Wanat Receives Aureon Scholarship

Programs with Iowa’s Independent Telecommunications Companies support rural students pursuing technology and STEM education

Aureon, a trusted provider of Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association for connectivity and network solutions, recently awarded $12,000 in STEM scholarships to nine Iowa high school students through its 2026 Scholarship Programs, supporting their pursuit of technology and STEM education at Iowa colleges, universities and trade schools.

Through annual scholarships, Aureon continues to invest in Iowa’s next generation of leaders by supporting students through two dedicated opportunities: the Aureon ITC Scholarship Program, which supports students from Iowa Independent Telecommunications Company (ITC)-served communities pursuing STEM-related fields, and the Aureon Scholarship for Technology Students, which assists students planning to pursue technology-focused education at Iowa colleges, universities, or trade schools.

“We are excited about this scholarship award for Tyler. Iowa is unique—our state has more independent, community-based internet providers than any other state in the nation,” noted Marcie Boerner, CEO/GM of Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association, “which makes this award truly special.”

The recipients of the 2026 Aureon ITC Scholarship Program are:

  • Christopher Gebhardt, Guttenberg – $3,000 scholarship, attending Iowa State University (Computer Engineering)
  • Kayley Dirks, Atkins – $2,000 scholarship, attending Iowa State University (Business Analytics)
  • Micah Loutsch, Le Mars – $2,000 scholarship, attending Northwestern College (Cybersecurity)
  • Tyler Wanat, Gowrie – $1,000 scholarship, attending Iowa Central Community College (Accounting)
  • Miley Trumm, Cascade – $1,000 scholarship, attending the University of Northern Iowa (Business Analytics & Marketing)
  • Aiden Cooper, Cantril – $1,000 scholarship, attending Indian Hills Community College (Software Development)

The recipients of the 2026 Aureon Scholarship for Technology Students are:

  • Mason Carver, Marcus – $1,000 scholarship, attending DMACC (Electric Utility Technology)
  • Cameron Renes, Des Moines – $500 scholarship, attending Central College (Computer Science)
  • Summer Minor, Indianola – $500 scholarship, attending Simpson College (Computer Science Information Systems)

“Every year, we see Iowa students whose talent and drive will power the state’s technology future,” said George O’Neal, CEO of Aureon. “By investing in their STEM education today, we’re strengthening the communities and businesses we serve across Iowa.”

Applications for Aureon’s next scholarship cycle will open in December, continuing the company’s long-standing commitment to supporting Iowa students pursuing STEM and technology education pathways. Since launching its scholarship efforts, Aureon has remained dedicated to strengthening Iowa communities by helping students access educational opportunities that prepare them for future success.

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Aureon is a leading technology solutions provider helping organizations connect, collaborate, and grow. The company delivers connectivity, cloud, data center, managed IT, consulting, and contact center services that simplify technology and strengthen business performance. Backed by more than 40 years of experience and a dedicated Iowa-based support team, Aureon combines advanced solutions with exceptional service. From its headquarters in West Des Moines, the company empowers clients across the Midwest and nationwide through reliability, innovation, and a lasting commitment to community.

Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association provides Landline Telephone, Digital TV and Internet service to 21 rural communities on a Fiber driven network just outside the Fort Dodge, Iowa area: Pilot Mound, Boxholm, Lanyon, Paton, Churdan, Farnhamville, Gowrie, Somers, Moorland, Knierim, Barnum, Clare, Thor, Badger, Vincent, Duncombe, in the towns of Lohrville, Manson, Rockwell City and Lake City and rural Fort Dodge. www.wccta.com

WCCTA is Gigabit Certified and designated a Smart Rural Community by NTCA: the Rural Broadband Association.

Rooted in Community. Ready for Tomorrow.

#fiberdelivers #gogowrie #Ruraliscool #weinwebster

Aureon Grant to Gowrie Police Department

The Gowrie Police Department received $1,000 from the Aureon Charity Grant Program to help upgrade the small computer network and ensure their equipment is secure, efficient, and can connect to the county network essential for the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.

“For a rural department, computer technology can significantly improve response times, coordination, and overall effectiveness in protecting our community,” notes Marcie Boerner, CEO of Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association.

Meredith Gerhardt, Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association, is pictured presenting the check to Police Chief, Molly Anderson, and reserve officers of the Gowrie Police Department.

The Aureon Charity Grant Program was established to increase and support rural independent telephone companies and the communities they serve. Applications are considered on a quarterly basis and available to organizations within the Webster-Calhoun service area.

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Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association provides Landline Telephone, Digital TV and Internet service to 21 rural communities on a Fiber driven network just outside the Fort Dodge, Iowa area: Pilot Mound, Boxholm, Lanyon, Paton, Churdan, Farnhamville, Gowrie, Somers, Moorland, Knierim, Barnum, Clare, Thor, Badger, Vincent, Duncombe, in the towns of Lohrville, Manson, Rockwell City and Lake City and rural Fort Dodge. www.wccta.com

WCCTA is Gigabit Certified and designated a Smart Rural Community by NTCA: the Rural Broadband Association.

Rooted in Community. Ready for Tomorrow.

#fiberdelivers #ruraliscool

Aureon Grant to Rinard City Park

The City of Rinard received $500 from the Aureon Charity Grant Program to help beautify the Rinard City Park.

“The highway that travels through the very small community of Rinard goes right past the small park. I am happy to see them work to improve and beautify the area,” notes Marcie Boerner, CEO of Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association.

Vicki Anderson, Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association, is pictured presenting the check to Barb Hennings, Mayor of the City of Rinard.

The Aureon Charity Grant Program was established to increase and support rural independent telephone companies and the communities they serve. Applications are considered on a quarterly basis and available to organizations within the Webster-Calhoun service area.

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Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association provides Landline Telephone, Digital TV and Internet service to 21 rural communities on a Fiber driven network just outside the Fort Dodge, Iowa area: Pilot Mound, Boxholm, Lanyon, Paton, Churdan, Farnhamville, Gowrie, Somers, Moorland, Knierim, Barnum, Clare, Thor, Badger, Vincent, Duncombe, in the towns of Lohrville, Manson, Rockwell City and Lake City and rural Fort Dodge. www.wccta.com

WCCTA is Gigabit Certified and designated a Smart Rural Community by NTCA: the Rural Broadband Association.

Rooted in Community. Ready for Tomorrow.

#fiberdelivers #ruraliscool

Aureon Grant to Opportunity Living

Opportunity Living received $500 from the Aureon Charity Grant Program to help with Operation Illumination 2.  As a non-profit care facility, Opportunity Living is working to upgrade the internal and external lighting for nine group homes throughout Lake City and Rockwell City.

These are not just buildings. They are homes filled with warmth, laughter, and the daily hustle of life. For the individuals who call these places home, a well-lit environment is more than just a luxury—it is essential for their well-being and quality of life. Currently, the lighting in these homes is outdated and inefficient. By upgrading to modern, energy-efficient lighting, it will enhance the aesthetic appeal of these spaces and also significantly reduce maintenance and energy costs. It is estimated the savings could be $10,000 per year.

Morgan Schamel, Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association, is pictured presenting the check to Jayne Wilhelm, Community Relations and Development Director at Opportunity Living.

The Aureon Charity Grant Program was established to increase and support rural independent telephone companies and the communities they serve. Applications are considered on a quarterly basis and available to organizations within the Webster-Calhoun service area.

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Opportunity Living is a licensed Intermediate Care Facility based in Lake City, Iowa with homes in both Lake City and Rockwell City. Opportunity Living is currently home to 68 clients with varying degrees of levels of care. Our clients live in community-based group homes and we provide activities and other services at our Activity Center in Lake City. www.opportunityliving.org

Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association provides Landline Telephone, Digital TV and Internet service to 21 rural communities on a Fiber driven network just outside the Fort Dodge, Iowa area: Pilot Mound, Boxholm, Lanyon, Paton, Churdan, Farnhamville, Gowrie, Somers, Moorland, Knierim, Barnum, Clare, Thor, Badger, Vincent, Duncombe, in the towns of Lohrville, Manson, Rockwell City and Lake City and rural Fort Dodge. www.wccta.com

WCCTA is Gigabit Certified and designated a Smart Rural Community by NTCA: the Rural Broadband Association.

Rooted in Community. Ready for Tomorrow.

#fiberdelivers #ruraliscool