P.O. Box 69Ellendale, ND 58436

January/February 2016

Network Connections

Our entire organization joins me in sending holiday greetings with every good wish for the New Year! This time of year is a time for all of us here at DRN to be thankful for the opportunity to serve as your total technology solutions provider. It is also a time of year when the term local takes on extra meaning to DRN as a member-owned cooperative. We are commited to contribute to the organizations that help make the communities we serve a better place. Our board of directors and employees make financial donations and give of their time to assure DRN lives up to its responsibility as a cooperative to serve its members growing needs.

I am happy to announce once again this year at our November Board Meeting, the DRN Board authorized the retirement of capital credits. Capital credits represent the co-op principle of member economic participation. DRN issued 9,217 checks to members retiring over $2.2 million in December. The average dividend check was $245 and is equivalent to one free year of local telephone service.

Including the dividend retirement this year, DRN has returned more than $18 million in capital credits to its members in the history of your company. It is our wish that the timing of this disbursement helps to make your holiday season just a little brighter. n

New Year’s greeting from DRN’s CEO/General Manager

Robert K. Johnson CEO/General Manager

TiVo® T6

The watch-anything,go-anywhere TV solution.

Freedom to roam.Able to stream live or recorded shows on up to four iOS devices at once, T6 keeps everybody in the house happy. Watch your favorite movie in the living room while the kids watch cartoons upstairs. Connect to a WiFi network and stream live TV shows and sporting events on your iPad® or iPhone® wherever you go. Or, download recorded shows remotely to watch when you’re not online.

TiVo, the TiVo logo, the Thumbs Up logo, and the Thumbs Down logo are registered trademarks of TiVo Inc. and its subsidiaries worldwide. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and logos are property of their respective owners

For more information contact us at877-559-4692 or www.drtel.com

$23.95 per month

Maximize your Wi-Fi networkHigh-speed Internet is a great service to have, if you use it right. How you manage your Internet connection and all your devices determines the speed and quality that you receive from your Wi-Fi. Many times, the reason for a slow connection speed is the wireless router. Even with the fastest Internet speed in the world, if the router isn’t functioning properly speed and connection problems will occur.

What are capital credits? Capital credits reflect each member’s ownership in the cooperative. Telecommunications cooperatives like DRN do not earn profits in the sense that investor-owned utilities earn profits for their investors. Instead, any margins or revenues from the sale of telecommunications services after all expenses have been paid are returned to the cooperative’s members in proportion to their telecom service usage. Capital credits were mailed to members in December. If you have questions about your capital credits, please call DRN at 344-5000.

in this issue:

2 Business Spotlight– Mahler’s Village Variety

3 Telephone Rate Change

5 2016 Scholarships

WI-FI TIPSMake sure your router is centrally located within your home. The closer your device is to the router, the stronger the signal.

The number of users and devices affect the speed of internet. Wireless de-vices and users in the home are quickly increasing, higher speed internet is often needed to accommodate.

Wi-Fi Story continued on page 4. >>

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Ashley 288 Mary Ann Dubose .............. 288-3267 Brandon Edwards ............... 288-3592 Garrison ................................. 288-3156 Jane Haase ............................ 288-2385 Tanner Meidinger ............... 288-3665 Martin Mwarabu ................. 288-2014Chris Niskanen ..................... 288-3327 Wyatt Piatz ............................ 288-3816Willis Zimmerman .............. 288-2314

Crete 753 J Ptacek .................................. 753-7902Scott Witkowski ................... 753-7187

Edgeley 493 Alan Anderson ..................... 493-2653Carrie Galbreath .................. 493-2009Kent Hoots ............................ 493-2231Tanya Howard ...................... 493-3016Bret Kramer ........................... 493-2041Steven & Tanya Liebold .... 493-2855Brendan McDermott ......... 493-2796Deloris Schroeder ............... 493-3052Alice Triepke ......................... 493-3127

Ellendale 349 Clarence Dyke ...................... 349-3867Paxton Gilbert ...................... 349-4428Kinsey Holm ......................... 349-3049 Tabitha Kendall .................... 349-2796 Bonnie Lehnhoff ................. 349-2047Mitchell J Merkel, CPA PC .. 349-2460Kayleen Rithmiller .............. 349-2563Lori Shackle .......................... 349-3062 Patrick Shreve ...................... 349-2982 Steven Shumaker ............... 349-3281 Sue Urlacher ......................... 349-3119

Forbes 357Spring Creek Colony .......... 357-8471

Forbes, SD 358Sandy Bobzien .......... (605) 358-8871

Forman 724 Bahradin Abakar ................. 724-4046Jaci Arp ................................... 724-3091Candice Blumhardt ............ 724-3668Cogswell Contryside ......... 724-6451Darla Ekbom ......................... 724-3596Martha Frias .......................... 724-4098Cody Gulleson ..................... 724-3176Kandi Hall .............................. 724-6345Austin McLaen ..................... 724-3273Douglas Olstad .................... 724-4107

Forman 724 (cont.) Lance Parrow ........................ 724-6358Kelly Rohrich ........................ 724-3042William Wilkinson ............... 724-6458

Fort Ransom 973Justin L Jones ....................... 973-2688Eric Thorfinnson .................. 973-4041

Fullerton 375Carter Anderson .................. 375-6470

Guelph 783 Roman Braslavskyi ............. 783-4439Dawn Case ............................ 783-4450Mathew Claeys .................... 783-4492Trenton Johnson ................. 783-4438

Gwinner 678 Brock Backer ......................... 678-2498 Angela Bauer ........................ 678-3822 Kim Bauer .............................. 678-2016James Griffin ......................... 678-2532Reuben Hadnot ................... 678-6820Jordan Murphy .................... 678-2789K Nerison ............................... 678-2662Jacob Spencer ..................... 678-6893Ryan Undem ......................... 678-6853Deanna Youle ....................... 678-2672

Jud 685Deb Gapinski ........................ 685-2402

Kathryn 796Josh Kruger ........................... 796-7649Tabitha McKay ..................... 796-7537

Kulm 647 Allie Marks ............................. 647-2778Leonard Yuknis .................... 647-2466

LaMoure 883 Joshua Ensz .......................... 883-5954Kaden Ferch .......................... 883-5990William Froemke ................. 883-5299Cole Hesby ............................ 883-5257Glenn & Mary Ellen Irvine 883-5296Linda Jensen ........................ 883-5478Mitchell Johnston ............... 883-5428Jennifer Lano........................ 883-4322Ryan Lesko ............................ 883-4347Jan Meidinger ...................... 883-5922Jared Scheuring .................. 883-4385Thomas Starks ..................... 883-5341

Lisbon 683 G Evenson Inc ...................... 683-3211Teala Holt ............................... 683-5101

Lisbon 683 (cont.)Sean Jones ............................ 683-5634Marina Khoun ...................... 683-3293Kelly Kopp ............................. 683-5961Geraldine Nogowski .......... 683-9762Zvonko Peterkovic ............. 683-5128James Price ........................... 683-5740Verna Rufsvold ..................... 683-4299Jacob Vant Hul ..................... 683-3091 Jacob Wilson......................... 683-5786

Litchville 762 Lisa Hoffman ........................ 762-4456Dwight Olson ....................... 762-4811

Marion 669 Dawn Mehlhoff ................... 669-2527

Milnor 427 Kerry Anderson ................... 427-5613Brent & Amy Bergstrom.... 427-5401Nicki Erickson ....................... 427-5120William Galusha .................. 427-5852Oscar Martinez .................... 427-5653Derek Murphy ...................... 427-5637

Oakes 742 Health Avamere .................. 742-4495Cassandra Bergan ............... 742-3215Jacob Bollum ........................ 742-2950Brady Coleman .................... 742-3665Elaine Frederick ................... 742-2678Martha Frias .......................... 742-3766Dylan Murphy ...................... 742-4594Jessica Peters........................ 742-2492Robert Schmit ...................... 742-2012Tim Sitzler .............................. 742-2532

Venturia, SD 687Chris Hofer ................. (605) 687-8070

Verona 432Dylan Eull............................... 432-5993

New directory listings

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Ready to plant their roots where their family could grow, Kathy and Paul Mahler purchased one of Ellendale’s cornerstone businesses, now named Mahler’s Village Variety, on October 14, 1985.

The timing was right to buy the business from Art and Ardy Fryslie. Paul had over 13 years of retail experience at J.C. Penney and Kathy also worked in retail. They both shared a love of working with customers. However, Paul’s job required their family to move every two to three years, including relocating to several states. Keeping their family on the move was not the lifestyle either Paul or Kathy wanted for their six children. “Originally from Fairmount, we always knew we wanted to come back to North Dakota,” said Paul.

The community of Ellendale benefits from Mahler’s store as it offers a wide range of general merchandise and unique items, as well as provides personal customer service. As small business owners, Paul and Kathy are established members of the community with a vested interest to help the Ellendale area. Shopping locally also helps keep tax dollars in the community and provides jobs.

According to Kathy, the most frequently purchased items vary from office supplies to spices and candy to their growing sewing and fabric section. Providing daily necessities, like shoe laces or socks, to the community is an important part of Mahler’s Village Variety’s success. “What makes our store unique,” said Kathy “is our suppliers do not sell to the big chain stores. It gives our business a different selection of merchandise, especially gift items.”

Although a keystone business in Ellendale that locals frequent, customers visit from Aberdeen, Frederick, Ashley, Kulm, Jud, Oakes and many other communities within a 50 mile radius. All can truly attest, the variety is amazing and the service received, one of the best!

History didn’t always paint a pretty picture. A fire on November 20, 1990 burned Mahler’s Village Variety to the ground and could have been an end to their business. However, the Mahlers were determined to keep their dream alive and with the support of the community they were able to rebuild their business.

To the Mahler family, especially when their kids were young and still at home, family time comes first. Their children participated in school activities and worked on homework while Paul and Kathy began relying on DRN’s internet service at home to complete the inventory ordering. “Work doesn’t end when we close the store,” said Kathy.

The Mahler’s accept credit cards and depend on DRN for uninterrupted service to be able to process these sales which helps increase revenues. They also take telephone orders from customers and work with vendors over the phone.

Now with their children grown, Paul is a Thrivent Financial Representative, putting Kathy in the driver’s seat as the day-to-day supervisor of Mahler’s Village Variety. Both Paul and Kathy greatly appreciate their staff, Brenda Heine who has been with them since their beginning, as well as Alysse Taylor and Nita Harlen.

Customers who shop locally receive better customer service and they help keep rural Main Street alive. Stop by and see Kathy and her staff today at Mahler’s Village Variety in Ellendale. They can help you find basic supplies or the perfect gift for that someone special. n

Business Spotlight

Mahler’s Village Variety

126 Mail Street in Ellendale ~ Hours: Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Paul and Kathy Mahler

From cards and gifts, office and school supplies, housewares, toys, crafts, sewing and fabric supplies, picture frames, scrapbooking and photo album supplies to health and beauty items, basic infant needs and pet supplies, the options at Mahler’s store seem endless!

is the spice of life at Variety

Thank you!Thank you for sharing the spirit of giving this holiday season!

The week of Dec. 7 customers brought in non-perishable food donations to DRN and received a credit on their bill. DRN then delivered 331 items to local food banks just in time for Christmas.

The Do-Not-Call Registry will not prevent all unwanted calls. It does not cover the following: l calls from organizations with which you have established a business relationship; l calls for which you have given prior written consent; l calls which are not commercial or do not include unsolicited advertisements; l calls by or on behalf of tax-exempt non-profit organizations.

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To address consumer concerns about unwelcome telemarketing calls, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) established a national Do-Not-Call Registry. The registry applies to all telemarketers (with the exception of certain non-profit and political organizations) and covers both interstate and intrastate telemarketing calls. Commercial telemarketers are not allowed to call you if your number is listed on the registry.

You can register your phone number for free and you may remove your number from the list at any time. The Federal Trade Commission will not drop any valid telephone numbers from the National Do Not Call Registry.

Consumers may register their residential phone number, and wireless numbers, on the national Do-Not-Call Registry at no cost. To register by phone, call 1-888-382-1222. For TTY call 1-866-290-4236. You must call from the phone number you wish to register.

Or, register online at www.donotcall.gov. After registering, your phone number will show up on the registry by the next day. Telemarketers have up to 31 days to get your phone number and remove it from their call lists. n

Annual Do Not Call Residential Customer Notification

DRN is passionate about supporting area youth and is proud to announce it will continue its Scholarship Program in 2016.

DRN Scholarship DRN will award $11,000 in scholarships to 22 graduating high school seniors.Two winners will be randomly selected from each high school within the service territory (Ashley, Edgeley, Ellendale, Kulm, LaMoure, Lisbon, Litchville- Marion, Milnor, North Sargent, Oakes, and Sargent Central).

FRS/DRN Scholarship On the national level, should a student from our service area be selected to receive one of the 30 Foundation for Rural Services scholarships ($2,000 each); DRN will contribute an additional $500 to the scholarship bringing the FRS scholarship award to $2,500.

Starulakis Family Scholarship DRN/FRS Scholarship Application will also be considered for four new national scholarships funded by Manny and Leo Staurulakis, of JSI, in honor of their parents John and Chresanthe Staurulakis. The FRS Starulakis Family Scholarships will provide four $5,000 awards and will give preference to students with an interest in science, math,

medicine, or engineering. Students with a focus in the sciences will be automatically considered for the Staurulakis Family Scholarships.

Students are eligible if they attend a high school in one of the DRN exchanges and/or their parents or guardians are DRN subscribers. Applicants also must plan to attend an accredited college, university or vocational school and indicate an interest in returning to a rural community following graduation to further their career. Students meeting these criteria are encouraged to apply. The deadline is February 15, 2016.

Applications are available on DRN’s website at www.drtel.com. For more information, contact Janell Hauck 877-559-4692 or 344-5000. n

Attention students–earn up to $8,000 in scholarships!DRN 2016 scholarship program

DRN subscribers submitted their photos of living, working, and playing throughout the area for the 2016 calendar photo contest. These memorable photos captured the true essence of rual life in North Dakota. Customer received their calendars in December. Extra calendars are available at DRN customer service locations in Ellendale, Oakes and Lisbon. Thanks to all who submitted photos for this year’s calendar. n

Congratulations to these photo winners featured in the 2016 calendar:

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Photo by Trista Gemar

Marie BoppSilvia CaleAlice CarrStacie ColemanJulie DuckworthTrista GemarPat GlynnMichaela HalvorsonKristine Harris

Jennifer JohnsonCassie JohnsonMara JohnsonChelsey JonesChrissy KartesKrista LundgrenMarlene MathernSonia MeehlKatherine Plessner

Ellie SchmitAbbie SmithBarb SweetGwen ThielgesMarie VogelTammy WahlAngie WaletzkoCarly Wetzel

Calendar photos capture rural living

Do a speed test online. Visit http://www.drtel.com/residential-services/internet/. Click the link on the bottom of the page to test your internet speed.

First, run the test wirelessly to check your wireless Internet connection. Next, take your Ethernet cable and plug it directly into your computer or laptop. Run the speed test again to check the Internet connection coming into your home. If your wireless connection is slower than the connection coming into your home, you may have router issues. First reboot your router as that often fixes the problem.

If you’re still having trouble, call the DRN internet technical support team at 344-5000.

Are you getting optimum performance from your wi-fi network? As technology advances and available bandwidth increases, your old router may not be able to support higher internet speeds and even certain wireless devices. DRN’s newest advanced wireless router, Calix 844E Gigacenter, allows for you to get the highest internet speed on all your equipment. Add Web Guardian + and DRN ReadiTech technicians can safely and securely monitor your network.

With Web Guardian +, DRN provides the equipment you need, so you don’t have to worry if your router is outdated or the wrong model. Also, DRN can remotely troubleshoot

New wireless router supports high speeds and network monitoringyour network saving both time and money! Monitoring your home network helps eliminate service calls and prevent future issues.

Lease the Calix router for only $2.95/mo., or lease the Calix router with Web Guardian+ services for only $11.95/mo. including two licenses. Receive unlimited remote support for all your networking and devices, plus free premise visit on all on-site technician support. Additional Web Guardian + licenses can be purchased for $1.95 per machine. If you have questions about your router or wireless internet connection, please call DRN at 344-5000. n

We wish you a happy new year full of wonderful possibilities! 2016

continued from page 1.WI-FI TIPS

WWW.BEKSPORTS.COMGames will be added to the schedule. For the most up-to-date schedule, go to:

www.twitter.com/beksports | www.youtube.com/beksportsnetwork | |www.facebook.com/beksports |

FIND US ON:

Dec 14 Washburn @ Kidder County (Steele) - 7:30 p.m.Dec 18 Ellendale @ Oakes - 7:30 p.m.Jan 5 South Border @ Napoleon-GS - 7:30 p.m.Jan 8 LaMoure-Litchville-Marion @ Linton-HMB - 7:30 p.m.Jan 11 Oakes @ Napoleon-GS - 7:30 p.m.Jan 15 Kidder County @ South Border (Wishek) - 7:30 p.m.Jan 16 Hazen @ Wilton-Wing - 4:30 p.m.Jan 19 Wyndmere-Lidgerwood @ Milnor-North Sargent - 7:30 p.m.Jan 22 Hankinson @ Wyndmere-Lidgerwood - 7:30 p.mJan 23 Milnor-North Sargent @ Sargent Central (Forman) - 4:00 p.m.Jan 25 Fairmount-Campbell-Tintah @ Hankinson - 7:30 p.m.Jan 29 Strasburg-Zeeland @ Linton-HMB - 7:30 p.m.Jan 30 Ellendale @ Lisbon - 7:30 p.m.Feb 2 Linton-HMB @ Napoleon-GS - 7:30 p.m.Feb 9 Edgeley-Kulm-Montpelier @ LaMoure-LM - 7:30 p.m.Feb 11 Herreid-Selby @ Strasburg-Zeeland - 7:30 p.m.Feb 13 Strasburg-Zeeland @ Wilton-Wing - 2:30 p.m.Feb 16 Richland @ Sargent Central (Forman) - 7:30 p.m.Feb 18 Lisbon @ Richland (Colfax) - 7:30 p.m.Feb 20 Turtle Lake/Mercer-McClusky @ Kidder County (Steele) - 6:00 p.m.

Jan 21 LaMoure/EEK/Lisbon Triangular @ Lisbon - 6:00 p.m.Jan 26 Linton-HMB @ Oakes - 7:30 p.m.Jan 28 South Border/LaMoure-LM/Napoleon Triangular @ Napoleon - 5:00 p.m.

Dec 1 Edgeley-Kulm-Montpelier @ South Border (Ashley) - 7:30 p.m.Dec 3 Fairmount-Campbell-Tintah @ Richland (Colfax) - 7:30 p.m.Dec 7 Standing Rock @ Wilton-Wing - 7:30 p.m.Dec 8 Lisbon @ Hankinson - 7:30 p.m.Dec 10 Hazen @ Wilton-Wing - 7:30 p.m.Dec 15 Hankinson @ Sargent Central (Forman) - 7:30 p.m.Dec 17 Wyndmere-Lidgerwood @ Milnor-North Sargent - 7:30 p.m.Dec 18 Ellendale @ Oakes - 6:00 p.m.Dec 19 Linton-HMB @ Oakes - 6:30 p.m.Jan 2 Wilton-Wing @ Kidder County (Steele) - 3:30 p.m.Jan 7 Linton-HMB @ Kidder County (Steele) - 7:30 p.m.Jan 12 Strasburg-Zeeland @ Napoleon-GS - 7:30 p.m.Jan 14 Linton-HMB @ Wilton-Wing - 7:30 p.m.Jan 23 Milnor-North Sargent @ Sargent Central (Forman) - 2:30 p.m.Jan 30 Ellendale @ Lisbon - 6:00 p.m.Feb 1 Napoleon-GS @ Linton-HMB (Hazelton) - 7:30 p.m.Feb 4 Herreid-Selby @ Strasburg-Zeeland - 7:30 p.m.Feb 5 LaMoure-Litchville-Marion @ South Border (Wishek) - 7:30 p.m.Feb 6 Ellendale @ Kidder County (Steele) - 7:30 p.m.Feb 8 Richland @ Wyndmere-Lidgerwood - 7:30 p.m.

GIRLS BASKETBALL BOYS BASKETBALL

Location of games are highlighted in BOLD. Post season schedule to be announced. Schedule subject to change.

BEK PRIME is available statewide.

• In Western North Dakota on the Heroes and Icons network (KNDB Over-The-Air Ch-26 Bismarck/KNDM Ch-24 Minot).

• In Eastern North Dakota on CoziTV (KRDK Over-The-Air Ch-4 Fargo/Grand Forks).

Visit www.bektel.com for your cable/satellite service provider channel assignment.

WRESTLING

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WWW.BEKSPORTS.COMGames will be added to the schedule. For the most up-to-date schedule, go to:

www.twitter.com/beksports | www.youtube.com/beksportsnetwork | |www.facebook.com/beksports |

FIND US ON:

Dec 14 Washburn @ Kidder County (Steele) - 7:30 p.m.Dec 18 Ellendale @ Oakes - 7:30 p.m.Jan 5 South Border @ Napoleon-GS - 7:30 p.m.Jan 8 LaMoure-Litchville-Marion @ Linton-HMB - 7:30 p.m.Jan 11 Oakes @ Napoleon-GS - 7:30 p.m.Jan 15 Kidder County @ South Border (Wishek) - 7:30 p.m.Jan 16 Hazen @ Wilton-Wing - 4:30 p.m.Jan 19 Wyndmere-Lidgerwood @ Milnor-North Sargent - 7:30 p.m.Jan 22 Hankinson @ Wyndmere-Lidgerwood - 7:30 p.mJan 23 Milnor-North Sargent @ Sargent Central (Forman) - 4:00 p.m.Jan 25 Fairmount-Campbell-Tintah @ Hankinson - 7:30 p.m.Jan 29 Strasburg-Zeeland @ Linton-HMB - 7:30 p.m.Jan 30 Ellendale @ Lisbon - 7:30 p.m.Feb 2 Linton-HMB @ Napoleon-GS - 7:30 p.m.Feb 9 Edgeley-Kulm-Montpelier @ LaMoure-LM - 7:30 p.m.Feb 11 Herreid-Selby @ Strasburg-Zeeland - 7:30 p.m.Feb 13 Strasburg-Zeeland @ Wilton-Wing - 2:30 p.m.Feb 16 Richland @ Sargent Central (Forman) - 7:30 p.m.Feb 18 Lisbon @ Richland (Colfax) - 7:30 p.m.Feb 20 Turtle Lake/Mercer-McClusky @ Kidder County (Steele) - 6:00 p.m.

Jan 21 LaMoure/EEK/Lisbon Triangular @ Lisbon - 6:00 p.m.Jan 26 Linton-HMB @ Oakes - 7:30 p.m.Jan 28 South Border/LaMoure-LM/Napoleon Triangular @ Napoleon - 5:00 p.m.

Dec 1 Edgeley-Kulm-Montpelier @ South Border (Ashley) - 7:30 p.m.Dec 3 Fairmount-Campbell-Tintah @ Richland (Colfax) - 7:30 p.m.Dec 7 Standing Rock @ Wilton-Wing - 7:30 p.m.Dec 8 Lisbon @ Hankinson - 7:30 p.m.Dec 10 Hazen @ Wilton-Wing - 7:30 p.m.Dec 15 Hankinson @ Sargent Central (Forman) - 7:30 p.m.Dec 17 Wyndmere-Lidgerwood @ Milnor-North Sargent - 7:30 p.m.Dec 18 Ellendale @ Oakes - 6:00 p.m.Dec 19 Linton-HMB @ Oakes - 6:30 p.m.Jan 2 Wilton-Wing @ Kidder County (Steele) - 3:30 p.m.Jan 7 Linton-HMB @ Kidder County (Steele) - 7:30 p.m.Jan 12 Strasburg-Zeeland @ Napoleon-GS - 7:30 p.m.Jan 14 Linton-HMB @ Wilton-Wing - 7:30 p.m.Jan 23 Milnor-North Sargent @ Sargent Central (Forman) - 2:30 p.m.Jan 30 Ellendale @ Lisbon - 6:00 p.m.Feb 1 Napoleon-GS @ Linton-HMB (Hazelton) - 7:30 p.m.Feb 4 Herreid-Selby @ Strasburg-Zeeland - 7:30 p.m.Feb 5 LaMoure-Litchville-Marion @ South Border (Wishek) - 7:30 p.m.Feb 6 Ellendale @ Kidder County (Steele) - 7:30 p.m.Feb 8 Richland @ Wyndmere-Lidgerwood - 7:30 p.m.

GIRLS BASKETBALL BOYS BASKETBALL

Location of games are highlighted in BOLD. Post season schedule to be announced. Schedule subject to change.

BEK PRIME is available statewide.

• In Western North Dakota on the Heroes and Icons network (KNDB Over-The-Air Ch-26 Bismarck/KNDM Ch-24 Minot).

• In Eastern North Dakota on CoziTV (KRDK Over-The-Air Ch-4 Fargo/Grand Forks).

Visit www.bektel.com for your cable/satellite service provider channel assignment.

WRESTLING

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PRIMELIVE

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DRN TV Channel 221

DRN channels 32 and 240 will change from ABC Family to Freeform on January 12. Freeform will air the same shows, including original series “Pretty Little Liars” and “The Fosters,” as well as the world premieres of new original series ”Shadowhunters” and “Recovery Road.” Favorite television events like the 13 Nights of Halloween, the 25 Days of Christmas and blockbuster movies will remain on the network.

Get the best deal on your TV service when you pick a DRN package including television, phone and high-speed internet starting at $112.95 with over 200 great channels! n

Location of games are highlighted in BOLD. Post season schedule to be announced. Schedule subject to change.

CHANNELS 7, 95, 107 & 195

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ABC Family changes name to Freeform in January

Buy 1 Digital Box, Get 1 FREE for all of 2016!

Looking for digital and premium channels like HBO or Showtime? Buy 1 digital box for 99¢, get the second box free for the rest of the year! Call 344-5000 today.

Offer valid Jan. 1 - Feb. 29, 2016. After Dec 31, 2016 second box charge is $4.95 per month.

Winter ice storms and blizzards cause more than treacherous driving conditions for travelers. North Dakota winter weather also brings power outages from ice storms potentially meaning hours without life sustaining services. DRN reminds its fiber optic customers that their telecommunications services are powered by electricity. If their main power source goes out, however, all fiber customers have a backup power supply box provided by DRN in their home, apartment complex, or office building.

The battery backup powers telephone service for approximately eight hours. This means the backup will provide eight hours of in use time or talk time. If the power is out for an extended period of time, telephone service will continue to work as long as the battery backup has not been depleted of its eight hours of in use time. During a power outage, Internet and television service disconnects immediately.

In order to keep you and your family connected during an extended power outage, DRN recommends connecting your home or business to a backup generator. Customers with questions regarding their battery backup should contact a DRN customer care specialist at 344-5000. n

Be prepared for winter power outages

Effective January 1, 2016, DRN’s local telephone service rate will increase to $22.50 per month.

This price increase is a result of changes to the Access Recovery Charge (ACR) by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). In July 2012, the FCC allowed Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers (ILECs), like DRN, to assess an Access Recovery Charge (ARC).

What is ARC? The ARC allows local telephone companies to assess a monthly charge of up to 50 cents per line on residential end users, single-line business customers, and non-primary residential lines. The ARC will increase 50 cents annually through 2017. The current rate for ARC is $2 and will increase to $2.50 in July 2016.

This charge was adopted as part of reforms to the inter-carrier compensation regimes. This transitional recovery charge was intended to mitigate the effect of reduced intercarrier revenues and facilitate continued investment in broadband.

Companies with rates at a certain local rate level, however, are not required to charge the ARC. To eliminate the ARC and its annual increases, DRN is raising its local telephone rate to the required level.

Local telephone rates increase The elimination of the ARC charge, coupled with the increase in local rate, will result in 22 cents net increase for residential customers in January (versus keeping the ARC and local telephone charges separate) and will actually save the customer 37 cents in July.

DRN works hard to connect its customers to the world at an affordable and competitive price. If you have any questions about this rate increase, or the ARC please call 344-5000. n

With the new changes, the ARC is moved into local phone rates which is patronage allocable. Patronage is capital credit return based on DRN member’s spending.

On July 1, 2016 residential customers will save 37 cents per month with the new rate versus paying a separate Access Recovery Charge (ARC). Starting on July 1, 2017, DRN’s residential customers will save 43 cents per month based on combining the ARC and local telephone rate.

DRN will continue to charge the ARC on business lines.

ACCESS RECOVERY CHARGE (ARC) FACTS

DRN named Troy Radermacher accounting supervisor. He will be responsible for day-to-day operations of the accounting group. Radermacher has worked at DRN as an accountant for 13 years.

Outside Network Operations Specialist Matt Thorpe recently expanded his role to include building maintenance for DRN properties. Thorpe has been with DRN for 15 years and previously held the title of construction coordinator. n

DRN employee position updates