fiber construction in 2020...today  · technology and insight to engage, inform and encourage...

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SEPTEMBER 2020 The data demands of COVID-19 has made broadband infrastructure more important than ever before. The increase of daily needs on the internet have been impacted by more and more people working from home, remote learning and the social needs of being connected. Without the use of the internet this pandemic could have forced many out of business. There are several businesses in our area that have been able to conduct their daily operations nationwide, right from home. This is very unique considering the fact that we are rural. There are several things that need to come together when building a network. You need fiber and reliable technology, funding and skilled workers to do the job. VC Co-op has made sure all of the above have been made possible. VC Co-op saw the importance of a sound infrastructure early on and began building a fiber network in the areas we serve. The first fiber optic cables were put in 1992 and the first fiber- to-the-home was put in 2006. Fiber construction is very costly. We have invested $30 million in our communities to provide fiber to homes and businesses, which helps drive the economy in our area. Because of the financial responsibility VC Co-op has taken on, our members have access to reliable communication. COVID-19 has made 2020 a difficult year to secure materials and products for deployment. There are other obstacles that come with construction including distance and environmental problems, along with weather and terrain. There have been set backs, but we have been able to get the products we need in order to continue with construction and meet our goals. The focus of fiber construction for the summer has been in the areas of De Soto, Readstown and Westby. Our goal is to have all construction complete, including the grant areas in 2021. Fiber Construction in 2020 Directional Drilling Communications Duct Electronics Man Power

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Page 1: Fiber Construction in 2020...Today  · technology and insight to engage, inform and encourage outdoor exploration and appreciation. The Reserve is host to more than 15,000 visitors

SEPTEMBER 2020

The data demands of COVID-19 has made broadband infrastructure more important than ever before. The increase of daily needs on the internet have been impacted by more and more people working from home, remote learning and the social needs of being connected. Without the use of the internet this pandemic could have forced many out of business. There are several businesses in our area that have been able to conduct their daily operations nationwide, right from home. This is very unique considering the fact that we are rural.

There are several things that need to come together when building a network. You need fiber and reliable technology, funding and skilled workers to do the job. VC Co-op has made sure all of the above have been made possible.

VC Co-op saw the importance of a sound infrastructure early on and began building a fiber network in the areas we serve. The first fiber optic cables were put in 1992 and the first fiber-to-the-home was put in 2006. Fiber construction is very costly. We have invested $30 million in our communities to provide fiber to homes and businesses, which helps drive the economy in our area. Because of the financial responsibility VC Co-op has taken on, our members have access to reliable communication.

COVID-19 has made 2020 a difficult year to secure materials and products for deployment. There are other obstacles that come with construction including distance and environmental problems, along with weather and terrain. There have been set backs, but we have been able to get the products we need in order to continue with construction and meet our goals.

The focus of fiber construction for the summer has been in the areas of De Soto, Readstown and Westby. Our goal is to have all construction complete, including the grant areas in 2021.

Fiber Construction in 2020

Directional Drilling

Communications Duct

Electronics

Man Power

Page 2: Fiber Construction in 2020...Today  · technology and insight to engage, inform and encourage outdoor exploration and appreciation. The Reserve is host to more than 15,000 visitors

Community ChannelsFind local people, businesses and events on our Vernon Communication Community Channels!

We capture exclusive information on what’s going on in our communities and bring it to our members.

Technology &

Innovation

Tips to help keep kids safe onlineNow that school will be in session, it is important to talk to your kids about online safety:

• Discuss Internet safety and develop an online safety plan. Post them in your home

• Supervise young children’s use of the Internet

• Review games, apps and social media sites

• Adjust privacy settings and use parental controls

• Inform children to avoid sharing personal information, photos and online videos

• Be alert to potential signs of abuse

• Encourage children to tell a parent, guardian, or other trusted adult if they see inappropriate activity

• Immediately report suspected online enticement

September’s new Local Spotlight showcases “Nordic Lanes”, located in Westby, WI. Nordic Lanes has a lot to offer the community from an 8-lane bowling alley, banquet hall for weddings, reunions, and parties to softball, volleyball, as well as bean bag leagues. Owned and operated by Scott & Susan Sordahl, they are well-known for having “the

best pizza in the area” and offer a select menu of hamburgers, appetizers, and Friday fish fry. Bowling leagues run Tuesday through Friday with junior league on Saturday mornings. During the year they host high school physical education classes, along with Special Olympics, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and other organizations as a community partner.

STOP BY NORDIC LANES AND SEE WHAT THEY HAVE TO OFFER!

Susan & Scott Sordahl

Survey WinnerJodi Braun, left completed our newsletter survey and won this fun summer package! Thank you Jodi and everyone who participated in taking this survey. We appreciate all the feedback.

Because of your ideas, a new look and content to our newsletter is on the horizon.

VC Co-op and Pioneer Directories delivers the phonebook to your phone. Our App allows you to find local businesses that offer the products and services that you need. Quickly find business and local people in your community.

Simply search for “Vernon County WI Local Search” in your app store to download our FREE new app!

• Business and People search

• Maps for listings and directions

• Call any phone number with a single tap

• Enhanced business listings include website, email, Facebook, Twitter, store hours and more

NEW Directory APP

Page 3: Fiber Construction in 2020...Today  · technology and insight to engage, inform and encourage outdoor exploration and appreciation. The Reserve is host to more than 15,000 visitors

Headquarters103 N Main St. Westby

(8:00 AM - 4:30 PM)(608) 634-3136

Technology Center214 N Main St. Viroqua

(8:00 AM - 4:30 PM)

September 7Labor Day

September 13Grandparents Day

Due to COVID-19, these events have

been canceled:

Sept. 13th - Cashton Fall Fest Parade

Sept 16 - 20 - Vernon County Fair

Sept 26 - Viola Horse & Colt parade

We look forward to next year’s events

Pork Chops and Gravy

4 Tbs. butter

1 thinly sliced onion

4 cloves minced garlic

4 Tbs. flour

2 C. beef broth

1 1/2 C sliced baby bella mushrooms

1 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley

4 center cut pork chops

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp ground black pepper

cooking spray

Melt butter in a 3 quart saucepan over medium to low heat. Cook onion and garlic in the butter, stirring occasionally, until browned. Set aside.

Stir flour slowly into melted butter mixture. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until flour is deep brown for 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat. Gradually stir in broth. Add onion, garlic, mushrooms and parsley. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

Coat a large skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Season pork chops with salt and pepper and brown in the pan for 5 to 7 minutes. Add gravy mixture from the saucepan. Cover and cook over low heat until tender and no longer pink in the centers for approximately 30 - 40 minutes. Name: ___________________________________________ Date: ___________________

September

1. ALBRO AYD __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. RNRTSDAEANGP DYA __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. ACFE MSSAK __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. IRBFE OSCTOUNRCNIT __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. RPOK CPOHS __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. ERED WEEK __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Unscramble the words below found in this newsletter

1. Labor Day 2. Grandparents Day 3. Face Masks 4. Fiber Construction 5. Pork Chops 6. Deer Week

September 26Retreat World’s Fair

Page 4: Fiber Construction in 2020...Today  · technology and insight to engage, inform and encourage outdoor exploration and appreciation. The Reserve is host to more than 15,000 visitors

VC Co-op is donating face masks and hand sanitizer! Come and get yours.

Date: September 9, 2020 Place: Outside VC Co-op office - Westby

(Green space next to building)Time: 9:00 - 11:00 AM (while supplies last)

Premiering On Demand Movies!Check your guide for start dates.

Red Shoes And the Seven Dwarfs

A group of Inuit students in a small Arcti c community are changed by the transformati ve power of sports.

The story of Robin Williams at the end of his life which reveals the beauty behind the mind of one of the greatest entertainers of all ti me.

Employees recognized for 10 and 15 Years of Service

VC Co-op Donates $25,000 to Kickapoo Valley ReserveVC Co-op has made a donation of $25,000 to Kickapoo Valley Reserve to help build an Enhanced Discovery Center. The Visitor Center will be redesigned into interactive exhibits that tell the stories of ecology, geology and human history with new technology and insight to engage, inform and encourage outdoor exploration and appreciation. The Reserve is host to more than 15,000 visitors and 5,000 school groups annually. Summer camps, education and recreation programs attract more than 2,100 people per year.

From left, Brad Steinmetz, Julie Hoel and Rod Olson

At a recent employee meeting, Angie Finney left, and Jim Hanson right, were recognized for serving the Cooperative for 10 & 15 years respectively. Angie began her career in August of 2010 as a Member Support Technician. Along with the daily duties of member support, she has taken on additional responsibilities such as IT Services, Alarm.com, scheduling fiber installs and the training of businesses on new phone systems.

Jim Hanson has been with the Cooperative for 15 years. He began his employment as a contractor in August of 2005,

working primarily with structured cabling for business deployments. These include: School districts, Viroqua Medical Office Building, Vernon Memorial Hospital, and S & S Cycle. Jim is well known in our communities and is very knowledgeable in his field of work.

Jim HansonAngie Finney

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