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.

Iowans Meet with Congressional Representatives

Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association CEO, Marcie Boerner, was one of several Iowa participants at the national NTCA 2025 Legislative and Policy Conference, April 27-29th. Nearly 500 broadband provider representatives from all over the country gathered in the nation’s capital for networking and educational briefings about emerging rules and regulations from other industry issues. They also took part in visits to policymakers on Capitol Hill and the FCC.

“Congress plays a critical role in crafting the policies and programs that make it possible for Webster-Calhoun to bring quality, reliable, high-speed broadband services to our local communities,” said Boerner. “We appreciated the opportunity to meet with policymakers to discuss our work and the importance of sustainable Universal Service.”

The idea that all Americans should have reliable access to communications services at a reasonable cost has been a national objective for over a century. Today the Universal Service Fund (USF), overseen by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), enables providers to deliver voice and broadband services to rural users that are comparable in price and quality to those available in urban areas. Webster-Calhoun is a recipient of USF dollars and it is essential to maintain service for our rural customers.

Dave Duncan, CEO of the Iowa Communications Alliance (ICA), presents Congressman Zach Nunn with the NTCA Broadband Champion of the Year award in Washington, DC.
Dave Duncan, CEO of the Iowa Communications Alliance (ICA), presents Congressman Zach Nunn with the NTCA Broadband Champion of the Year award in Washington, DC.

Congressman Zach Nunn was recognized as NTCA’s Broadband Champion of the Year. His work promotes affordable and state-of-the-art broadband service, specifically by introducing the ReConnect Rural America Act, which codifies the ReConnect program and ensures community based providers can continue to connect rural Americans with the same services that are available to urban America. Congressman Nunn serves Greene County, including the WCCTA communities of Paton and Churdan.

ICA members on the steps of the US Capitol.
ICA members on the steps of the US Capitol.

It was a crowded and busy day of meetings on the Hill as they walked to offices throughout the Capitol Complex. They were fortunate to meet with staffers and legislators from the state of Iowa including Representative Ashley Hinson, Representative Marionette Miller-Meeks, Representative Randy Feenstra, Representative Zach Nunn, Senator Joni Ernst and Senator Chuck Grassley.

"In Congress, I've worked to secure 100 Mbps for both upload and download speeds for broadband service in our rural communities. This is the gold standard for broadband connections." Representative Randy Feenstra
“In Congress, I’ve worked to secure 100 Mbps for both upload and download speeds for broadband service in our rural communities. This is the gold standard for broadband connections.” Representative Randy Feenstra

Community-based broadband providers throughout the state of Iowa were represented in Washington, DC and included Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association, Western Iowa Networks, Citizens Mutual Telephone Cooperative, Sharon Telephone Company, MiFiber, Winnebago Cooperative Telephone Association, Western Iowa Telecom, USA Communications, Jefferson Telecom, Panora Telephone, Premier Communications, and MiBroadband.

Iowa’s federal legislators are leading the nation on several broadband fronts and we appreciate the time they took to hear from ICA and NTCA members while in Washington, DC.

Visitors expressed appreciation to Senator Joni Ernst for co-sponsoring and championing the ACCESS Rural America Act which seeks to reduce regulatory burdens on Iowa's community-based broadband providers.
Visitors expressed appreciation to Senator Joni Ernst for co-sponsoring and championing the ACCESS Rural America Act which seeks to reduce regulatory burdens on Iowa’s community-based broadband providers.

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.

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

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.

Vosberg Enterprises Welcomes New Owners

On Friday, September 2, 2022, Vosberg Enterprises Inc. was purchased by Trevor and Brett Larson. The brothers have been with Vosberg Enterprises for several years where they have learned the ins and outs of both the farm drainage and machining sides of the company from the previous owners, and brothers, Jeff and Gary Vosberg. Jeff and Gary will continue working with the company to help transition the leadership roles smoothly.

“It’s important to us to express that, as a company, we are and will continue to operate the same as we have in years past. We have always thought Vosberg Enterprises has delivered quality service in the surrounding areas and we will do our best to live up to the high reputation the Vosberg family has built over the past 70 years.” explains Trevor Larson.

The Larsons and the Vosbergs gave credit to several entities that helped in this transition including their customers, the Small Business Development Center, and Brian Lane of Security Savings Bank. They also noted Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association, Calhoun County Electric Cooperative Association, and Calhoun County Economic Development Corporation as they were able to collaborate with local lenders by utilizing Revolving Loan Funds.

WCCTA established a Revolving Loan Fund in 2017 with funds from the USDA to help improve quality of life in rural areas by contributing to the long-term improvement of the economy including job creation and retention.

Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association provides Landline Telephone, Digital TV, Internet and Wifi 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. www.wccta.net WCCTA is Gigabit Certified and designated a Smart Rural Community by NTCA: the Rural Broadband Association.

Convenience Is Important To Rural Bank Customers

Things have evolved in the world of banking over the past 100 years at Security Savings Bank. As their business has grown from one location to seven locations, and the technology has grown from paper and pencil to mobile banking. In today’s world having broadband is important to businesses like Security Savings Bank to offer the technology that customers want accessible at their fingertips. Quick and easy access at any time of day.

When you think of local community banks they are cornerstones of our small rural communities. A place where everyone knows everyone. Customers stop in to visit and make a transaction or call into the bank for information.

“Having broadband access is tremendous. Our customers want and really expect us to have that type of technology.” Brad Lane, President & CEO Security Savings Bank

But according to Brad Lane, Security Savings Bank President and CEO, “In today’s society our customers don’t necessarily want to come into the bank or call into the bank whenever they want to check a balance or loan payment. They want to be able to do it at their convenience. Quick and easy. They want to be able to look at it on weekends and evenings.

“The fact that we have all these products and services is really so our bank can be open to these customers 24 hours a day. It’s a big change from what it used to be.”

At Security Savings Bank staff and customers alike use access to the Internet to keep lines of communication open. From communicating between branch locations, efficient online training for staff, and offering account information or services to customers, broadband from WCCTA links all those pieces together.

“It is paramount that we have exceptional and dependable service. Without the type of service we get from WCCTA it would be very difficult for our customer to have that kind of online or mobile experience. They would have to come into the bank and it’s not as convenient,” adds Lane.

https://youtu.be/L7TsGRgoFB0

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.

Managed Wi-Fi Is Solution During Pandemic

The Burger family was like many families going into the pandemic. Stacey Burger began working from her rural Gowrie home and depended on her Internet service from Webster-Calhoun. “I was having issues remoting into my work computer and spent countless hours on the phone with tech support. My computer continued to randomly drop the work connection.”

This became increasingly frustrating throughout her time home and into summer. “I really didn’t think the problem was on our end (at home) because everything else was working fine.” Other devices throughout their home would still connect to Wi-Fi without issues. As part of their troubleshooting process they finally decided to purchase a new router; however, the choices were so overwhelming when trying to research and find a router to fit their needs.

As the new school year loomed ahead with uncertainty of going back to school or online learning the family wanted to be prepared and decided to contact Webster-Calhoun about the Managed Wi-Fi service.

“WCCTA’s Managed Wi-Fi service has optimized our home Wi-Fi experience and my ability to work from home during the pandemic.” Stacey Burger

Stacey learned the Managed Wi-Fi service from WCCTA provides a wireless router device installed by WCCTA technicians in the customer’s home in an optimum location for the family’s use as well as continual maintenance and upgrades for a low monthly fee. It takes all the hassles away for the customer.

Stacey was relieved not to have to worry about remoting into her work anymore. “Since the new router was installed by WCCTA I have not once lost my connection to work which has been a huge time saver! I also find peace of mind knowing that we can call WCCTA if we ever experience issues instead of trying to troubleshoot the issue ourselves.”

WCCTA is happy to provide a quality and reliable solution for the Burger family. More information about WCCTA’s Managed Wi-Fi program can be found on the company’s website at www.wccta.net.

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

Newspaper Excels in Digital World

Most people would think that traditional print newspapers delivered through a traditional postal service are becoming a thing of the past but not necessarily so in the community of Gowrie in southwest Webster County, Iowa. They are combining paper and digital online products to reach a broader audience and relying on broadband to create, process and distribute their content.

“We depend on WCCTA for reliable broadband and trust them with our business.” – Rick Vinsand, Owner, The Gowrie News

“The Gowrie News has coverage beyond just the local community of Gowrie,” states Rick Vinsand, Owner and Editor of The Gowrie News. Rick and his wife, Julie, purchased the newspaper in 2017 and have increased coverage of local and school district events throughout the county. Much to the delight of subscribers, area readers can find photos, results and articles of various school and community events.

Purchasing the local newspaper added to their existing publications such as FarmWorx and RoadWorx magazines and other print projects. With so many publications going out they have multiple daily deadlines to keep on schedule. “Our broadband signal is crucial in order for us to meet our deadlines. We’re so fortunate to have Webster-Calhoun as our broadband partner. They provide us with excellent and reliable service and we trust them with our business.” adds Vinsand.

Their operation requires a quality and reliable broadband connection because everything is completed online. Starting at the point of sale, all of their accounting is shared directly with their bookkeepers electronically. Composition and paste up is done digitally and emailed back and forth between the editors, writers and graphic designers. They can provide proofs to clients, upload images to social media and correspond with customers.

“Actually the digital publication is viewed before our newspaper is printed. The concept of digital publications is more common today than it’s ever been and all of our publications are digital,” adds Vinsand. “Even subscribers rely on Internet to quickly load the content. They can pick up their cell phone, ipad or notebook at any time and read our newspaper. If our customer is reading the online newspaper and can’t ‘turn the page’ that creates frustration.”

“We’re so fortunate to have WCCTA as our broadband partner. They provide us with excellent service.”

https://youtu.be/KDD52Be3lK0

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

Online Company Pioneers Virtual Party

For Megan Alliger of rural Gowrie, Iowa, an investment of $99 and an Internet connection in 2014 started out as a fun side business she could do while at home with her children. A farm wife and now mother of three she soon turned that opportunity into so much more. “I just wanted to kind of try the products. Younique is very mission based to uplift, empower and validate women and that really spoke to me.”

Megan Alliger, Black Status Presenter for Younique, is a stay at home mom and farm wife. She attained the top level “Black Status” by selling Younique brand cosmetics then recruiting and training over 1500 presenters through social media and an Internet connection from Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association.

Founded in 2012 Younique cosmetics is the first direct sales company to market and sell online almost exclusively through the use of social media. The Younique virtual party business model pioneered the transition from a traditional home party to the huge world of social media. To build her business Alliger communicates with her teammates, receives support and tools from corporate and corresponds with customers through social media and video tutorials while utilizing the Younique ecommerce site.

“This business is completely digital,” adds Alliger, “I can work from my phone, my laptop, my tablet. I’m always connected. The reason I am where I am is because I have a very good, reliable broadband connection.”

With the flexibility of being online Alliger can work from home while with her children or helping her husband, a grain and livestock farmer. “Working from home is what it sounds like. I am able to be home with my kids and make them breakfast and play games with them and while they’re taking a nap I can grab my phone and do whatever I need to do online. I’m doing live videos for my team, make-up tutorials for my customers and I can do that all between loads of laundry.”

By July of 2018 Alliger had turned this opportunity into quite a business as a black status presenter with over 1,500 team members looking to her for support. “I plan to expand my business and continue to grow. I have a lot of things I worry about but my Internet connection is not one of them. I have WCCTA.”

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