it not for the Internet. Inside this issue you will read about a mother who uses that same technology to stay connected to her daughter across thousands of miles. Alicia Tabers is certainly proud of her daughter Sara Darnell for earning the opportunity to study a few months in Germany — but that separation can still be difficult on a parent. Thanks to the network WK&T is building, this mother and daughter are sharing stories and making memories in real time through video chatting. Also in this issue you will read about WK&T’s commitment to broadcasting area sporting events on our local channels 51 and 68, as well as on our sports website www.wktsports.com. Many of our members
have expressed appreciation for this service — not just because they enjoy watching a good game, but because they also enjoy how it brings the community together. By airing these games, we are helping people celebrate the accomplishments of their children and their schools, while making it possible for many relatives to watch their grandkids, nieces and nephews play ball even when they live miles apart. Yes, I’m proud of the fact that we are building a high-speed broadband network for our members, one that will be faster and more reliable than the networks found in many larger cities. It excites me to think about the doors this will open in our region for economic development, tourism, business growth and education. But I’m just as excited about the smaller things, the seemingly ordinary, everyday human connections that will be possible only because of the network we are building. I encourage you to spend some time this holiday season putting our network to good use. Call a friend or family member who lives in another state. Better yet, video chat with them. Watch our local kids play basketball, or gather your family to enjoy a holiday classic on TV. And don’t forget to share those family photos online with the people you love. Let us provide the technology — you put it to work to connect with those most important to you. Merry Christmas!
Trevor Bonnstetter is CEO of WK&T Telecommunications Cooperative
WK&T Telecommunications Cooperative | Connection
Progress continues on fiber build A warm, dry summer and fall helped crews make significant progress on WK&T’s fiber project. As of the end of October, the contractors have placed 1,120 miles of cable around our service area. Contractors Jaden Murphy and Jerrod Hicks Through the end of October, install fiber in Lowes. crews have installed all main lines and drops in the Fancy Farm and Farmington exchanges. Construction is finished in most of the Wingo, Cunningham and Sedalia exchanges in Kentucky. In Tennessee, all construction is complete in the Puryear, Yorkville, Trimble and Mason-Hall exchanges. The Cottage Grove and Brazil exchanges should be complete in the near future, and we expect to begin connecting subscribers in Tennessee very soon. While the dry weather allowed crews to work without interruption, it also caused the plowing to create more damage to lawns and rights-of-way than we would like. We apologize for the disturbance and the contractors have been instructed to clean up areas before they leave. If you are not satisfied with the clean up, please call Engineering Associates at 270-753-9111.
Can’t get enough Christmas music? We’ve got the perfect channels for you!
WK&T TV Channels 611 and 633 will be playing your favorite Christmas tunes 24 hours a day from now through Jan. 2.
Consider it our Christmas gift to you!
P R O T E C T Y O U R T E L E C O M M U N I C AT I O N S S Y S T E M
Help protect your valuable telecommunications system. Please “Look Up” before you shoot. When you lift that gun, make sure utility lines are not in your line of sight. You could interrupt service for dozens or even hundreds of your neighbors while WK&T goes through the time-consuming and expensive process of repairing its equipment.
November/December 2012 |
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Connection | WK&T Telecommunications Cooperative
WK&T Sports adds features and continues
Delivering the
Dunks W
hen a local high school basketball player takes a last-second shot, everyone in the gym is focused on the ball and the hoop. But for the last few years, when the player takes that shot, chances are good there have been hundreds or thousands of equally-focused fans in living rooms and restaurants around the WK&T service area. Through WK&T Sports, the cooperative will show about 30 games this basketball season. “In a basketball game, you have a winner and a loser, but with broadcasting the games, everybody wins,” says Michael Lee, video service project manager for WK&T. “Broadcasting the games is a win for our players, for our schools and for our members, especially those who are not able to make it to the games.” This year’s slate of games will air on Channels 51 and 68 as well as on www.wktsports.com. Matchups this year will involve Graves County, Mayfield, Carlisle County, Marshall County, Calloway County and more. “Every year, we’ve done a substantial number of games more than the year before,” Lee says. “Each summer we start looking at the schedules early to find ways to deliver as many broadcasts to our members as is possible.”
Helping fans, players and schools
Graves County’s Jake Williams goes up for a layup in a shoot around session. 4
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It’s tough for even the most dedicated fans to get to every game. So while it’s still important to get out and support your team, WK&T Sports gives fans a way to see every play, even if you are stuck at home at tipoff. “There are many people who, for a number of reasons, may not have been able to get to a game in years,” Lee says. “Now they can still follow their team and have a great game-day experience right on their television.” And that experience is improving. This year’s broadcasts included instant replay for the first time, and more improvements are on the way. “Just like a good basketball team, we are always working to get better,” says Chris Adams, a marketing assistant with WK&T and one of the WK&T Sports producers. “When the teams work hard they win more games. Our hard
WK&T Telecommunications Cooperative | Connection
WK&T Sports Basketball Schedule Dec. 1: Paducah Tilghman @ Carlisle Co. — Webcast Dec. 4: Paducah Tilghman @ Mayfield — Ch. 68 Dec. 7: Hickman Co. @ Carlisle Co. — Webcast Dec. 11: Marshall Co. @ Carlisle Co. — Webcast Dec. 13: Lone Oak @ Mayfield — Ch. 68 Justin Hayden (30) and Jake Williams answer questions in an interview with WK&T Sports. work shows in the quality broadcasts we put out for our members.” But viewers at home aren’t the only ones enjoying the coverage. Though players and coaches are too busy playing the game to watch the broadcasts live, they benefit from the recorded footage. Coaches frequently request film to scout other teams or to review their own squad’s performance. Coaches have even used WK&T footage to show off their players to college recruiters. “When we started this, we committed to top-notch, HD equipment,” Lee says. “The video that we shoot is much higher quality than what teams and coaches would normally have to review.” The broadcasts have strengthened WK&T’s relationships with area school districts. WK&T already makes donations to various schools throughout the year. “That’s what a cooperative does,” Lee says. “We support the school system and the school system supports us.” It’s a partnership that Graves County Athletic Director Doug Gloyd says is working well. “WK&T does unbelievable stuff for us
Give us feedback!
Dec. 14: Calloway Co. @ Graves Co. — Ch. 51 Dec. 18: Paducah Tilghman @ Graves Go. — Ch. 51
and we can’t say enough positive things about them,” he says.
Dec. 19: Murray State @ Arkansas State — Ch. 68
Future Lineup
Jan. 4: Graves Co. @ Mayfield — Ch. 68
Because football and basketball coverage has been so popular, WK&T is looking into other high school sports. Baseball and softball are logical next steps, but both sports present challenges for broadcasting because of the field dimensions and unpredictable nature of the action. Volleyball, wrestling and soccer are all additional options that WK&T is considering for coverage. “Our football and basketball coverage are second to none,” Lee says. “We will be careful about expanding to other sports until we are ready to give them the same high-quality coverage.” Gloyd says the broadcasts have been popular with those who can’t make it to the games. Adding coverage of other sports would only help the teams and the network. “I’m sure it would bring interest,” he says. “Any time when you have a minor sport, if there’s some attention drawn to it, it’s positive because we are getting exposure.”
Jan. 3: Murray State @ UT Martin — Ch. 68
Jan. 5: South Fulton @ Graves Co. — Ch. 51 Jan. 8 : St. Mary @ Graves Co. — Ch. 51 Jan. 11: Marshall Co. @ Graves Co. — Ch. 51 Fulton Co. @ Carlisle Co. — Webcast Jan. 12: Murray State @ Austin Peay — Ch. 68 Jan. 15: Hopkinsville @ Graves Co. — Ch. 51 Jan. 25: Ballard Memorial @ Graves Co. — Ch. 51 Heath @ Carlisle Co. — Webcast Jan. 26: Murray State @ Jacksonville State Feb. 1: Fulton City @ Carlisle Co. — Webcast Feb. 4: Murray @ Mayfield — Ch. 68 Feb. 5: Calloway Co. @ Carlisle Co. — Webcast Feb. 7: Fulton City @ Mayfield — Ch. 68 Feb. 8: Mayfield @ Graves Co. — Ch. 51 Ballard Memorial @ Carlisle Co. — Webcast Feb. 11: Graves Co. @ Carlisle Co. — Webcast Feb. 12: Marshall Co. @ Mayfield — Ch. 68 Feb. 14: Murray State @ SIUE — Ch. 68
Is there a team that you’d like to see more of? Can you think of a way to improve our sports coverage? Let us know by emailing Michael Lee at mlee@wk.net.
Feb. 15: Hickman Co. @ Mayfield — Ch. 68 Feb. 16: Murray State @ Eastern Illinois — Ch. 68 Feb. 20: Murray State @ Morehead State — Ch. 68 November/December 2012 | 5
Connection | WK&T Telecommunications Cooperative
Broadband brings families together
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licia Tabers was excited to show her daughter the Christmas decorations she had set out around the house. As soon as Alicia saw her, she gave her a tour pointing out the trees, candles and other seasonal staples. The only unusual thing is that Tabers and her holiday decor are just north of Murray, while her daughter, Sara Darnell, is 4,700 miles away studying abroad in Regensburg, Germany. Through video chat, Tabers took her iPad through her home to help Darnell get in the Christmas spirit. “I took it around last weekend and showed her the Christmas decorations,” Tabers says. “She can see what’s going on rather than just me telling her about it.” Tabers is one of a growing number of people using services such as Skype, Google Talk, FaceTime and Yahoo! Messenger to talk face-to-face with far-flung family and friends around the country or the world. According to statistics from the Pew Research Center, the Tabers family isn’t the only one logging on to talk face-to-face with loved ones. The Pew study found 19 percent of Americans have tried video calls, video chat or teleconferencing. Among Internet users, nearly a quarter of Americans
Alicia Tabers holds her tablet so her boss Judge Executive Larry Elkins can wave at her daughter Sara Darnell, who is in Germany.
are using video chat services to look eyeto-eye with the people they are talking to. A 2011 study by Pew showed that teens use video more than anyone. About 37 percent of teenagers and 42 percent of teenage girls use video chat. The statistics also show that on a typical day in 2010, four percent of American Internet users used video chat, which was an increase from just two percent in 2009. That increase, experts say, is due to more people having access to broadband networks like WK&T’s and more computers coming with built-in cameras. Video chat allows Tabers to see her daughter even though they are 4,700 miles apart.
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Tabers, who has WK&T’s cable, phone and Internet service at her store in Kirksey, says she expects those numbers will continue to increase. “I think if more people understood it, they would use it,” she says. Darnell left in August and is due back later this month, but in the meantime, video chat has allowed her to keep up with Simba, a kitten the family adopted just before she departed and, more importantly, her threeyear-old brother, Knox. “When she left he wasn’t really talking very much,” Tabers says. “Now he’s really talking. She’s been able to see him develop while she’s over there.” And on the other end of the camera, Knox gets to see his big sister. “He’ll go get his swords or his guns or try to play with her over the Internet,” Tabers says. “I don’t really know that he understands, but it’s good that he can see her.” WK&T CEO Trevor Bonnstetter says video chat is just another way broadband serves the cooperative’s members. “Most of us are lucky to have many of our loved ones nearby,” he says. “But many families are so spread out, it’s impossible to get together. Especially around the holidays, I am very happy to see our service helping bring those families together.”
WK&T Telecommunications Cooperative | Connection
Appetizers for the holiday season The need for quick and easy appetizers runs high during the holiday season. There are always those drop-in guests to feed and last-minute parties to attend. So make sure you have the ingredients on hand to make these delicious appetizers that will not only impress your guests, but also leave you time to enjoy their company — which is, after all, what the holidays are all about.
Frank’s Original Red Hot Santa Fe Chicken Wings
To make things even easier, order “naked” wings from your favorite restaurant, bring them home and coat them with this delicious sauce. 2-1/2 pounds chicken wings (split, tips discarded), prepared as desired (fried crispy or baked) 1/2 cup Frank’s Red Hot cayenne pepper sauce 1/4 cup butter 1/4 cup chili sauce Prepare wings as desired. In a large, microwavable bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Cover loosely and microwave on high for one minute or until butter is melted. Stir until smooth. Add wings and toss to coat completely. Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing and celery sticks, if desired.
Beer Cheese Dip
2 pounds cheddar cheese, room temperature 2 cloves garlic, mashed 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon dry mustard Dash or two of hot sauce 1/2 bottle beer, or more as needed 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste In food processor, process cheese until smooth. Add garlic, Worcestershire, dry mustard and hot sauce. Add beer a little at a time while processing cheese mixture. Taste as you go, adding more beer as needed to obtain a spreading consistency. Add salt, as needed. Serve with
assorted crackers. Note: If you refrigerate this dip, be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving.
French Quarter Cheese Log
Undeniably one of the best appetizers around. 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 tablespoon grated onion 1 garlic clove, minced 1/2 teaspoon dill weed 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark) 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1/2 teaspoon mustard Mix the cream cheese, onion, garlic and dill weed in a bowl. Shape the cream cheese mixture into a log. Chill, wrapped in plastic wrap, until firm and ready to serve. May be done a day ahead. Combine the toasted pecans, butter, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce and
mustard in a saucepan and mix well. Heat until the brown sugar dissolves, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat and cool slightly. Arrange the cheese log on a serving platter and drizzle with the brown sugar sauce. Serve with assorted party crackers. – Source: “Provisions and Politics,” a publication of the James K. Polk Memorial Association
Reuben Dip 1 1 12 3/4 2
(14 ½-ounce) can sauerkraut teaspoon caraway seeds, optional ounces deli corned beef, chopped cup thousand island dressing cups shredded Swiss cheese
Preheat oven to 350°. Spoon sauerkraut in bottom of 2-quart casserole dish. Sprinkle with caraway seeds and corned beef. Spread dressing over top and sprinkle with cheese. Bake uncovered about 20 minutes or until heated through. Serve with party rye or rye crackers. November/December 2012 |
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West Kentucky & Tennessee Telecommunications Cooperative 237 N. 8th Street Mayfield, KY 42066
The hottest holiday gifts are available at the
WK&T Tech Stores! The very latest in PCs • Laptops • Tablets TVs • Blu-ray Players Surround Sound (Sharp 2.1, Samsung 2.1 Soundbar, Audio Solutions Flat Mount Audio System 3.1)
Top brands including Sharp, HP and LG Gift cards available Free gift wrapping with any purchase Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Three convenient locations
877-954-8748 • www.wktelecom.coop WK&T Mayfield Store 1247 Paris Road Mayfield, Ky. 42066
WK&T Yorkville Store 2 Nebo-Yorkville Road Yorkville, Tenn. 38389
WK&T Murray Store 1900 N. 12th Street, Suite K Murray, Ky. 42071