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

American Legion Post 510 Charity Grant Recipient

Members of American Legion Post 510 have spearheaded the replacement of the decades old wooden town sign at the north end of Garfield Avenue. Recognizing the community’s need for a durable welcoming gateway, the Post funded the design, fabrication and installation of a contemporary sign that reflects Farnhamville’s proud heritage and forward-looking spirit.

To date, Post 510 has invested nearly $15,000 in construction and site preparation for the sign located near the Veterans Memorial Park.

“The new sign symbolizes more than just our town limits,” said Commander Mike Ewing of Post 510. “It honors our veterans, celebrates civic pride, and welcomes visitors with a beacon of community unity.”

The Farnhamville American Legion Post 510 received $500 from the Aureon Charity Grant Program to help with new town sign installation. Marcie Boerner, Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association, is pictured presenting the check to legion members Mike Ewing and Larry Brown along with JD Siebert, Aureon.

“Volunteers are essential to small communities, and this group demonstrates that in Farnhamville. Most recently they have taken on improving the park on the north side of town welcoming visitors to the community.” noted Boerner.

Founded in 1921, American Legion Post 510 is dedicated to serving veterans, promoting patriotism, and supporting community improvement projects throughout Farnhamville.

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.

This photograph shows Veterans Memorial Park in Farnhamville, IA.
This new sign welcomes visitors to Farnhamville’s Veterans Memorial Park.

 

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.

Paton Churdan Early Learning Center Ripple Effect & Charity Grant Recipient

The Paton Churdan Early Learning Center (PCELC) recently received several contributions for a new facility. Aureon Charity Grant awarded $500, $1000 from the Ripple Effect program to match part of the $5,000 from Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association.  While they have big plans relocating to a new facility to meet the demand for childcare they are currently focusing on funding items for new classrooms such as furniture, organizational, and storage items for grants.

Meredith Gerhardt, Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association, is pictured presenting the check to children at the childcare center, Whitney Minnehan PCELC Director, along with JD Siebert, Aureon.

“Childcare is such an important part of our local work force,” noted Marcie Boerner, CEO/General Manager of Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association. “PCELC provides childcare service to the surrounding areas of Greene, Calhoun and Webster Counties.”

For over two decades PCELC has provided childcare in a portable classroom adjacent to the Paton-Churdan Community School District k-12 building. It was never intended for long term use.  Currently employing 14 full and part time staff members, PCELC provides quality early education and care to 45 children and experiencing a waiting list.  The new facility will allow them to expand to 80 children, increase from three to six classrooms and a dedicated Pre-K space, fully meet and exceed state childcare regulations including a commercial kitchen, in-room restrooms, handwashing stations, a built-in tornado shelter, and energy efficient HVAC systems.

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.

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

Gowrie, IA –

Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association 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. 

This geographical map shows approximately 700 locations that will be eligible to get fiber-driven services from Webster-Calhoun.

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.

Webster-Calhoun

Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association provides fiber-driven Internet, Wi-Fi, Telephone, and TV services to homes and businesses across 21 growing communities.

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

Rooted in Community. Ready for Tomorrow.

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.