2025 FRS Community Grant Program Recipients

In an effort to support our rural communities, The Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) offers aid to communities served by NTCA members through the annual Community Grant Program. These grants provide support to a variety of local efforts to enhance life for people living in rural America.

This November, FRS announced the recipients of its 2025 Community Grants Program, totaling over $145,000. FRS awarded grants to 31 rural-serving organizations nationwide to support projects in public service, education, health and business development. NTCA members, like Webster-Calhoun, partnered with FRS in presenting every award, contributing 20% of the total grant amount.

Webster-Calhoun is happy to announce that we had two recipients in our serving area selected to receive FRS Community Grants; Crater Kids Daycare in Manson and J.J. Hands Public Library in Lorhville.

Manson, IA

The Crater Kids Community Daycare has been selected to receive a $2,176 community grant. The grant money will help the daycare fund essential tools for the non-profit, including a computer, printer, and QuickBooks. These tools will help them manage finances, track enrollment, and communicate effectively with families, staff, and board members.

Above: Mindy Roper (WCCTA employee) is pictured with Macie Schoon (Crater Kids Board of Directors: Secretary), and (Crater Kids Board of Directors: Vice President) Mary Jo Kruse.

Lohrville, IA

The J.J. Hands Public Library has been selected to receive a $5,000 community grant from FRS. The grant money will allow the library to purchase six new computers, ensuring both staff and patrons have reliable, secure, and up-to-date technology. Having up to date technology is very important to keep your online personal information private and secure. 

Below: Morgan Schamel (WCCTA employee) is pictured with Kara Stuelke (J.J. Hands Public Library: Director).

Learn more about offered Grant Programs on our website, by clicking the provided link.

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Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association is located at 1106 Beek Street in Gowrie, Iowa. It has a Gig certified Fiber to the Home network and provides landline telephone, internet, Wi-Fi, and digital television service to the Iowa communities of Gowrie, Pilot Mound, Vincent, Thor, Churdan, Knierim, Somers, Barnum, Duncombe, Farnhamville, Badger, Clare, Moorland, Boxholm, Lanyon, Paton, Lohrville, Manson, Rockwell City, and Lake City.

WCCTA Awarded Grants for Rural Fort Dodge

Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association of Gowrie has partnered with Central Cable Contractors of Waupun, WI and Vantage Point Solutions of Mitchell, SD to construct buried fiber cable to approximately 700 locations in the rural area around Fort Dodge.  Construction began last fall and has recently resumed to complete the project.

“It is exciting that Webster County is so close to being 100% fiber throughout the county,” noted Marcie Boerner, WCCTA COO. “Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association has utilized a fiber network for many years and is now expanding into rural Fort Dodge.  Lehigh Valley Cooperative Telephone Association has expanded into the southern rural area of Fort Dodge and construction is also underway within the City of Fort Dodge with a municipal provider, Fort Dodge Fiber.”

Webster-Calhoun’s overall cost of the project is approximately $8 million dollars and will provide telephone, internet and tv services. The ability to expand further into rural Fort Dodge in part comes from two Empower Rural Iowa Broadband Grants totaling over $3.9 million that targets specific census blocks or specific locations. Webster-Calhoun is also self-funding some locations that are not included in the grant areas. 

Webster County is rich in recreation with the beautiful landscape of the Des Moines River as well as vast gypsum quarries. It creates opportunities for scenic locations for housing; however, it also creates many expensive challenges when building out utilities in this terrain.

In September 2021 WCCTA was awarded $2,604,458.36 as part of NOFA # 006 which is 58.48% of the project cost for identified Census Blocks to fund approximately 260 locations.  In October 2023 WCCTA was awarded $1,329,294.09 which is 60% of the project cost for 98 locations identified as part of NOFA # 008.

“If you have an opportunity to receive a fiber drop you should do it.” adds Boerner.  “If you are not planning to use the service now or are planning to sell your home in the future you should still get the fiber connection to your home. It’s free during construction and a lot more cost effective for everyone.”

Webster-Calhoun currently provides 100% Fiber to the Home (FTTH) network to 20 communities including Moorland, Barnum, Clare, Badger, Vincent and Duncombe. The new construction will fill in the rural gap between Webster-Calhoun’s existing service area and the city limits of Fort Dodge.

There are several steps to constructing buried fiber and several locations are in different phases.  A majority of the area is finishing up testing and inspection.

This project was supported by federal funds made available through the American Rescue Plan Act and the State of Iowa, acting by and through the Department of Management (DOM).  Points of view expressed herein are those of the author or speaker and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the United States Government or State of Iowa or endorsement of the project.

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Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association is located at 1106 Beek Street in Gowrie, Iowa. It has a Gig certified Fiber to the Home network and provides landline telephone, internet, Wi-Fi, and digital television service to the Iowa communities of Gowrie, Pilot Mound, Vincent, Thor, Churdan, Knierim, Somers, Barnum, Duncombe, Farnhamville, Badger, Clare, Moorland, Boxholm, Lanyon, Paton, Lohrville, Manson, Rockwell City, and Lake City.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter Linked in and our website at www.wccta.com.

Webster-Calhoun Receives USDA Grant

Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association has been awarded a $300,000 grant through the USDA’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program. As part of the application requirement Webster-Calhoun also committed an additional $30,000. This amount was also applied for and matched by Aureon’s Ripple Effect grant for $30,000.

“We are excited to receive this award and add to our existing revolving loan fund,” states Webster-Calhoun General Manager, Marcie Boerner. “This loan will go to the Southwest Webster Ambulance at zero percent interest over a ten year period. As the loan is paid back funds will be available to provide additional loans for local economic and community development projects.”

“This is a win-win as Webster-Calhoun will be able to reinvest these dollars into a revolving loan fund and help Southwest Webster Ambulance move forward with their building project.” adds Boerner. “Webster-Calhoun established a revolving loan fund in 2017. Growing this fund to a total of $720,000 directly impacts our local economy.”

Groundbreaking for the Southwest Webster Ambulance on March 17, 2025. Pictured from the left are Dan Hanson, Marcie Boerner, Jim (Archie) Peterson, Jessie Reed, Terry Towne, Melissa Joyce, Matt Nahnsen, Marsha Farnham, Adam Marquart and Robbin Dorman.
Groundbreaking for the Southwest Webster Ambulance on March 17, 2025. Pictured from the left are Dan Hanson, Marcie Boerner, Jim (Archie) Peterson, Jessie Reed, Terry Towne, Melissa Joyce, Matt Nahnsen, Marsha Farnham, Adam Marquart and Robbin Dorman.

Webster-Calhoun applied for the funds resulting in $360,000 specifically to assist the Southwest Webster Ambulance construct a new building to house two ambulance units, as well as classroom and office space. Ambulances have grown longer and wider making the existing building too small to upgrade to a new unit. Emergency calls for the service have nearly doubled with only three responding ambulance services in Webster County (population 36,626).

“The support of Webster-Calhoun and this funding has been the catalyst to making this vision a reality,” noted Terry Towne, SWWA, during the ground breaking event. “This project has been 15 years in the making.”

Constructions starts on the new ambulance building located between the current ambulance building and the fire department. When completed the Gowrie Police Department will move into the current ambulance building consolidating the location for emergency services in the Gowrie community.
Constructions starts on the new ambulance building located between the current ambulance building and the fire department. When completed the Gowrie Police Department will move into the current ambulance building consolidating the location for emergency services in the Gowrie community.

Webster-Calhoun established a Revolving Loan Fund in 2017 with funds from the USDA to help improve quality of life in rural areas.

Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association provides Landline Telephone, Digital TV and Internet service to 16 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 and in the towns of Lohrville, Manson, Rockwell City and Lake City. www.wccta.net   

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

Charity Grant to Somers Library

The Somers Public Library received $500 from the Aureon Charity Grant Program to help purchase a projector and screen that can be used for multiple events held at the library. Marcie Boerner, Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association, is pictured presenting the check to Kim Kopecky, Library Director 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 20 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.net   

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

Charity Grant to Pickleball Project

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the US for the third year in a row. A local group of residents interested in playing pickleball has formed a committee to work with the City of Lake City and the Lake City Park and Recreation Board to raise funds to install two new pickleball courts near the swimming pool in Goins Park. It also serves as a step to enrich the recreation and beautification of Lake City in an effort to revitalize the park.

On May 7, 2024 the committee hosted a ground breaking ceremony at Goins Park to celebrate the start of construction. They have raised $67,000 of the anticipated $104,000 needed for the full project.

Marcie Boerner, COO of Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association, presented the group with funds awarded from an Aureon Charity Grant to be used towards two new nets as part of the project. The committee continues to plan multiple fundraisers.

Local contractor Daniel Construction makes progress on the Lake City pickleball courts..

“It is wonderful to see a group of volunteers with so much passion and energy step up and make a difference in their community,” said Boerner. “Their enthusiasm is contagious.”

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 16 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 and in the towns of Lohrville, Manson, Rockwell City and Lake City. www.wccta.net   

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

Grant Awarded To The Kid’s Spot

WCCTA Awards Ripple Effect Grant Funding to The Kid’s Spot

Lake City, Iowa – On Wednesday, November 15th, Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association (WCCTA) awarded grant funding to the Kid’s Spot childcare center. $5,000 dollars was donated from WCCTA, matched by an additional $5,000 from WCCTA’s technology partner Aureon through the Ripple Effect economic development match-funding program.

The Kid’s Spot has been providing a key service as a licensed childcare provider in Lake City since 1992. With many employers within Calhoun, Sac, and Greene counties, local childcare needs have become essential to the local workforce. Still in its original location, the Kid’s Spot has been unable to meet the growing childcare demands of the community due to lack of facility space and other necessary amenities. The Kid’s Spot received a Future Ready Iowa Child Care grant and embarked on a $700,000 expansion and remodel project to help address this need for additional space. 30 childcare spaces have been added, along with 6 more full-time employees. The expansion consists of a 2-room addition, restrooms, washing stations, outdoor space, new playground equipment, and safety updates such as security enhancements, fire systems and safe exits.

One of the new rooms recently added as part of the expansion.

Although the Future Ready grant was essential to moving the expansion project forward, there was still a sizable fundraising gap secured through other local contributions and partners such as WCCTA. Funding from the Ripple Effect grant will be allocated towards reimbursing pre-construction costs needed for the facility remodel and expansion.

New playground equipment added as part of the expansion.

“It is evident that parents and employers both rely on quality childcare based on the demand for full-time and after school care. The Kid’s Spot is such an important asset to the community of Lake City. I’m so happy we could contribute a few more dollars to get them closer to their ultimate goal.” states Marcie Boerner, WCCTA COO.

The Kid’s Spot currently serves 69 children (full-time and part-time), employs 9 full-time employees and is a designated bus stop for the local school district.

Nicole Bixenstine, Board President, talks about the status of the fundraising campaign. “The Kids Spot’s expansion and updates may be complete, but there was a large gap in funding vs construction expenses. The Kid’s Spot is very thankful to receive this local grant. A construction grant was received to aid in our expansion process but did not cover numerous construction costs including safety and security updates that were needed. This left the center with a large remaining balance. To cover the remaining cost of the construction and safety updates the center will rely on fundraising and grants.”

Bixenstine adds, “The remaining fundraising goal is $91,575. Grants like this are crucial in keeping the childcare costs down for families. We will continue to search for grants that fit our mission and we also thank the members of the community that have made donations. We hope to reach more people to make them aware of our efforts and needs. Thank you for your support. It makes an impact!”

If you are interested in supporting this non-profit organization and their mission to increase the availability of childcare for working families, please contact Nicole Bixenstine at lakecityks@gmail.com.

Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association (WCCTA) provides Broadband Internet, Landline Telephone, and Television service in North Central, IA. As a cooperative, it is locally based, owned by all its members, and at a reasonable cost provides the best possible service to all of its subscribers. WCCTA is committed to serving the communities of Gowrie, Farnhamville, Churdan, Paton, Lanyon, Boxholm, Pilot Mound, Somers, Knierim, Moorland, Barnum, Clare, Thor, Badger, Vincent, Duncombe, Lohrville, Manson, Rockwell City and Lake City.

Aureon is a premier business solutions provider with expertise in IT services, consulting, and

customer care. For details, please call 800-469-4000 or visit www.Aureon.com for more information. Developed through a partnership alliance between Aureon and Iowa Area Development Group (IADG), the Ripple Effect program helps Independent telecommunication Companies and communities become catalysts for advancing the economic health and vitality of rural Iowa. Visit www.RippleEffectIowa.com for details.

Charity Grant to Somers Library

Somers Public Library Recipient of Aureon Charity Grant

The Somers Public Library received $500 from the Aureon Charity Grant Program to help purchase a new printer. Marcie Boerner, Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association, is pictured presenting the check to Kim Kopecky, Library Director along with JD Siebert, Aureon.

“The function of a library continues to change and evolve especially in our really small communities. We appreciate the continued community-minded efforts of the Somers Library.” Marcie Boerner, WCCTA COO.

The Aureon Charity Grant Program was established to increase service 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 WCCTA service area.

Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association provides Landline Telephone, Digital TV and Internet service to 16 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 and in the towns of Lohrville, Manson, Rockwell City and Lake City. www.wccta.net WCCTA is Gigabit Certified and designated a Smart Rural Community by NTCA: the Rural Broadband Association.

Charity Grant to Gowrie Pool

The Gowrie Swimming Pool received $750 from the Aureon Charity Grant Program to help purchase a new slide. Marcie Boerner, Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association, is pictured presenting the check to Tonya Harrison and Emily Larson, members of the Gowrie Pool Board.

WCCTA is proud of the efforts of the Gowrie Pool Board volunteers as they continue to strive for ways to improve the community. The pool is an important amenity to the Gowrie community, draws families from throughout the region, and employs local youth during the summer.

The Gowrie Swimming Pool has been a summer pastime for decades and serves the small town of Gowrie and the surrounding rural areas of Farnhamville, Churdan, Paton, Boxholm, Dayton, Lehigh, Harcourt, Somers, Slifer and Callender.
Slide proposed by the pool committee.

“Our pool board reached out to our most faithful patrons, our youth, to see what addition they would like to see at the Gowrie Pool. We heard loud and clear, if they could have one thing added to our pool, they would add a slide. We feel that this would be an exciting item that the youth would really enjoy. For most of the current pool board members, we remember having a slide at the Gowrie Pool when we were younger, and all the good memories that came with it. Memories that will last a lifetime.” Tonya Harrison, Gowrie Swimming Pool Board President.

The Aureon Charity Grant Program was established to increase service 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 WCCTA service area

Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association provides Landline Telephone, Digital TV and Internet service to 16 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 and in the towns of Lohrville, Manson, Rockwell City and Lake City. www.wccta.net

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

Charity Grant to Gowrie Police

The City of Gowrie Police Department is the recipient of an Aureon Charity Grant to invest in technology for the new police cruiser.

The grant application requested funds to go towards a new laptop, one of many pieces of equipment that will be used within the new patrol car. This laptop is essential to keep officers connected with all digital tasks and information such as shift logs, citations, case management and working with other agencies.

Aureon is committed to advancing Iowa communities and invites public and non-profit agencies throughout the Webster-Calhoun service area to submit proposals for consideration in assisting with charity drives and funding specific projects. Most awards range from $250 to $1,500. Quarterly grant applications are specifically available through local independent telephone companies like Webster-Calhoun throughout Iowa.

The Aureon Charity Grant Program was established to increase service 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 WCCTA service area.

Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association provides Landline Telephone, Digital TV and Internet service to 20 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 and in the towns of Lohrville, Manson, Rockwell City and Lake City. WCCTA is Gigabit Certified and designated a Smart Rural Community by NTCA: The Rural Broadband Association.

Friends of the Lake City Community Memorial Building receive $1,000

Friends of the Lake City Community Memorial Building received $1,000 to purchase more tables from the Aureon Charity Grant program available through Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association. This historic building was built in 1920 on the square in downtown Lake City and has recently undergone significant renovations.

The Aureon Charity Grant Program was established to increase service and support to rural independent telecommunications companies and the communities they serve. Applications are considered on a quarterly basis.

Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association provides Landline Telephone, Digital TV and Internet service to 16 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, and Duncombe with new investments in 2020 into Lohrville, Manson, Rockwell City and Lake City. www.wccta.net

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