P.O. Box 69Ellendale, ND 58436

January/February 2017

Network Connections

Our entire organization joins me in sending holiday greetings with every good wish for the New Year! This time of year is a time for all of us here at DRN to be thankful for the opportunity to serve as your total technology solutions provider. It is also a time of year when the term local takes on extra meaning to DRN as a member-owned cooperative. We are committed to contribute to the organizations that help make the communities we serve a better place. Our board of directors and employees make financial donations and give of their time to assure DRN lives up to its responsibility as a cooperative to serve its members growing needs.

I am happy to announce once again this year at our November Board Meeting, the DRN Board authorized the retirement of capital credits. Capital credits represent the co-op principle of member economic participation. Over 8,100 DRN members received a total payout of $1.5 million of capital credits in December. Including these dividend retirements this year, DRN has returned more than $19.5 million in capital credits to members in its history. It is our wish that the timing of this disbursement helps to make your Christmas season brighter. n

New Year’s greeting from DRN’s CEO/General Manager

Robert K. Johnson CEO/General Manager

What are capital credits? Capital credits reflect each member’s ownership in the cooperative. Telecommunications cooperatives like DRN do not earn profits in the sense that investor-owned utilities earn

profits for their investors. Instead, any margins or revenues from the sale of telecommunications services after all expenses have been paid are returned to the cooperative’s members in proportion to their telecom service usage.

in this issue:

2 Business Phone Systems

5 2017 Scholarships

6 Hackers Target Smart Products

Managed by DRN–we make sure your machine is always protected!

To sign up for Web guardian, call 344-5000.

do You HaVe a neW coMpuTer or TableT?Protect it with Web Guardian from DRN.

If you’d rather enjoy using your device and not worry about protecting it, easy-to-install Web Guardian is for you.

• Stops virus attacks, spyware and hackers;• Warns of malicious sites and search results before clicking on them;• Offers additional protection to stop malware from affecting your

computer when offline; and• Unlimited remote support for all networking and devices.

Web Guardian by Webroot, DRN’s anti-virus provider, is better protecting customers against online threats with new software upgrades, including Web Threat Shield. The new Web Threat Shield includes the addition of real-time web categorization and web reputation filtering, real-time anti-phishing scanning, improved web search ratings and web blocking notifications. These new capabilities improve web safety and significantly reduce the risks from phishing threats and other web-based attacks.

On Google, Bing and Yahoo, users will see annotated search results indicating the real-time reputation of websites. Customers can hover over the icon to get more information including why a website has been blocked.

Start protecting your computer with guaranteed* Anti-Virus, Anti-Malware, Anti-Spyware protection with Web Guardian starting at only $3.95/month! See www.drtel.com for more information. n

* If Web Guardian and Web Guardian+ customers allow access to their computers to any outside 3rd party repair center, via legitimate or illegitimate means, this action voids the DRN virus guarantee. If customers have any questions on the validity of a 3rd party repair, they should always call DRN first at 344-5000.

DRN’s Web Guardian software upgrade offers increased online protection

Anti-Virus, Anti-Malware, Anti-Spyware “Cloud” Protection

2

DRN offers a modern phone system for your businessDesigned with our customers in mind, DRN IP Centrex Phone Packages have features from the essential to the all-inclusive. Our team of highly skilled technicians and network analysts help you design a package perfect for you and your business. All our packages can easily be upgraded or adjusted to accommodate your current and future business needs.

Reduce overall operating costs.Eliminate the need for costly activations or moves that involve service technicians. Web-based tools allow for more efficient moves, adds and changes.

Work from any location as if you were still at your desk.Our Centrex is a highly scalable system that is personalized to your individual budget, networking and business needs. As your business grows you can add new sites to your network as well as increase access speeds between sites with simple upgrades. Great for remote employees with secure access to the network from out-of-office locations.

Focus on the core of your business.Avoid the cost of building, maintaining and managing your phone system. DRN’s IP Centrex allows you to focus on the day-to-day tasks of owning and operating a successful business. The fully customizable system offers flexibility to personalize it to your needs and wants.

7

Ashley 288 Robert Shannon .................. 288-3022

Dickey 778Brandi Bell ............................. 778-7576Danielle Schmoker ............. 778-7435

Ellendale 349 Sid Gayman........................... 349-3062Janet South ........................... 349-2268

Forman 724The Bunk House .................. 724-6378Benjamin Holen .................. 724-4127Chandler Kaehler ................ 724-4067Sarah Pavek........................... 724-6255David Pleinis ......................... 724-4109Janna Rasmussen ............... 724-4157Tom & Brad Wyum .............. 724-3448

Fort Ransom 973Ryan Hock ............................. 973-4329Andrew Johnson ................. 973-4069Austin Reinke ....................... 973-2215

Milnor 427 Valerie Marsh........................ 427-9308

Oakes 742 Jesse Doggett ...................... 742-2635Jozlyn Hammond ............... 742-3205Zach Roberts ........................ 742-3543Jessica Savey ........................ 742-4569Schwarting ........................... 742-2873 Meryl Smith .......................... 742-2048

New directory listings

Call DRN today at

344-5000or visit www.drtel.com to learn more.

2

Congratulations to these photo winners featured in the 2017 calendar:

Jennifer Johnson

Jill BunnCrystal GrueneichMichaela Halvorson

Sadie PtacekTammy Wahl

DRN subscribers submitted their photos of living, working, and playing throughout the area for the 2017 calendar photo contest. These memorable photos captured the true essence of rual life in North Dakota. Customers received their calendars in December. Extra calendars are available at DRN customer service locations in Ellendale, Oakes and Lisbon. Thanks to all who submitted photos for this year’s calendar. n

Calendar photos capture rural living

Attention All Security & Personal Emergency Response System

(PERS) Customers

New constructionPlanning to build? DRN asks all those planning new construction, to please notify our officebetween two to three months before you would like new services installed. To improve customer service and eliminate delays, DRN needs this time to ensure easements have been attained and all proper plans are in place to reach new areas with telecommunications services.

Call DRN at 344-5000 or 877-559-4692 or go to “Contact Us” at www.drtel.com.

It is very important that you test your security system at

least once a month to give you peace of mind that the system is working properly. If you have

questions, regarding how to test your specific security equipment,

call DRN at 344-5000.

Tammy Wahl

Kristine HarrisRenee HaseleuCaleb Hauck

Jennifer JohnsonSusan LongKrista Lundgren

Shelby MuslandDorreen OlstadKatherine Plessner

Caleb Hauck

Thank you for sharing in the spirit the holiday season!

The week of December 5 DRN held a Christmas open house for members at each customer service location in Ellendale, Lisbon and Oakes. Thank you to those who joined the festivities with treats and free giveaways!

We hope you had a joyous and relaxing holiday!

Thank you!

Happy New Year!

Guelph 783 Lauri Uecker.......................... 783-4389

Jud 685Jud Bar And Grill ................. 685-2257

Kathryn 796Denise Luttio ........................ 796-7476

LaMoure 883 Bobby Frauenberg ............. 883-5582Investment Centers of America-Fax ................................................... 883-5177Clayton Schockman ........... 883-5731Traci Swick ............................. 883-4496Tanner Toay ........................... 883-4418

Lisbon 683 Colton Fleck .......................... 683-5281Integrity Properties ............ 683-2140Sawyer Richardson............. 683-4027Mary Sletmoe ....................... 683-6909Kenneth Wobbena ............. 683-4526

DRN now offers an on-screen program guide!Stop wasting your time watching the scrolling guide and upgrade to DRN’s digital TV box. See what’s on with a touch of a button and get up to 24 hours of detailed program information all while keeping the current channel in view. GET YOUR FIRST DIGITAL BOX

FREE FOR ALL OF 2017.

Call DRN at 344-5000 to order yours today!Offer good through 1/31/17.

3

DRN TV Channel 221

Winter ice storms and blizzards cause more than treacherous driving conditions for travelers. North Dakota winter weather also brings power outages from ice storms potentially meaning hours without life sustaining services. DRN reminds its fiber optic customers that their telecommunications services are powered by electricity. If their main power source goes out, however, all fiber customers have a backup power supply box provided by DRN in their home, apartment complex, or office building.

The battery backup powers telephone service for approximately eight hours. This means the backup will provide eight hours of in use time or talk time. If the power is out for an extended period of time, telephone service will continue to work as long as the battery backup has not been depleted of its eight hours of in use time. During a power outage, Internet and television service disconnects immediately.

In order to keep you and your family connected during an extended power outage, DRN recommends connecting your home or business to a backup generator. Customers with questions regarding their battery backup should contact a DRN customer care specialist at 344-5000. n

Be prepared for winter power outages

Lifeline offers telecommunications discount for eligible households

Lifeline can save you at least $9.25 on your monthly phone bill for basic local telephone service or broadband.Lifelines assistance applies only to service in the home where you live.

Who is eligible?*

An individual is eligible if he or she participates in one of the following programs:l Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)l Medicaidl Supplemental Security Income (SSI)l Federal Public Housing Assistancel Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension

In addition, a consumer may be eligible if his or her household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. * Only eligible persons may apply. Only one discount is available per household. Lifeline is non-transferable.

These online attacks are more than just an inconvenience. They can put your information at risk. So what can you do

to reduce the risk of compromise to your home network and smart products?

• Don’t just click “next” when you set up your IoT device. Review the default settings carefully before making a selection, and use the security features for your device. If it allows you to set up a passcode lockout (“three strikes and you’re out”) and enable encryption, you can add a layer of protection to your device.

• Download the latest security updates for your device. To be secure and effective, the software that comes with your device needs updates. Before you set up a new device, and periodically afterwards, visit the manufacturer’s website or the device’s settings menu to see if there’s a new version of the software available for download. To make sure you hear about the latest version, register your device with the manufacturer and sign up to get updates.

• Change your pre-set passwords. The manufacturer may have assigned your device a standard default password. Default passwords are easy to access, so change it to something more complex and secure.

• Want to know more? Check out the FTC’s additional tips on Online Security, including how to create a strong password and username for your router, and how to check for security updates. n

It’s not just your PC, smartphone, and tablet that are connected to the internet. Today our homes are filled with tiny computers embedded in everything from security cameras, TVs and refrigerators to thermostat and door locks. Hackers are now attacking a lot more than just computers. They’re going after ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) products – like internet-con-nected cameras and refrigerators and using them to create havoc on the internet.

In October, hackers used the “Mirai” malware to attack unsecured IoT devices, turning them into zombie computers to overwhelm and shut down popular websites including Netflix, Paypal and Twitter.

What you need to know to secure your all your devices Hackers target more than computers

How to obtain assistanceOffices that administer a program under which you are eligible for Lifeline may automatically send you an Assistance Certificate in the mail. Anyone wishing to participate in Lifeline is required to sign a form indicating, under oath, that they qualify to participate because they meet at least one of the program eligibility requirements. This must be signed and returned with a copy of your income or program eligibility.

What if my benefits stop? If you no longer qualify for any economic program, you no longer qualify for Lifeline. Participants must submit a Lifeline application every year.

Winter background photo by Michael Halvorson.

For those who can’t afford communication services—Lifeline, a federal program, can help eligible people pay part of their phone or broadband bill. Lifeline assistance lowers the cost of basic monthly local telephone or broadband internet service.

Lifelines assistance applies to phone or internet

service in the home where you live.

For more informationCall DRN at 1-877-559-4692 or 344-5000. Consumers must apply for Lifeline through their teleco company. n

6

The Do-Not-Call Registry will not prevent all unwanted calls. It does not cover the following: l calls from organizations with which you have established a business relationship; l calls for which you have given prior written consent; l calls which are not commercial or do not include unsolicited advertisements; l callsbyoronbehalfoftax-exemptnon-profitorganizations.

5

To address consumer concerns about unwelcome telemarketing calls, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) established a national Do-Not-Call Registry. The registry applies to all telemarketers (with the exception of certain non-profit and political organizations) and covers both interstate and intrastate telemarketing calls. Commercial telemarketers are not allowed to call you if your number is listed on the registry.

You can register your phone number for free and you may remove your number from the list at any time. The Federal Trade Commission will not drop any valid telephone numbers from the National Do Not Call Registry.

Consumers may register their residential phone number, and wireless numbers, on the national Do-Not-Call Registry at no cost. To register by phone, call 1-888-382-1222. For TTY call 1-866-290-4236. You must call from the phone number you wish to register.

Or, register online at www.donotcall.gov. After registering, your phone number will show up on the registry by the next day. Telemarketers have up to 31 days to get your phone number and remove it from their call lists. n

DRN is passionate about supporting area youth and is proud to announce it will continue its Scholarship Program in 2017.

DRN Scholarship DRN will award $11,000 in scholarships to 22 graduating high school seniors.Two winners will be randomly selected from each high school within the service territory (Ashley, Edgeley, Ellendale, Kulm, LaMoure, Lisbon, Litchville- Marion, Milnor, North Sargent, Oakes, and Sargent Central).

FRS/DRN Scholarship On the national level, should a student from our service area be selected to receive one of the 30 Foundation for Rural Services scholarships ($2,000 each); DRN will contribute an additional $500 to the scholarship bringing the FRS scholarship award to $2,500.

Starulakis Family Scholarship DRN/FRS Scholarship Application will also be considered for four new national scholarships funded by Manny and Leo Staurulakis, of JSI, in honor of their parents John and Chresanthe Staurulakis. The FRS Starulakis Family Scholarships will provide four $5,000 awards and will give preference to students with an interest in science, math, medicine, or engineering. Students with a focus in the sciences will be automatically considered for the

Staurulakis Family Scholarships.

Students are eligible if they attend a high school in one of the DRN exchanges and/or their parents or guardians are DRN subscribers. Applicants also must plan to attend an accredited college, university or vocational school and indicate an interest in returning to a rural community following graduation to further their career. Students meeting these criteria are encouraged to apply. The deadline is February 15, 2017.

Applications are available on DRN’s website at www.drtel.com. For more information, contact Janell Hauck 877-559-4692 or 344-5000. n

Attention students–earn money for college!DRN 2017 scholarship program

4

DRN recognizes the importance of being involved in and focused on the betterment of its communities. In an effort to continue this commitment, DRN recently presented a check for $1,900 to the Ellendale Fire Department. The check was a grant awarded from the Rural Development Finance Corporation, of which DRN is a member. The funds will be used to purchase five new sets of turnout gear for the firefighters. n

(L to R) Robert K. Johnson, DRN CEO/general manager; Matt Thorpe, Ellendale Mayor and Ellendale Fire Dept.; Paul Wedell, Ellendale Fire Dept; and Ralph Neu, DRN Board President.

GIVING BACK TO OUR COMMUNITIES

Employees at DRN, along with the board of directors, successfuly reached their fundraising goal of $20,000 for Service Dogs for America (SDA), based out of Jud, ND. The goal was set earlier in 2016 and was reached in December.

A donation of $21,826.61 was presented to Service Dogs for America. The money raised will purchase a service dog for a North Dakota Veteran. “DRN is proud to present this donation to Service Dogs for America. Our employees’ willingness to join together to reach and exceed our goal of $20,000 is inspiring,” stated DRN CEO/General Manager Robert K. Johnson.

The service dog will help a veteran experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It is estimated 23 veterans commit suicides daily. Studies suggest that suicide risk is higher in persons with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event–either experiencing it or witnessing it. Because there is no cure for PTSD, there is a growing need for service dogs which have been trained for this specific diagnosis.

Training service dogs for individuals living with PTSD requires very specialized knowledge and skills, in both the trainer and the dog. Service Dogs for America’s training team works to identify and evaluate these unique dogs, and then train them to recognize and interrupt the behaviors associated with anxiety, panic attacks and nightmares. Their trainers evaluate both dogs and applicants in order to effectively pair a successful team.

Thank you to those who donated to this worthy cause. Money was raised through candy bar sales, business donations, employee and board donations, boot competition, free-will donations, t-shirt sales and more. n

AnnualDoNotCallResidentialCustomerNotification

DRN employees donate to Service Dogs for America

DRN donates to Ellendale Fire Department

Representatives from DRN presented the donation to staff from Service Dogs for America in Jud. The donation will be used to provide a service dog for a U.S. military veteran.

DRN now offers an on-screen program guide!Stop wasting your time watching the scrolling guide and upgrade to DRN’s digital TV box. See what’s on with a touch of a button and get up to 24 hours of detailed program information all while keeping the current channel in view. GET YOUR FIRST DIGITAL BOX

FREE FOR ALL OF 2017.

Call DRN at 344-5000 to order yours today!Offer good through 1/31/17.

3

DRN TV Channel 221

Winter ice storms and blizzards cause more than treacherous driving conditions for travelers. North Dakota winter weather also brings power outages from ice storms potentially meaning hours without life sustaining services. DRN reminds its fiber optic customers that their telecommunications services are powered by electricity. If their main power source goes out, however, all fiber customers have a backup power supply box provided by DRN in their home, apartment complex, or office building.

The battery backup powers telephone service for approximately eight hours. This means the backup will provide eight hours of in use time or talk time. If the power is out for an extended period of time, telephone service will continue to work as long as the battery backup has not been depleted of its eight hours of in use time. During a power outage, Internet and television service disconnects immediately.

In order to keep you and your family connected during an extended power outage, DRN recommends connecting your home or business to a backup generator. Customers with questions regarding their battery backup should contact a DRN customer care specialist at 344-5000. n

Be prepared for winter power outages

Lifeline offers telecommunications discount for eligible households

Lifeline can save you at least $9.25 on your monthly phone bill for basic local telephone service or broadband.Lifelines assistance applies only to service in the home where you live.

Who is eligible?*

An individual is eligible if he or she participates in one of the following programs:l Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)l Medicaidl Supplemental Security Income (SSI)l Federal Public Housing Assistancel Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension

In addition, a consumer may be eligible if his or her household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. * Only eligible persons may apply. Only one discount is available per household. Lifeline is non-transferable.

These online attacks are more than just an inconvenience. They can put your information at risk. So what can you do

to reduce the risk of compromise to your home network and smart products?

• Don’t just click “next” when you set up your IoT device. Review the default settings carefully before making a selection, and use the security features for your device. If it allows you to set up a passcode lockout (“three strikes and you’re out”) and enable encryption, you can add a layer of protection to your device.

• Download the latest security updates for your device. To be secure and effective, the software that comes with your device needs updates. Before you set up a new device, and periodically afterwards, visit the manufacturer’s website or the device’s settings menu to see if there’s a new version of the software available for download. To make sure you hear about the latest version, register your device with the manufacturer and sign up to get updates.

• Change your pre-set passwords. The manufacturer may have assigned your device a standard default password. Default passwords are easy to access, so change it to something more complex and secure.

• Want to know more? Check out the FTC’s additional tips on Online Security, including how to create a strong password and username for your router, and how to check for security updates. n

It’s not just your PC, smartphone, and tablet that are connected to the internet. Today our homes are filled with tiny computers embedded in everything from security cameras, TVs and refrigerators to thermostat and door locks. Hackers are now attacking a lot more than just computers. They’re going after ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) products – like internet-con-nected cameras and refrigerators and using them to create havoc on the internet.

In October, hackers used the “Mirai” malware to attack unsecured IoT devices, turning them into zombie computers to overwhelm and shut down popular websites including Netflix, Paypal and Twitter.

What you need to know to secure your all your devices Hackers target more than computers

How to obtain assistanceOffices that administer a program under which you are eligible for Lifeline may automatically send you an Assistance Certificate in the mail. Anyone wishing to participate in Lifeline is required to sign a form indicating, under oath, that they qualify to participate because they meet at least one of the program eligibility requirements. This must be signed and returned with a copy of your income or program eligibility.

What if my benefits stop? If you no longer qualify for any economic program, you no longer qualify for Lifeline. Participants must submit a Lifeline application every year.

Winter background photo by Michael Halvorson.

For those who can’t afford communication services—Lifeline, a federal program, can help eligible people pay part of their phone or broadband bill. Lifeline assistance lowers the cost of basic monthly local telephone or broadband internet service.

Lifelines assistance applies to phone or internet

service in the home where you live.

For more informationCall DRN at 1-877-559-4692 or 344-5000. Consumers must apply for Lifeline through their teleco company. n

6

2

DRN offers a modern phone system for your businessDesigned with our customers in mind, DRN IP Centrex Phone Packages have features from the essential to the all-inclusive. Our team of highly skilled technicians and network analysts help you design a package perfect for you and your business. All our packages can easily be upgraded or adjusted to accommodate your current and future business needs.

Reduce overall operating costs.Eliminate the need for costly activations or moves that involve service technicians. Web-based tools allow for more efficient moves, adds and changes.

Work from any location as if you were still at your desk.Our Centrex is a highly scalable system that is personalized to your individual budget, networking and business needs. As your business grows you can add new sites to your network as well as increase access speeds between sites with simple upgrades. Great for remote employees with secure access to the network from out-of-office locations.

Focus on the core of your business.Avoid the cost of building, maintaining and managing your phone system. DRN’s IP Centrex allows you to focus on the day-to-day tasks of owning and operating a successful business. The fully customizable system offers flexibility to personalize it to your needs and wants.

7

Ashley 288 Robert Shannon .................. 288-3022

Dickey 778Brandi Bell ............................. 778-7576Danielle Schmoker ............. 778-7435

Ellendale 349 Sid Gayman........................... 349-3062Janet South ........................... 349-2268

Forman 724The Bunk House .................. 724-6378Benjamin Holen .................. 724-4127Chandler Kaehler ................ 724-4067Sarah Pavek........................... 724-6255David Pleinis ......................... 724-4109Janna Rasmussen ............... 724-4157Tom & Brad Wyum .............. 724-3448

Fort Ransom 973Ryan Hock ............................. 973-4329Andrew Johnson ................. 973-4069Austin Reinke ....................... 973-2215

Milnor 427 Valerie Marsh........................ 427-9308

Oakes 742 Jesse Doggett ...................... 742-2635Jozlyn Hammond ............... 742-3205Zach Roberts ........................ 742-3543Jessica Savey ........................ 742-4569Schwarting ........................... 742-2873 Meryl Smith .......................... 742-2048

New directory listings

Call DRN today at

344-5000or visit www.drtel.com to learn more.

2

Congratulations to these photo winners featured in the 2017 calendar:

Jennifer Johnson

Jill BunnCrystal GrueneichMichaela Halvorson

Sadie PtacekTammy Wahl

DRN subscribers submitted their photos of living, working, and playing throughout the area for the 2017 calendar photo contest. These memorable photos captured the true essence of rual life in North Dakota. Customers received their calendars in December. Extra calendars are available at DRN customer service locations in Ellendale, Oakes and Lisbon. Thanks to all who submitted photos for this year’s calendar. n

Calendar photos capture rural living

Attention All Security & Personal Emergency Response System

(PERS) Customers

New constructionPlanning to build? DRN asks all those planning new construction, to please notify our officebetween two to three months before you would like new services installed. To improve customer service and eliminate delays, DRN needs this time to ensure easements have been attained and all proper plans are in place to reach new areas with telecommunications services.

Call DRN at 344-5000 or 877-559-4692 or go to “Contact Us” at www.drtel.com.

It is very important that you test your security system at

least once a month to give you peace of mind that the system is working properly. If you have

questions, regarding how to test your specific security equipment,

call DRN at 344-5000.

Tammy Wahl

Kristine HarrisRenee HaseleuCaleb Hauck

Jennifer JohnsonSusan LongKrista Lundgren

Shelby MuslandDorreen OlstadKatherine Plessner

Caleb Hauck

Thank you for sharing in the spirit the holiday season!

The week of December 5 DRN held a Christmas open house for members at each customer service location in Ellendale, Lisbon and Oakes. Thank you to those who joined the festivities with treats and free giveaways!

We hope you had a joyous and relaxing holiday!

Thank you!

Happy New Year!

Guelph 783 Lauri Uecker.......................... 783-4389

Jud 685Jud Bar And Grill ................. 685-2257

Kathryn 796Denise Luttio ........................ 796-7476

LaMoure 883 Bobby Frauenberg ............. 883-5582Investment Centers of America-Fax ................................................... 883-5177Clayton Schockman ........... 883-5731Traci Swick ............................. 883-4496Tanner Toay ........................... 883-4418

Lisbon 683 Colton Fleck .......................... 683-5281Integrity Properties ............ 683-2140Sawyer Richardson............. 683-4027Mary Sletmoe ....................... 683-6909Kenneth Wobbena ............. 683-4526