in the Community - 2012/2013
Our cooperative has a long history of giving back to the communities we serve through contributions of both time and money. From donating over $30,000 annually to educational scholarship for local students to sponsoring major events such as the Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival, we remain committed to improving the lives of those we serve and the communities we call home. Check the news & events section to see our most recent activity.
Below are some of our donations, scholarships, recognition and supported community events from 2013. You can also view our activities from past years in the 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012 in the Community sections.
Donations - 2013

Lakeport Area First Responders
The Lakeport Area First Responders provide an important service to residents living in a 234 square mile area surrounding Laporte. Paul Bunyan Communications is proud to help them serve the area through a recent donation. Pictured are First Responders Jessica Howg and Dwight Powell receiving a check from PBC Board Member Randy Frisk.

Beltrami County Sheriff's Office K-9 Program
Paul Bunyan Communications recently made a donation to the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office to acquire a new K-9 team after the retirement of three teams. These amazing animals help protect our homes and businesses on a daily basis, and we are happy to have them as part of the community. Pictured from left to right are Chief Deputy Ernie Beitel, PBC Board Member Jim Sutton, Deputy Tony Petrie, and Sergeant Jason Riggs.
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Deer River Hired Hands
Paul Bunyan Communications recently made a donation to Deer River Hired Hands, Inc a non-profit organization that provides recycling services throughout Itasca County and employs over 50 individuals with developmental disabilities. Recently Deer River Hire Hands faced the real possibility of having to shut down its 24/7 recycle drop box in the city of Deer River. Thanks to donations like that from Paul Bunyan Communications they will be able to purchase new equipment to keep the drop box service operational. Pictured left to right: Deer River Hired Hands Executive Director Kyle Erickson, Paul Bunyan Communications Board of Director Jim Tarbell, and Paul Bunyan Communications Account Executive John Weber
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Scholarships & Youth - 2013
2013 Youth Tour Winner
Paul Bunyan Telephone selected Kyle Sagedahl as the winner of the cooperative’s 2013 Youth Tour Essay Contest. She will attend the 2012 Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. from June 1-5.
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2013 PBC NTCA FRS Scholarship Winner
Megan Wiens of Grand Rapids is the recipient of a $2,500 college scholarship from Paul Bunyan Communications and the NTCA Foundation for Rural Service
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Recognition - 2013

Grand Rapids Chamber Pillar of Community Award
Paul Bunyan Communications was awarded the Pillar of Community Award from the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce at their annual meeting in April. Pictured is Grand Rapids Account Executive John Weber with the award.
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Events - 2013
Good Crowd Turns out to Visit Cookie Monster in Grand Rapids May 10th
A good crowd turned out for the Annual Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce's Community Fishing Opener BBQ May 10. Hundreds of kids were there and had a chance to meet Sesame Workshop's Cookie Monster courtesy of Paul Bunyan Communications.
The annual Grand Rapids Fishing Opener BBQ is presented by the Area Business Committee (ABC) of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and is sponsored in part by Paul Bunyan Communications.
 
 
Hockey Day in Minnesota in Grand Rapids is a Big Success
The Grand Rapids Community proudly displayed its rich hockey tradition and history as host of Hockey Day Minnesota on Pokegama Lake on January 19. Thousands of spectators were on hand to see both the Grand Rapids Boys and Girls High School Hockey teams win their games on the outside rink. Fox Sports North broadcast three games giving the Grand Rapid community exposure throughout the state and region.
Hockey Day has become a Minnesota tradition as a celebration of our hockey community and the State of Hockey.
Paul Bunyan Communications is proud to have helped make the event possible in Grand Rapids.
 
 
Twins Caravan Draws Good Crowds in Bemidji and Grand Rapids
The Minnesota Twins 53rd Annual Winter Caravan, sponsored in part by Paul Bunyan Television, stopped in Bemidji on January 21 and Grand Rapids on January 24.
An estimated 250 were in the crowd in Bemidji on a cold Monday night, while just over 170 attended the event in Grand Rapids on what was also a chilly evening.
Guests at both events include Brian Duensing, Chris Parmalee, Tom Brunansky, and Dan Gladden. The crowd enjoyed dinner, program, and an autograph session.
Paul Bunyan Television was a sponsor of both stops in conjunction with Paul Bunyan Broadcasting in Bemidji and Lamke Broadcasting in Grand Rapids.
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