Mid-Rivers Telephone Cooperative, Inc. recently returned $2,216,232.28 in 2026 capital credit retirements to patrons, representing portions of the 1997, 1998, and 2025 patronage allocations. Capital credits are retired and paid only when the cooperative’s financial condition allows, as determined by the Board of Trustees. This year’s payout reflects the cooperative’s strong financial position and ongoing commitment to returning value to patrons.

We hear it often: “Protect yourself online.” Most of the time, that advice comes with reminders about spotting suspicious emails or knowing what to do when something lands in your inbox that does not seem right. But potential threats are not limited to email. Social media can also open the door to scams that look harmless at first, whether it is a message from an old acquaintance, a new friend request from someone you already know, or a tempting headline designed to get you to click. In this article, we will look at a few common social media warning signs and how a simple interaction can put your personal information, accounts, and privacy at risk.

Members of Mid-Rivers Telephone Cooperative, Inc. gathered in Circle, Montana, on May 27^th for the cooperative’s Annual Meeting. Those in attendance had the opportunity to learn about the cooperative’s financial performance and future, and scholarships were awarded to area students.

Mid-Rivers Telephone Cooperative invites members and customers to Circle on May 27, 2026, for our Annual Meeting and Customer Appreciation Event at the Circle Country Market in Circle, Montana. Registration will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by the Business Meeting at 11:00 AM and a free customer appreciation lunch following the meeting around 12:00 PM. Members in attendance will receive an attendance gift. Drawings for door prizes will be held throughout the meeting.

Mid-Rivers Communications constructed just over 550 miles of new fiber cable during 2025 in the rural areas surrounding Ekalaka, Lindsay, Plevna, and Richey, pushing our total locations now connected to fiber beyond 11,000.  Crews are gearing up now to complete the rural Plevna project and begin work on 2026 projects in the rural Circle area.

The Mid-Rivers Board of Trustees has approved two new contracts for this year’s Fiber to the Premise (FTTP) construction:

• Circle North FTTP: 391 miles of construction to 490 locations
• Circle South FTTP: 365 miles of construction to 269 locations

These two projects represent an estimated capital investment of over $22 Million. Contractor MP Nexlevel will construct these projects, so residents should expect to see their vehicles and equipment around the area.

Crews will also continue splicing and testing the fiber placed in 2025. Each span of new fiber must be constructed, tested, approved, and released for final cutovers before customers can be moved to the new fiber lines. Once test results are reviewed, Mid-Rivers will contact customers in the area to schedule cutovers. It can take several weeks or months from the time fiber is plowed for individual locations to be connected.

There is no charge for moving customers to fiber and no equipment fees.  Mid-Rivers technicians will supply all necessary equipment during installation. As cutovers begin in your area, please be wary of scammers with no affiliation with Mid-Rivers who may call, email or text you about purchasing fiber equipment. If you receive these types of calls, do not provide any personal or financial information or schedule any appointments, and hang up immediately. When in doubt, please contact Mid-Rivers directly.

Fiber offers the fastest and most reliable connection of any Internet technology available today. It also replaces the old copper telephone lines enabling clear and reliable voice service.

Mid-Rivers Communications is a cooperative provider serving 30,000 square miles of Eastern and Central Montana.

Mid-Rivers Communications is pleased to announce the award of 130 scholarships to students from the Cooperative’s service area, an increase of 94 scholarships over the original 36 planned. Last fall, the Cooperative announced the availability of 30 Higher Education Scholarships of $3,000 each, and six Dawson Community College/Miles Community College Scholarships of $3,500 each. However, following a review of the applicants and funds available for scholarships, the Mid-Rivers Board of Trustees voted to expand the awards to include scholarships for every eligible applicant.

Mid-Rivers Communications recognizes the importance of local emergency services and has a long record of supporting these organizations. The cooperative recently donated a total of $27,000 to support 21 Emergency Medical Service (EMS)/ambulance service providers and 33 fire departments across the Mid-Rivers Service Area.

Candidates are being sought for the election of Trustees for Mid-Rivers Telephone Cooperative, Inc., which will take place on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, in Circle, MT. All interested candidates must be nominated by petition. Petitions may be obtained by using the links below, calling 1-800-452-2288,  or by sending an email request to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Completed petitions may be returned via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or mailed to Mid-Rivers Telephone Cooperative, Inc., PO Box 280, Circle, MT 59215. Nominations by petition must be received by 5:00 p.m. on March 27, 2026, to be included in the official ballot and have a candidate profile in the Annual Report mailed to all active members. Candidates must be a member of Mid-Rivers Telephone Cooperative, Inc., and maintain residence in the district where the candidate seeks election. The districts up for election are:

District 4 – Circle (485), Lambert (774), Lindsay (584) and South Wolf Point (525)
District 5 – Bloomfield (583), East Fairview (844), Fairview (742), Richey (773), Savage (776) and West Glendive (687)
District 6 – Sidney (433, 488) and West Sidney (798)

Mid-Rivers Communications is proud to announce that Mary Ann Phipps of Glendive has been selected to serve out the term of District 9 Trustee. We look forward to her insight and guidance as she represents the members and patrons from Glendive on the Board.

Thank you to all candidates who offered up your time and expertise to apply for this position. Your willingness to serve your cooperative and your community is greatly appreciated!