RTC Networks Communicator, Spring 2022

MCKENZIE COUNTY HERITAGE PARK

RTC NETWORKS COMMUNICATOR

24 Main Street North, PO Box 68, Parshall, ND 58770

www.myRTCNetworks.com, 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, 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.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR

GENERAL MANAGER

As of January 1, we have officially welcomed the communities of Stanley, Portal, Medora, Beach, and Golva into our ever-growing network!

To all of our new customers, thank you for your trust and patience throughout the transition from Midstate to RTC Networks. We promise to continue providing the highest quality of technology and service, and look forward to making a positive impact on your communities.

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.

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 celebrate as RTC Networks is awarding more scholarships than ever before! This year, we are awarding $39,500 in college scholarships to students entering their freshman year of college

in the fall of 2022. Individual awards range from $1,000 to $2,500. To meet this year’s scholarship recipients, see page 11.

Also in this issue, you can learn about the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program, which helps connect families and households struggling to afford internet service (page 12) along with upgrades that will allow the McKenzie County Heritage Park to bring our region’s history into the digital age (page 3).

RTC Networks is awarding $39,500 in college scholarships.

Finally, have you downloaded the myRTCnet app yet? The app puts you in charge of your internet experience, allowing you to view all the connected devices on your network, set up parental controls, change your 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.

From all of us at RTC Networks, have a healthy and happy spring!

Shane Hart

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.

Together, they’d roam the drafty halls of the park’s historic buildings, imagining the way those early settlers must

have felt as they put down roots in the prairie that would 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 Heritage Park, Rieker is part of a passionate group working to keep the pioneer story alive.

A Step Back in Time

The McKenzie County Heritage Park is a collection of 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 County Heritage Park is ready to share the history of McKenzie County with another 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

displayed and stored in the antique buildings, where they risked exposure to the elements. Now they will be kept in the museum, safe from wind, snow, and rain.

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.”

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

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

streaming the movies that we want to have out here.”

Rieker also hopes to make wireless internet available to all guests, to make their experience more immersive.

“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

When Rieker came to McKenzie County in 2011, she felt a kinship to those early settlers who’d given up 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

said. “I love North Dakota, I love the people of McKenzie County, and I love telling their story.”

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.

Today, we are going to share a few 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.

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!!

2.) Emphasize Online Privacy

Teach your kids the importance of keeping personal information private. It is never, ever okay to give out personal information such as phone numbers, addresses, and credit card numbers online—no matter how trustworthy a person or website may seem.

3.) Practice Smart Posting

While we all wish we could keep 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 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 comfortable with everyone in the world seeing it.

4.) Say “No” to Cyberbullying

Unfortunately, we can’t talk about kids’ online safety without mentioning cyberbullying. Sit down with your child and work together to come up with a plan of how to deal with cyberbullies. This can include blocking their bully on social media apps, turning off their device, or coming straight to you or another adult they trust. No matter how tempting it may be, retaliating or responding to the bully usually just makes the situation worse.

5.)Talk It Out

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.

Up Guide:

Download the App

search either the Apple Google Play Store myRTCnet, then install it on device.

STEP 1

Download the App

STEP 1

You can search either the Apple App store or Google Play Store for: myRTCnet, then install it on your mobile device.

Scan the QR code below or search either the Apple App store or Google Play Store for: myRTCnet, then install it on your mobile device.

STEP 2

Let’s Get Started

Click on the “Let’s Get Started” button to get started on your way to managing your network and devices.

STEP 4

STEP 3

have an account, ail and password for this app. otten your ect word?”

Login , password, s “Forgot Pass

QR Code will have a metal ide or bottom. e icon and scan

STEP 2

Let’s Get Started

Click on the “Let’s Get Started” button to get started on your way to managing your network and devices.

Click on the “Let’s Get Started” button to get started on your way to managing your network and devices.

New to myRTCnet? Tap “Sign Up”

STEP 4

NEW TO MYRTCNET? TAP “SIGN UP”

STEP 5

STEP 4

New t

If you are new to myRTCnet you will need to create an account and set up your system to get star ted.

Tap “S

If you are new to myRTCnet you will need to create an account and set up your system to get started.

Tap “Sign Up” at the bottom of the screen on Step 3 and then complete the Sign Up process on this next screen.

STEP 6

Tap “Sign Up” at the bottom of the screen on Step 3 and then complete the Sign Up process on this next screen.

If you are you will n account to get sta

Name the Network and Create Password

Tap “Sign the scree complete the Sign Up process on this next

TAKING HOME PROTECTION, NETWORK PERFORMANCE AND CONTROL TO ANOTHER LEVEL

ou can enter the s and Serial d on the same y clicking on the

STEP 6

myRTCnet provides virus protection to all the devices on your network and gives you easy access to a snapshot view of your home or small business network. Through the app you can view all the connected devices on your network, set up parental controls or a guest network, change your SSID and password, and more.

Scan the Your system plate on the Simply tap th the QR code

Once the network has been detected, enter the existing Wi-Fi password for your network.

For additional resources and information, please visit myrtcnetworks.com/wifi.

If you are setting up your home network for the first time, call RTC Networks for assistance filling out the required items for

Name the Network and Create Password

Once the network has been detected, enter the existing Wi-Fi password for your network.

ve an account, nd password p for this app. otten your

STEP 3 Login

STEP 5

SCAN THE QR CODE

STEP 4

STEP 3 LOGIN

New to myRTCnet?

Tap “Sign Up”

If you already have an account, enter the email and password you’ve set up for this app.

If you’ve forgotten your password, select “Forgot Password?”

If you’ve forgotten your password, select “Forgot Password?”

If you already have an account, enter the email and password you’ve set up for this app.

If you are new to myRTCnet you will need to create an account and set up your system to get star ted.

STEP 5

Tap “Sign Up” at the bottom of the screen on Step 3 and then complete the Sign Up process on this next screen.

Scan the QR Code

Your system will have a metal plate on the side or bottom. Simply tap the icon and scan the QR code. Alternately, you can enter the MAC Address and Serial Number found on the same metal plate by clicking on the “Issues scanning?” button.

ou can enter the nd Serial n the same icking on the ?” button. locate the QR code ontact RTC Networks

STEP 6

Your system will have a metal plate on the side or bottom. Simply tap the icon and scan the QR code

STEP

Note: If you are unable to locate the QR code on your device, please contact RTC Networks for assistance.

ame the Network and Create Password

If you are setting up your home network for the first time, call for assistance filling out the required items for R Code have a metal e or bottom on and scan

Name the Network and Create Password

Alternately, you can enter the MAC Address and Serial Number found on the same metal plate by clicking on the “Issues scanning?” button.

Once the network has been detected, enter the existing Wi-Fi 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 Wi-Fi network.

Note: If you are unable to locate the QR code on your device. Please contact RTC Networks for assistance.

Once the network has been detected, enter the existing 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.

Once the network has been detected, enter the existing Wi-Fi password for your network.

your

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

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

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Weichert RealtorsProvidence Properties.........................(701) 444-3070

Watford City - 842 Glacier Oilfield Services Inc...............(701) 842-2478

Kostad, E.................................................(701) 842-2566

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

CALENDAR

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.

Winners receive a feature in our 2023 Calendar and a $20 bill credit.

Must be a current RTC Networks customer.

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 Contest

Congratulations to these Winter 2021 Communicator Readers’ Contest winners. They will receive a $20 credit on their RTC Networks bill.

Leah Ann Charnetzki Kenmare Exchange

Janet Johnston Watford City Exchange

Sheryl Krueger Garrison Exchange

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.

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?

Stephen Narum Douglas Exchange

Jerry Overton Norma Exchange