#wearemidrivers

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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]

Welcome to #techtuesday! Our brand new weekly series spotlighting tech tips, tricks and cool new gadgets that we love here at Mid-Rivers. 

Our first tip will ensure that you don’t ever miss a #techtuesday. It’s easy! 

Follow us on Tumblr HERE

OR

Like Us on Facebook HERE

It’s as simple as that. Now all you have to do is look forward to our weekly tips and tricks with #techtuesday!

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Happy World Emoji day! Emojis have quickly become very important in modern communications, but did you know that the first emoticon was used in an essay in 1887? Brush up on your emoji history with this video from Business Insider, and don’t forget to share your favorite emojis with your friends and family in celebration of emoji day!

[midriverscommunications-blog]

The Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) announced on May 8, 2017 that it has awarded a total of $100,000 in college scholarships to 47 students in rural communities served by members of NTCA��The Rural Broadband Association.

Jordan Baxter from Sidney, Montana, sponsored by Mid-Rivers Communications, is the winner of one of the FRS Scholarships for $2,500.  Baxter was 1 of 47 students chosen from applicants across the nation.

Baxter, a senior at Sidney High School, will be attending Montana State University in the fall. She will pursue a degree in Microbiology, before pursuing her goal of attending Medical School. Her ultimate plan is to return to Sidney and practice medicine in whatever area there is a need.

The FRS College Scholarship Program awards one-time scholarships to students from rural America for their first year of college, university or vocational-technical school. Each student is sponsored by an NTCA member company who matches the $2,000 FRS scholarship with $500 in local dollars.

"FRS is extremely proud of our college scholarship program and the people who make it possible: the astounding students who apply and the supportive companies that sponsor them," said FRS Executive Director Jessica Golden. "Our 47 scholarship winners have proven their academic abilities—often despite challenging personal circumstances—and have also showcased a remarkable love and appreciation for their communities. We wish all awardees the best in their future endeavors and hope they feel a great sense of support and community pride." A full list of scholarship winners is available online at http://www.frs.org.

Mid-Rivers’ General Manager, Michael Candelaria, also commented, “Mid-Rivers was proud to sponsor Jordan and several other applicants again this year for the FRS Scholarship opportunities.  We are fortunate to have so many high-achieving students who also have such great rural and community pride.”

[midriverscommunications-blog]

Here's What's Coming to Netflix in August 2017

August is the perfect time to stay inside and stream a movie and with Internet Service from Mid-Rivers, your family is sure to never miss a second. Check out these new titles from Netflix, and skip the buffering with Wide Open Internet and Wi-Fi Services.  On August 1st, cheer on the Marvel's The Defenders or shut the curtains and binge watch the entire Matrix trilogy in one sitting.  On August 4th, reunite with your favorite campers and counselors at Camp Firewood in Wet Hot American Summer: 10 Years Later.  Throughout the month, families can look forward to movie nights with titles like A Cinderella Story (8/1), The Addams Family (8/1), The Last Mimzy (8/1), Sing (8/3), Holes (8/5) and many more. View the full list here: http://www.tvguide.com/news/whats-coming-to-netflix-august-2017/  Learn more about our Internet Offerings Here: http://www.midrivers.com/broadband.html 

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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 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]

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]

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

[midriverscommunications-blog]

We want to take a break from our normal #techtuesday topics to proudly announce the availability of up to $35,000 in technology grants!  Educational Technology Grants are offered by Mid-Rivers when funds are available for this purpose from the Mid-Rivers Fund for Education, which is funded by Unclaimed Capital Credits.  This year, grant preference will be 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

Eligible Applicants are accredited educational facilities, including public, private and homeschool, located within the Mid-Rivers service area, and non-profit entities with an educational mission to serve the Mid-Rivers service area.   Mid-Rivers will award up to $5,000 per eligible project.  Applications must be submitted online by eligible applicants by 5:00 PM on Monday, October 2, 2017.   If you, or someone you know, would like to submit an application, please visit http://fal.cn/t1kY. For questions, please contact Kathy Newton McLane at Mid-Rivers at 406-687-7466 or kathleen.mclane@midrivers.coop. 

[midriverscommunications-blog]

Mid-Rivers is proud to support local events in our service area. Read all about the 2017 Mid-Rivers Barrel Daze below!

The 2017, $6,000 added Mid-Rivers Barrel Daze was a great success. Close to $17,000 was paid out over the weekend at the Cow Town, Miles City, MT, w/ racers from ND, SD, WY, MT and Utah.  Consistent ground made for winners from the beginning to the end of the event.

Victoria Netzer, Sidney, MT was the Big Open 1D, WPRA and J3 Exploration Futurity( Shea Blazin Bay) winner Saturday and Sunday riding Streaka Ta Fame Sat w/a 17.51 and Frosted Ta Fame Sun w/17.413 winning $1576 over the weekend.   Victoria also won the Sunday $1,000 added Church race.  Cathy Roesler, Miles City was the Saturday Senior 1D winner on Outta Be Dusty, w/a 17.876.  Rayna Rice, Sidney won Sunday’s Senior with a 17.826 aboard Bullerdash.  Katie Bitz, Oriska, ND aboard Dunit With Smart Chic was both Saturday’s and Sunday’s youth winner w/a 17.458, and 17.498 respectively.

The Blackiron Grill was the Saturday night destination, w/ fun for all.  

Bracket Creek Foundation sponsored the $1,000 added Church race.   Wonderful, Christa Phalen lead the Sunday service.  La Casa Diamonds donated $300 worth of Gift Certificates which were given to the winner of each of the 5D’s.  $400 was raised for Cassandra Bauske, Ray, ND to help with her medical expenses.

Average awards were given to the top 3 in each D.  A Classic Equine Cashel Fly Sheet went to each D average winner 1D  Katie Blitz, 2D Vicki Gilje,  3D Kierra Hougen, 4D Jasi Swyers, and 5D Deb Ryan.

Classic Equine donated one of their great Zone Pads for Fast time of the weekend which went to Victoria Netzer on Frosted Ta Fame.

A special thanks to all of our Fine sponsors for making this event possible Mid-Rivers, Rodeo Rigs, Excel Industries-Range Cubes, Copper Spring Ranch,  Green Acres, Stockman Bank, Jackson Contractor Group, Steadman’s Ace Hardware, J3 Exploration-Bill Champion, Jack’s Body Shop, Plains Horizon Equine Insurance, US Bank, Murdoch’s Ranch & Home, Dally’O, Blackiron Grill, Horizon Implement, Cenex Harvest States, Miles City Saddlery, Horizon Implement, Classic Equine, Riverside Marine and Cycle, Tim & Pati Lechner,  Comfort Inn, and Ron Watts.

[midriverscommunications-blog]

EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY GRANT PROGRAM ANNOUNCED

Mid-Rivers Communications, telecommunications service provider to 30,000 square miles of Eastern and Central Montana, is proud to announce the availability of up to $35,000 in grants!  Educational Technology Grants are offered by Mid-Rivers when funds are available for this purpose from the Mid-Rivers Fund for Education, which is funded by Unclaimed Capital Credits.    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.  This year, grant preference will be 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 a career path

  Eligible Applicants are accredited educational facilities, including public, private and hone school, located within the Mid-Rivers service area, and non-profit entities with an educational mission service the Mid-Rivers service area.   Mid-Rivers will award up to $5,000 per eligible project.  Applications must be submitted online by eligible applicants by 5:00 PM on Monday, October 2, 2017.   For the 2017 Application Form, details regarding eligible projects, and complete information regarding this grant opportunity, please visit http://fal.cn/tbnm. To submit an application, please go to http://fal.cn/tbnk.  For questions, please contact Kathy Newton McLane at Mid-Rivers at 406-687-7466 or kathleen.mclane@midrivers.coop.