midriverscommunications-blog

[midriverscommunications-blog]

FIBER OPTICS COMING TO CUSTER

Mid-Rivers Communications is nearing completion of a fiber optic construction project that includes all residents in the town of Custer and surrounding rural customers in the 856 telephone prefix area.  

The Cooperative enlisted contractor MP Nexlevel to plow more than 100 miles of fiber to approximately 220 subscribers.  The contractor has been working since May and has completed in-town construction and fiber splicing to each customer location.  Rural construction is nearly completed, pending approval of some remaining river-crossing permits.

Mid-Rivers will begin moving customers over to the new fiber optic lines, which will provide “Gigabit” Internet speed capability and improved voice quality and reliability, in mid-September.  Customers in the town of Custer will be converted first, with rural customer transitions to begin mid-October.

“We are excited to be able to bring fiber to small rural communities like Custer, and to the farmers and ranchers and other home-based rural businesses and residents outside of town,” stated Michael Candelaria, the Cooperative’s General Manager/CEO.  “The Custer area will have better communications facilities than a lot of large towns and cities.  This is the best broadband technology available today.”

Mid-Rivers will host a fiber event for Custer residents to learn more about the transition and sign up for the new Internet services available on the fiber on August 29 at Veteran’s Memorial Park, with a free meal from 4-6 PM.  Customers who cannot attend the event can contact Mid-Rivers at 1-800-452-2288 to inquire about service options and schedule a conversion date.

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Mid-Rivers returns over $1 million in capital credits to patrons

 On Friday, August 17, 2018, Mid-Rivers Communications mailed capital credit checks of $1,022,500.00 to its cooperative members and patrons. The 2018 distribution of capital credits includes 17% of the remaining unretired balance for the year 1994, as well as 5% of the 2017 patronage allocation. Receiving capital credit checks is just one of the many benefits of utilizing the services of a cooperative.  A cooperative business is owned and democratically controlled by its member patrons. Any profit is distributed to patrons in proportion to their use, or “patronage,” of the cooperative's services.  Mid-Rivers uses both the “first-in, first-out” and the percentage methods of distribution, to allow both new and past patrons the opportunity to share in the benefits of the cooperative by receiving capital credit checks. Payment of capital credits is made only if the financial condition of the cooperative permits, as determined by the Board of Trustees.  Mid-Rivers' financial condition has allowed regular and substantial payment of capital credits in recent years.  Long-term financial forecasts, however, include declining revenues due to regulatory and other changes in the industry.  Combined with the need for additional member capital to extend fiber facilities in rural and remote areas, this may affect Mid-Rivers' ability to continue to make regular or substantial capital credit payments in future years. Including the 2018 payment, Mid-Rivers has returned approximately $42.7 million in capital credits to its members.

[midriverscommunications-blog]

How to Win the Mid-Rivers Photo Contest

The 2018 Mid-Rivers Photo Contest is open! We know a lot of you have some awesome photos, and we love seeing all the great stuff you share!  We wanted to make sure you noticed that this year, Mid-Rivers wants to focus more on YOU - our members and customers – rather than just the beautiful landscapes in the area we serve.  If you are planning to enter the Mid-Rivers Photo Contest, here are a few tips to increase your chances of winning, and having one of your photos featured on the 2019 Calendar or Phone Book:

1.    Make it Montana. Make sure your photo is easily recognizable as being in Eastern or Central Montana, rather than something that could be "anywhere" in Montana or other states.  Key in on the easily-recognizable landmarks, institutions, pastimes, and people that are unmistakably Eastern & Central MT.

2.    Show Us Your Face. A huge part of what makes our part of the world so great is the people in it. This year, Mid-Rivers is asking for photos that highlight the people of Eastern & Central Montana. We want to see how you live, what you do, and what’s fun in your communities.

3.    Make It Big (enough). Often, photos that are submitted to the photo contest are disqualified simply because the photo is too low resolution to use. Please ensure that photos you submit are at least 1600 x 1200 pixels. If you took the photo with your smartphone and are emailing it from there, check to make sure that the photo is not getting reduced in size when you email it. Most photos taken today will be much larger than the minimum requirements for the contest, as long as they don’t get reduced in size when you email them.

4.    Send 5.  Each Mid-Rivers customer can submit up to five photos, so be sure to increase your chances by using every opportunity available and submitting five pictures to the contest.

5.    Who Did This & What Is It? Be sure to include the photographer’s name and a caption for the photo in your email when submit your photos. Photos should be emailed to mrcom@midrivers.coop with the subject line "Photo Contest."

6.    Get It In. Submit your photos to mrcom@midrivers.coop by 5:00PM on August 24, 2018.

We can’t wait to see all the amazing photos we know you will send us! If you want to know a little more about the contest, check out the contest rules at https://www.midrivers.com/photo-contest.html

[midriverscommunications-blog]

Mid-Rivers Telephone Cooperative, Inc. members gathered at the Community Center in Roundup on Thursday, May 31, 2018, for the 66th Meeting of the Members. Items of business included electing three members to the Cooperative’s board of trustees, informing members of the cooperative’s financial performance and future plans, and awarding 12 scholarships to area students. Trustees Nick Schultz (District 1) and Dennis Green (District 3) were re-elected to three-year terms to the Mid-Rivers Board of Trustees. Barb Wacker (District 2) was elected to serve a three-year term to the Mid-Rivers Board of Trustees.

Mid-Rivers’ General Manager/CEO Michael Candelaria and Chief Financial Officer Craig Dyk provided an update on the financial condition of the cooperative and announced the cooperative had a record year in 2017. Candelaria and Dyk also gave an update on the status of the Cooperative’s long-term fiber build-out plan.

Door prizes including Amazon Echo Devices, iPads and cash prizes were handed out during the meeting.

Mid-Rivers continued its commitment to education by awarding twelve $500 scholarships through a drawing of students attending the meeting. These twelve scholarships are offered to any student attending a higher education institution in the fall of 2018, whose parent or guardian is a member of the Cooperative. Through this drawing and the $40,000 in competitive scholarships awarded earlier in the year, Mid-Rivers was able to contribute to the educational futures of 40 students from 15 communities. Winners of the 2018 scholarship drawing were Abby Gremaux, McKenna Sealey, Taylor Stahl, Jake Kunda, Cormac Weichel, Derrick Reimann, Courtney Brand, Ashley Donnelly, Selina Angel, Lanning Tyrrel, Connor Shaw and Glenna Finkbeiner. Mid-Rivers Higher Education Scholarships are funded by unclaimed capital credits. Montana Law requires that after 5 years, capital credit payments that remain unclaimed be placed into a fund for educational use. Mid-Rivers has chosen to use these funds for scholarships and educational grants to members.

At the Board of Trustees’ organizational meeting held after the Annual Meeting, Dennis Green was elected as Mid-Rivers’ President, Dane Castleberry was elected Vice President, and Gene Engen was re-elected Secretary-Treasurer.

[midriverscommunications-blog]

Mid-Rivers awards 27 scholarships totaling $39,000 to area students

Mid-Rivers Communications is proud to announce the recipients of 27 Scholarships to students from the Cooperative’s service area. Six $1,500 scholarships were awarded to students planning to attend either Dawson Community College or Miles Community College, and 20 $1,000 scholarships were awarded to students planning to attend a four-year college or university, community college or tech school in the fall of 2018. One $10,000 Excellence in Education scholarship was also awarded to a local student.

A $1,500 Dawson Community College/Miles Community College Scholarship has been awarded to the following recipients:

·        Adalie Reinhart, Glendive - DCC

·          Attending DCC in the fall to complete an Associate’s Degree before moving on to a dental hygienist program.  Plans to return and provide great service to her local community.

·        Elizabeth Determan, Glendive - MCC

·          Long-term goal is a Master’s in Nursing after completing the nursing program at MCC.  Hopes to return to Glendive as a full-time nurse at GMC.

·        McKayla Kurtz, Miles City - MCC

·          Working toward acceptance into the MCC Nursing Program and becoming a CNA this summer to pursue her career goal of becoming a nurse.

·        McKinna Fleming, Circle - MCC

·          Current MCC student who hopes to complete her MCC studies in the Small Business field with honors, and then apply what she has learned to local jobs in her hometown of Circle.

·        Vanesa Van Vleet, Wibaux - DCC

·          Enrolled in the Early Start program at DCC with the long-term goal of becoming a Medical Doctor and returning to Montana to practice medicine.

·        Wyatt Smith, Miles City - MCC

·          Plans to attain an Associate’s Degree in Science (Pre-Engineering Technology emphasis), and then go out and further his experience in the real world.

 A $1,000 Mid-Rivers Higher Education Scholarship has been awarded to the following recipients:

·         Jace Johnson, Sidney

·          Has been accepted to Dickinson State University where he plans to double major in Finance/Accounting, with a minor in coaching.

·         Jesse Roberts, Kinsey

·          Will work towards a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Montana Tech. Plans to use this degree to design equipment to aid in the advancement of the agriculture industry. 

·         Kale Gierke, Terry

·          Has been accepted to Black Hills State University, in Spearfish, SD where he will work towards a degree in business administration and management.

·         Kristy Cullinan, Glendive

·          Currently working towards degrees in both Music and Biology at Northwest College in Powell. Plans to transfer to South Dakota State University to complete her Bachelor’s Degree.

·         Kyle Haughian, Miles City

·          Plans to attend Montana State University to earn a degree and work toward becoming an Ag Loan Officer.

·         Lauryn Barnhart, Sidney

·          Has a long-term goal to graduate from Montana State University-Bozeman with a Bachelor of Science degree in Cell Biology and Neuroscience while on a Pre-Med course, before attending Pharmacy School at the University of Montana in Missoula.

·         Lindsay Brence, Miles City

·          Plans to earn a degree in Cell Biology and Neuroscience and return to the area to practice health care in rural Montana.

·         Lucas Shefelbine, Wolf Point

·          Plans to attend either Carrol College or Concordia College to pursue a Bachelor’s degree.

·         Mamie Hertel, Lewistown

·          Will work toward a degree in Business Finance in Pre-Law Program before pursuing a Law Degree at Duke University.

·         McKenzie Taylor, Angela

·          Plans to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing before obtaining her CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) license.

·         Adam Elletson, Fairview

·          Will work toward a Bachelor’s Degree in business management or accounting at Minot State University.

·         Alec Christensen, Glendive

·          Long-term education goal is to attend Montana State University-Bozeman and graduate with honors with a degree in Biological Sciences - Fish & Wildlife Ecology & Management.

·         Alex Wickens, Lewistown

·          Plans to earn a degree in Chiropractic care and return to Lewistown to offer chiropractic services to the area.

·         Bailee Murnion, Miles City

·          Plans to attend Montana State University to work toward a degree in Business.

·         Brian Regan, Miles City

·          Will attend Montana State University and major in electrical engineering.

·         Brynn Salsbury, Savage

·          Has been accepted into Montana State University’s Pre-Nursing program for the fall of 2018.

·         Caden Colombik, Miles City

·          Plans to attend Montana State University and complete the pre-veterinary program before enrolling in Veterinary school at Washington State University.

·         Cash Cota, Roundup

·          Attending Montana State University-Bozeman to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering with a minor in Business.

·         Daniel Rost, Baker

·          Currently attending Bismarck State College to earn an Associates in Applied Science in Power Plant Technology.

·         Ellie Smith, Richey

·          Currently works as a CNA at McCone County Healthy Center and plans to continue in the medical field by pursuing a BSN.

A $10,000 Mid-Rivers Excellence in Education Scholarship has been awarded to the following recipient:

·         Dakota Brown, Circle

·          Plans to attend Montana Tech to pursue a doctorate in Computer Science.  Dakota will also continue his internship at Mid-Rivers in the Information Technology department.

Mid-Rivers will also award twelve (12) $500 scholarships to area students through a drawing at the Cooperative’s Annual Meeting on May 31, 2018, at the Community Center in Roundup, MT.  To qualify for the scholarship drawing, the student MUST:

·         attend the Annual Meeting with a parent or guardian who is a Cooperative Member with active local telephone or Internet service from Mid-Rivers,

·         be enrolled to attend a higher education institution in the fall of 2018,

·         provide PROOF of full-time enrollment at the Annual Meeting,

·         sign up at the Scholarship Registration table at the Annual Meeting, and

·         be present during the Business Meeting when the drawing takes place.

Registration will begin at 10:00 a.m. and close at the start of the Business Meeting at 11:00 a.m.  Previous Mid-Rivers scholarship winners are not eligible for the scholarship drawing. Interested students may contact Mid-Rivers at 1-800-452-2288 for more information.  Students unsure of their parent/guardian’s membership status with the Cooperative should call Mid-Rivers prior to the Annual Meeting for verification.

In addition, a $1,000 scholarship opportunity for area residents of any age interested in completing a CiscoTM technical certification is also still available.  The successful applicant for this scholarship will also earn a paid internship opportunity with Mid-Rivers.  Please visit www.midrivers.com for details.

“Mid-Rivers is committed to the communities we serve, and the Mid-Rivers Higher Education Scholarship is one of the many ways we are able to show that commitment,” stated General Manager/CEO Michael Candelaria.  “This year’s total of $46,000 in scholarships will allow us to have a positive impact on the lives of 40 students and families from Eastern and Central Montana.”

[midriverscommunications-blog]

Think about the feeling you have when you are away from home and your phone is almost ready to die. You rush around in a panicked search for the nearest charger. When you finally find a compatible charger, you insert the cable and breathe a sigh of relief without a second thought as to what you are using to charge your phone. 

If you are an iPhone user, you may have already discovered that Apple has a convenient iTunes/Wi-Fi sync feature that lets users sync their iPhones to a computer wirelessly. This gets enabled when a user plugs their iPhone/iPad into a computer with a USB cable. A popup happens that says “Trust this Computer?”. If they click yes, the sync is allowed to happen. The problem comes from the fact that the text leads the user to believe that this is only while the device is physically connected to the computer.  But in reality, if you clicked “trust” that computer can now sync with your iPhone over wifi and there is no indication on the iPhone that this has occurred.

Trust Jacking can be used to attack your iPhone in many different scenarios. For example, if you use those free charging stations at airports and other public places, and approve the pop-up permission you may be at risk. 

Now your trusty iPhone can be used maliciously in many different ways:

Remotely install malware apps on your iPhone, as well as download a backup and steal all your photos, SMS/iMessage chat history, and application data.

Replace existing apps with modified versions that look exactly like the original but are able to spy on the user while using the app.

Use your device’s screen in real-time by repeatedly taking remote screenshots.

Mid-Rivers Information Security Manager Philip Grieser shared a few tips for protecting your phone against these types of attacks:

“Apple has introduced another security layer to combat the problem (users are asked to enter the iPhone's passcode when pairing), so if you have an update make sure to do it right away. But the vulnerability still exists because the real problem is there is no mandatory re-authentication between the user’s device and the “trusted” computer after a certain amount of time.

One of the best ways to protect yourself is to make sure that no unwanted computers are being trusted by your iPhone/iPad. Unfortunately, there is no list you can just check. But if you’re not sure if you have any unwanted computers in your trust list, you can always reset it by going to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Location & Privacy.

Going forward, a simple solution would be to just always deny access when asked to trust a computer while charging your Apple device (especially in airports or other places where there are free charging stations). It will still charge and won’t potentially expose you to this vulnerability.”

[midriverscommunications-blog]

Apply Today for a 2018 Mid-Rivers Scholarship!

Mid-Rivers Offers $46,000 in Scholarships to Area Students   Mid-Rivers Communications is excited to announce the availability of $46,000 in scholarship funds for Eastern & Central Montana students.   Through the Mid-Rivers Fund for Education, which is funded by unclaimed capital credits and donations of capital credits from members, the cooperative will award 28 competitive scholarships and 12 drawing scholarships in 2018.  Scholarship categories have been updated this year to better reflect the mission and values of the cooperative and its members.  This year’s scholarship program includes five distinct categories:   ·       Mid-Rivers Higher Education Scholarship - Twenty (20) $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to students attending a four-year educational institution or a technical school, available to both graduating high school seniors and current college students.   ·       Dawson Community College/Miles Community College Scholarship – In support of local educational institutions in Eastern Montana, up to six (6) $1,500 scholarships will be awarded to students attending Dawson Community College (DCC) or Miles Community College (MCC).   ·       Mid-Rivers Excellence in Education Scholarship - One (1) major award of $10,000 may be awarded to a highly-qualified student in a field of study related to the Mid-Rivers mission.  This award will include an internship with Mid-Rivers in a field and at a location chosen in cooperation with the winning applicant.   ·       Mid-Rivers Cisco® Award - One (1) $1,000 award to a student enrolling in any Cisco® certification program (such as the CCNA, CCENT, etc.) relevant to the cooperative’s workforce needs (learn more at www.cisco.com). To help prepare the recipient for success in the certification program, the winning recipient will complete a summer internship with Mid-Rivers prior to starting the course.   ·       Mid-Rivers Annual Meeting Drawing – Twelve (12) $500 scholarships will be awarded through a drawing of eligible students in attendance at the 2018 Mid-Rivers Annual Meeting on May 31, 2018, in Roundup, MT.  To qualify, students must attend the meeting with a parent or guardian who is a member of the cooperative, register at the meeting, provide proof of full-time college enrollment for the Fall of 2018, and participate in simple interactive tasks that will be assigned at the Annual Meeting.  Registration for the meeting begins at 10AM at the Roundup Community Center, and the meeting begins at 11AM.  Students must be present at the time of the drawing to win.   Competitive Scholarships will be awarded based on how well each student's application addresses the following priority areas:   ·       Plans to enter a field of study related to the Mid-Rivers mission (communications, IT, technology, IP, telemedicine, distance education, etc.) ·       Demonstration of specific plans and an authentic desire to return to the Mid-Rivers Service Area in the future. ·       Work experience and school and community activities during high school and/or college. ·       Unique, inspiring and innovative Personal Statement. ·       Grade point average and ACT/SAT test scores. ·       Ability to communicate.   Eligible applicants for all categories include graduating high school seniors entering his or her freshman year at a college, university or technical school, and current college, university and technical school students.  All applicants must be enrolled as full-time students for the Fall of 2018.  Previous scholarship winners (competitive or drawing, and in any year) are ineligible.  Applicants must have a parent or guardian who is a member of Mid-Rivers Telephone Cooperative, Inc., with active telephone or Internet service and a completed membership application.  Applicants with questions regarding membership status should contact Mid-Rivers as soon as possible (at least 30 days in advance of the deadline) at 1-800-452-2288 to verify eligibility.   Applications must be completed online and are now available at http://fal.cn/qnKz.  Applicants may apply in more than one scholarship category, but each student will only be awarded one scholarship.   The completed form(s) and all required attachments must be submitted online to Mid-Rivers by Monday, April 16, 2018, at 5:00 PM Mountain Time.  Only complete applications will be considered.  For complete guidelines and the online application form please visit http://fal.cn/qnKz.  

[midriverscommunications-blog]

Mid-Rivers Annual Holiday Donation

Mid-Rivers Communications is proud to announce its annual holiday donation to Action for Eastern Montana. The funds are distributed to needy families in the Mid-Rivers and Action for Eastern Montana service areas. This year’s $2,500 donation from Mid-Rivers was again matched by CoBank, a nationwide cooperative bank, through their Sharing Success Grant Program. Action for Eastern Montana will distribute these funds to disadvantaged families as a gift certificate so that they may shop their local grocery stores to purchase the ingredients needed for a Holiday meal.

Mid-Rivers made the decision several years ago to forego sending Holiday greeting cards and use the money instead to assist families in need. Mid-Rivers applied for the matching grant from CoBank on behalf of Action for Eastern Montana. CoBank began the Sharing Success Grant program in 2012 as a way of partnering with their customers to strengthen rural communities.

“Mid-Rivers believes in our role as a community partner and in giving back to the communities we serve. We are glad to be able to provide families in this area with the ability to enjoy a holiday meal,” stated Michael Candelaria, Mid-Rivers’ General Manager.

Action for Eastern Montana is a non-profit community action agency dedicated to assisting individuals and families toward self-sufficiency in 17 counties in Eastern Montana.

Mid-Rivers is a broadband provider serving a 30,000-square-mile area in 21 counties of Eastern Montana and three counties in North Dakota.

Photo: Mid-Rivers Communication Director of Marketing & Sales Mike Gross (far right) poses for a photo with the employees of Action for Eastern Montana.

[midriverscommunications-blog]

How To Download & Use the My Mid-Rivers App

Now you can access all of your account information right from your smartphone or device! You can pay your bill, view your usage, make account changes, check service status and even manage your router right from the FREE My Mid-Rivers app!  It's easy to get started! 1. Simply open the App store on your Apple device or the Google Play Store on your Android. 2. Enter "My Mid-Rivers" in the search bar.  3. Click on the result with the big blue Mid-Rivers ball. 

4. Click on the install button and wait for the app to be installed. 

5. Once the app has finished installing, open the app and enter your account information to log in. You will need the email address and password associated with your Mid-Rivers account.

Congratulations! You have now successfully downloaded and logged into the My Mid-Rivers app! You can now manage your account right from your smartphone or device. 

[midriverscommunications-blog]

Don't want to wait for the latest edition of the Mid-Rivers Community Connection to hit your mailbox? Read it right now! Click here to read the Special Holiday Season edition of the newsletter or visit our website at http://www.midrivers.com/community-connection-newsletters.html to read past editions!

[midriverscommunications-blog]

Mid-Rivers Contributes $7,700 to Local School Technology Funds

Mid-Rivers Communications has announced the contribution of $7,700 to 24 local schools and school districts through their Cash for Computers program. The money will be used by the schools to purchase computers and other technology needed for educational purposes. Mid-Rivers announced the Cash for Computers program in August. Throughout the months of August and September, Mid-Rivers contributed $10 for every new Internet or qualifying Bundle signup to the school of the customer’s choice. The following schools will receive a portion of the $7,700: ·       Baker School District ·       Bloomfield Elementary School ·       Brorson School ·       Circle School District ·       Ekalaka School District ·       Fairview School ·       Glendive School District ·       Grass Range School ·       Jordan School ·       Kinsey School ·       Lambert School ·       Lewistown School District ·       Miles City School District ·       Melstone School ·       Richey School ·       Roundup School District ·       Roy School ·       Ryegate School ·       Savage School ·       Sidney School District ·       Terry School ·       Vida School ·       Wibaux School District ·       Winnett School ”Technology is critical to education, and many of our schools have experienced budget cuts that make it hard to keep their equipment updated,” stated Mid-Rivers’ General Manager/CEO Michael Candelaria.  “We believe in the value of broadband as an education solution and Mid-Rivers is glad to be able to help.” 

[midriverscommunications-blog]

We are proud to announce the recipients of the 2017 Mid-Rivers Educational Technology Grants. Stay tuned as we spotlight each winner and showcase their projects. Today's recipient spotlight is on the Lindsay School. they received $1,000 for their technology project.  Lindsay School teachers and students are pictured with Kathy McLane, Community Resource Specialist from Mid-Rivers as they accept a $1,000 check from the Mid-Rivers Educational Technology grant. Proceeds from this award will be used to purchase tablets for K-8th grade. This equipment enhances Lindsay School’s ability to keep advancing in the world of technology and education, expanding students learning skills not only educationally but with real-world application. Be sure to follow us on Tumblr and Facebook so you don't miss any information about these creative recipients and their revolutionary projects!

[midriverscommunications-blog]

It's that time of year again! The 2017 Wrangler NFR coverage starts Thursday, December 7, on CBS Sports Network (in the Ultimate lineup) at 8 PM Mountain, and runs through December 16.  For a subscription fee, U.S. residents can also stream each performance 12 hours following the live CBS airing at prorodeotv.com.   http://fal.cn/qX3I Don't miss any of the action! 

[midriverscommunications-blog]

Comment with a GIF!

Did you know you can comment with a GIF on Facebook? It’s pretty mind-blowing (see GIF below) and really simple to do! 

Just click on the comment box, then click on the GIF button on the right-hand side of the screen. Search for the perfect GIF and click on it to post your comment!

If you need more info, here is a great article on GIF Facebook Comments-  Facebook has a brand-new feature, and here's how to use it.

[midriverscommunications-blog]

Mid-Rivers Educational Technology Grants Awarded

Mid-Rivers Communications is proud to announce the recipients of the 2017 Educational Technology Grants. Grant applications from 27 applicants requesting $116,980 were received, with a total of $35,000 being award to a wide variety of inspirational projects in Bloomfield; Circle; Custer, Ekalaka, Glendive, Lindsay, Miles City, Plevna, a regional project; Roundup; Savage; Sidney & Terry. Grant applicants were asked for innovative broadband projects with preference given to projects that:

Utilize broadband in innovative ways to address educational and community issues.

Seek to educate adults and senior citizens on broadband applications, including how to use technology and the quality of life benefits technology can offer to seniors.

Promote student leadership and workforce development skills, and generate student interest in technology and telecommunications as a career path.  

Of the 27 applicants, 18 presentations met one or more of the stated priorities, scored well on their projects, and will be offered grant funding in partial or nearly full award.      

Richland County Boys & Girls Club-$3,500      

Terry Public Schools-$3,500

Richland County Library-$3,000         

Circle HS Business Class-$2,500         

Savage Public School-$2,250         

DCC Foundation-$3,500    

Plevna Schools-$1,500        

Miles City Public Library-$2,000         

Washington Middle School Glendive-$2,500         

Rural Health Development-$2,000

Glendive Schools 6th & 8th Grade-$2,000        

Kircher School-$1,000

Washington Middle School Miles City-$1,000         

Lindsay School District-$1,000         

Custer Schools-$1,000

Roundup Schools-$1,000         

Ekalaka Schools-$750       

Bloomfield Elementary-$1,000         

Custer Co HS-Video Production Equipment

Mid-Rivers recognizes the power of broadband as a solution.  Broadband can build bridges between generations, provide access to boundless educational opportunities, strengthen rural economies, and help people stay in their homes longer. Mid-Rivers is proud to support technology and broadband education projects across our service area. 

[midriverscommunications-blog]

How Cooperative is your day? Check out this infographic and see how many different ways cooperatives benefit your life every day! Then be sure to thank you local telephone cooperative for providing broadband and communication services that allow you to view this infographic and learn more about co-ops!

[midriverscommunications-blog]

Wi-Fi and internet are two different things, even though the term “Wi-Fi” has become synonymous with access to the Internet in recent years. Most of us use "Wi-Fi" as a shortcut to mean our home broadband internet connection. And when you're traveling, free Wi-Fi is understood as free Internet since that's the only reason you use Wi-Fi when out and about.  In a typical home network, Wi-Fi bridges the internet to wireless devices.  Wi-Fi is simply an alternative to network cables as a way to connect devices of a local area network (LAN).  Prior to Wi-Fi, the only way to connect devices together was to run physical network cables between them, which can be inconvenient. Wi-Fi allows devices to connect to one another the same way as when network cables are used, just without the actual cables. A Wi-Fi network is basically a wireless local network.  To connect a home Wi-Fi network to the Internet, the Wi-Fi router needs to be connected to an Internet source, such as an Internet modem or Ethernet cable from your Internet Service Provider.  Wi-Fi is just one way to bring the Internet to a device. And this also explains why sometimes your Wi-Fi signal is at full strength, yet you still can't access the Internet.  A home network needs both the Internet connection source and the Wi-Fi router to deliver Internet access to your wireless devices.  Think of it as a bridge between your different home devices and your router (the Wi-Fi) and another bridge between your router and the rest of the world (the Internet connection).  Without the connection out to the Internet, your wireless devices can’t make contact with the rest of the Internet world.  To read more about the differences between Wi-Fi and Internet, check out this article from CNET: http://fal.cn/tIdg