Spring Solar Interference may disrupt PBTV Service through March 15
Service interruption of some individual channels on Paul Bunyan Television may occur during the late afternoon hours through March 15 due to solar interference. During the interference, reception may range from minor sparkles to loss of reception or picture freezing.
What channels are affected and when will vary through March 15.
Solar interference occurs each year in both the spring and the fall.
Bemidji Ranked 8th Best Work-From-Home City by PC Magazine™
PC Magazine™ has ranked Bemidji the 8th Best Work-From-Home City in the country.
“It is fantastic for Bemidji to be recognized as one of the best work from home cities in the nation! The all-fiber optic network we’ve built throughout the region with gigabit upload and download speeds makes it possible to effectively and efficiently work from home. Combined with our vibrant community’s many amenities, and our wonderful businesses, organizations, and people, it’s no wonder Bemidji caught the eye of PC Magazine™!” said Gary Johnson, Paul Bunyan Communications CEO/General Manager.
According to their article https://www.pcmag.com/news/the-best-work-from-home-cities-for-2021, the list contains the top 50 U.S. and 10 Canadian cities with the best combination of gigabit fiber broadband (cost and performance), affordable housing, and “remote-work-friendly” lifestyles.
“It is rewarding to see our region be recognized nationally. The investments we have made in building out an all-fiber optic communications network will serve this region for decades to come. In turn, this supports successful economic development and growth. Our team continues to do phenomenal work in keeping our members connected with the latest in technology” added Steve Howard, Paul Bunyan Communications Information Technology and Development Manager.
“It’s great timing for this recognition! Greater Bemidji has just launched the innovative 218 Relocate program to recruit telecommuters to the Bemidji area. We are a supporter of the program and are pleased our fiber network helps in creating economic development opportunities for our region” said Johnson.
For more information the 218Relocate program, visit https://www.218relocate.com/
Paul Bunyan Communications Pick It Pro Football Challenge Winners
Paul Bunyan Communications is excited to announce the winners of the Pick It Pro Football Challenge, a free online contest for participants to pick the winners of the 2021 Pro Football Playoff games for a chance to win a credit on a Paul Bunyan Communications account.
Winners of the Paul Bunyan Communications Pick It Pro Football Challenge:
1st Place- $500 credit Brad Kuzel, Guthrie
2nd Place- $250 credit Jack Lundgren, Osseo
3rd Place- $100 credit Derek Benson, Bemidji
4th Place- $50 credit Michael Skipton, Puposky
5th Place- $50 credit Maggie Skelton, Grand Rapids
6th Place- $50 credit Kyle Kingbird Sr., Bemidji
7th Place- $50 credit Bryan Delaney, Laporte
8th Place- $50 credit Charles McCray, Bemidji
9th Place- $50 credit Duane Reichel, Park Rapids
10th Place- $50 credit Brett Bahr, Bemidji
100th Place Bonus Prize Bruce Nelson, Cohasset- $100 credit
There were 425 participants registered for the Challenge.
The next Paul Bunyan Communications Pick-It Challenge is March Mania for the College Division 1 Men’s Basketball Tournament coming up in March.
2021 Scholarship Opportunities from Paul Bunyan Communications
Paul Bunyan Communications is committed to the communities we serve and provides annual scholarships to local students within our service territory. We also offer local students the chance to apply for one statewide industry scholarship and one national industry scholarship. If you are a current high school senior or a student at one of the local post-secondary institutions, you can apply to win a Paul Bunyan Communications Scholarship!
High School Scholarships
Each year, our cooperative provides at least 2 scholarships to 12 area high schools within or near our service territory. The application process, winners, and distribution of funds are handled by each high school independent of Paul Bunyan Communications.
Paul Bunyan Communications Scholarships are available at Bemidji High School, Bigfork High School, Blackduck High School, Cass Lake High School, Deer River High School, Grand Rapids High School, Kelliher High School, Laporte High School, Northome High School, Park Rapids High School, Red Lake High School, and Walker-Hackensack-Akeley High School
To apply for the Paul Bunyan Communications Scholarship at one of these high schools, please speak to the school counselor or career service office.
Post-Secondary Scholarships
In addition to High School Scholarships, Paul Bunyan Communications provides scholarship opportunities to the following post secondary institutions: Bemidji State University, Northwest Technical College, Itasca Community College, Red Lake Nation College, Leech Lake Tribal College, and Oak Hills Christian College.
There are several scholarships annually available to students attending Bemidji State University that are current members of Paul Bunyan Communications or a parent/legal guardian is a member. Applications are available in the BSU Admissions Office.
One scholarship is awarded annually to a NTC student that is a current member or who has a parent/legal guardian that is a member of Paul Bunyan Communications. Applications are available in the NTC Admissions office or online at www.NTCmn.edu under scholarships.
One scholarship is awarded annually at Itasca Community College, Red Lake Nation College, Leech Lake Tribal College and Oak Hills Christian College to a student that is a current member or who has a parent/legal guardian that is a member of Paul Bunyan Communications.
To apply for the Paul Bunyan Communications Scholarship at one of these post-secondary institutions, speak to the Admissions or Career Service office at the school you attend.
Minnesota Telecom Alliance Foundation Scholarship
Paul Bunyan Communications participates in the MTA’s scholarship program which awards five $2,000 scholarships to Minnesota high school seniors each year.
The application for 2021 can be downloaded at https://www.mnta.org/page/Scholarship and must be turned in to Paul Bunyan Communications no later than February 19, 2021.
A telecom alliance panel reviews each application and selects the finalists based on applicants’ grades, academic achievements and extra-curricular activities. Preference to receive the scholarships is given to students who have an interest in telecommunications technology and rural communities.
The Foundation is part of the Minnesota Telecom Alliance, a trade organization representing 86 telephone companies and cooperatives in the state.
Foundation for Rural Service Scholarship
Paul Bunyan Communications participates in the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) scholarship program which awards 30 $2,500 scholarships to high school seniors throughout the country each year.
Applications can also be downloaded from the FRS web site at https://www.frs.org/programs/youth-programs/scholarships
Completed applications should be sent directly to FRS, postmarked no later than March 5, 2021. Applications postmarked to FRS after this date will NOT be accepted.
Please note the applicant or their parent/legal guardian must be a member of Paul Bunyan Communications (PBC) Cooperative to apply through PBC and that a signature of a PBC employee is required to be considered eligible.
Established in 1994, FRS, in cooperation with the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA), seeks to sustain and enhance the quality of life throughout Rural America by advancing an understanding of rural telecommunications issues. In keeping with its mission, furthering the education of rural youth is one of the foundation’s primary focuses. Our cooperative, Paul Bunyan Communications, is a member of NTCA and is proud to support FRS in this worthy endeavor.
Sign up now for the Paul Bunyan Communications Pick It Pro Football Challenge! Games start Saturday, January 9
Register now for the Paul Bunyan Communications Pick-it Pro Football Challenge, a free online contest for participants to pick the winners of the pro football postseason for a chance to win a up to a $500 credit on a Paul Bunyan Communications account!
The top 10 finishers will win a credit on their Paul Bunyan Communications account. First place winner will receive a $500 credit, second place is a $250 credit, third place is a $100 credit, 4-10th place is a $50 credit, and a $100 credit will also go to whomever finishes in 100th place.
Participants can register for the contest at http://paulbunyan.pickitchallenge.com/ Register anytime but remember to come back to make your picks before the first playoff game starts on Saturday, January 9.
The Pick-it Pro Football Challenge is a fun and free way to interact with others in northern Minnesota and enjoy a little friendly competition. Must be 18 years of age or older. Limit one entry per person. Prizes not redeemable for cash. Void where prohibited. Some restrictions may apply. See Pick It Pro Football Challenge website for complete contest rules.
Holiday Office Closures
Paul Bunyan Communications Partners with Pinnacle Marketing Group on Paul Bunyan Television Advertising
Since 2004, Paul Bunyan Communications has offered low cost cable television advertising through Paul Bunyan Television and now the cooperative has partnered with Pinnacle Marketing Group to handle sales and production of PBTV advertising. PBTV Advertising Information
“As we looked at the future of PBTV Advertising, it is a natural fit for Pinnacle Marketing Group (PMG). PMG is already providing a host of marketing services to the region with a team that will continue to provide the local customer service and marketing guidance our PBTV advertisers deserve.” said Brian Bissonette, Paul Bunyan Communications Marketing Supervisor.
Pinnacle Marketing Group, located in Bemidji, has been providing full-service marketing and advertising solutions to businesses for over 27 years. In addition to PBTV advertising, Pinnacle is also equipped to provide video production services including licensed drone and virtual tour photography. Pinnacle Marketing Group Website
If you are interested in learning more about PBTV Advertising or any of the marketing/creative services offered by Pinnacle Marketing Group call (218) 444-2180 or e-mail advertise@pinnaclemgp.com
“We are excited for the opportunity to work with PBTV advertising customers as well as add this offering to our suite of marketing services. Paul Bunyan Television continues to be a popular service in our region and provides added value for any business looking to implement an effective marketing strategy.”, says Shelly Geerdes, Pinnacle Marketing Group CEO/General Manager.
Itasca County Approves CARES Act Funding for Broadband Expansion to Northern Nashwauk and areas south of Pokegama Lake
At their October 20 meeting, the Itasca County Board of Commissioners approved CARES Act funding to help support Paul Bunyan’s fiber broadband expansion into northern Nashwauk, the Bozich Addition subdivision, and areas of south of Pokegama Lake on Gama Beach, North Gama Beach, and South Gama Beach Roads!
Project Design and engineering work will begin right away. Due to the early freezing weather, services won’t be available until 2021.
Fall Solar Interference Impacts PBTV Service
Service interruption of some individual channels on Paul Bunyan Television may occur during the late afternoon hours through October 15 due to solar interference. During the interference, reception may range from minor sparkles to loss of reception or picture freezing.
Solar interference occurs each calendar year in both the spring and the fall. It does not impact internet or telephone service.
What channels are affected and when will vary through October 15.
2020 Annual Meeting By Mail Ballot Held June 24
The 2020 Annual Business Meeting of Paul Bunyan Rural Telephone Cooperative was held June 24. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the business of the members to be conducted at the Annual Meeting was done exclusively by mail ballot. The proposed bylaw amendments were approved with 1844 in favor, 47 against.