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 Lohrville Visions

Lohrville Visions received $500 from the Aureon Charity Grant Program to help create handicap accessible parking spots at the Lohrville City Park. Marcie Boerner, Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association, is pictured presenting the check to Melissa Kinney, Lohrville Visions along with JD Siebert, Aureon.

“Volunteers are essential to small communities and this group gets things done! When they see a need they work towards resolving it, just like the handicap accessible parking spots,” states Boerner.

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 design

Charity Grant to Gowrie Pool

The Gowrie Swimming Pool received $500 from the Aureon Charity Grant Program to help purchase rescue tubes which are essential to lifeguards. Marcie Boerner, Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association, is pictured presenting the check to Morgan Fredrickson and Tonya Harrison from the Gowrie Swimming Pool, 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 design

Iowa Communications Alliance Co-Hosts Legislative Welcome Back

Iowa’s 2025 Legislative Session began Monday, January 13th. The Iowa Communications Alliance, representing Iowa’s Community Based Broadband providers, co-hosted a Welcome Back Reception in Des Moines.

Marcie Boerner, GM/CEO of Webster-Calhoun, attended the Welcome Back event for Iowa’s legislators. The event was a great opportunity to talk about rural broadband and the incredible benefits of having a Community Based Broadband provider locally.

Reliable, resilient, and future proof broadband is imperative to our state’s success. Not only for business such as healthcare, agriculture, and work-from-home employees, but also for schools, government buildings, and the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Left to Right: Ashley Throne (CSR of Winnebago Cooperative) and Mark Thoma (GM of Winnebago Cooperative), Roger Kregel (GM of Dumont Telephone), Marcie Boerner (GM/CEO of Webster-Calhoun), Senator Dennis Guth (District 28 - Hancock County), Randy Yeakel (GM of Comm1) and Todd Van Epps (GM of Stratford Mutual Telephone). 
Left to Right: Ashley Throne (CSR of Winnebago Cooperative) and Mark Thoma (GM of Winnebago Cooperative), Roger Kregel (GM of Dumont Telephone), Marcie Boerner (GM/CEO of Webster-Calhoun), Senator Dennis Guth (District 28 – Hancock County), Randy Yeakel (GM of Comm1) and Todd Van Epps (GM of Stratford Mutual Telephone). 

We discussed the importance of an adequately funded and quality designed NG911 implementation, Iowa’s past investment in rural America’s connectivity needs, and other legislative issues that may arise in the 2025 session. Webster-Calhoun is eager to dive into new laws benefiting our community.

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The Iowa Communications Alliance is the nation’s largest state-based association of community-based broadband providers. Its 250+ members provide and enable high-quality, state-of-the-art communications services to Iowans, leading the state to be among the nation’s leaders in fiber-optic deployment.

ICA firmly believes that broadband communications is the tool and industry capable of growing and transforming Iowa and our association is the advocate, catalyst, educator, and resource for Iowa’s community-based communications providers. We empower education, agriculture, healthcare and other industries to thrive and succeed. 

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, Lake City, and Rural Fort Dodge.

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

Gowrie Fire Department Awarded Charity Grant

The Gowrie Fire Department was the recipient of the Aureon Charity Grant Program, funds will help purchase new turnout gear.

“Webster-Calhoun is proud to support our local emergency services,” said Boerner. “We have several employees that volunteer on local fire departments and we want to see them continue to be successful in providing these crucial services to our rural communities.”

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.

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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, Lake City, and Rural Fort Dodge.

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

Boerner Named New GM

Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association (WCCTA) Board of Directors proudly announces the appointment of Marcie Boerner as its new CEO/General Manager, effective January 1, 2025.

Boerner, who has dedicated 28 years to WCCTA, will be the third General Manager in the cooperative’s 70-year history. Marcie has built her career with the cooperative, touching nearly every part of the business. As the cooperative has grown, she has grown with it: implementing change, displaying leadership, and driving innovation while keeping our customers, member-owners and staff at the heart of it all.

“I am deeply honored and excited to take on this new role,” Boerner said. “I am looking forward to enhancing education and training as our teams continue to grow, serving our expanding footprint, fostering community connections, and driving economic development.”

Over the years, WCCTA has forged strong partnerships with local schools and businesses, enhancing connectivity and supporting educational initiatives. Additionally, the cooperative has spearheaded community initiatives like the Revolving Loan Fund, significantly improving the quality of life for residents.

“Most importantly,” Boerner added, “I am excited for the collaboration between our members and our dedicated staff to plan for the future and continue enhancing the quality of life in the communities we serve.”

Alan Jacobson, President of WCCTA’s Board of Directors, expressed confidence in Boerner’s ability to lead the company into its next phase of development.

“Marcie’s leadership style, concern for community and strategic vision are in perfect alignment with WCCTA’s future goals,” said Jacobson. “We are confident she is the right person to lead our cooperative and its members into this exciting new chapter.”

Boerner assumes her new role at a pivotal moment for WCCTA, as the cooperative continues to innovate and strengthen its position as the leading provider of communications solutions in north-central Iowa. To learn more about WCCTA, visit www.wccta.com.

About Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association (WCCTA) Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association (WCCTA) has been dedicated to serving rural communities in north-central Iowa since its incorporation in 1954. Initially established to provide essential telephone services to areas that other companies overlooked, WCCTA has grown to offer a full range of telecommunications services, including high-speed internet and digital television, to 21 communities and counting.

As a member-owned cooperative, WCCTA is committed to enhancing the quality of life and fostering economic development in the communities it serves. Every subscription to WCCTA’s services represents an investment in a locally-owned and operated, ensuring that the cooperative’s success directly benefits the local community. For more information, visit www.wcccta.com

Carlson Announces Retirement

Celebrating 45 Years of Leadership: Daryl Carlson Announces Retirement

As we look back on decades of growth, innovation, and community impact, we are honored to celebrate the retirement of our General Manager, Daryl Carlson, who has dedicated 45 years to Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association. His remarkable leadership has left an indelible mark on our industry, our organization and the communities we proudly serve.

Throughout his career the cooperative transformed from a Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) provider to a state-of-the-art, 100% fiber-to-home internet service provider.

This early adoption of Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) technology has not only enhanced the quality of life in our service areas but also positioned our cooperative as a leader in the industry. His vision has consistently driven us to embrace innovation and ensure that our members benefit from the best possible service.

Under his watch, our cooperative expanded into CLEC areas, further broadening our reach and impact. He spearheaded the construction of our new office building, providing the space needed to grow our innovative workforce and better serve our communities. Through strategic partnerships with other communications service providers throughout the region, he set us up for success, ensuring that the high-quality products and services we offer could be experienced by more people than ever before.

While it’s impossible to precisely quantify his impact on our organization, we know it is profound and far-reaching. As he prepares to step down at the end of the year, transitioning into an advisory role starting January 1, 2025, we take immense pride in the legacy he leaves behind. His contributions have not only secured the cooperative’s fiscal health but have also paved the way for the next generation of leadership to build upon his successes.

While we will miss his day-to-day presence, we are excited for him as he looks forward to a well-deserved retirement filled with hunting, fishing, and spending quality time with his grandchildren.

The impact Daryl has made on our cooperative, our team, and our communities is immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire us for years to come.

We wish him all the best in this next chapter of his life and thank him for his extraordinary service and dedication.

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, Lake City and rural Fort Dodge.

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

Working Together with Others to Make a Better Experience

Marcie Boerner, COO, joined the Spin Markket team to talk about cooperatives, how they work, what makes them unique, and why fiber is the future.

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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.

Gowrie Fire Receives Revolving Loan Fund

Recently Webster-Calhoun approved funding from the Revolving Loan Fund to the Gowrie Fire Board Agency. The Gowrie Volunteer Fire Department needs to replace their aging 1995 Ford Tanker truck. The new tanker is a Heiman WaterKing I Tanker apparatus with a 2000-gallon tank and portable pump to be installed on a 2024 model Freightliner chassis and estimated to cost $253,000. It is expected to be delivered in the fall of 2024.

“With over 19 members, four of those employed at Webster-Calhoun, the Gowrie Volunteer Fire Department is an important asset to the Gowrie community. They provide education, fire protection, emergency response, and assistance in medical emergencies and other disasters.” Noted Marcie Boerner, COO of Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association.

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

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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.

WCCTA Presents Funds to Wheels of GYC

The Wheels of GYC (Gowrie Youth Center) roller skating rink has been a long-standing tradition not only to the community of Gowrie but surrounding communities as well. In 2024, they celebrate their 75th anniversary!

The Wheels of GYC will host a celebration and silent auction for this milestone event on June 22, 2024, with a free will donation, food, and games. A free will donation skate that evening will be open to the public as well. This will be a wonderful opportunity to remember great times and financially help the non-profit organization.

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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.