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Golden West Cooperative members gather for annual meeting


Golden West Telecommunications Cooperative re-elected four board mem- bers at their annual meeting in Wall. Pictured from left to right are John Knutson of Philip (District II), Duane Wood of Faith (District I), Randy Koerner of Freeman (District VIII) and Ken Tonsager of Hot Springs, SD

Golden West Telecommunications Cooperative re-elected four board mem- bers at their annual meeting in Wall. Pictured from left to right are John Knutson of Philip (District II), Duane Wood of Faith (District I), Randy Koerner of Freeman (District VIII) and Ken Tonsager of Hot Springs, SD

WALL – The 66th annual meeting of the Golden West Telecommunications Cooperative was held at the Wall Community Center on Saturday, Sept. 22. Over 250 members attended the event, elected four board members and heard updates on the cooperative’s progress. Members were also treated to lunch, entertainment and door prizes.

Board President Jeff Nielsen opened the meeting with stories about growing up in Viborg and why he chooses to call South Dakota home. “One of the many great things about small towns in South Dakota is how neighbors treat you like family, especially in tough times,” said Nielsen.

Golden West General Manager Denny Law spoke next, highlighting the Cooperative’s progress and technological advancement. “We will begin 2019 with approximately 60 percent of Golden West’s service territory upgraded to fiber optic lines and 99 percent of Golden West members having access to broadband service,” stated Law.

Law also touched on the Cooperative’s commitment to the people it serves through community investment. “This year Golden West awarded $1,000 scholarships to 45 graduating seniors with plans to study nursing, agricultural technology, engineering and more. While many of these students may need to leave for college, our hope is that they will return home – like we did – to raise a family and grow their communities,” said Law.

Following the General Manager’s address, four incumbents were re-elected to the board of directors for Golden West Telecommunications. These include Duane Wood of Faith, SD, serving District I; John Knutson of Philip, SD, serving District II; Ken Tonsager of Hot Springs, SD, serving District V; and Randy Koerner of Freeman, SD, serving District VIII. All will begin new four-year terms.

The Midnight Sun Band entertained the crowd with a great mixture of country and rock-and-roll, earning a well-deserved standing ovation. Donald Poss of Philip, SD, won the $500 grand prize drawing.

Golden West will hold their next annual meeting on Sept. 28, 2019.

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