Month: September 2026

The Gowrie Swimming Pool received $500.00 from the Aureon Charity Grant Program to help purchase a heater for the public swimming pool.

The swimming pool has been an important amenity in the Gowrie community for decades. “Over the years I’m sure many people remember freezing at early morning Red Cross swimming lessons in June,” notes Marcie Boerner, CEO of Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association, “A heated public pool offers more than just comfort. It can significantly expand access, health benefits, and community use.”

Marcie Boerner, Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association, is pictured presenting the check to Morgan Fredrickson along with JD Siebert, Aureon.

The Aureon Charity Grant Program was established to increase and support to 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.

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.

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

Rooted in Community. Ready for Tomorrow.

Faith Community in Action (FCA) of Rockwell City received $500 from the Aureon Charity Grant Program to help implement a new Backpack Buddies program in the South Central Calhoun school system.  FCA is a collaborative effort made up of local churches and dedicated volunteers to serve others with compassion, dignity, and faith-driven purpose.

“Getting the program up and running before the new school year was a priority for FCA,” notes Marcie Boerner, CEO of Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association. “This grant helps with startup expenses such as publicity and shelving as they learn what kind of demand will be needed throughout the school year.”

The Backpack Buddies program is a free, confidential, and fills the weekend hunger gap for children across the SCC school district. It discreetly leaves sacks of nutritious, kid-friendly,  and nonperishable food in students’ backpacks every Friday.

Marcie Boerner, Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association, is pictured presenting the check to FCA Board Members Linda Nolte and Vicki Roby with JD Siebert of Aureon.

Community support is essential to keep this program going. Monetary donations can be dropped off at First Community Bank or United Bank of Iowa in Rockwell City designated for the Backpack Buddies program. If you would like to sign up a child, donate food, or learn more about volunteering with the program you can contact the Calhoun County Family Development Center at 712-297-7721 or the school district.

The Aureon Charity Grant Program was established to increase and support to 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.

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.

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

Rooted in Community. Ready for Tomorrow.