connection www.rainbowtel.net 800-892-0163 Contact Us Office Hours All locations open Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 12:30 p.m.–4 p.m. Atchison Office 721 Commercial St., Atchison, KS 66002 Everest Office 608 Main St., Everest, KS 66424 Hiawatha Office 628 Oregon St., Hiawatha, KS 66434 Seneca Office 513 Main St., Seneca, KS 66538 24/7 Technical Support Center 800-892-0163 24 hours a day, 7 days a week January/February/March 2026 THE RAINBOW Cornerstone Group © 2025 As 2025 draws to a close, we’re grateful to reflect on a year of significant progress. From expanding fiber broadband to earning national recognition, every success was powered by the people who live and work in our local communities. Rainbow’s mission is to enhance the quality of life in rural Kansas through exceptional broadband services and personal connections. We’re dedicated to building and maintaining robust, high-speed networks that empower individuals, businesses, and institutions to thrive. This mission drives every decision we make, from technology investments to community partnerships and customer care. Rainbow was named a 2025 Smart Rural Community Showcase Award recipient by NTCA –The Rural Broadband Association. This national honor recognizes our commitment to deploying advanced fiber networks and the transformative role broadband plays in education, healthcare, and commerce throughout rural Kansas. It also highlights the hard work of our employees and the trust of our customers. The year ahead promises even more exciting developments that align with our mission to empower, connect, and inspire: • We’re continuing our effort to bring fiber-to-the-home internet to every Rainbow customer, replacing older systems with state-of-the-art fiber networks that deliver faster speeds and greater reliability. We plan to be nearly complete with these upgrades by the end of 2026. • Rainbowwill begin upgrading business customers currently connected to our 1-Gigabit fiber technology to our new 10-Gig network, providing improved performance and reliability. • C onstruction will extend fiber service to additional neighborhoods and areas within Atchison, helping more homes and businesses experience the benefits of world-class broadband. As we look to 2026, we remain committed to strengthening connections, supporting innovation, and continuing to make northeast Kansas a brighter, more connected place to live, work, and thrive. January Is the Door Into the New Year January was named for the Roman god Janus, known as the protector of gates and doorways, which symbolize beginnings and endings. Janus is depicted with two faces—one looking into the past, the other with the ability to see into the future. What a fitting symbol for the first month of the year, as we walk through the doorway to a new beginning. Reflecting on 2025 and Looking Ahead Jason Smith, General Manager & CEO
RainbowWins Smart Rural Community Showcase Award Rainbow was recognized by NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association as a 2025 Smart Rural Community Showcase Award winner. This national honor celebrates rural broadband providers that deliver reliable connectivity and lead innovative projects making a lasting impact in their communities. Rainbow was selected for our strong community partnerships, including collaborations with local schools and Highland Community College to expand esports opportunities. Our company also established the Rainbow Esports Scholarship, awarded annually to a student from Rainbow’s service area who joins the HCC esports team—helping connect rural youth to future careers in technology and digital media. This marks Rainbow’s second Smart Rural Community distinction, following our recognition as a Pioneer Showcase Award winner in 2015, which was the inaugural year of the program. “We’re honored to be recognized for our team’s dedication to improving life in our communities through innovation, partnerships, and people-first service,” said Jason Smith, General Manager and CEO of Rainbow. We’re excited to announce the recipients of our 2025 Rainbow Community Grant Program! We awarded a total of $11,114 to support local projects that make our communities safer, stronger, and better connected. Through this annual program, Rainbow provides funding to help organizations bring meaningful ideas to life—projects that enhance public spaces, improve safety, and strengthen community ties across our service area. Here’s how this year’s recipients are making a difference: Atchison County Fair Board Association – $1,500 Funds will replace the outdated PA system in the Show Barn and 4-H Barns to ensure clear communication, safer operations, and an improved experience for participants and visitors. Everest Little League – $4,614 The league will replace its aging scoreboard with a new, energyefficient system that enhances visibility and the experience for both players and spectators. City of Whiting – $5,000 Funding will support the installation of a gravel parking area and electrical updates to the shelter house at South Park, improving accessibility and usability for community events. “It’s inspiring to see howmuch heart and effort these groups put into improving their communities,” said Julie Bergman, Senior Business Development Specialist at Rainbow. “We’re proud to play a small part in helping their ideas come to life.” Rainbow also partnered with the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) to award a $5,000 grant to the Boys & Girls Club of Atchison for technology and STEM lab upgrades. Altogether, Rainbow’s 2025 community impact totals more than $16,000 in grant funding—a reflection of our ongoing commitment to supporting vibrant, connected communities across Northeast Kansas. Rainbow’s 2025 Community Grants The attendees of the Boys and Girls Club of Atchison
Cornerstone Group © 2025 Employee Spotlight: Chase Wilson, Network Technician Chase’s journey with Rainbow began in 2009, shortly after graduating from North Central Kansas Technical College. He started as an Outside Plant Technician and spent 12 years handling installations, repairs, and plant construction. In 2021, he transitioned into the Network Operations Center as a Network Technician. Some days are spent writing network plans and configurations, while others take him out to remote locations, installing and maintaining the critical equipment that powers our communities. “I value all of those years combined, as they gave me a unique perspective of what occurs on multiple levels at Rainbow and how to better serve our customers with a wider lens and skillset,” Chase said. What Chase values most about Rainbow is the laid-back atmosphere and personal relationships that come with working in a close-knit organization. He added, “I also like the balance between office work and hands-on time in the field. It keeps things interesting.” Chase is especially proud to be part of two major projects shaping Rainbow’s future —converting all cable modem areas to 100% fiber to the premise, and upgrading the network transport backbone that connects every corner of Rainbow’s service area. “As broadband grows, so does our network. It’s exciting to play a role in building the infrastructure that ensures our customers are ready for the future,” he explained. Outside of work, Chase enjoys spending time with his wife and two young boys as well as traveling, golfing, gardening, keeping up with home technology, and occasionally playing video games. He’s also active in the Horton community as a member of the Horton Fish & Game Association and Horton First Christian Church. For Chase, working at Rainbow isn’t just a job. It’s a way to combine his love for technology with his commitment to community. His dedication, experience, and forward-thinking mindset make him a valued part of the Rainbow team. Chase’s Favorite Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Jalapeno Mustard Chase said, “I usually grow jalapenos in my garden, so I chose this recipe to share. It’s great on bratwurst.” Ingredients 8–10 jalapenos 3/4 cup white vinegar 3/4 cup of water 2 tablespoons salt 2 cups of sugar 1/2 cup of flour 1 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric 1 1/2 teaspoons ground dry mustard 8 ounces yellow mustard Instructions Deseed and finely chop peppers to yield about 2 cups. (I slice and put in the food processor for small mince.) Reserve the seeds if you would like a little more heat. Combine jalapenos, vinegar, water, and salt in a large saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for about 8 minutes. If you want more spice, add 1–2 tablespoons of the reserved seed to the jalapeno mixture, according to taste. Mix well with sugar, flour, turmeric, and drymustard in a medium bowl. Stir in yellowmustard. Add the mustard mixture to the jalapeno mixture and mix well. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.Spoon into five hot, sterilized half-pint jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace. Seal with two-piece lids. If you want to store it long-term, up to 1 year, process it in a hot water bath for 10–15 minutes. (L to R) Libby, Henry, Silas, and Chase Wilson
P.O. Box 147, Everest, KS 66424 800-892-0163 • www.rainbowtel.net www.facebook.com/ RainbowCommunications RainbowCommunications Protect Your Devices In Cold Weather Here’s a reminder to keep your phone or laptop warm this winter. When a lithium-ion battery is exposed to cold temperatures, it can drain faster than normal or indicate it has ample power remaining and then suddenly go dead. Low temperatures can also make a device’s glass surfaces more sensitive to cracks and breaks. To learn more, consult the manufacturer’s website. Doniphan Darlings opened its doors on July 11, 2022, but its story began a year earlier. After several in-home daycares closed, a group of local philanthropists came together in 2021 to address the childcare shortage in Doniphan County. With help from USD 111, the group transformed the former Highland Grade School building at 202 West Illinois Street into a licensed daycare center—a process that required research, collaboration, funding, and dedication. The center offers programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children (ages 6–12) who need before- or after-school care. A drop-in program for part-time care is also available as space allows. Program Director Mackenzie Cunningham, a Highland native, said, “I’m most proud of the team that’s coming together at Doniphan Darlings. The board pours their heart and soul into the well-being of each employee and child. Our staff dreams big about how to serve our children in bigger ways.” Cunningham credits community generosity for the center’s success, noting that families and supporters have donated toys, books, clothing, baby supplies, and crafts. Reliable connectivity is also vital. “We couldn’t function without our fiber Internet connection from Rainbow. It’s how we stay connected with our partnering agencies, each other, and parents,” she said. Business Spotlight: Doniphan Darlings Cheryl Huff (left) and Sara Moore (far right) joins students of Doniphan Darlings for a story read by Rainbow employee, Taylor Jacobsen
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