RTC Networks 75th Annual Meeting

On June 9, RTC Networks held its 75th Annual Meeting at the 4 Bears Event Center in New Town, ND. A total of 168 members registered for the meeting, with 223 attendees joining us for the evening meal. The event began with local high school musician Kylie Ator singing the National Anthem.

Board President Wayne Skarda officially called the meeting to order, followed by an invocation delivered by Don Longmuir, who reflected on the importance of connection in today’s world.

President Skarda then led the election of directors. This year, RTC Networks members had several opportunities to cast their ballots, including early voting by mail or electronically and in-person voting at the Annual Meeting. Approximately 1,200 members participated in the election.

Terry Wilber was re-elected to represent District 2B, and Lance Kalmbach was re-elected to District 3. Three candidates sought the District 1B seat, which represents the exchanges of Alexander, Arnegard, Beach, Fairview, Keene, Homesteaders Gap, Medora, Watford City, and Wibaux. Tim Fjeldahl was elected and will serve as the new District 1B director.

Chief Financial Officer Jon Lee presented RTC Networks’ financial report. The audit confirmed that RTC Networks remains in a strong financial position, reflecting the cooperative’s continued healthy and sustainable growth.

CEO/General Manager Shane Hart and Board President Wayne Skarda then delivered their joint report to the membership. They highlighted RTC Networks’ continued commitment to cybersecurity and network reliability, including more than $22 million invested in the network in 2025 and $84 million over the past five years. They also discussed how RTC Networks is exploring the use of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency, proactively identify network issues, and enhance the customer experience. The report also highlighted the cooperative difference. RTC Networks retired more than $1.8 million in capital credits this year, representing 100% of the capital credits earned in 2000 and 2001, with 2,675 checks mailed to members in May. RTC Networks also awarded 47 college scholarships totaling $40,000 to graduating high school seniors throughout the service area.

Rick Harris, President of the RTC Networks Operation Round Up Board of Directors, provided an update on the program and the positive impact it is making throughout RTC Networks communities. Since the program began in September 2024, participating members have helped generate more than $57,000 through the simple act of rounding their monthly bills up to the nearest dollar. Through December 2025, $40,000 in grants had been awarded to qualifying organizations supporting community service, economic development, and education and youth initiatives.

Shane and Wayne also recognized retiring board member Jennifer Sorenson for her exceptional service to RTC Networks. Jennifer served on the Board of Directors for 18 years, including 14 years as Secretary/Treasurer, helping guide the cooperative through a period of tremendous growth and change. She was presented with a plaque in recognition of her dedicated service and leadership.

Shane also recognized RTC Networks employees for their dedication to the cooperative and the communities they call home, noting the many employees who give back by serving on local fire and ambulance departments, city councils, school boards, church boards and other community organizations.

Thirty door prizes were given away to members throughout the evening. Congratulations to Dennis R. of New Town, the lucky winner of the grand prize: a 75-inch Samsung Smart TV! All members in attendance also received a commemorative RTC Networks 75th Anniversary gift.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this milestone Annual Meeting. Most importantly, we sincerely thank you, the member-owners of RTC Networks, for your patronage and continued support. For 75 years, RTC Networks has been built around connecting and serving our members and communities, and we look forward to continuing that tradition for many years to come.