Every day we come to work, we are thankful for the opportunity to serve our customers and communities with the best technology services. On top of that, we are more thrilled when we can give additional support to a local business in Stockton, a hospital in Belleville, a high school team in Phillipsburg, the library in Hays, a childcare center in Moundridge, a senior center in Plainville, and more. In the last few months, our team has supported various causes across northwest and central Kansas. We are proud of the commitment of our community stakeholders, and we will continue to partner with you to make your towns better.
In this newsletter, you will read updates that show how we are making life better with technology and improving the quality of life in the community.
If you have any thoughts just reply to this email. I will be happy to hear from you.
Friday Otuya, Nex-Tech
Top Community News
We recently supported a new restaurant in Stockton KS with a $100,000 loan. 1872 restaurant and events center will employ over a dozen persons, enhancing the local economy and providing a much-needed additional food option in the area. I am grateful to local and state partners, especially Rooks County Economic Development Director, Roger Hrabe, for coming together to make this work. And, I am proud of 1872 owner, Kenneth Walker, for believing in the future of the community.
Check out 1872’s Facebook page here and please plan a visit to support this promising local business.
Good news for the people of Kirwin, KS! We are nearing the completion of a fiber optic Internet construction. Get set for fast speeds and new economic opportunities. Read more here.
Nex-Tech is proud to donate $2,000 to the Republic County Hospital This is a contribution to the E.R. Trauma Project, which will enhance emergency services to patients. Learn more.
Nex-Tech is proud to make a $5,000 donation to Cradle to Crayons, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing childcare services in Moundridge, KS. Read the full story
Our local sports teams bring Nex-Tech and the whole community together. But there’s more going on. Check out the full story here.
Nex-Generation Round Up for Youth (NGRUFY) is continuing to impact youths across the Nex-Tech footprint in a tangible way. Learn some cool facts about the impact of NGRUFY here.
Our youth are the future, and we are preparing them for a career in the broadband and technology industry. Learn more.
As the video shows, we continue to advocate for better government policies that will enable us to further improve the communities we serve. Learn more about a recent advocacy visit to Topeka, KS here.
“Effective leadership can drive positive local change in our communities”, writes Nex-Tech rockstar, Tammy Wellbrock. Check out her thoughts on how leaders can build strong communities, here.
A community is composed of a group of stakeholders doing different work. But when viewed from the right perspective, we see an interdependent and functioning society. That is the beauty of our communities, and that is exactly where Nex-Tech fits in. Learn more about these insights.
Did You Know?
Nex-Tech serves the following community institutions in our footprint with fiber broadband:
Over 25,000 Households
Over 5,000 Businesses
Over 30 School Districts
Over 15 Hospitals
Over 30 Libraries
Over 20 Fire Departments
Over 20 Childcare Centers
Rural Insights provides a bird’s eye view of Nex-Tech's impact on the state of Kansas and beyond. Click image below to read the 2025 edition.
Did you know Nex-Tech has loaned out over 10 million dollars to support the regional economy, and this investment has created nearly 300 jobs across the northwest and central Kansas region?
As a participant of the US Department of Agriculture’s REDLG program, we manage a Revolving Loan Fund that supports the local economy.
If you have a project or initiative that will greatly impact the whole community, please explore our donations and sponsorship page to submit an application.
The future is digital. Don’t be left behind!
The Nex-Tech Academy for Digital Skills is available to our communities. Are you interested in putting together a training for your group or community?
Did you know that responding “yes” to a call could leave you on the hook for more nuisance calls and maybe even unauthorized charges? This new scheme is called the “Can You Hear Me?” Scam. Learn about how to protect yourself here.
Chief Operating Officer of Nex-Tech, Mike Pollock, recently received NTCA's 2024 Key Employee Award. Mike has been instrumental in the success of many of our community projects, and we are proud of his stewardship. Read full story here.
Every town or city we serve with fiber broadband is a smart rural community. This means Nex-Tech enables better, quicker, faster, and improved ways of life with our technological solutions.
Now we must take advantage of these!
Does your town/city have Nex-Tech fiber broadband for residents? Would you like a free Nex-Tech sign and certificate to advertise this?
If the answer is 'Yes', complete this form to request a Smart Rural Community Sign and Smart Rural Community Certificate. Request for
The Universal Service Fund (USF) enables Nex-Tech to build and maintain networks while keeping rates affordable. It supports essential connections for low-income families, schools, libraries, and healthcare facilities. Click the image below to learn why USF is vital to your community.
Fiber Construction Updates
Construction has started in Clayton, Herndon, and Kirwin. Our fiber project to get fiber to rural Decatur County is now complete.
Construction, splicing and installation crews are very busy, working in Salina, Oberlin, Great Bend and Rural Saline County.
Upcoming Community Events
May 3 - Salina Sculpture Unwrap Party - bringing 24 sculptures from 11 states to downtown Salina.
May 11 - “Wild About Mom's & Spring Craft Show” at the Rolling Hills Zoo in Salina. Help us show Mom how much you care about her with a trip to the Rolling Hills Zoo. Moms get in free, and a craft fair has been added this year.
May 13 - Oberlin Sign-Up & Dine Event – Join us for an evening of fun and food at the Gateway Center in the Nex-Tech Arena.
May 14 - USD #305 Growing Greatness Award. Nex-Tech sponsors this award in Saline County.
May 31 - Salina Liberty – Nex-Tech night. Join Nex-Tech as we help the Salina Liberty recognize First Responders.
June 6 - Big Brothers Big Sisters Golf tournament - We have a great relationship with BBBS in both Salina and Hays working to boost their overall engagement.
June 12 - Discover the future of I.T. at Tech Edge 2025 at Kansas Wesleyan in Salina. This is the ultimate business technology event for I.T. professionals and business owners. Dive into cutting-edge advancements in cloud computing, cybersecurity, physical security, and network infrastructure. Network with industry leaders and explore the latest innovations in our interactive vendor area, designed to equip your organization with the tools for success.
June 15 - Salina Liberty Sunflower "kid's get in free" event - we will be giving away three scooters at this game.
May 15 – Rural Telephone Service Company, dba Nex-Tech Annual Member Meeting is at 10 a.m. in the Nex-Tech Community Gym in Lenora. Our guest speaker will be Erik Sartorius, Executive Director, Communications Coalition of Kansas.
June 7 - Black Kettle Festival in Moundridge – join us for some cornhole fun!
Sights of Western Kansas, Goddard Ranch, Penokee, Graham County, Kansas.
I spent an afternoon with Twinkle and other horses at the Goddard Ranch in Penokee, KS. My experience with Twinkle reminded me that we should always be open to opportunities, never hold back, find the spark in everything, saddle with confidence, and enjoy the ride however bumpy it may be.
The Goddard Ranch is located 10 miles west of Hill City on Highway 24 and 3 miles north on 170th Avenue. The closest Airports are Hill City Airport in Hill City, KS or Hays Regional Airport in Hays, KS.
Check out the spot this photo was taken. The ranch and surrounding areas are open to visitors with permission. Do plan a visit. 😊
“I’ve been in the industry for a long time,
I’ve done every flavor of Internet connectivity, from dial-up on copper to hybrid fiber coax to fixed wireless to satellite. When comes down to it, there is no comparison to the quality of a fiber connection... we need to get fiber to every home, every house that’s got electricity, we can with fiber. That’s what we need across America.”
- Jimmy Todd, CEO Nex-Tech
Want to know where we are currently building fiber networks?
