Cornerstone Group © 2025 On Monday, May 12, members gathered at the Sebeka High School gymnasium to celebrate a major milestone — 75 years of West Central Telephone Association. The evening was a blend of nostalgia, pride and excitement as we looked back on how far we've come and where we're headed next. Board President Bruce Kinnunen discussed our humble beginnings in 1950, with just $253 in the bank and a big idea, and the historic timeline that led to the cooperative becoming a leader in cutting-edge fiber optic technology. Bruce also announced that over $522,000 in capital credits will be retired and scheduled to be paid out mid-June. The controller shared the financial health of the cooperative, including charts showing the breakdown of revenue sources. CEO Jon Loeffen updated the membership on West Central’s new brand and new logo, legislative visits and strategic partnerships. Jon also thanked employees, both past and present, who made the last 75 years possible and predicted a strong future for West Central. Robert Weaver of District 2 and Dave Pulju both ran unopposed and as such, will serve another three-year term. The message was clear: West Central isn’t just about technology — it’s about people. From community donations and scholarships to being a local employer and a trusted partner for businesses, we’ve always believed in giving back. Door prizes were awarded after the meeting. Robert and Karen Mudek won the grand prize of free internet and phone service for a year. Michael and Heidi Huotari won a 75” VIZIO Smart TV. In all, 58 prizes were awarded before employees served members a meal from The Cotty. Music during the meal was provided by Melissa Koch, the music and choir teacher for the Sebeka Elementary School. Review Reminder Almost all companies count on reviews to help attract new customers, and West Central is no exception. We’d appreciate it if you’d write a Google Review about us. Use the QR code or follow these steps from your browser: 1. Log into your Google account, and search for West Central. 2. Find the reviews area (next to the star rating in your search results, or under our name in the sidebar in Google search) and click on “WRITE A REVIEW.” 3. Rate our business from 1 to 5 stars, write about your experience and click “POST” when finished. 308 Frontage Road, Sebeka, MN 56477 800-945-2163 • 218-837-5151 wcphone@wcta.net • www.wcta.net Office Hours Mon-Fri, 8AM-4:30PM Customer Service Available 24/7 After Hours Repair 888-207-6274 Call Before You Dig Dial 8-1-1 THIS ISSUE 02 Eight Scholarships Awarded 02 You’re Invited to the Co-op Strong Event THE LINK JUN 2025 WE CONN E CT YOU , ON E N EWS L E T T E R AT A T I ME . West Central Celebrates 75 Years of Progress and Community Robert and Karen Mudek of Staples Michael Huotari of Sebeka West Central's Amy, Patty and Holly
Cornerstone Group © 2025 Congratulations Class of 2025 West Central proudly celebrates the graduating Class of 2025 — a group of bright, resilient and driven students who have reached an incredible milestone. Through hard work, determination and plenty of late nights, you’ve grown not only in knowledge but in character. You've faced challenges head-on, adapted to change and never lost sight of your goals. As you toss your caps high and step into the next chapter, remember this moment. Let it remind you of how far you've come and how far you can go. Whether you’re headed to college, the workforce, or charting your own unique path, the world is ready for your talents, your voice and your vision. The future is wide open, and it’s yours for the taking. Keep building, keep dreaming and never stop believing in what you can achieve. From all of us at West Central, congratulations! We're so proud of you! EDITOR Thalen Zimmerman BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT Bruce Kinnunen, Sebeka MANAGER/CEO Jon Loeffen, Sebeka VICE PRESIDENT Dave Pulju, Nimrod SECRETARY Robert Weaver, Menahga DIRECTOR Harvey Aho, Wolf Lake DIRECTOR Annette Adamietz, Verndale Congratulations to these area high school seniors who each received $1,000 scholarships! Our committee reviewed many applications and was impressed by the hard work, dedication and achievements of all the students who applied. We are proud to be able to recognize these students for their efforts and wish them all the best in their future endeavors. Please join us Friday, August 1, 2025, from 11AM to 1PM for the 8th annual Co-op Strong event, hosted by West Central, Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative and Lakes Community Co-op! It will be held at Menahga Campground, 825 Aspen Ave SE in Menahga, MN, and promises to be a day filled with fun, community and connection. This family-friendly event celebrates the strength and spirit of local cooperatives with a drive-through lunch and opportunities to meet your co-op neighbors. Mark your calendars and get ready to connect and celebrate what makes our co-op communities so special. We can’t wait to see you there! Stay Co-op Strong! Eight West Central Scholarships Awarded You’re Invited to the Co-op Strong Event Anjalie Aho Miranda Schotzko Jenna Dykhoff Noelle Spicer Jaylin Lillquist Samantha Stevens Annika Pulju Lilly Tyrrell
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