JULY 25 The NETWORK Cornerstone Group © 2025 NCC welcomes our newly acquired subscribers in Williston, Trenton, Ambrose, Fortuna, East Westby, and the surrounding areas! We invite you to visit nccray.com/hello to follow updates in the transition. We are also mailing letters and emails, so please watch for this communication from us. You can now contact NCC for all service and billing inquiries. The transition of your services to our network will occur in phases over the next several months. We also invite you to visit our new customer webpage at nccray.com/welcome so we can introduce you to NCC. The NCC office at 421 Main Street in Williston will be open Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm beginning Monday, May 12. Feel free to reach out to us at 1-800-245-5884 or ncc@nccray.com. We’d love to hear from you! WELCOME TO THE FAMILY Get updates on our expansion! The 2025 NCC Annual Meeting was held at NCC in Ray on June 17, 2025 Nearly 400 people joined NCC for an evening of food, entertainment, prizes and business meeting. Prior to the business meeting, Chloe Raye entertained the crowd. About 41 children enjoyed the kids’ activities, including inflatables and the Virtual Reality Goggles. Customers were encouraged to visit the demonstration booths including a Virtual Reality Experience, myNCC Connect App demo, NCC Video demo, SmartHub sign up, and the touch a truck demo of a mini excavator. Tioga School Robotics team had their robots available for attendees to use. President Lorena Lambrecht called the business meeting to order at 6pm. Jen Bingeman, CFO, reported on the co-op’s audited financial state at the end of 2024. NCC maintained a strong financial position generating a net margin of $4.66 million, with revenues of over $24 million and assets reaching $80 million. President Lambrecht requested a motion for a unanimous ballot to be cast for Leslie Grubb, District #5 representing Powers Lake and Columbus and Lorena Lambrecht, District #6 representing Tioga. Both directors were re-elected to a three-year term by the 189 voting members in attendance. General Manager/CEO, Jeremy Becker’s report shared that 2024 was a year of growth. He stated, “To stay competitive and meet the needs of our customers NCC remains focused on network improvements, adopting new technologies, anticipating future trends, and ensuring our team is equipped with tools and skills needed to implement and manage innovations.” One of the major commitments in 2024 was to increase data capacity from 40 Gig to 400 Gig at a price tag of $3 million, which will be completed by end of year 2025. The cooperative signed a purchase agreement to acquire all of Nemont’s North Dakota wireline assets, resulting in a nearly 70% increase in customer accounts. They are working on a multi-year fiber build out plan for Williston. Becker also announced that the NCC board of directors approved a $1.2 million general capital credit retirement to be done this Fall. You can view the annual meeting recap, photos, and annual meeting booklet by going to www.nccray.com/ annualmeeting.
NCC • 701 .568.3331 • nccray.com CONGRATS TO SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS Kyra Bakken is the daughter of Grady and Traci Bakken of Lignite, ND, and is a freshman at North Dakota State University pursuing a degree in radiologic sciences. She is a Burke Central High School graduate. Kyra has kept busy this school year by earning a 4.0 GPA, babysitting, playing intramural volleyball, attending NDSU athletic events, and joining clubs. Ann Crosby is the daughter of Mark and Kiara Crosby. She is a senior at Bowbells High School and has been involved in Cross Country, Track, Speech, Envirothon, Academic Olympics, FBLA, Student Council, Pep Club, and Stats for Wrestling. Ann plans to attend the University of Minnesota-Duluth to pursue a degree in Marketing and Graphic Design. Brea Chrest is the daughter of Marshall and Denise Chrest. She is a senior at Kenmare High School and has been involved in extracurricular activities including Volleyball, Basketball, FBLA, FFA, Student Council, Academic Olympics, Math COUNTS, Envirothon, Drama, Track & Field, Cross Country, Band, and Choir. Brea plans to attend Minot State University to pursue a degree in Nursing. Austyn Cvancara is the son of AJ and Katy Cvancara. He is a freshman at the University of North Dakota and is majoring in Commercial Aviation. While at Ray High School, he was involved in Basketball, Baseball, Academic Olympics, Science Olympiad, FBLA, and FFA. Titus Stubbs is the son of Starrsky and Renae Stubbs and a senior at Divide County High School. He is involved in extracurricular activities including Football, Track, FBLA, National Honor Society, and Band. He is the valedictorian of his class. Titus will attend North Dakota State University this fall and major in Computer Engineering. He currently works at St. Luke’s Medical Center as an IT Intern. Nicholas Wolla is the son of Daniel and Vera Wolla. He is a senior at Tioga High School and has been involved in a variety of activities throughout his high school career including Cross Country, Golf, Life Smarts, Cyber Madness, and the robotic First Tech Challenge. Nick plans to attend Minot State University in the fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. 2025 Arthur S. Johnson Scholarship 2025 Kenneth Lund Jr. Scholarship NCC is pleased to announce the 2025 recipients of our Arthur S. Johnson and Kenneth Lund, Jr. scholarships of $1,000 each. Kyra Bakken Ann Crosby Brea Chrest Austyn Cvancara
Cornerstone Group © 2025 New Roles at NCC Congratulations to the winners drawn at the NCC Annual Meeting. • Giftcard, Mug, Towel (sponsored by BAND) - Edith Anderson - Ray • Blanket (sponsored by NISC) - Curtis Miller - Tioga • Under Armour Duffle Bag (sponsored by NISC) - Kent & Diane Haugland - Crosby • Yard Decoration (sponsored by Crafts 4-U, Crosby) - Charles Keever - Epping • $50 Giftcard (sponsored by CNE) - Ricky & Rochelle Raan - Tioga • $50 Giftcard (sponsored by CNE) - Steve & Pati Jensen - Tioga • $50 Giftcard (sponsored by CNE) - Orabelle Pederson - Tioga • $50 Giftcard (sponsored by CNE) - Keith Johnson - Epping • $50 Giftcard (sponsored by CNE) - Gary & Collette Ramsdell - Powers Lake • $50 Giftcard (sponsored by CNE) - Carol Rhode - Tioga • $50 Cash - Ron Nelson - Flaxton • $50 Cash - Brian Rosencrans - Powers Lake • $50 Cash - Richard Pressnall - Tioga • $50 Cash - Marlyn Vatne - Wildrose • $50 Cash - Buzz Redmer - Tioga • $50 Cash - Robert Webster - Ray • $50 Cash - Donna Mae Dragseth - Alamo • $50 Cash - Donald & Glenda Burtman - Wildrose • GRAND PRIZE: $500 CASH - Judy Hegstad - Powers Lake • NDSF Entertainment Package (drawn at SmartHub booth) - Patti Beck - Tioga • iPad Mini (drawn at Tech booth) - Paulette Hersel - Tioga • Millwaukee Tool Kit (drawn at Construction booth) - Glen Severson - Ray • Paw Patrol Book & Magnetic Play Set - Raylan Zimmerman - Ray • Mini Frisbee Golf Set - Carter Schmitz - Tioga • Nerf Super Soaker - David Hobson - Ray • Taylor Swift Coloring & Activity Books - Valeeyah Baldwin - Wildrose • STEM 12-in-1 Solar Robot Creation Kit - Rowan Davis - Ray • Kids Folding Kick Scooter - Asher Olson - Ray • Kids Folding Kick Scooter - Sylar Stevens - Epping • Kool-Aid Snow Cone Maker - Lainy Cvancara - Wildrose • Ultimate Slimy Lab - Brittany Morgan - Tioga (Ray Exchange) • Ultimate Crystal Growing Lab - Lila Albrecht - Tioga • Uno Flip Attack Card Game - Isak Albrecht - Tioga • Banzai Home Run Splash Baseball Slide - Cora Bergstrom - Ray • Discovery Mindblown Jellyfish Aquarium - Jackson Blomquist - Powers Lake • NEX Playground - Zoey Word - Williston Dina Edwards has been with NCC for almost 14 years and has spent time briefly in the internet department and then as the Operations Assistant. She was selected as the new Accountant and began her duties April 1. Carrie Pederson started at NCC nearly two years ago as a Customer Experience Representative and recently accepted the Sales Representative position. Her background includes a master’s degree in Plant Pathology from NDSU and prior sales experience. door prize winners K I D S ' D O O R P R I Z E W I N N E R S
NCC • 701 .568.3331 • nccray.com Beth Burk Custodian Ed Strickland Communications Specialist Jesse Binde Communications Specialist Brian Riely Network Specialist Fred Schindler Communications Specialist Renae Slade Engineer Assistant Cody Hendrickson Sales Representative Howard Van Pelt Communications Specialist Scott Copenhaver Communications Specialist Employees Who Joined NCC Through the Acquisition
Cornerstone Group © 2025 Recently Hired by NCC Easton Walby joined NCC in early February as a Network Technician. He obtained a telecommunications degree from Bismarck State College and most recently worked at a neighboring telco in Dickinson. He lives in Williston with his fiancé, her daughter and a couple of dogs. In his spare time, he enjoys shooting darts, fishing and riding motorcycles. In fact, he and his five brothers belong to the Walby motorcycle ‘club’! Sharon Grover is our new Accounting Clerk who joined our team in early April. She is originally from California but has been in North Dakota since 2012. Sharon has over 20 years of accounting experience with various companies. She and her husband have been married for over 25 years and live in Williston with their five children. With her little spare time, she coaches Williston Robotics, is a parent volunteer for 4-H, and is involved with her church as a leader for youth group and teaches Sunday School. Stephen Manning Communications Specialist Tomi Roinila Engineer Assistant Weston Esterby Communications Specialist Steve Kellel Construction Utility Technician Wes Slade Outside Plant Supervisor EMPLOYEES Continued As we expand our service area, we’re pleased to welcome several new employees who have joined the NCC team! These individuals bring with them prior experience in the industry with Nemont, and have a strong commitment to customer service and a deep understanding of the communities we serve. We’re excited to have them on board and look forward to the great work we’ll accomplish together-building stronger connections every day.
Cornerstone Group © 2025 Ray Location: 111 Railroad Avenue, Ray, ND 58849 Williston Location: 421 Main St, Williston, ND 58801 Mailing Address: PO Box, 38 Ray, ND 58849 701.568.3331 • nccray.com Call 811 Before You Dig All kinds of utility lines could be buried underground on your property. So, before you do any project that involves digging, call 811 first and have the utility lines located and marked. Thanks in advance for your cooperation! NCC • 701 .568.3331 • nccray.com NCC is your local provider of internet, telephone, TV, and security monitoring and surveillance services! Business Hours: 8am - 4:30pm NCC Message Center will take calls outside of these hours. Make a payment anytime by using Secure Pay 701.568.3331 or SmartHub nccray.com or download the app. Report Trouble: 611 Directory Assistance: 411 Call Before You Dig: 811 Email: ncc@nccray.com Phone: 701.568.3331 NL Editor: Angela Schepp NCC proudly announces the retirement of Dean Rustad, who has dedicated 30 years of service to the cooperative. Dean began his career with NCC as a Combination Technician and steadily advanced through the organization, taking on roles as Outside Plant Supervisor, Operations Manager, Chief Operations Officer, and ultimately serving as Assistant General Manager at the time of his retirement. Throughout his distinguished career, Dean’s leadership and vision were instrumental in shaping NCC’s growth and innovation. He played a key role in the modernization of the cooperative’s infrastructure, including the complete rebuild of the coaxial plant in all towns served with cable TV, the consolidation of multiple headends into a centralized system, and the introduction of HD channels along with an expanded TV lineup. Under Dean’s direction, NCC completed several major network upgrades, led the construction of 23 towers, and successfully replaced all copper infrastructure with fiber across the entire service area—ensuring reliable, high-speed connectivity for the communities NCC serves. Dean leaves behind a legacy of dedication, innovation, and service. His contributions have had a lasting impact on NCC and will continue to benefit members for years to come. His last day at NCC was May 9th. Now retired, he plans to hunt, garden and travel with his wife, Ronda. He left us with one final bit of advice, “Don’t let your greatest strength also be a weakness.” We extend our heartfelt thanks and best wishes to Dean in his well-earned retirement. LONGTIME LEADER DEAN RUSTAD RETIRES STRONG CONNECTIONS ARE
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